Mare e Monti North - Calvi to Cargèse

Transfer to the trailhead in Calenzana. The route follows the GR 20 to Bocca u Corsu, from where you can admire Calenzana, the villages of Balagne and the magnificent Bay of Calvi. The route descends into the Figarella valley, offering fine views of the Bonifatu cirque. Along the way, you'll have plenty of opportunities to swim.

From Bonifatu you follow a forest track that is known as the Chemin de Ronde, that gently climbs towards the south-west. You walk through a forest of maritime pines and oak trees before crossing the col at the Bocca di Bocassa and dropping gently down to arrive at Tuarelli rock pools, the perfect place for a laze on the sun baked rocks and a swim. A taxi will take you to your accommodation in Galeria.

Leaving Galéria, the path, which joins the reservoir on the Tavulaghju, is pleasant and shady, and climbs up the bed of the stream to reach an area of abundant vegetation. Stopover in Girolata, a picturesque fishing harbour inaccessible by road. You will carry your personal belongings for the night, the rest of your luggage will follow to Bussaglia.

From Girolata's beach, you follow the postman’s path that runs alongside the coast, to Col de la Croix. From here you leave the Mare e Monti and continue down to the coast to walk along magnificent ridge path in a south-westerly direction - this path offers beautiful views – perhaps some of the best in Corsica - an explosion of colours and fantastic landscapes.

The San Petru forest track leads up to a rocky escarpment, an ideal vantage point from which to contemplate the Gulf of Porto and the surrounding area. Pass by a chestnut drying facility before descending into the Vitrone ravine, hemmed in by imposing walls of red porphyry. Stop at Ota, a superb little village.

The route leads through the Gorges de la Spelunca to the confluence of the Aïtone and Tavulella rivers, crossing the Genoese bridge at Zaglia, before returning to the village of Evisa. You can then extend your hike to the natural pools in the Aïtone forest. 

At 8am, transfer to the start of the hike in Marignana. The path rises above the Fiuminale valley, offering beautiful views in the shade of the chestnut trees. It then continues to Revinda, criss-crossing the Vaccarecciu chestnut grove. Transfer after the hike from Revinda to Cargèse.