Walking in France Corsica walking Mare e Monti North - H13-stnd** Calvi - Galeria - Porto - Cargese 7 - 13 days (May-15^th - October-15^th)

Corsica: Mare e Monti North walking holiday

From Calvi to Galeria, Porto and Cargese (standard**)
(For the Plus**/*** version H13-plus you click here)

Itineraries	Day stages	Pricing

Planning a tour with us

The Mare e Monti North lets you enjoy all the contrasts and colors of the island. It is one of the five classic walks in Corsica that snakes around the foot of the massifs, which leads through some lovely forests and villages.

More walks in Corsica

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Setting off from the Balagne you will head inland towards the high summits, enticing views of sweeping bays, rocky creeks and glistening waters are forever present.

This holiday would appeal to anyone used to walking regularly and in good shape. With eleven days of easy to moderate walking you will discover the richness of Corsica and one of the most beautiful corners of the island.

Numerous pleasures are waiting to be discovered, from the high airy mountain peaks of Bonifatu, the trail leads past the reserve of Scandola an area protected by Unesco and classed as a site of world beauty.

In the Gulf of Girolata you stay in a bungalow park in the unique little fishing village of Girolata which is accessible only by boat or foot. Good place for and extra night and start of a boat trip!

The Tra Mare et Monti Nord starts in Calenzana, 12 km South of Calvi (by the D151) and ends in Cargese, at about 50 km North-Western of Ajaccio. The whole trail can be divided in three parts:(Porto being a nice seaside resort at the Golfe dePorto

H13-standard**From Calvi to Galeria, Porto and Cargese (This page)
(For the Plus**/*** version H13-plus you click here)

Chambre d'Hôtes and hotels, (1 Gîte=dormitory)
Selfguided walking trip 13 days = 12 nights = 11 days of walking

Itineraries	Day stages	Pricing

Mare et Monti North (from Calvi) standard** packages 2025 Calvi - Galeria - Porto - Cargese	8 days 6 nights	9 days 8 nights	10 days 9 nights	12 days 11 nights	13 days 12 nights
Calvi (hotel BnB)	d1	d1	d1	d1	d1
Bonifatu (start with a transfer to Calenzana)	d2	d2	d2	d2	d2
Montestremo or Tuarelli	d3	d3	d3	d3	d3
Galeria. (Beach and roundwalk Vallée du Fango)	d4	d4	d4	d4	d4
Girolata	d5	d5	d5	d5	d5
Curzu	d6	d6	d6	d6	d6
Serriera		d7	d7	d7	d7
Porto	d7	d8			d8
Ota			d8	d8	d9
Evisa			d9	d9	d10
Revinda (night Cargese)				d10	d11
Cargese				d11	d12
End of package after breakfast.	d8	d9	d10	d12	d13
Bus to Ajaccio on last day Bus to Ajaccio is not included. There is no bus on Sundays. Bus starts at 08h00 in Ota and at 08h10 in Porto. Taxi-transfer from Evisa (10 days package) to Ota not included


Price per person 2p sharing room, standard packages	8 days 967	9 days 1098	10 days 1252	12 days 1591	13 days 1674
Overnights and breakfasts included	7	8	9	11	12
Dinners included	4	5	6	8	8
Supplement July - August	0	0	0	0	0
Supplement single room	339	384	439	551	597
Extra nights in Ajaccio or Calvi, at the start or at the end of the walk. Hotel** BnB - double room.	€66-€88	€66-€88	€66-€88	€66-€88	€66-€88
Lunches take away not included (To order from the hotelkeeper at arrival for the next morning). All bags transfers (2 pieces per person and a maximum of 10 pieces of each max 15kg) included in the basic rates. For more than 10 bags and bags more than 15kg you'll have to negotiate by yourself with the taxi drivers and transporters on the spot. All transfers of personen up to 4 personen are included in the basic rates. For transfers of personen of pax of 5 and more personen a supplement may be added. Last day: end of package after breakfast. Bus to Ajaccio or Calvi Not included. No Busses on Sunday. For booking this walk you Click Here.

