Corsica Sea Kayaking and Hiking

Trip Highlights

*Please note that the following information is meant to provide a general overview of your tour. The specifics of your trip will be contained in a pre-trip letter you will receive prior to your confirmed departure.

Important Trip Details:

MEETING PLACE: Hotel Les Voyageurs or similar
MEETING TIME: 6pm
TRIP MILES: Varies depending on group size, weather and kayaker's abilities
RETURN TIME: Noon
THE LAST SUPPER: Join your guide and fellow trip guests for a non-hosted farewell dinner at a favorite local restaurant.
TRIP LENGTH: 9 days
AGE LIMIT: Minimum age is 14
ACTIVITIES: Sea Kayaking and Mountain Hiking
NEAREST AIRPORTS: Bastia Poretta Airport

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Bastia

Commence your journey by flying in or taking a ferry to Bastia, a picturesque coastal town characterized by its wide array of pastel-colored houses. It holds the title of a "Town of Art & History” in France. Spend your first afternoon in Bastia wandering through its charming plazas and narrow streets, or indulge in fresh caught seafood at one of the many locally owned restaurants along the harbor. Come nightfall we will gather for a brief orientation meeting of the week ahead and enjoy a welcome dinner all together.

Travel Tip: Bastia is well-connected to mainland France by air and ferry. Ferries also run from Livorno near Pisa, Italy. For international travelers, its best to consider arriving a day early to adjust from jet-lag.

Accomodations: Hotel Les Voyageurs or similar
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Zonza + Alta Rocca Mountains

Your day kicks off with a drive along Corsica's east coast, followed by an inland journey to the Alta Rocca Mountains, known for their striking granite spires that seem to almost reach the sky. After lunch, embark on a two-hour hike from the “Lady of the Snow” statue; standing tall as a tribute to Corsica's religious history and heritage. The trail will lead you through pine groves and under magnificent limestone rock formations. As your hike concludes, we’ll continue the journey to the charming town of Zonza for a delectable dinner featuring locally sourced cuisine.

Accommodations: Hotel du Tourisme Zonza
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Visiting Cucuruzzu & the Plateau du Cuscionu

Today you’ll start in Levie, a charming town renowned for its locally crafted art, particularly in handmade knives. Your morning stroll will take you through a scenic forest of oak and birch trees, leading to the ancient site of Cucuruzzu, a small grassy hill discovered in 1959 by Roger Grosjean. The site, now protected in the Corsica Regional Nature Park, features rock structures dating back to the 2nd century BC and offers a fascinating glimpse into history. Following a delightful lunch of traditional Corsican flavors, head north to the Plateau du Cuscionu, where you'll explore vast meadows and flowing streams frequented by nearby wildlife. The afternoon hike ranges from two to four miles, with modest elevation changes depending on how the group feels.

Accommodations: Hotel du Tourisme Zonza
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Filitosa + Cargese + Piana

Today's journey begins with a visit to Filitosa, a megalithic site renowned for its vast collection of prehistoric art. Explore 8,000 years of history before continuing through and down the mountains to reach Corsica's west coast. Depending on time, the group may pause for lunch in Ajaccio along with a brief walking tour of the city. In the afternoon, travel north along the coastal road to Cargese, a charming village perched on a hill with numerous beautiful 19th-century churches that we'll stop to explore. The final destination for the day is Piana, a small mountaintop town surrounded by spires near the UNESCO-listed Gulf of Porto. Piana helps form the Corsica Regional Nature Park.

Accommodations: Hotel Capo Rosso
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Scandola Nature Reserve

Set off for a nearby beach after a light breakfast to find your sea kayaks awaiting you. Your guides will provide a brief safety and paddling orientation talk before you embark on a morning of exploration on the warm Mediterranean Sea. Stop for lunch on a remote beach and paddle through time while learning about Corsica's unique features. You’ll return to shore by early afternoon and have enough time for a short hike through the Calanche de Piana. If kayaking is not possible due to weather, there will be other activites to supplement such as spend the day exploring the surrounding trails on foot. In the evening, enjoy an authentic French dinner with superbly paired wine at a local restaurant.

Accommodations: Hotel Capo Rosso
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Cappo Rosso

Today the group will set off to paddle around Cappo Rosso. The paddle is roughly 13 miles roundtrip, taking up to around 5 hours. In case the weather isn’t idyllic or group preferences change, you can choose from one of two shorter routes as an alternative, both offering beautiful and vast views. Regardless of which paddle the group does, you’ll stop at a serene beach for a picnic lunch and take a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean waters if you so desire. Return to the hotel for the night in time to witness the magnificent sunset over the horizon.

