Walking Tour on Corsica: Cap Corse

Off the beaten track, the Cap Corse peninsular is a real undiscovered gem. Now a marine national park, its outstanding natural beauty is sure to enchant you.

Starting on the east coast of the Cap Corse, in the busy harbour village of Maccinaggio, this walking tour will explore seaside villages, deserted beaches, coastal paths and remote Mediterranean wilderness before heading south to the lively seaside town of St Florent.

Around Cap Corse

Duration: 8 days / 7 nights

Walking: 6 days

Difficulty level: Moderate

Type: Self-guided

Start and finish point: Maccinaggio — St Florent

Departure dates: Departures on Sundays: mid April — end Sept, Thursdays: May — mid Sept

ay 1 — Macinaggio

Start with a short transfer to Maccinaggio to check-in to your hotel. Maccinaggio is a delightful port to the north of Bastia, with its Genoese watchtower. Take it easy by the pool at the hotel or take the historical path to discover the village, before heading out to dinner in one of the delightful restaurants in this sleepy sea. There is a choice of restaurants in the village.

Distance (optional depending on time) 6km. Duration 2.30 hours. Altitude gain +250m. Descent -250m.

Overnight: Hôtel U Riccordu 4* or similar, Maccinaggio on bed and breakfast basis.

Day 2 — Macinaggio to Barcaggio

Today you will follow the customs officers’ path ‘chemin des douaniers’ around the remote Cap Corse, passing naturally preserved beaches and abandoned watchtowers which have played witness to the battles fought for this island. This walk is captivating, through a wild and natural landscape. Take a beautiful boat journey back to Macinaggio at the end of the day.

Distance 13km. Duration 4 hours. Altitude gain +220m. Descent -220m.

Overnight: Hôtel U Riccordu 4* or similar, Maccinaggio on bed and breakfast basis.

Day 3 — Barcaggio — Centuri

Start with a short transfer back to Barcaggio. The path is more challenging from here on, as you head around the coastal cliffs from Barcaggio. The west coast of the Cap Corse has high grey cliffs that plunge into the sea. The path hugs the relief, and from here you can see the islets that offer natural reserves for rare wildlife. Finish at the sleepy port of Centuri.

Distance 12km. Duration 4.30 hours. Altitude gain +500m. Descent -500m.

Overnight: Hôtel de la Jetée 2* or similar, Centuri on half board basis.

Day 4 — Centuri — Sénèque

Today takes in some of the more remote paths of the Cap Corse. Climb past the Moulin Mattei towards the farm on the ridge. While following the ridge, you will have fabulous views across the cap, passing convents, age-old mines and chapels, before reaching the Seneque tower.

Distance 17km. Duration 6.30 hours. Altitude gain +900m. Descent -500m.

Overnight: Gîtes de Sénèque, on half board basis (chambre d’hotes) + picnic for the next day.

Day 5 — Sénèque to Canari

From Seneque, the walk continues on the ridge, high above the villages that nestle along the coast. The views of this natural reserve are simply stunning, and it is easy to see why people call this ‘the island within the island’. Descend to the village of Canari, passing sights that are testament to the age of this land.

Distance 17km. Duration 6.30 hours. Altitude gain +950m. Descent -1050m.

Overnight: I Fiorretti or similar, Canari, on half board basis (chambre d’hotes).

Day 6 — Canari — Nonza

From Canari, head further south where the scenery is dramatic and contrasting, crossing a Genoese bridge before we reach the hamlet of Ogliastro. From here, the scenery changes to maquis, and we’ll pass chapels before dropping down to Nonza, with its dark pebble beach and Pisan tower. The village is the perfect picture postcard, and home to an eco museum dedicated to the original lemon, the Cedrat, cultivated in the Cap Corse. Finish with a short transfer to St Florent.

Distance 15km. Duration 6 hours. Altitude gain +900m. Descent -1050m.

Overnight: Dolce Notte 3* or similar, St Florent on bed and breakfast basis.

Day 7 — Agriates & Mortello tower

Journey by boat from the harbour in St Florent (included) to the beautiful deserted beach at Lodu, or walk to Saleccia beach. The water is crystal-clear and turquoise and the beaches are stunningly wild. For a longer walk, from here walk back along the remote Agriates coastline, pass the shattered Mortello tower and lighthouse towards St Florent, crossing small creeks on the way; the views are simply stunning.

Distance 13km. Duration 4.30 hours. Altitude gain +150m. Descent -150m.

Overnight: Dolce Notte 3* or similar, St Florent on bed anad breakfast basis.

Day 8: Departure from Bastia

Your holiday comes to an end at your hotel after breakfast. You will be collected from your hotel and taken to the airport.

Please note: this itinerary is an example of the itinerary we aim to adhere to, correct at time of publication. Should situations arise that are beyond our control, such as severe weather conditions, or other factors that could put your safety at risk, it may be possible for the itinerary to be modified.