Discount on basic rate p.p. for small groups and families.
See terms and conditions for group discounts
H13 stnd packages 7 - 13 days

Parties van 3 personen : 8 % p.p.
Parties van 4 personen : 12 % p.p.
Parties van 5 personen : 14 % p.p.
Parties van 6 personen : 12 % p.p.
Parties van 7 personen : 14 % p.p.
Parties van 8 personen : 15 % p.p.

For booking this walk Click Here.

Itineraries	Day stages	Pricing

The whole of the Mare e Monti North trail can be done in 11 to 13 days and starts in Calvi. On first walking day you will get a transfer to Calenzana for the start of the walk to Tuarelli. Arrived at Tuarelli you will get a transfer to Galeria or Montestremo. We offer this trail in standard and /***plus packages of 6 to 13 days. Extra nights at arrival in Calvi or Galeria or at departure from Ajaccio are not included and can be added. Contact The following itinerary divides it into 10 daily stages:
From	To	Highest point	Ascent	Descent	Distance
Calenzana (190 m)	Bonifatu (718 m)	581 m	590 m	287 m	11 km
Bonifatu (718 m)	Montestremo (276 m)	1,200 m	620 m	1,050 m	15 km
Tuarelli (276 m)	Galeria (40 m)	180 m	221 m	271 m	10 km
Galeria (40 m)	Girolata (0 m)	874 m	754 m	784 m	12 km
Girolata (0 m)	Curzu (318 m)	852 m	675 m	1,135 m	13 km
Curzu (318 m)	Serriera (289 m)	360 m	364 m	604 m	8 km
Serriera (289 m)	Ota (675 m)	914 m	880 m	570 m	10 km
Ota (675 m)	Marignana (1,072 m)	830 m	636 m	260 m	11 km
Evisa (1,072 m)	Revinda - E Case (735 m)	1,102 m	610 m	720 m	20 km
Revinda - E Case (735 m)	Cargese (95 m)	650 m	380 m	910 m	11 km

Getting there and leaving Corsica: Calenzana, the Northern starting point, is located close to Calvi that is reachable by ferry from France or by air to Calvi's Sainte Catherine Aeroport . Going from Bastia, you can get to Calvi either by bus (one connection a day except Sundays, duration 2 hours), or by train (two or three connections a day, duration 2h44). There is a bus route Calvi - Calenzana. Another bus line connects Ajaccio with Cargese at the end of the trail, but not on Sundays and Holy days.

Itineraries	Day stages	Pricing

MARE ET MONTI CORSICA

PROGRAM 13 days walk H13-stnd** (Calvi-Cargese) and 9 days walk (Calvi-Porto)

