Kayaking & Hiking in Corsica, France
Explore the spectacular island of Corsica on foot and from the water during this nine-day adventure from Ajaccio to Bastia. Rising dramatically from the sea, Corsica is the greenest island in the Mediterranean and blanketed in more than 2,800 plant species that include endemic pines, oak, and juniper.
Hike through the spectacular granite mountains of the Corsica Regional Nature Park and paddle through the azure waters of the UNESCO-listed Reserve Naturelle de Scandola with the help of knowledgeable, bilingual guides. Learn about the rich cultural history of Corsica and its unique cuisine during delectable meals, accompanied by fine wines and the sounds of the “Corsican blues”. Witness megalithic stones and hear stories of the ghost of Napoleon while discovering this fascinating corner of Europe.
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Itinerary
Day 1
Ajaccio
Your journey begins in the port town of Ajaccio, the birthplace of Napoleon, which nestles on the edge of a sweeping bay. Settle into your hotel where you’ll meet your guide for an orientation meeting, followed by an introductory dinner with your fellow travelers.
Day 2
Kayak Isolella Peninsula
After breakfast at your hotel, the day begins with a paddle to the Isolella Peninsula, home to the spectacular rocks of Sette e Nave. Following a short safety briefing and orientation on paddling techniques, it’s time to launch your kayak into the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
After a couple of hours, we’ll stop on a beach for a picnic lunch and a refreshing swim, then continue paddling towards the Isle of Beauty. In the case of inclement weather, you may opt to go hiking instead before returning to your beachside hotel for a night of delicious French cuisine and fine wine.
Kayak Isolella Peninsula
After breakfast at your hotel, the day begins with a paddle to the Isolella Peninsula, home to the spectacular rocks of Sette e Nave. Following a short safety briefing and orientation on paddling techniques, it’s time to launch your kayak into the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
After a couple of hours, we’ll stop on a beach for a picnic lunch and a refreshing swim, then continue paddling towards the Isle of Beauty. In the case of inclement weather, you may opt to go hiking instead before returning to your beachside hotel for a night of delicious French cuisine and fine wine.
Total Kayak Distance: 4-12 miles / 2-4 hours (may be altered based on the group’s ability)
Day 3
Filitosa, Cucuruzzu, Hiking
After breakfast at your hotel, journey into the dramatic mountains southeast of Ajaccio, following the narrow, winding roads by vehicle. Stop to explore Corsica’s megalithic art and the mysterious cultural site of Filitosa, which boasts some of the most beautiful prehistoric art in Europe.
After this dose of local history, we’ll relax over a lunch of traditional Corsican fare - salami, dry-cured ham, goat cheese, and fresh bread. Then walk it all off on a stroll through a magical forest of oak and beech at Cucuruzzu, which was discovered by archaeologist Roger Grosjean in 1959. It’s now protected within the Corsica Regional Nature Park and features rock structures that date to the 2nd century BC. You’ll then continue to the charming town of Zonza where you can revel in the fresh mountain air before a lovingly prepared dinner is served.
Hiking Distance: 3 miles / 2 hours with an elevation gain of 59 meters / 193ft
Day 4
Hiking Alta Rocca Mountains, Travel to Cargese and on to Piana
After breakfast in Zonza, we’ll continue driving to the Col de Bavella in the Alta Rocca mountains, with its impressive granite spires creating an otherworldly sight. Witness the statue of Notre-Dames-des-Neiges (“Lady of the Snow”) along the Bavella Pass, then set out on foot for a two-hour hike towards the soaring pinnacles of the Col de Bavella.
Driving back to the coast, we’ll stop for lunch along the way, then pass through Ajaccio to the western side of Corsica. In the mid-afternoon, we’ll arrive in Cargese, which perches on a steep hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It was originally settled by Greeks from the Peloponnese fleeing the Ottoman Turks, with two small churches dating from the 19th century visible in the town today.
Continue to the village of Piana, which is surrounded by pink and rose porphyritic rock spires that contrast dramatically against the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. It lies on the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gulf of Porto, with majestic sunset views on offer from the hotel where you’ll spend the night.
Hiking Distance: "Le Trou de la Bombe" 4-4.5 miles / 3 hours with an elevation gain of 200 meters / 600 ft
Day 5
Mediterranean Kayaking
If weather permits, today will be spent kayaking through the surrounding waters or hiking along the trails of the stunning Calanche of Piana area. After driving to a sandy beach, you’ll climb into your kayak and paddle beneath the sheer-faced cliffs that have been etched with sea caves over thousands of years.
At the end of the day, return to the comfort of your hotel for a delicious dinner and night at leisure.
Kayaking Distance: Up to 13 miles / 5 hours (may be altered based on the group’s ability).
Day 6
Mediterranean Kayaking, Calanche de Piana
After a long day of kayaking yesterday, today’s adventure will be shorter. Enjoy a relaxing paddle to a picturesque beach for a picnic lunch before a swim in the sea or a siesta on the sand. Learn about the cultural and natural history of Corsica from your knowledgeable guides before ending the day with a short drive and walk through the magnificent Calanche de Piana.
