Corte to the Coast Trek
Scala to Piana trek in Corsica has beautiful coastal views

Corte to the Coast Trek

8 days

Herd of goats met in Scala on Scala to Piana trek in CorsicaBeautiful bridge in Scala on Scala to Piana trek in CorsicaAtoine Natural Pools in Evisa on Scala to Piana trek in CorsicaScala to Piana trek in Corsica leads along Atoine river in EvisaHiking through the pine forest in Evisa on Scala to Piana trek in Corsica IslandApproaching Porto village near the coast on Scala to Piana trek in Corsica FranceScala to Piana trek in Corsica leads to Porto village near Mediterranean coastBeautiful rock formations on Scala to Piana trek in Corsica seen near PortoPalani on Scala to Piana trek in Corsica IslandHiker near Piana on Scala to Piana trek in CorsicaScala to Piana trek in Corsica has beautiful coastal views

Discover Corsica's stunning natural beauty on this 8-day self-guided hiking adventure

Trek from the mountains to the sea, on this adapted route of the Mare a Mare route. This self-guided trek goes from Corte to Piana and takes you along the most beautiful and scenic section of the traditional Mare a Mare North trail.

Explore breathtaking gorges, lakes, waterfalls and natural pools during this incredible walking tour in Corsica.This self-guided walking tour allows you to see the highlights of this famous trail in a fantastic, week-long hiking adventure. You’ll marvel at the beauty of the Scala Santa Regina gorge and the Spelunca gorge. Enjoy the lovely Calacuccia Lake, the waterfalls at Radule, and the natural pools in Aitone. Explore the picturesque seaside town of Porto, and while you’re there take in the bright red rocks at Calanches of Piana, and watch for dolphins at the Scandola Nature Reserve.

The tour is self-guided so walk at your leisure from one hotel to the next. Luggage transfers are included, so carry only what you need for the day. A beautiful adventure in Corsica awaits you so book your Mare a Mare North tour today!

Highlights of the Corte to the Coast Trek

Witness lovely waterfalls and bathe in refreshing natural pools.
Enjoy the shade of the unique Lariccio pine trees as you cross the Col de Verghio Pass.
Discover the stunning natural beauty of the Spelunca gorge and the famous Genoese bridges that cross it.
Explore the red rocks of the Calanches of Piana and watch for dolphins at the Scandola Nature Reserve.

Prices

From $1,125USD
8 days
Difficulty
Self-Guided
Hotels
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Corte to the Coast Trek

Corte to the Coast Walking Tour

Day 1 Arrival in Corte

Welcome to Corsica! Make your way to Corte to begin your tour. Trains are available from Ajaccio or Bastia.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Corte
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 Explore Scala Santa Regina Gorge and Trek to Calacuccia Lake

A short transfer takes you from Corte to the beautiful Scala Santa Regina Gorge. From the cliffs, enjoy incredible views of the Golo River and the surrounding valley. Follow the old mule path to reach Calacuccia Lake and your hotel for the night.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Calacuccia
Distance: 5 hours, 12 km, 850 m of ascent, 500 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 Radule Waterfall and Shepherd House, Verghio forest

Enjoy a beautiful day walking through the Verghio forest. Detour from the Mare a Mare route to visit the shepherd house and waterfalls at Radule. Continue your hike on the famous GR20 trail until you reach tonight’s hotel. Along the way, take advantage of the numerous opportunities for bathing in the natural pools.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Verghio
Distance: 6-7 hours, 18 km, 900 m of ascent, 554 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 Aitone Stream and Natural Pools, Evisa

Cross the Col de Verghio Pass, one of the four great passes of Corsica. Continue your walk through a forest of unique, endemic Lariccio pines to reach Evisa, the chestnut capital of Corsica. Enjoy fantastic views of the natural pools and gently flowing waters of the Aitone Stream. Spend the night in Evisa.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Evisa
Distance: 3.5-4 hours, 11 km, 400 m of ascent, 850 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Trek from Evisa to Porto through Ota

Explore the breathtaking natural scenery of the Gorges de Spelunca, as well as the renowned Genoese bridges that give you outstanding views of this amazing area. Continue walking to the village of Ota, where you can stop for a rest before finishing the day with a walk down to the port town of Porto. Spend the night in Porto after an absolutely incredible day.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Porto
Distance: 5.5-6 hours, 14.8 km, 650 m of ascent, 1,450 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Scandola Nature Reserve and Calanches of Piana

Today is a rest day in the incredible town of Porto and the surrounding area. There are many ways to enjoy this day, including a boat ride around the island’s coast, renting a bicycle to explore, or simply relaxing on the beach. There’s no bad way to explore this area, which includes the bright red rocks of the Calanches of Piana as well as the Scandola Nature Reserve. Watch for dolphins splashing in the surf. This is one of the most wonderful places on the island of Corsica.

