The West Coast
From the famous Calanches de Piana until the bay of Calvi, along the maritime facade of Corsica's Regional park.
This hike sets off from the calanques of Piano near Calvi, the coastal side of the regional park of Corsica. It follows the most beautiful stages of the Mare e Monti but also incorporates other interesting paths. The hike includes crossing the gulf of Porto and the Scandola nature reserve, which is classified as a world heritage site by UNESCO.
Each day provides a new source of amazement. As the route is between the sea and mountains, this hike offers a wide variety of countryside: the famous sculptured rocks known as the calanches of Piana, paths zigzagging through the Corsican maquis and crossing former chestnut plantations, the chemin des douaniers (literally the customs path), which follows the ragged coastline of Corsica. Furthermore, your evenings will be spent in charming Corsican villages such as Piana and Ota where the houses made of red granite create an exceptional sight. The highpoint of the trip is arriving in Calvi; pottering around the cobbled streets of the citadel is a must.
In spring, you will be delighted by the smells and the flowering of the maquis. In autumn, you will be dazzled by the lights: and for those seeking pleasure, there is the possibility to swim in the sea every day.
Program
Day 1
Take the coach from Ajaccio via the gulfs of Sagone and Cargese known to be amongst the most beautiful gulfs in Europe, to the village of Piana. This listed village is made up of pink granite houses that tower above the sea. The panoramic view from the square is particularly splendid at sunset.
Day 2
Hike from the Calanques de Piana to the Capu d’Ortu : fantastic pink rock forms with views over Porto bay. Night spent in the village of Ota, equally superb and very welcoming.
- Intermediate path : + 650 yards and – 710 yards, 4h30, 7 miles.
- Sporty path : + 1100 yards and – 1150 m, 7h, 9.5 miles.
Day 3
A path between the mountain tops and Porto gulf, the smells of the maquis are brought alive by the sea breeze. Night spent in Serriera.
- Intermediate path : + 380 yards and – 710 yards, 4h, 4.3 miles.
- Sporty path : + 850 yards and – 1180 yards, 7.5 miles, 7h.
Day 4
A superb stage that will involve many creeks. A forest and maquis path, above the jagged coast to Gratelle beach.
- Intermediate path : + 500 yards and – 500 yards, 4h30, 6.8 miles.
- Sporty path : + 765 yards and – 765 yards, 6h, 8 miles.
Day 5
This new day takes a path that towers above the jagged coastline to join the small port of Girlata, only accessible by foot or boat.
- Intermediate path : + 440 yards and – 440 yards, 3h30, 5 miles
- Sporty path : + 710 yards and – 710 yards, 6h, 8.5 miles.
Day 6
The path rises above the natural reserve of Scandola, the kingdom of cormorants, royal eagles, osprey and wild goats. You will pass through an oak forest, high maquis and witness outstanding views of Galeria bay. Taxi transfer to Calvi, a town with a Genovese citadel dominating the bay.
- Unique path: + 850 yards and – 820 yards, 6h, 7.5 miles
Day 7
Lovely breakfast at Calvi which draws the trip to an end. Train departures to Ajaccio or Bastia.
Price
€ 680 per person, booking from 2 people minimum.
- Booking from 4 to 7 people : € 660/pers.
- From 8 to 12 pers. : € 620/pers.
- More than 13 pers. : € 590/pers.
- Full board (picnic at midday) : € 52 per person
- Extra night in Calvi : € 50/pers.
Price Includes
- Half Board
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Accommodation
- 2 nights in a hotel
- 2 in a bed and breakfast
- 1 in a bungalow
- 1 in a gîte d'étape (dormitory bedrooms, shared toilets and showers).
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Meals
Breakfast and evening meals at the bed and breakfast or hotel. However, the meal for the final evening at Calvi is not included.
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Transportation
- Day 1 : from Ajaccio bus station to Piana
- Day 2 : from Piana to Ota
- Day 6 : from Galeria to Calvi
- Luggage transfer
- Travel notebook
- Level of difficulty
You need to carry a small day sack only with a water bottle, camera, picnic and wind jacket. The main luggage will be transported by vehicle between the different accommodations except Girolata (no vehicle access, it will be taken to Galeria). It is also important to consider that it may be necessary to carry your bags short distances at the start or end of your holiday. You will need the appropriate luggage
You will receive this as soon as the payment is received. It consists of a day by day itinerary, the route marked on a 25 000° map and practical information.
The walks are on good footpaths and trails, the terrain is varied but often rocky. You need to be used to walking and take regular exercise to enjoy this holiday. However, you can choose between two path almost every day
Price does not include
- Midday picnics, unless you have chosen the option.
- Evening meal on the last day.
- Cancellation and health insurance are not included unless you have chosen the option.
- Unforeseen additional transfers.
- Drinks, including wine and other personal expenses.
Please note, you will be charged for any modifications you make to the program.
Trips 2012
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Dates
- From 2nd April to the 23th June*
- And from the 27th August to the 13th October*
* Every day except Sundays and Bank holidays (9th april, 1st, 8th, 17th et 28th mai), otherwise you have to pay for a taxi.
Attention : for departures on saturdays and days before a Bank Holiday (8th et 30th april, 7th, 16th and 27th mai), extra cost of € 15/pers.
This circuit is not suitable for the summer heat of Corsica: during the height of summer we advise our other walks« transhumance » et « objective 2000 ».
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Start and end
- Day 1 : 15h30 at Ajaccio's ferry terminal.
- Day 7 : the morning at Calvi.