Kayaking Distance: Between 4 - 7 miles (may be altered based on the group’s ability).
Day 7
Hiking the Gorge de Spelunca, Scenic Train to Vizzavona
Rise early for breakfast at the hotel before driving inland for the start of our hike through the Gorge de Spelunca. Spanned by 18th-century stone bridges that are protected as historic monuments, this natural wonder is blanketed in forests that make it a hiking paradise. Enjoy the views of the surrounding valleys as we arrive in the village of Evisa in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, we’ll drive south through the mountains, arriving at the train station in Ajaccio to board the Trinighellu scenic train. This narrow-gauge railroad traverses twisting mountain gorges en route to the summit at Vizzavona where the Hotel Monte D’Oro is located. It was built for British aristocrats at the end of the 19th century to escape the summer heat of the plains below. Grab a drink at the bar and freshen up before a delicious dinner is served.
Hiking Distance: 4 miles with an elevation gain of 330 meters / 1080 ft
Day 8
Hiking the GR20, Mountain Train Ride to Bastia
Today you’ll hike along a small part of the famous GR20, which winds its way from the north to the south of Corsica. Following a scenic stream beneath a forest of pines, oaks, and chestnuts, you’ll work up an appetite before returning to the hotel in the early afternoon for a lunch featuring fresh, local produce.
Enjoy some free time to relax at the hotel before heading to the train station for the journey north. Travel through the mountain town of Corte, which lies at the geographical heart of Corsica and was where Pascal Paoli began an independence movement against the Genoese in 1755.
After traversing bridges and traveling beneath soaring mountain peaks, you’ll arrive in the colorful town of Bastia. Explore the narrow passages and crumbling architecture of this eclectic town, then wander through the fishing port where the daily catch is hauled from boats. Enjoy a farewell dinner while recounting the week’s adventures before overnighting at a local hotel.
Hiking Distance: The "Cascade des Anglais" hike is a 9 km (3.5 hours loop), with an elevation gain of 270 meters/885 ft.
Day 9
Explore Bastia, Extend Your Stay or Depart Corsica
Spend your final morning exploring Bastia (designated as a “Town of Art & History”) on a guided walking tour and pay a visit to the childhood home of Victor Hugo. It’s then time to begin your journey home or you may want to spend another night in Bastia. Alternatively, you can catch an afternoon flight to Paris or jump aboard one of the ferries that connect to Livorno, Italy.
Dates & Rates
Supplementary Information
Tier Pricing:
- 4-5 Guests: $5,990 per person
- 6-8 Guests: $4,890 per person
- 9-12 Guests: $4,190 per person
Single Supplement: If you are a solo traveler and wish to have your own accommodations throughtout the tour (or if we are unable to pair you up with another solo traveler), an additional single supplement of $750 USD is required.
Custom departures available. The above departures are already set, and can be chartered as a private tour by paying for 10 spaces. In addition, depending on group size, availability of guides and accommodations, we can also arrange custom trips on other dates between April and late September.
Tiered Pricing Explained: Our trips are budgeted for full or near full sign-ups which enables us to offer trips at the lowest possible price. Because of numerous fixed costs, it is more expensive to operate a trip for a small group. Therefore, on some of our trips, in order to avoid having to cancel a trip, we have a “tier-pricing” system to avoid canceling a trip with a low number of sign ups. We have found that most people also prefer this alternative to having a trip cancelled. Thus, you will note on our trip prices there may be different price for 6-8 people versus 19-12, etc.
ALL PRICES IN US DOLLARS. We will do our best to adhere to the itineraries and trip descriptions listed on our website. However, tour itineraries or sub contractors (such as taxi, cruise boats or hotels) may change slightly due to reasons beyond our control including but not limited to Acts of God, wind, waves, inclement weather or other. We always welcome you to call us to clarify any item - often this is the best way to fully clarify expectations - call us collect or on our toll-free number. You will be sent pre-trip email with latest details within a month of your tour - it is your responsibility to check in with us prior to your trip to see if you have all the information you need. We will always do our best to provide you with the best possible tour and to fully meet your expectations to the best of our ability.
We may initially invoice you at the higher tier price, and refund the difference depending on the final group size. Trip costs quoted are based on foreign exchange rates current at the time of this printing. We reserve the right to raise the trip fee if there are exceptional cost increases beyond our control.
FAQ & More
Where is Corsica?
Just south of France and west of Italy, Corsica is the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean.
How do I get to Corsica?
There are flights from France (Paris, Marseilles, Lyon, etc. ) direct to Ajaccio and Bastia. There is also ferry service from continental Europe. The shortest ferry goes from Livorno, Italy (not far from Pisa) and there is also service from Marseille and other ports in southern France. Flying is generally the quickest and most economical method of travel to Corsica.
What language do Corsicans speak?
