Summary
- - A little safety reminder
- 1. Monte Gozzi
- 2. The GR®20
- 3. The Tour of the Aiguilles de Bavella
- 4. Nino Lakeozzines
- 5. From Soccia to Lake Creno
- 6. La Punta di a Vacca Morta
Corsica can be visited in different ways. Hiking is one of them! So here is a selection of the most beautiful hikes in Corsica.
The one called Beauty Island does not demerit this nickname. Indeed, Corsica and its Mediterranean climate have many assets and know how to play them. Every year, nearly 8.5 million people choose to visit Corsica. You might as well know that the summer season is crucial for the island, whose economy is based on tourism. These few million tourists therefore visit Corsica for its idyllic beaches, warm waters, legendary culture and scrub-covered mountains. Let's talk about the mountains, by the way.
You know that many small villages with character are hidden there, but did you know that there are a good number of hiking trails in Corsica? Many paths are marked out for the pleasure of young and old alike. And what is the purpose of these hikes? The landscape of course! When you get higher, you can observe the island from another point of view, offering you a breathtaking panorama of its land, its valleys and its Mediterranean coasts. Put on your hiking boots and follow the guide!
Also read :
The 18 must-do things to do in Corsica
The 12 most beautiful beaches of Corsica
The 9 best outdoor activities to do in Corsica
A little safety reminder
Even if all hikes in Corsica, or elsewhere, are not approached in the same way, there is nevertheless one constant guideline: safety. And this even for a hike categorized as easy, because it is better to plan too much rather than not enough.
- Remember to equip yourself: adequate footwear, headgear and sun cream.
- Also make sure you take some bandages and disinfectant, as an injury can happen so quickly.
- Don't forget to check the weather forecast and charge your phone, as it can be useful in several circumstances (call, GPS...).
- Always have at least one litre of water per person.
1. Monte Gozzi
Duration : 3 hours
Verticaldrop: 430 metres
Distance : 5.8 km
Level : Medium
Imposing mount of red rock, Monte Gozzi is visible from the whole Ajaccio valley. And vice versa! Indeed, when you do this medium level hike from Appietto to the summit, you are heading towards one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the island. Starting from the San Chirgu chapel, follow the path to the summit. You will have a small passage to climb, but the difficulty is mostly at the beginning (steep incline).
Since there are not many trees to provide shade, we recommend that you do this hike in the morning. This way, you will not have too many worries with the heat which can be overwhelming in the middle of the day.
2. The GR®20
Duration : 16 days (with one stage per day)
Vertical rise: 11,000 m of cumulative positive vertical rise
Distance : 200 km
Level : Difficult
The Grande Randonnée® de Corse trail (20) has become a must for experienced and passionate hikers. A real trail crossing Corsica, the GR®20 will require a lot of effort, even from those who are used to mountain walking. It is said to be one of the most difficult trails in Europe, but it is also said to be among the most beautiful. Sometimes you have to suffer. For one stage a day, you can reach Calenzana in the north from Conca in the south, or the other way round. On the way, take in the magnificent landscapes that you won't see anywhere else.
Nevertheless, we recommend that you prepare yourself in advance for this type of hike in Corsica. Both physically and mentally, it is also very demanding.
3. The Tour of the Aiguilles de Bavella
Duration : between 5 and 7 hours depending on your pace
Vertical drop: 785 metres
Distance : 11 km
Level : Difficult
The Aiguilles de Bavella are emblematic of Corsica. Indeed, they are characterized by a series of jagged peaks, rocky peaks and very numerous bent pines. The place can be discovered via hiking as a path allows you to go around it. The start of the hike from the Col de Bavella takes you along part of the GR®20. The ascent to the Bocca di u Pargulu will offer you a breathtaking view of the Corsican coast. Please note that the hike can be done in both directions.
Be careful, the path is rather rocky, and some tough roots can make it difficult for you. This type of hike in Corsica is recommended for people who are used to walking in the mountains. In high season, the heat can make the ascent even more difficult, plan to leave in the early morning.
4. Nino Lakeozzines
Duration : 5 hours
Verticaldrop: 730 metres
Distance : 10 km
Level : Medium
The Pozzine is a rather amazing geological formation of mountain lakes. The best known pozzines are those related to Lake Nino, located in the Rotondo massif. In reality, it is a wide plain, dotted with water holes, the pozzi, and composed of very thick and spongy green lawns. It is the numerous streams that cross the plain that feed the water holes up to Lake Nino. Among the hikes in Corsica, this one allows you to discover this breathtaking landscape, preserved in the heart of the Corsican mountains.
The departure is from the Maison Forestière de Poppaghia, already at 1076 metres above sea level. If the first hour's walk is without any real difficulty, then prepare yourself for the rest of the route, which is relatively quick, until you reach the pozzines. They are well worth the detour, as they are a bit atypical compared to the rest of the landscapes of the Isle of Beauty.
5. From Soccia to Lake Creno
Duration : 3 hours
Verticaldrop: 360 meters
Distance : 6.5 km
Level : Easy
To make a hike in Corsica with your children, nothing better than this one. Indeed, very accessible and very easy, the hike that takes you from Soccia to Lake Creno is without any difficulty. The path, although rocky, is simple and will only require your concentration to follow the yellow markers. Once you arrive at the lake, you can enjoy a peaceful and even bucolic atmosphere. The landscape is magnificent, the lake lined with tall trees and peat bogs. The place is ideal for a family picnic and to enjoy nature... while preserving it (remember to take your garbage with you!).
This is a hike that attracts a lot of people because of its ease, so plan to arrive early. Indeed, it seems that the car parks are overcrowded in Soccia, so if you want to be able to park there quietly, arrive early!
6. La Punta di a Vacca Morta
Duration : 2h30
Verticaldrop: 284 metres
Distance : 5.7 km
Level : Easy
When you arrive at the top of Punta di a Vacca Morta (literally Point of the Dead Cow), you don't expect to discover such a beautiful panorama. In fact, it's a 360 ° view that is offered to you: the bay of Porto-Vecchio, the Ospedale dam and the many mountains of the Alta Rocca. This hike is easy because it starts at a good altitude (1020 meters) at the Refuge of Cartalavonu. However, one difficulty lies in the small, rather rough final climb that crowns the trail and requires you to make the ultimate effort. That said, the view from above is well worth the effort and makes this trail one of the most beautiful hikes in Corsica.
Note that with a bit of luck and an extremely clear horizon, you can hope to see, to the south, the Bonifacian coast and maybe even Sardinia.
You now know the most beautiful hikes in Corsica. Forward, march!