Day 1 : Calvi
If you fly in to Ajaccio you can take the train to Calvi ( 25,- not included).
Your holiday starts at your hotel in Calvi, after checking in, you have the opportunity to explore the town. If you would like to start your holiday in Ajaccio consult us at the moment of reservation.
Night at your hotel in Calvi. Evening meal not included.
Day 2: Calenzana to Bonifatu
At 8am transfer by taxi to Calenzana (included).
Leaving Calenzana your route follows the famous GR20 along an old mule trail, you climb progressively up to the Ortiventi fountain, from where you can look back at Calenzana and the villages of the Balagne. You then drop down on to an old path known as the postman's route, which cuts through the forest of Sambuccu. You pass a small Col before going gently down hill to reach the Figarella bridge. Once across the bridge you follow the left bank, and then a slight climb up to the ‘Auberge de la foret’.
Night and evening meal at the auberge in Bonifatu
Standard package: chambre d'Hôtes .
5h00 effective walking, +590m altitude, -287m
Day 3: Bonifatu to Tuarelli
At a nearby bridge you follow a forestry track that is known as the ‘chemin de ronde’, that gently climbs towards the south-west, passing the ruins of the house belonging to Prince Pierre. You then progress into a forest of maritime pines and green oak trees. At an altitude of 1200m you arrive at the Bocca di Bocassa. After approximately 3 hours of a very rewarding and relaxing section you arrive at Tuarelli rock pools, the perfect place for a laze on the sun baked rocks and a swim.
Night and evening meal at hotel in Montestremo or Galeria. You will get a transfer from Tuarelli to either Montestremo or Galeria
Standard package: Gite (dormitory in Montestremo) or Hotel ** in Galeria.
7h00 effective walking, +620m altitude, -1050m.
Day 4: Roundwalk Vallée du Fango at Galeria or walk from Montestremo to Galeria
You walk from the the beach at Galeria village to the beach at the Fangu river. If you feel more like walking instead of swimming you ga make a round walk by the Pont des Cinq Arcades and reach the Tra Mare et Monti to come back in Galeria. Your route then climbs into the maquis and passes several old shepherds cabins. Your day's walk finishes with a short down hill stretch in to the village of Galeria where you are rewarded with stunning views over Fangu.
Night and evening meal at hotel in Galeria.
If you start in Montestremo you will walk in the Valley of the Fangu to Ponte Veechiu. At le Fango your route then climbs into the maquis and passes several old shepherds cabins. Your day's walk finishes with a short down hill stretch in to the village of Galeria where you are rewarded with stunning views over Fangu.
Night and evening meal at hotel in Galeria.
Standard package: Hotel **.
2h00 effective walking, +221m altitude, -271m
Day 5: Galeria to Girolata
Today you start by following a beautiful path shaded from the sun. Your path leads you to a natural pool, and an uphill section alongside the river bank. You will shortly come across an area of vegetation, after this you will emerge in to a forest of oaks before reaching the Crète du Lucciu (697m). From here you will have remarkable views over the gulf of Girolta, the Genoese tower and the red granite cliffs. You continue west along the ridge path, to reach the River Cavone and the coast. This is also a beautiful spot to swim, to cool off after your days walk.
Night and evening meal at Gîte in Girolata. Girolata can only be reached by boat or on foot. So you will have to take whatever you need for one night. The other luggage will be brought directly to Curzu.
Standard package: dormitory.
6h00 effective walking, +754m altitude, -784m.
Day 6 : Girolata to Curzu
From Girolata's beach, you follow the ridge path that runs alongside the coast, after around 3 hours you will arrive at the foot of Punta di u Tartavellu, from here continue around to the West to arrive at Bocca Ascencu (742m). Continuing along the ridge path in a south-westerly direction you can admire exceptional views over Scandola's natural reserve, one of the largest natural sites in Europe, which displays an explosion of colors and fantastic landscapes. Once at Capu di Curzu (852m) you rapidly loose altitude as your path progresses into a series of loops before reaching Curzu.
Night and evening meal at Gîte in Curzu.
Standard package: chambre d'Hôtes.
6h00 effective walking, +675m altitude, -1135m.
Day 7 : Curzu to Serriera
From the Gîtes, you climb through the village and head in a south-westerly direction along a path that overlooks the village of Partinellu and the bay of Porto, the only French natural site to appear on UNESCO's world heritage list. You then start down hill towards the River Vetricella, and after walking alongside the river for around 50 meters, your path climbs, you will soon arrive at the ‘Chemin de Serriera Pinetu’. Once passing this you will shortly arrive at the Bocca di u Furcatu, the last stretch before Serriera.
Night and evening meal at your hotel/Chambre d'Hôtes in Serriera .
3h30 effective walking, +364m altitude, -604m.
Day 8 : Serriera to Porto
Light stage. Leaving Serriera head to the bridge Pont de Serriera over the Santa Maria stream you head to the beach at Bussaglia. After enjoying some swim climb up to the Bocca Lenzana before going down to Porto. A very pleasant touristy but authentic village at the beautiful Golfe de Porto with subtropical vegetation with woods of Eucalyptus trees. If you want to you can rent here a car to visit the Calanches of Piana.
Night and evening meal at Hotel in Porto.
Standard package: chambre d'Hôtes.
6h30 effective walking, +880m altitude, -570m.