If you would prefer to make today another walking day, the follow the coastline as you walk toward Piana. You’ll climb inland toward the summit of Capu d’Ortu. From the shady Palani chestnut orchard, you’ll find wonderful views of the Calanches of Piana. Continue your walk all the way to the idyllic Piana village. This walk takes about 4 hours, after which you can take a bus back to Porto to spend the night.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Porto
Distance: N/A
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Porto – Ajaccio

In the morning, catch the bus from Porto to Ajaccio. The ride takes about 2.5 hours and tickets should be purchased directly from the driver (not included). Transfer from the Ajaccio coach station to your hotel is included. Stay overnight in Ajaccio. Note that the bus from Porto to Ajaccio is not available on Sundays or holidays.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ajaccio
Distance: 2.5 hrs (driving)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 Departure Day

Sadly, your Mare a Mare North walking tour in Corsica ends after breakfast. Airport transfers can be arranged for an additional fee. Have a pleasant journey!
Overnight Location: N/A
Distance: N/A
Meals: Breakfast

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This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only, where the pricing depends on your travelling dates, as well as the types of rooms that you need.

2025 Departures:
The departures are available daily from April 27st to October 6th, 2025.

  • Self guided groups from 2+: from $1,125 USD*

*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates. The prices listed are per person.

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Accommodation on the Corte to the Coast Walking Tour

This tour is based in hotels. Hotels on this trip are 2- or 3-star hotels. Rooms are double occupancy, and single travelers will pay a supplement.

In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel.

Hotels on Standard Tour

Hôtel Duc de Padoue, Corte ★★★

A central hotel with old-world charm and a cozy atmosphere. Enjoy great service from the friendly staff and a delicious breakfast buffet.

Hôtel Acquaviva, Calacuccia ★★★

Enjoy beautiful mountain views from your private balcony or relax in the evening by the fireplace. This family-run hotel is a favorite with locals, too!

Hôtel Castel di Verghio (Dormitory), Verghio ★★★

Discover why this hotel is so popular with hikers! It’s in a great location and you can enjoy wonderful mountain views.

Hôtel Scopa Rossa, Evisa ★★

A simple hotel in a beautiful rural location. Enjoy the gardens and terrace and an outdoor swimming pool.

Hôtel Costa Rossa, Porto ★★★

Relax in your spacious room with a balcony that overlooks the mountains with glimpses of the sea. Beautiful gardens and a large swimming pool await you!

Hôtel Napoleon, Ajaccio ★★★

Make yourself comfortable in this hotel with great service and quality amenities, all within easy walking distance of the beach and other attractions.

What’s included in the Corte to the Coast Walking Tour?

Meals

7 breakfasts, 1 picnic lunch, and 2 dinners are included with your tour.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 7 nights along the tour as described. Most hotels are of a 3-star standard.

Transportation during the Tour

This tour includes one transfer from the trail station to Ajaccio. You are in charge of any other transfers.

Also Included

  • Luggage transfers
  • Local assistance as needed

Not included

  • Airport transfers and any other transfers not listed as included
  • Picnic lunches, evening meals and beverages not listed as included
  • Admission to tourist attractions
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance

Optional Extras

  • Purchase maps of the walking tour
  • Private transfers

Frequently Asked Questions about Corte to the Coast Trek

Europe Active Corsican adventure tour company. This family business started in 2005 and is based in a small village south of Bastia, though operating all over Corsica. Europe Active is focused on sharing the best of Corsica’s outdoors with an international community of adventure travellers.

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Corte to the Coast Trek Map

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Is this tour for me?

We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. You should be able to walk for 4-7 hours per day on uneven ground in the mountains. Day 3 is the most difficult day for most guests.

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