Kayaking & Hiking in Corsica, France
Explore the spectacular island of Corsica on foot and from the water during this nine-day adventure launching from 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.
Images & Videos
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Corsica – Ajaccio Arrival
Your adventure begins in Ajaccio, Corsica’s sun-drenched capital nestled between sea and mountains. Known as Napoleon Bonaparte’s birthplace, Ajaccio pulses with a unique blend of French charm and Corsican spirit—fiercely proud, rooted in nature, and culturally distinct. Pastel buildings spill toward the harbor, while cafés invite you to linger and watch the Mediterranean life unfold.
In the evening, we gather for a welcome dinner and orientation.
Day 2
Kayaking by the Isolella Peninsula
Weather cooperating, we sea kayak along the dramatic coast. After breakfast, we travel a short distance to a beach where our kayaks await. Following a safety briefing, we launch into the clear blue waters around the Isolella Peninsula, where wind-shaped rock formations and ancient stories line the shore.
We paddle in the afternoon, with a break at a beachfront café for lunch and maybe even a swim in the inviting Mediterranean. As the day winds down, we return to Ajaccio and toast to our first full day on the water with Corsican wine and coastal cuisine.
Total Paddle Distance – 12 miles / 4 hours (may be altered based on the group’s ability.)
Note: The day will depend on weather and our group’s ability.
Day 3
Paddle the Sanguinaires Islands and Travel to Piana
Today’s paddle may be more challenging. Our route takes us into more exposed waters as we head north toward the dramatic Sanguinaires Islands—raw, rocky, and wind-swept. These islands are a haven for seabirds and offer one of the most striking kayaking settings of the trip.
After our morning paddle, we enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach, and then journey north by van along a breathtaking coastal road to the hilltop town of Cargèse. Once a refuge for Greek settlers, Cargèse is a small village of 1100 inhabitants that was settled by a group of some 700 Greeks from the Peloponnese who were fleeing the Ottoman Turks. A visit to its twin churches—one Catholic, one Greek Orthodox—offers a glimpse into the island’s layered cultural history.
By evening, we arrive in Piana, a cliffside village nestled amid rose-colored granite spires. This is our home base for the next three nights.
Total Kayak Distance: 4-8 miles / 2-4 hours (our route is decided by the group’s ability and weather).
Note: Weather will determine the order of our paddles on Day 2 and Day 3. If strong winds are predicted for Day 3, we would plan to do that paddle on Day 2. If the weather doesn’t cooperate and seas are too demanding for kayaking, we have a backup plan that includes two possible hikes.
Day 4
Sea Kayaking the Scandola Reserve
After breakfast, we head to a nearby beach and launch into the UNESCO-protected Scandola Nature Reserve, one of Corsica’s most treasured ecosystems.
The ochre cliffs, turquoise water, and silence create an unforgettable setting.
We pause midday for a picnic lunch and a swim, then paddle on before returning for an optional walk through the surreal rock formations of the Calanche de Piana.
Total Kayak Distance: 4-8 miles / 2-4 hours (may be altered based on the group’s ability).
Note: We base in Piana to allow us flexibility should weather conditions not allow us to kayak. The village is the perfect base for miles of trails, so we always have great alternatives to kayaking.
Day 5
Kayak Around Capo Rosso
If conditions allow, today we aim to kayak around the Capo Rosso peninsula—up to 13 miles along one of Corsica’s wildest and most cinematic coastlines. If this is beyond the ability of the group, or weather dictates otherwise, we have two other shorter routes available that are also beautiful!
We’ll stop to swim, picnic, and take in the ever-changing textures of land and sea.
Kayaking Distance: Up to 13 miles / 5 hours (may be altered based on the group’s ability).
Day 6
Hike the Vergio Pass and Arrive in Corte
Leaving the coast behind, we head inland to the Col de Vergio for a loop hike through larch and pine forests to the Radule waterfalls. We pass through the Valdunielly Biological Reserve and walk a segment of the legendary GR20 trail— one of Corsica’s most famous hiking routes.