Accommodations: Hotel Capo Rosso
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Niolu to Corte + Col de Vergio

Depart Piana in the morning to venture through a scenic pass full of wildlife until we reach Col de Vergio. Embark on a rocky trail with worthwhile views (4.3 miles, 200m elevation gain) through the Valdunielly Biological Reserve to the Radule Waterfalls. Refresh with a dip in the small pool at the base of the falls if you desire.

Todays lunch will be at a traditional shepherd's hut. After an enjoyable lunch, you’ll adventure along the legendary GR20; one of Europe's most notable long-distance paths. Drive through the dramatic granite gorges of the Defile de la Scala di Santa Regina before reaching Corte; Corsica's historic capital. This town offers a glimpse into Corsica's history and culture in a spectacular natural setting.

Accommodations: Hotel Duc de Padoue
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Restonica Valley + Bastia

Explore the Restonica Valley, known for its granite peaks, clear streams, and lush forests full of pine and birch trees. Embark on the final hike of the trip (4.3 miles, 370m elevation gain), including a climb using a ladder and chains to hold onto to reach Lake Melo, with the option to continue to Lake Capitello. Afterward, drive back to Bastia for your final night of the tour.

Accommodations: Hotel Les Voyageurs or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Travel Arrangements

Travel to Bastia, Corsica

There are flights from France (Paris, Marseilles, Lyon, etc. ) direct to 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.

Weather

Corsica Weather:

We highly recommend checking the weather prior to your trip for an updated forecast and current conditions. We recommend the following website.

Weather in Corsica - Weather Underground

When to go?

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.

Getting Ready

Adventure Unbound Physical Requirements

Here at Adventure Unbound our first and foremost goal is for you to have an enjoyable and safe experience. While most of our trips are suitable for beginners, some of our trips are more active than others and it’s important that you understand the physical requirements of the trip you choose.

All of our sea kayaking trips are active adventures that involve some level of physical exertion and possible exposure to the elements including but not limited to wind, rain, heat, sun, cold temperatures and cold water conditions. Adventure Unbound is able to accommodate people with physical limitations, disabilities and medical conditions; please speak with your Adventure Consultant if you think you will require any additional assistance while on the trip. We ask that you consult your doctor if you have health or medical conditions that could impact your ability to participate in an active and outdoor adventure. In general, all trip participants must be able to do the following:

Wear all protective and safety equipment that are required by Adventure Unbound and recommended/required by industry wide standards.
Load and unload, on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion, the bus and/or van providing transportation for Adventure Unbound activities.
Reach the water access points (put-in and take-out) on their own, or with the aid of a qualified companion.
Enter and exit the raft, kayak and/or inflatable kayak on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion.
Remain seated and balanced in a floating raft, canoe, kayak or inflatable kayak w/ the aid of adaptive equipment, if necessary.
Float on their back when entering moving and still water. The participant must be capable of turning from face-down to face-up in the water with the aid of a Personal Floatation Device and must be able to hold their breath while under water.
Remain calm and keep breathing under control in the event of a swim.
Climb into the kayak, with the help of another person, should an involuntary swim happen at any point on the water.
Make progress toward the shoreline or a boat by swimming in moving water and must be able to exit the water and ascend the shoreline once reached.
Participate as an active paddler when instructed by the guide for the duration of the trip.
Move about the accommodations on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion.

Physical Preparedness

Whether you are an avid sea kayaker and hiker, or it is your first time, you’ll enjoy these incredible trips, and share in our passion for adventure, commitment to conserving the environment, and relishing unique experiences. For those new to the sport, kayaking is easy to learn in the sheltered waters that we visit, and we provide all of the kayaking equipment and guidance needed. In addition, we keep our groups small to allow you to not only travel intimately among nature, but to ensure you receive the necessary attention from our guides.

Packing List

Corsica Sea Kayaking and Hiking Packing List Overview

We are excited to see you soon for your kayaking and hiking tour with Adventure Unbound! The packing list outlined below is meant to serve as a guide to help you plan, prepare and outfit yourself for your upcoming travels. We have provided our best recommendations and suggestions. These suggestions are based on the outlined itinerary, the geographic region, our knowledge of Corsica, and our personal experience.

