What are the other main hikes in Corsica?

The Mare e Monti hikes are ranked as one of the island's great must-do trails, just after the king of Corsican mountains, the GR20, which offers the conditions of a high mountain trek.

When do you recommend walking the Mare a Mare trails in Corsica?

Mare a Mare tours can be enjoyed from March to October. In spring, you can discover the flowers of the maquis, with its thousand colours and strong essences; in summer, you can enjoy swimming and the shade of the forest-covered passages; and in the autumn, you can appreciate the special light and tranquillity of the villages.

Which guidebook covers the Mare a Mare?

The official guidebook is entitled 'Corse Entre mer et montagne'. It is published by the Fédération Française de la Randonnée Pédestre (FFRandonnée) and the Parc Naturel Régional de Corse (Parcu di Corsica). The guide describes six routes: the "Mare e Monti", the "Mare a Mare" and the "Sentier de la Transhumance". It is available to buy online from the FFRandonnée shop.

What level of hiking is required on the Mare a Mare?

The Mare a Mare trails present no particular technical difficulties and are less demanding than the GR20. The trail is well signposted, with signs all along the way. Of the three trails, Mare a Mare North is considered the most difficult. In general, these trails require an intermediate to advanced level of hiking. They cross a wide variety of terrain, including mountainous areas with steep slopes, forest passages and coastal paths. The routes can be long and often include significant ascents and descents, requiring good stamina and experience of mountain walking. Although some sections are accessible to less experienced hikers, basic self-sufficiency in navigation, water and food management, and knowledge of first aid are recommended. Good physical condition is also recommended to manage the daily stages, which can last several hours.

Basic pack

29 August 2019

Insider Tips

What is a basic pack? All Corsica Aventure hikers are lucky enough (on most of our trips) to carry only their day's essentials on the trek! Now you need to work out what to put in it... First of all, take a bag with a capacity of 30 to 40 litres, then fill it up according to the following categories.

Food

0.8L plastic box and cutlery for carrying your salads
The picnic distributed in the morning by the accommodation or the one you bought if you are on a half-board package.
A water bottle or water bag of at least 1.5 litres!
Cereal bars or dried fruit for when you're tired or hungry

Health!

The small first-aid kit you need to prevent minor accidents along the way: bandages, medicines, first aid...
Your personal medicines
A survival blanket

Clothing and accessories

Hat, cap or bonnet, depending on the season!
Swimming costume and towel for bathing on the route (tip: microfibre towels take up very little space and dry quickly!)

Sunglasses and sun cream

A spare pair of socks, which can also be used as a pair of gloves (clever!), and a spare T-shirt - you never know...
A waterproof jacket, a thick jumper or fleece, and a bin bag to shelter your belongings in case of rain or bad weather.

Personal items

Identity papers, personal insurance, health insurance card, cash (refuges and many accommodation establishments do not accept credit cards), all in an airtight bag!
Your precious mobile phone, charged, with recharge battery if necessary (on the GR20, there is no access to electricity at all stages), camera also charged, and a pocket ashtray for smokers.
IGN maps and topoguide if you're doing a self-guided tour!

So that's it, your day bag is ready, and off you go on an excellent hike!

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