After lunch at a shepherd’s hut, we drive through the rugged Scala di Santa Regina gorge en route to Corte, the historic heart of Corsican independence.
Our destination for the night is the historic capital of Corsica, Corte. In a valley surrounded by sky-piercing peaks, stone houses line steep slopes above the confluence of the Orta, Restonica and Tavignana rivers. The tallest rock promontory in town has been fortified for over 2000 years, and the 15th century citadel still stands guard. Corte is the heart of the island’s political, social and cultural life and in 1755 was the capital of the Corsican republic led by Pasquale Paoli who led the island to independence from the Genoese. He is also responsible for giving Corsica a democratic constitution that was in important reference for the American Constitution more than three decades later. A university was founded in Corte in 1765 and closed in 1769. It reopened in 1981 and today some 4000 students make up half the town’s population during the academic year. Perhaps nowhere else in Corsica can you dig as deeply into the spirit of freedom and self-determination that is the hallmark of the Corsican people as you can here in Corte.
After dinner enjoy a stroll in town and you may happen upon some informal singing at one of the many bars.
Day 7
Hiking the Alta Rocca Mountains
We drive south into the island’s mountainous heart and explore the granite towers of Col de Bavella on a scenic trail beginning at the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges statue. The path winds through pine forests beneath the jagged peaks.
We end the day in the mountain village of Zonza with a relaxed local dinner and a deep breath of fresh air.
Hiking Distance: "Le Trou de la Bombe" 4-4.5 miles / 3 hours with an elevation gain of 200 meters / 600 ft.
Day 8
Prehistoric Corsica & Return to Ajaccio
Driving from our mountain village of Zonza we drive a short distance to start an easy loop hike called the Santa Lucia de Talla-Chapelle San Ghjuva trail. A highlight is fantastic views from mountain to sea as well as a visit to the 16th century Tower of Seneca. From here we continue to lunch, followed by a visit to Filitosa.
We return to Ajaccio for a festive farewell dinner to toast the journey.
Day 9
Transfer to Airport on Own, or Explore More of Corsica
Transfer to the airport on your own, or you might consider extending your adventure with a scenic train ride to Bastia—Corsica’s artsy northern port town with old streets, open plazas, and ferry access to Italy and mainland France.
From Bastia there are direct flights to Paris, as well as ferries for Livorno, Italy (near Pisa) and other coastal towns in Italy, as well as ferries that go to Marseille, Nice and Toulon. Schedules and information can be found here.
Dates & Rates
| Dates | Adult (USD) | Child (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ||
| Jun 15, 2026 to Jun 23, 2026 Lowest Tier Price | $5,390£0€0$0$0 | $5,390£0€0$0$0 |
| Sep 04, 2026 to Sep 12, 2026 Lowest Tier Price | $5,390£0€0$0$0 | $5,390£0€0$0$0 |
Supplementary Information
2026 Tiered Pricing
- 6-8 people - $5690 per person
- 9-12 people - $5390 per person
2027 Tiered Pricing
- 6-8 people - $5990 per person
- 9-12 people - $5690 per person
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 a 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 subcontractors (such as taxis, 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 others. 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 a pre-trip email with the 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.
Tour Includes:
- Service of our Adventure Consultants
- Certified professional kayak guide(s) and hiking guide(s)
- Certified professional, experienced bilingual tour leader
- Kayak rental, and the transportation of the kayaks
- Specialized equipment needed for applicable activities such as kayaks, paddles, personal flotation devices, etc.
- Accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All meals as noted in itinerary
- Private pre-tour orientation meeting
Not Included:
- All air fares to, from and within Corsica and France
- Transfers to/from airport to tour hotel(s)
- Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, gratuity to main tour leader and kayak guide, souvenirs, etc
- Hotel before and after your tour dates
- Travel Protection Plan (Travel Insurance)
FAQ & More
Where is Corsica?
Corsica is just south of France and west of Italy. It is the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean.
How do I get to Corsica?
To get to Corsica, there are flights from France (Paris, Marseilles, Lyon, etc. ) direct to Ajaccio and Bastia. There's 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 of Corisca 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 while in Corsica. 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.