Hiking guides and maps of Corsica
Corsica on foot
A concentration of the wild Mediterranean, between turquoise coves, fragrant scrubland, and dizzying peaks: Corsica is an island for hiking. Whether you’re a fan of trekking in Corsica, a hiker in search of viewpoints, or a fan of cultural strolls, the Isle of Beauty has a thousand itineraries to offer you.
Corsica, a hiking destination between sea and mountains
In the heart of the Mediterranean, Corsica unfolds its 8,722 km² of contrasting landscapes. Mountainous and wild, it is crisscrossed by a central mountain range that culminates at over 2,700 meters with Monte Cinto. This relief creates a multitude of environments: secret coves, Corsican pine forests, high-altitude lakes, hilltop villages, pastoral valleys… The island is a veritable microcontinent.
This natural diversity is accompanied by a contrasting climate: Mediterranean on the coasts, alpine at higher altitudes. In summer, it’s best to leave early to avoid the intense heat, while spring and autumn offer ideal conditions. Hiking in Corsica also allows you to get up close to endemic flora and fauna: mouflons, Audouin’s gulls, fragrant maquis, chestnut forests, and moss-covered pozzines.
When it comes to culture, Corsica tells its story along its paths: Genoese towers, old sheepfolds, transhumance trails, and villages where the Corsican language still resonates. A hike near Ajaccio, in the Sanguinaires region, will take you in the footsteps of Napoleon, while a hike in Bonifacio will offer breathtaking views of the limestone cliffs.
The great hiking trails in Corsica
Corsica is crisscrossed by legendary trails, from easy hiking to sporty expeditions.
- The GR®20 : The legendary Corsican GR20 connects Calenzana (Balagne) to Conca (southeast) in 16 stages. At 180 km long, it is one of the most challenging treks in Europe. It crosses the mountainous spine of the island, crossing steep passes and exposed ridges. It takes approximately 15 days to complete the entire route. A one-week hike in Corsica is also possible by completing only the northern or southern sections of the GR. This trek in Corsica is reserved for experienced and well-equipped hikers.
- Mare a Mare : These routes connect the two coasts of the island, from east to west. There is the Mare a Mare Nord from Moriani to Cargèse, which takes approximately 9 days. Mare a Mare Centre from Ghisonaccia to Ajaccio in 7 days) and finally Mare a Mare Sud from Porto-Vecchio to Propriano in 5 to 6 days
- The Mare è Monti : As their name suggests, these paths connect sea and mountains, often in a balcony above the coast, there is Mare è Monti Nord from Calenzana to Cargèse and Mare è Monti Sud from Propriano to Porto-Vecchio
More accessible than the GR20, these are very good options for a guided or independent hike in Corsica over several days.
- The Transhumance Trail : Less known, this trail connects Calenzana to Scala Santa Regina. He follows in the footsteps of the Niolu shepherds. A great stopover is between Albertacce and Lozzi, for a southern Corsican hike off the beaten trac
Our essential products for hiking in Corsica
To head out on Corsican trails with peace of mind, it’s best to be well-equipped. Here are four must-have products you can find on Cartovelo or in any good specialist bookstore:
- GR20 Topo-guide – Rother : The official guide to accurately follow the GR20 stages: distances, elevation changes, walking times, refuges, and variations.
- IGN Map of the Crossing of Corsica : Discover the legendary hiking trails in Corsica. The GR20 crosses Corsica from north to south, passing through the mountain range and the Corsican Regional Natural Park.
- Through the Corsican Mountains – FFRP : FFRP hiking guide to Corsica: “Mare è Monti” between the sea and the mountains, with over 35 days of hiking in the Corsican Regional Natural Park.
- Travel Guide, Very Simple, Corsica : This practical guide, with its content and small format, reveals the most beautiful hiking trails, secret beaches, and hilltop villages.
A dense and well-maintained network
The hiking network in Corsica is dense, well-marked (red and white GR, yellow PR trails, orange and purple themed trails) and largely maintained. It is managed in particular by the Corsican Regional Natural Park, which covers 40% of the island’s territory.
The diversity of the routes allows all types of hikers to find something for them:
- Family hikes : English Waterfall, Fautéa Tower, Punta Vecchiaia Customs Trail
- Strenuous hikes : Capo Rosso, Pozzines, Punta di a Vacca Morta
- Coastal hikes : Saleccia from Saint-Florent, Tizzano coastal path
- Cultural hikes : Postman’s Trail to Girolata, paths to the Genoese Towers
Corsica is also developing guided hiking, led by qualified guides: ideal for beginners or to better discover the local heritage.
Whether you opt for a multi-day trek in Corsica or a half-day hike in Ajaccio, the Isle of Beauty is worth exploring on foot, with a map or guidebook in hand. So, are you ready to hit the trail?