dossier
Southern Corsica Walk
Day 1: Arrive in Zonza
We meet you at Ajaccio airport and transfer you to Zonza (2 hrs). Dramatically set against a backdrop of the Bavella massif, and surrounded by dense chestnut and ilex forests, this picturesque granite village affords spectacular views over one of the most celebrated of Corsican landscapes. Your hotel has a gorgeous panoramic sun terrace and lovely swimming pool.
Day 2: In Zonza 13km/8mi/5hr or 15km/10mi/5.5hr
We give you a lift to the stunning Col de Bavella (1218m), which is overlooked by the jagged rock needles of the Aiguilles de Bavella. Then it’s a fantastic walk along the classic GR20 over the Foce Finosa to the Paliri reguge - a great lunch spot. The full majesty of the mountains stretch out below and, on a clear day, you can see Sardinia. There’s the option to detour to the Trou de la Bombe, a curious circular opening in the rocks - keep your eyes open for the rare lammergeyers soaring here.
Day 3: Zonza to Levie 17km/11mi/5hr
Today’s route follows part of the popular Mare a Mare Sud trail and takes in some of the most beautiful Laricio pine forest in the Mediterranean - look out for the Corsican nut-hatches scaling the trunks like mini-acrobats! Explore the ancient villages of San Gavino - curious C12 church with crowned head over the door - and Levie, former capital of the region, where our delightful farm-hotel is set in 20 hectares of private woodland.
Day 4: At Levie 10km/6mi/3hr or 20km/12mi/6.5hr Today we suggest a circular walk following the popular Mare a Mare Sud trail as it winds its way down via the St Antoine stream - lovely spot for a paddle! - and on to the recently listed UNESCO bronze-age settlements of Cucuruzzu and Capula: superb views from the mediaeval castle right out across the region, from the Bavella Needles to the Gulf of Propriano
Day 5: Levie to Propriano to Campo Moro 13km/8mi/5hr
Today’s walk starts from the exquisite neighbouring village (lift provided) of Santa Lucie de Tallano. Time to explore its attractive cobbled streets and lovely village squares before winding down through olives, vines and cork oaks into the heart of the deep green Rizzanese Valley. It’s then a gentle, steady climb to the Col (700m) from where you follow a beautiful ridge walk - gorgeous views out west to the sea - to the pretty village of Fozzano. We pick you up from the bar here and take you on to the glorious sandy bay of Campomoro.
Day 6: At Campomoro 12km/7mi/3hr
Campomoro is an enchanting fishing village, lapped by clear turquoise seas and backed by a jumble of colourful stone-built cottages. Part of its excellent sandy beach has been turned into a coastal nature reserve. A gently undulating path takes you from the Genoese Tower on the headland out along the wild and beautiful coast, part of which is a nature reserve.
Day 7: Campomoro to Ajaccio 8km/5mi/2.5hr
A lift (90 mins) north passing the wooded Gulf of Valinco and on to the regional capital, Ajaccio. Basking under palms and orange trees, it has all the trappings of an upmarket French-Mediterranean setting: pastel houses, chic boutiques, open-air cafés, yacht-filled marina and the largest curved bay on the island. Spend the day exploring on the famous Sentier des Crêtes, a ridge of hills cloaked in broom, mimosa, gorse and colourful wild flowers, just above the town.
Day 8: Ajaccio
We transfer you to the airport for flights home.