Gear Provided by Adventure Unbound:

Adventure Unbound will provide all necessary paddling equipment including: personal flotation devices (PFDs), all kayaking equipment, and neoprene booties.

Luggage Recommendations:

Our trips are best enjoyed if you travel light. We think it is wise to avoid checking any luggage under the plane. If you do check a bag, make sure that you have everything that is either essential or would be hard to replace, with you in your carry-on.

We recommend packing in one semi-soft sided, roll-on (ideally a non-hard-sided version) or duffle luggage that meets carry-on requirements. Alternatively, if you must have a checked bag; make sure your personal items are packed with your “hard to replace items.”

We also recommend bringing one small day pack. This dual-purpose pack can serve as your personal item during your flights as well as your day pack for hikes during the tour. Outside zippered pockets are nice and allow you to organize your travel gear. Carry medications, travel documents, important personal items and other essentials or “hard-to-replace” items in this on the plane with you.

Adventure Unbound Corsica Luggage Recommendations

Corsica Sea Kayaking and Mountain Hiking Tour Packing List

Essential Items

Passport – be sure it is valid for at least six (6) months after the date of your arrival
A photo of your passport on your phone. A photocopy of your passport, inside a zip lock bag and stowed elsewhere in your luggage (as an additional precautionary measure, consider leaving a photocopy with family or friends at home as well)
Copy of your air tickets with ticket numbers, placed elsewhere in your luggage
Cash for gratuities
Credit and/or Debit/ATM card that works internationally, ideally with chip technology (some banks want you to notify them of travel plans ahead of time, which often can be done online.)
Waterproof watch or small travel clock with alarm (if you are taking a phone, this can serve as your alarm clock)
Travel outlet adaptors compatible with outlets of your destination country or countries.

Active Clothing

*We recommend synthetic or quick-dry materials while kayaking and hiking

One pair long, lightweight, nylon pants with zipper pockets (zip off legs are an alternative that give give you more options)
One - two pair nylon shorts or capris (this can double as a swimsuit for the guys)
One pair synthetic or merino wool long underwear
Swimsuit
Two - three t-shirts and/or short sleeve shirt(s) or tank top(s) (synthetic is best)
Two long sleeve shirts with sun protection
Two - three pairs of synthetic or merino wool socks
One wide-brim, tie-on hat
One warm hat like a ski cap or beanie
One lightweight, packable jacket and/or vest
One wool or synthetic sweater or jacket for warmth in the evenings and mornings
One waterproof jacket (lightweight raincoat)
One pair sturdy trail shoes, or running shoes, to use for hiking
One pair of casual shoes or sandals with ankle straps and closed toes to wear when not hiking, such as in towns, etc.

Additional Gear and Other Essentials

Pair of collapsable walking poles
One lightweight sarong (thin material that can double as a beach towel)
Small, packable travel towel (to take on hikes for swimming, etc) like this ultralight one
Flashlight or headlamp
One pair of paddling gloves (optional)
Small day pack or fanny pack for hikes
One wide-mouth water bottle, 1 liter or larger
Water filtration system - Bringing this along will help reduce our use of single use plastic. Corsica has nearly perfect tap water that can be easily filtered so it wont upset your body's system. If you are concerned, bring a filter such as a LifeStraw, Grayle, or Sawyer Squeeze or a Steripen that you can swirl in your water bottle to kill both bacteria and viruses.
One buff or bandana for sun protection and cooling off
Camera (or phone with camera) and appropriate charging mechanism
Back up battery pack for electronic devices
Wall power adapter for European plugs
Binoculars or monocular
Glasses or contacts if needed
Polarized sunglasses
Retaining strap for glasses and sunglasses
Reusable dirty/clean gear bags for wet or soiled items
Small reusable, leak-proof bags for liquid or spillable personal items
Books or E-reader, pen and notepad, headphones, etc
TSA-accessible lock for luggage security when not on your person

Toiletries and First Aid

Standard toiletry kit including general hygiene products, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. (keep liquids under 3.38 oz.(100ml) for carry-on)
Laundry detergent sheets so you can wash clothes in the hotel room if desired
Insect repellent
Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF 15-30
Prescriptions and any necessary personal medicines (please be sure to bring necessary prescriptions and any needed emergency medicine such as an EpiPen, Benadryl, etc)
Heavy duty skin lotion for dry, sun-baked, and salted skin
Small squeeze bottle of hand-sanitizer gel