This route will take you along the coast and through the valleys of southern Corsica, a land of ancient villages and turquoise waters.
After a spectacular journey along the coast and through the valleys of southern Corsica, you reach the typical village of Zonza, overlooking the striking site of Aiguilles de Bavella Mountains. From this point, you will wend your way down maquis covered slopes, walk through pine scented forests, while catching a glimpse of ancient villages, to head toward the coast and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.
Price:
£825 per person based on 2 people sharing 1 April to 30 June and 1 September to 31 October.
£895 per person 1 July to 31 August
Included:
Not Included:
Departures:
Departures every Sunday from the start of April to the end of October.
Departures on other days are possible on request and on payment of a supplement.
Day 1:
Ajaccio
Ajaccio, the capital of Southern Corsica, is colourful and vibrant. Walk the old streets, visit the shops, museums, cathedral and Napoleon’s house or simply relax on the beach. Opportunity to visit the îles Sanguinaires by boat. You can choose to do the Les Crêtes-Mountain ridge walk upon arrival or before you leave Ajaccio the following day. You are given the option of two walks along the mountain ridge ‘les Crêtes’ that dominates the city and Gulf of Ajaccio. The aerial views of the town over the sea and the mountains are stunning.
Distance: from 6km to 11km, duration: from 2h00 to 4h00 , altitude gain: +140m to +340m, descent: -140m to -340m.
Day 2:
From Ajaccio to Zonza
Bus ride from Ajaccio to Zonza, a journey along the western coast and Valinco Gulf. Arrival in the picturesque village of Zonza, overlooking the Bavella Moutains. Check in to your hotel for overnight.
Day 3:
The Aiguilles de Bavella
A spectacular walk in the heart of the Aiguilles de Bavella massif. Needles of rose granite tower above, and you will pass by a number of them – the Acellu, Ariettu, Vacca and the Pargulu. The trail is sometimes steep and in places assisted by hand chains. You plunge into an unusual mountainscape and yet you catch glimpses of the sea. Overnight Zonza.
Distance: 12km, duration: 7h00, altitude gain: +900m, descent: -900m.
Day 4:
From Zonza to Levie
Walking along the Mare a Mare South Trail, through one of the most amazing Lariccio pine trees forest of the Mediterranean, you will head for the village of Levie. Surrounded by ancient oak and chesnuts trees, you will pass ancient villages, like San Gavinu di Carbini and their 400 hundred years old houses, built of granite. You will then reach your charming farm auberge near to Levie.
Distance: 16.5 km, duration: 5h00.
Day 5:
Around Levie
Follow the circular walk following the Mare a Mare Sud trail as it winds its way down alongside the St. Antoine stream and on to the recently listed UNESCO bronze-age settlements of Cucuruzzu and Capula: superb views from the mediaeval castle right across the region, from the Bavella Needles to the Gulf of Propriano. Overnight Levie.
Distance: 10 km, duration: 3h00.
Day 6:
Sainte Lucie de Tallano to Propriano
Passing the 12th century Roman chapel St-Jean-Baptiste, the path crosses the River Rizzanese. Come to Loreto di Tallano, the setting of a famous novel written by Prosper Mérimée, based on a true vendetta story. You make your way towards the thermal spa of Baracci, a great spot to have a soak and relax. At the end of today’s walk a short transfer is scheduled at 3 pm from Borgo to Propriano, a small coastal resort buzzing with atmosphere, street cafes and plenty of fish restaurants.
Distance: 10km, duration: 5h00, altitude gain: +630m, descent: -750m.
Day 7:
Relaxing day in Propriano
Time to relax and enjoy a few hours at the Lido beach in the village’s shores. Or do a little food and local souvenir shopping around the village, followed by lunch at a fish restaurant before you catch your bus and head back to Ajaccio in the afternoon. Overnight Ajaccio.
Day 8:
End of holiday
£899 per person based on two people sharing.
Half board accommodation, (no evening meal on day 1, 6 and 7)
Seven nights accommodation in good quality Inns & hotels half board on apart from mentioned days, luggage transfers, maps and route notes, Internal transfers (except bus from Ajaccio – Zonza – and Propriano – Ajaccio)
By air to Ajaccio airport. There are also numerous flights to Bastia airport further North. Private transfers are available from Bastia to Ajaccio.
There is also the option to take a scenic local train from Bastia to Ajaccio (between 4 and 5 hours) which costs approx. 35 Euros per person.
Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), rucksack/day pack, 1 x water bottle with 1 litre capacity, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sunblock/cream, compass, torch, first-aid kit.
We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for any reason.
Contact us now to book this walk or make an enquiry.