If you booked the 9-days package you can take (at the entrance of Marine de Porto) the next morning at 07:45 the bus to Ajaccio. This is not possible on Sundays and Holydays, 8 not included in the package.
It is also possible to take at 10:00 the bus back to Galeria or to Calvi.
Day 9 : Serriera to Ota
The stage starts with a transfer back to Serriera. Leaving Serriera head to the bridge over the Santa Maria stream, to climb up to the Lonca forestry track and emerging into the forest. You will soon arrive at the rocky belvedere a beautiful viewpoint over Serriera. Crossing through the pine and chestnut forest, you can notice a 'sechoir chataignes’ a small stone structure used by the villagers to stock their chestnuts while they dried. On the way down into the Vitrone ravine, the granite rock faces have a lot of distinctive red porphyry.
Night and evening meal at Gîte in Ota.
Standard package: chambre d'Hôtes.
6h30 effective walking, +880m altitude, -570m.
Day 10 : From Ota via Evisa to Marignana
From Ota you walk past the Ceccaldi village restaurant, past braying donkeys, noisy hunting dogs and colourful gardens, to pick up the path. Following the direction of the river the path is down hill and in the shade of the olive trees. You cross over the narrow, high arched Genoise bridge ‘Ponte Vechju’ and shortly arrive at the entrance of the Spelunca Gorge, a great rest and swim spot. The first part of the gorge is fairly flat but once across the second small Genoise bridge it starts to zig zag up hill, it is well graded but there is a lot of altitude to gain.
In the afternoon, a series of winding steps cut down past the bars, bakers and post office, leading through the village of Evisa (after 7,5 km) and onto the lowest road. Walking away from the centre you soon come to a track that heads off into the old chestnut tree woods. The path is easy under foot and was once a well trodden link to the neighbouring villages. You will find all the typical plants that make up the Corsican maquis as you make your way towards the Tavulella river. Once across the river you will shortly arrive at the mystical hamlet of Tassu, a peaceful little haven of houses, church and abandoned terracing. Now just a short 20mins walk from Marignana.
For the standard package: Night and evening meal at Gîte in Marignana (dormitory).
(Plus option: ** hotel in Evisa. After Evisa you are not going to Marignana but you can do a round-walk by the Mare a Mare Nord (Sentier de découverte) to the Piscine a Madre (natural pools in the Aitone stream) and back to Evisa the same way (14,1 km). Next day however a longer walk from Evisa via Marignana. Evisa is the pearl of the mountains, a vibrant mountain village, that has wonderful sunsets over the nearby sea. It is known for it's chestnut forests, a lot of the recipes are still chestnut based. A trail will lead you through the chestnut trees to the Aitone pine forest, here you will find a natural beauty spot, the emerald green rock pools and chutes of water that make up the piscines naturels.)
12,5 km, 5h00 effective walking, +650m altitude, -260m.
Day 11 : Evisa to Marignana and E Case
You will not have your luggage today. You get it the next day at Cargese.
If you start from Evisa you will reach Marignana after 5 km and 2 hours walking.
After 6,2 km you reach the Bocca a u Mamucciu at 824m alt. By the Mare a Mare Nord and the Mare e Monti Nord combined you reach after 22km and 8,5 hrs walking if you started from Evisa, the dormitory of E Case.
If you started from Marignana:6h30 effective walking, +610m altitude, -720 m
It is possible to start with a taxi-transfer from Evisa to Marignana.
If you book an extra night or book the *plus** version you can take a trail that will lead you through the chestnut trees to the Aitone pine forest, here you will find a natural beauty spot, the emerald green rock pools and chutes of water that make up the piscines naturels.

Dormitory at Revinda E Case. 22km long stage. Beautiful visas.
You will not have your luggage today. You'll get it the next day at Cargese
6h30 effective walking, +610m altitude, -720 m
Day 12 : E Case to Cargese
You leave E Case via a path that will give you some splendid views on the Golfe de Chiuni. You then begin to edge your way down hill, passing the Santa Lucia shepherds cabins and the village of Lozzi, situated just before your day's destination Cargese, a beautiful historical town boasting two churches ‘l’Eglise Latine’ and ‘l’Eglise Grecque’.
Night and evening meal at your hotel in Cargese.
5h00 effective walking, +380m altitude, -910m.
Day 13 : Leave Cargese for Ajaccio by bus.
Transfer not included in the package. Not possible on Sunday!!)
End of package after breakfast.
You leave Cargese at 08:30 by bus in the morning ( 8 not included), once back in Ajaccio you have the choice of 2 walks along the 'sentier des Crètes’, a trail that overlooks the gulf of Ajaccio with magnificent views out to sea, over the town and the surrounding mountains. There is also the possibility of visiting the Iles Sanguinaires by boat’.
From 2h30 to 4h00 effective walking, from +140m altitude to +340m, from 6km to 11km depending on your chosen option.

