CORSICA WORLD HERITAGE

CORSICA WORLD HERITAGE

Secluded Mediterranean paradise: Piana & Girolata

READY TO HIKE ?

Welcome to the Isle of Beauty; an idyllic and truly spectacular mountain jutting out of the glittering Mediterranean sea! Spend six days taking in the views of the limpid turquoise waters of the Gulf of Porto (and swimming in them), and exploring the the Piana calanches (rugged coastal rock formations), the Scandola Nature reserve (by kayak) and the magical Girolata Bay area. Together these form the Gulf of Porto World Heritage Area. In early summer enjoy the flowers and the refreshing swims, in late summer pick fruit from the trees and kick out into the warm sea. Corsica’s independent spirit shines through – the distinctly Italian influenced culture (and language) give the island a distinct identity, neither French nor Italian but resolutely pleasure seeking and Mediterranean. Our trip combines yoga, walking and kayaking in this wonderful area.

BUDGET

1050€pp

depending on group size

 

This price includes :

• 6 days guided walking

• 6 nights half board accommodation

• All picnic lunches

BOOK NOW AT sian@pyrenees-mountains.com or +33(0)5 62 92 81 52

ITINERARY

DAY 1

Arrive on the overnight ferry from the mainland into Ajaccio, or via other means. We will establish a meeting point for the group and then catch the bus to Piana, which belongs to an association of the most beautiful villages in France. We have a short walk up through the village to the Eco Lodge, situated at the top of the village, where we will spend the next three nights. Here our hostess aims to serve organic veges from the garden where possible, and provide good healthy food.

DAY 2

After morning yoga and breakfast we explore the magical granitic formations of the Piana Calanches…hearts, dogs’ and lions’ heads, needles and towers…a photographer’s paradise ! The calanches are also part of the UNESCO World Heritage area with Scandola Nature Reserve and the Girolata Bay. Return to the lodge for evening yoga, a healthy and tasty dinner and a comfortable bed. (4-6h walking)

DAY 3

Yoga and breakfast, and then out the door for a short taxi ride to the trail head. We hike out along the peninsular to the Capu Rossu which is topped with an old fort. More than spectacular views in all directions. Either beach or back to Piana depending on group desires.

DAY 4

We walk from Piana down to Porto (2h) and take a taxi boat across the Gulf of Porto to Girolata. Girolata, or Ghjirulatu in Corsican, has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is accessible only by foot or boat. Our accommodation is right on the beach and we have our yoga site on the helicopter pad !

DAY 5

From Girolata our walk for today takes us up through the Cavone Ravine to the stunning Bonassi Pass with its incredible Holm Oak trees. The views are wonderful and the forest makes a change from the rocky outcrop formations. This will be our most challenging walk of the week but it is well worth the effort. (6h)

DAY 6

Today we have a either a relatively short walk across to the Tuara beach and back along a lovely coast track, or we can go further up along a ridge line for more wonderful views. Afternoon kayaking or snorkelling around the Scandola Nature Reserve and its rich ochre cliffs.

DAY 7

Water taxi return to Porto to connect with bus to Ajaccio. There is also a bus to Calvi if you would prefer to leave Corsica from there or Ile Rousse. Night in Ajaccio or Calvi at your own charge or ferry out.