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Mare à Mare, Mare è Monti trails... a choice of discovery hikes in Corsica!
A wonderful alternative to Corsica’s long-distance hiking trail
Corsica is renowned for its outdoor sports including a multitude of year-round hiking trails that are suitable for novices, experienced walkers, family and friends. Although Corsica is famous for its traditional GR20, a legendary long distance hiking trail which crosses the island diagonally, there are also six spectacular discovery trails: the Mare à Mare (North, South and Centre), the Mare è Monti (North and South) and the Transhumance Trail. You’ll find that these scenic routes are the perfect way to discover a different perspective of authentic Corsica, taking you through regions such as Valincu, Boziu, Balagne or Fium'orbu, where you’ll meet friendly folk, discover picturesque villages and majestic forests. Hiking in Corsica is a brilliant way to immerse yourself in the culture, gastronomy, and traditions of the island. The Trails are clearly indicated by orange makers (purple for the Transhumance trail) and are doable almost all year round with daily stages which take an average of 5 hours.
Mare À Mare centre
« Corsica - from east to west »
The Mare à Mare Centre trail starts from Ghisunaccia and crosses from the eastern side of Corsica to the west as far as Purticchju (with an alternative starting point at Tavera). The route takes you across varied landscapes with dense green undergrowth, and it’s the perfect choice if you want to enjoy local products. Although the Mare à Mare Centre is viable year-round, some gîtes close out of season so it’s worth checking in advance for accommodation. This is a walk that can be done without carrying much equipment as you’ll find a drinking water fountain at each stop and a gîte that offers food.
Information sheet for the Mare à Mare Centre trail
From Ghisunaccia to Purticchju (or alternative trail via Tavera) takes 6 to 7 days of hiking depending on the itinerary chosen.
Stages take from 3 to 7 hours
84 km in total and 5482m+ high
©PNRC
©ATC
MARE À MARE NORD
« Discover authentic Corsica »
The Mare à Mare Nord hiking trail begins in the village of Moriani and crosses Corsica from east to west as far as the village of Carghjese. The route takes you through pretty villages and regions that have a strong cultural identity, rich cultural heritage and wonderful architecture. You’ll discover stunning landscapes, and stopovers with welcoming villagers and delectable gastronomy. Although the Mare à Mare Nord is passable all year round, some gîtes are closed out of season.
Information sheet for the Mare à Mare Nord trail
From Moriani to Carghjese via Corti (or alternative trail via Venacais) takes 8 to 12 days of hiking
Stages take from 4 to 9 hours
139 km in total and 9202m+ high (161 km and 9112m+ for the alternative trail)
©ATC-S.ALESSANDRI
©ATC
MARE À MARE SUD
« A taste of the south and the far south »
This itinerary features varied landscapes and is accessible to all - even the most inexperienced hiking novices. Depart from Purti Vechju in the south and arrive in Pruprià in the Sartinese Valincu region. The trail is walkable all year round, it rarely snows in winter and remains cool and pleasant in summer thanks to the area’s lush greenery.
Information sheet for the Mare à Mare Sud trail
Departure from Purti Vechju, arrival in Pruprià takes 5 days of hiking
Stages take from 4 to 6 hours
73km in total and 4288m+ high
©ATC S ALESSANDRI
©ATC
MARE È MONTI NORD
« Breath-taking landscapes »
The Mare è Monti Nord trail starts in Balagne in Calinzana. It follows the line of the seashore on the west coast, while at the same time it is close to the highest mountain peaks of the area, making for a route of varied landscapes. The trail ends in Carghjese.
Information sheet for the Mare è Monti Nord trail
From Calinzana to Carghjese
10 days of hiking
9 Stages from 4 to 6.5 hours
121km in total and 8246m+ high
©PNRC
©ATC
MARE È MONTI SUD
« A balcony overlooking the sea »
This itinerary is ideal for exploring both the traditional interior of Corsica and the enchanting shores of the gulfs of Aiacciu and Valincu.
Information sheet for the Mare è Monti Sud trail
Purticchju to Pruprià
5 days of hiking
Stages take from 5 to 6 hours
66km in total and 3289m+ high
©PNRC
©ATC
THE TRANSHUMANCE TRAIL
« The authentic shepherds' trail »
Walking along this thousand-year-old path once used by shepherds during the transhumance – the seasonal movement of livestock - is an invitation to discover the island's heritage and traditions. It was once used as a route between the coast and the mountains by travellers on steady-footed mules. The trail connects the Plain to the Niolu mountain.
Information sheet for the Transhumance Trail
Calinzana to Corsica
5 Stages
5 days of hiking
Stages from 5 to 7.5 hours
72km in total and 3282m+ high
©ATC
©PNRC
©PNRC
HIKING SAFELY
• Check weather conditions the day before you travel (especially very sunny days, and rainy days when the path takes you alongside a river).
• Take sufficient water and high energy foods (e.g. dried fruit...)
• Wear good walking shoes and take warm clothes.
• Make sure you have a fully charged mobile phone.
• Follow the advice of mountain professionals.
