Mare a Mare Centre, from Ghisonaccia to Porticcio

This crossing starts in Ghisonaccia, a commune on Corsica's east coast, known for its extensive beaches offering a peaceful setting for the start of your walk. You can get there by scheduled bus from Bastia.

The walk begins on a flat section, alternating between country lanes and roads, until you reach the Acqua Acitosa fountain and its ferruginous waters. The path gradually rises through scrub and holm oak forest, leading to Serra-di-Fium'Orbu, a village with views of the Tuscan islands. The route then follows a ridge, offering extensive panoramic views, before climbing to Bocca di Ghjuva at 856 metres and passing close to the Punta di Quarcio Grosso at 1,045 metres. The stage ends at Catastaghju, with the cool pools of the Abatesco, offering an immersion in Corsica's natural beauty and a reward of varied views after a demanding climb.

Right from the start, a refreshing crossing along the Macini stream offers a landscape shaped by waterfalls and natural pools. The climb then takes you through the spectacular Fium'Orbu forest to the Col de Laparo at 1,525 m, crossing the Haut Taravo. This highest point, shared with the GR20, offers exceptional views of the Eastern Plain, the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Italian islands. The trail, which follows old cobbled roads that bear witness to past logging activities, descends towards Cozzano, at the foot of the Col de Verde. Along the way, it passes forest tracks and pig pens, reflecting the region's tradition of livestock farming. The arrival in Cozzano, after passing through magnificent Corsican beech forests, marks the end of this rewarding stage. An early start is recommended for the best possible experience.

Your walk begins by crossing the Taravo river via the Ponte di u Pinu, one of the island's major waterways, and gradually rises through a variety of landscapes to Sampolo. You then continue on to Giovicacce, a former shepherding community integrated into Sampolo, where the flora, particularly the ferula, which is toxic to animals, characterises the landscape. The path leads to Tasso, 850m above sea level, the highest village in the Taravo, famous for the Table of Sin, the 1885 church of San Giacomo and prehistoric remains. Passing through forests and chestnut groves, the route bears witness to the historical importance of this culture before descending to Guitera-les-Bains for a well-deserved soak in its sulphurous waters, marking the end of a day rich in discoveries.

This section of the Mare a Mare Centre begins with a climb through a dense forest of holm oak and chestnut trees. It leads from Scialmaccia to Punta di Bozzi, at 1,086 metres above sea level. After reaching the summit, the route descends to Bocca di Lera, at 1,048 metres. This passes through a vast wooded plateau before descending to Frasseto. Here you can enjoy breathtaking views of Punta Usciolu and Punta di Forca d'Olmu. The path then heads towards Quasquara and Campo before reaching Santa Maria Sichè. This historic village is the site of the birthplace of Vanina d'Ornano, wife of Sampiero Corso, and her sixteenth-century Palazzu Sampieru. It also boasts the Santa Riparata Chapel, a testament to the rich history of the area.

A long stage requiring an early start. The trail begins by climbing through chestnut trees for around 1 hour 30 minutes until it reaches Bocca di Sant'Antonu at 907 metres. It then passes just below Punta Maggiola at 1,082 metres and Punta di a Crena at 1,066 metres, areas renowned for their Torean sites. You then descend through scrub and holm oak to a bare plateau called Pian di Sapare at 820 metres before reaching the Col Saint-Georges at 757 metres. The next stage of the hike takes you to Bisinao, a small hamlet perched on a hill overlooking the Gulf of Ajaccio.

This final stage, leading to the west coast of Corsica, promises a beautiful descent through the remains of the transhumance paths, some of which have been replaced by forest tracks lined with dry stone walls. It's an easy hike through the maquis, with views over the Gulf of Ajaccio to the Sanguinaires Islands. The trail passes the 15th-century Frassu tower and ends on the beach at the seaside resort of Porticcio, bringing your Mare a Mare to a close as you explore the diverse landscapes of central Corsica. Shuttle boats will take you to Ajaccio.