French is the official language but over 80% of native Corsicans also speak Corsu, a language that is close to medieval Tuscan and thus has a very Italian ring to it. If you speak French you'll do very well. Some English is spoken, but our bilingual guides take care of any important communications for you.
What is the weather like?
Corsica has a Mediterranean climate and one of the sunniest climates in France. Weather along the coast is warm from April to June, hot in July and August and then pleasantly warm again from September to late October. The interior gets cold by December and snow falls in the higher mountains at times. Our trips are scheduled during ideal times in terms of weather and lack of other tourists.
Who should go on the Corsica kayaking and hiking tour?
This is an active trip that includes hiking and sea kayaking, so you should be in reasonable shape and have some sea kayaking experience. That said, people from all walks of life and all ages join our trips. We get a mix of couples, singles, families and friends, usually between 25 and 70 years of age. Everyone comes to have a good time and the variety of people and interests found on each trip makes it all the more fun. Our adventure consultants know that a primary consideration may be the mix of people on the trip, so we're happy to tell you who has signed up and help you choose a compatible group.
Can you accommodate for dietary needs and food allergies in the menu?
As long as we are informed in advance of any food allergies or dietary needs, we can mostly accommodate for it. In some rare instances, where substitutions may not be locally available in Corsica, we may ask that you bring your own substitutions.
Will I need a visa to travel to Corsica?
US and Canadian citizens will need a passport that is valid for 6 months past the end of your trip, but a visa is not required for tourists who are on trips of less than 90 days.
What do I need to bring with me?
Packing light is always best when you’re traveling internationally. Make sure to bring copies of your airline tickets, your receipt for the purchase of your airline tickets, and a copy of the front page in your passport. It is a good idea to pack loosely fitting clothing that can be easily hand washed, and a 50/50 blend of cotton and polyester. You may want to pack a nice outfit for going in to town. Quick-dry clothing for the kayaking portion is essential. See our packing list for a detailed description of what to bring.
Do I need to exchange currency before I go?
The currency in France is the Euro and it's easy to get Euros on arrival and from ATM machines along the way. Remember, it is never a good idea to keep a lot of cash on you while you are traveling, but in local shops and markets having some local currency is helpful.
Is there a minimum age requirement?
This trip is best suited for people ages 14 and over. Given that the trip occurs during the school year we don't expect that kids will join this trip, but if you are interested in a family-oriented trip contact us about a summer date.
What kind of kayaks do we use on the Compelling Corsica Tour?
We will use both double and single kayaks made by German Kayak producer Prijon. Prijon is known for their excellent paddling comfort, revolutionary tough HTP plastics and lightweight prilites.
POSEIDON Double Kayak:
The two person Poseidon Kayak is designed for coastal tours with great directional stability and comfortable cruising speed. It’s a great tandem kayak for hiking trips along the coast line!
SEAYAK Single Kayak:
The term Seayak is synonymous for fast, safe and manageable paddling with attractive style! This is a sporty and quick moving kayak great for smaller and lighter paddlers.
Will I have Cell Phone service on tour in Corsica?
Contact your service provider for the best options for taking your cell phone to a different country. You are unlikely to receive cell service for the entire time while paddling, but you may pick it up from time to time. WiFi is available at most hotels Your guides will be equipped with radios during the tour in case of emergency.
Do I need an adaptor to charge my electronic devices in Corsica?
Electrical outlets are 220-240 volts and have Europlug style outlets, you will need a plug adaptor and a step-down converter if you’re traveling from outside the UK.
How can I protect my camera while on tour on Corsica?
For expensive cameras we suggest a waterproof bag or diver's dry box (such as Pelican boxes), available at most outdoor stores or dive shops. In the case of inexpensive cameras, ziplock bags are usually adequate.
How can I prepare for the hiking & kayaking portions of my tour?
If you do not currently have a regular exercise program, we strongly encourage you to begin one. The trip is not extremely strenuous, but is quite active and physical by nature. The more prepared you are for the trip, the more you'll enjoy it, and the more you’ll be comfortable if there is windy weather. Walking a few miles per day, climbing stairs, working out with light weights, and other cardio and strength training exercises are all highly recommended activities. At the very least, we recommend that participants take long walks and condition muscle groups of the upper body and core by exercising for a full month prior to the trip, to avoid overuse injuries of the wrists and arms.
Do I need to get any immunizations prior to my trip to Corsica?
No immunizations are required for travel to Corsica. If you are allergic to bee or wasp stings, do consult with your doctor about bringing an epi-pen or similar on this wilderness trip.
Is there a single supplement fee for solo travelers?
Our tour costs are based on double occupancy on any included hotel nights. Solo travelers who would like their own single hotel room can pay a single supplement (see "Dates & Rates" above for the single supplement price for this tour), or can be matched up with another solo traveler of the same gender if one is available and willing to share. If we are unable to pair you with another solo traveler, we must apply the single supplement charge to cover our hotel costs.