Corsican Island mystery

Your stay begins in Corte, the island's historic capital, famous for its rocky citadel overlooking the town. After dropping off your luggage at the hotel, take a stroll through the old town to discover the sights of this place steeped in history. For those arriving in the morning or the day before, a hike along the Tavignano is available. The route follows an old mule track, once used by the shepherds of the remote Niolu region. The route rises above a rushing torrent, offering numerous rock pools ideal for cooling off in summer.

From your hotel, a transfer will take you to the starting point of the hike through the majestic Restonica gorges. The path leads from the Bergeries de Grotelle to Lake Melo, crossing a rocky landscape to a large plateau surrounded by spongy grass. For the more adventurous, a steeper path leads to Lake Capitello, the island's deepest mountain lake, characterised by slabs of granite plunging into its clear waters. Return to Corte after the hike.

2024: Due to the damages caused by the severe storms in November 2023 the access road to the Restonica valley is closed. A shuttle bus will take you to Frassetta bridge and from there you can hike to the Melo sheepfolds or Melo lake for the sportiest. 

After a transfer to the heart of the island, you will take a section of the GR20 to reach the superb Lac de Nino, at an altitude of 1743 metres. The climb, though difficult, offers sweeping views of the high massifs of this part of the island. The path then leads to this bucolic, sheltered lake, surrounded by green pastures of spongy peat, known in Corsican as "pozzi". The return journey takes you along a ridge offering panoramic views of the sea, to the Col de Vergio, where you will stay at the foot of Paglia Orba.

This magnificent alpine hike in the upper Golo valley begins at the Radule sheepfolds. Following a section of the GR20, you'll enjoy superb views of the mountains, with opportunities for a swim. The path then climbs into the glacial valley of the Golo, taking you to the Ciotullu di i Mori refuge (1999 m), the highest in Corsica. The return journey takes you through the Valdu Niellu forest, where your hotel is located.

From the Col de Vergio, the descent begins through the pines of the Aïtone forest, skirting the river and its boulders. The path crosses the Pont de Casterica and its rocky waterfalls, before arriving in a chestnut forest populated by free-roaming pigs. As you approach the village of Evisa, you pass by the famous natural pools of Aïtone. The route then veers off into the Spelunca gorge, with its Genoese bridges leading to the village of Ota. A transfer will take you to your accommodation in Piana.

2024: Due to the damages caused by the severe storms in November 2023 the upper part of the Spelunca Valley is not accessible, a transfer will take you  from Evisa to the lower part  from where you will be able to  continue your hike to Porto via Ota. 

Your stay ends with the impressive ascent of Capu d'Ortu, 1294 metres high. The route passes through lush maquis in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Calanques de Piana, a place of immense natural beauty. You'll discover incredible red granite needles, sculpted rock formations and maritime pines. The hike takes you along the Piazza Moninca stream to Bocca Piazza (956 m). At the top of Capu d'Ortu, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the gulf and the island's great peaks - an unforgettable spectacle.