Option of returning in the afternoon to Calvi, by taking the ‘Trinichellu’, Corsica's rail service, which runs from north to south via the centre of the island (Not included : 25).

Extra day:

Day 14 : Ajaccio

Choice of 2 walks along the 'Sentier des Crètes’, a trail that overlooks the gulf of Ajaccio with magnificent views out to sea, over the town and the surrounding mountains. There is also the possibility of visiting the Iles Sanguinaires by boat’.

Although it is our intention to operate the itinerary exactly as detailed above, it may be necessary to make changes as a result of factors beyond our control. As a consequence, the itinerary or night stops may be modified and we reserve the right to make changes when/if necessary. Abnormal conditions can prevail in any Moderate holiday; be prepared to be flexible when necessary.

IMPORTANT PRECISIONS

LEVEL
You walk on walking trails with good footpaths and tracks. You need to be used to walking and take regular exercise to enjoy this holiday. There is between 5h00 and 6h00 effective walking each day. The ascents and descents are constant. There will be between 400m and 900m ascension per day. The effective walking time is an indication of how long it will take you, though walking speed varies enormously. The estimations do not take into account time for route finding and stops along the way.

CARRYING
you will have to carry a day sack only, with your water bottle, camera, picnic and gortex jacket.
Our bag-moving service means you can travel light. There are two night stops that are not accessible by vehicle and you will have to carry a minimum of personal gear for the night. This applies to Girolata and sometimes to Revinda which are two spots of wild, natural beauty.
Your main luggage - will be transported by vehicle between the different hotels. We ask you to please limit your main luggage to between 10 and 15kg to facilitate the transportation and carrying for the taxis. It is also important to consider that it may be necessary to carry your bags short distances around at the start or end of your holiday, to and from the bus station for example.

ORGANIZATION
We propose a self guided, independent walking formula. You choose your departure date (you can start any day of the week) and we will take care of all the rest. We transport your bags between the different night stops, provide the maps and good walking route notes. This is a way of enjoying complete flexibility, you dictate the walking pace and rhythm of your holiday.

HOW TO TRAVEL TO CORSICA
By Air Direct charter flights during the season from Gatwick and Heathrow offered by Air France, British Midland. Contact Holiday Options or Sky Marketing. Scheduled services via Paris. You can also change at Montpellier or Nice for connecting flights.
By Boat A high speed service BGV, overnight ferries and semi-fast ferries offer a regular service to Ajaccio port. SNCM Ferries - 61 Boulevard des dames - 13005 Marseille. Departs from Marseille, Nice or Toulon. Corsica Ferries, Moby Lines, departs from Toulon, Nice and Italie.
By Bus: Find all information at https://www.corsicabus.org/

Corsica selfguided and independent walking holidays For all details of our walking and hiking trips in Corsica surf on the links below.
Mare à Mare Sud H12 Porto Vecchio - Propiano	6 - 8 days
Mare e Monti North H13-stnd Whole trail from Calvi to Cargese stnd**	7, 9, 12, 13 days
Mare e Monti North H13-plus Whole trail from Calvi to Cargese plus	7, 9, 12, 13 days
Mare e Monti North Scandola H13b-stnd From Galeria, Scandola and Golfe de Portostnd**	6 - 10 days
Mare e Monti North Scandola H13b-plus From Galeria, Scandola and Golfe de Porto Plus/*	6 - 10 days

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Corsica: Mare e Monti North walking holiday

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Corsica selfguided and independent walking holidays