Short Treks on Corsica

Five mountain and coastal treks including the Mare a Mare and Mare e Monti

By Gillian Price

Guidebook describing five mountain and coastal treks on the Mediterranean island of Corsica: the 2-day Sentier du Douanier (Custom Officer's Path), the 10-day Mare e Monti, the 11-day coast-to-coast Mare a Mare Nord, the 5-day Mare a Mare Sud and the 5-day Mare e Monti Sud. With information on facilities and local plants and wildlife.

Seasons

Spring to autumn - the majority of the walkers' hostels open from April to October. Spring means mild weather that is perfect for lowland trekking, then as temperatures rise, walkers will appreciate the cooler uplands. Late summer into early autumn can be simply glorious - and the sea stays warm for swimming.

Centres

Calenzana, Cargèse, Propriano, Porticcio, Porto-Vecchio, Corte, Moriani, Centuri, Macinaggio, Evisa

Difficulty

The five treks are straightforward (easy to moderate difficulty) and explore a variety of different terrain. While no special equipment is needed, walkers need to be fairly fit to be able to enjoy the experience of exploring the island.

Must See

Visit the divine bay of Girolata; hike Cap Corse on the old customs officer's track; swim in the dramatic Fango canyon; walk the famous Spilunca gorge with its paved mule tracks and Genoese bridges; drink in the history of the island's historic capital Corte; stay in cosy village accommodation and walkers' hostels where you'll enjoy feasts of fresh fish, cheese and local chestnuts accompanied by artisanal beer and wines
ISBN
9781786310590
Availability
Published
Published
23 Mar 2021
Edition
First
Pages
918
Size
17.20 x 11.60 x 1.15cm
Weight
220g
Overview

With spectacular mountain landscapes, beautiful rugged coast, forests, maquis and striking river gorges, Corsica is a walker's paradise. This guidebook details five of the islands's most popular shorter treks: the 2-day coastal Sentier du Douanier (Customs Officer's Path) around Cap Corse; two coast-to-coast routes through the central mountains, the 11-day Mare a Mare Nord and the 5-day Mare a Mare Sud; and two 'coast and mountains' routes, the 10-day Mare e Monti and the 5-day Mare e Monti Sud. (Corsica's famous 190km GR20 trail is described in a separate Cicerone guide.) The routes can be linked to create longer excursions and accommodation is provided by a mixture of walkers' hostels, B&Bs and hotels; camping is also an option.

The guide presents each of the waymarked trails in daily stages averaging around 12-13km per day, with route description, mapping and notes on accommodation options. There is advice on how to get to Corsica, when to go and what to take, plus accommodation listings, useful contacts and a French/Corsican-English glossary. The guide also offers a wealth of information about the island's rich plant and wildlife.

Considerably easier than the challenging GR20, these trails offer a more accessible option for trekkers wishing to experience the 'real' Corsica, away from the bustling coastal resorts. You'll find enchanting scenery - towering forests, gushing cascades, turquoise coves, aromatic maquis, rugged mountains and quiet villages nestling on hillsides of chestnut woods - not to mention a favourable climate and delicious local cuisine. Don't be surprised if you fall under the island's spell!

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Gillian Price Cicerone author PRICE

Gillian Price

Gillian Price has trekked throughout Asia and the Himalayas, but now lives in Venice. Gillian has steadily explored the mountain ranges of Italy, and Corsica, and brought them to life for visitors in a series of outstanding guides for Cicerone. She is an active member of the Italian Alpine Club (CAI) and Mountain Wilderness.

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