Around the 3-star campsite in Calvi are hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails. Nature lovers will love these routes, which allow them to admire beautiful landscapes, discover architectural gems and picturesque villages. Among the best-known are the Croix des Autrichiens loop, the GR20, the sentier du littoral and the Chemin des Douaniers.
The most beautiful hikes in Balagne
The Balagne region is one of Haute-Corse’s must-see areas for outdoor enthusiasts. The region offers several loops accessible from Calvi. Some of these routes, such as the Focolara loop, can take up to seven hours to complete. The activity is certainly physical, but you’re rewarded with a whole mosaic of breathtaking scenery, including mountains and lakes. For those who can’t exert themselves physically or don’t have a lot of time on their hands, there are always shorter routes, such as the Montegrosso loop, which takes just two hours to complete.
Getaways for all tastes
Hiking in Haute-Corse is a great way to enjoy the fresh air, take a break from nature and discover the richness of this beautiful region. The department boasts no fewer than 250 km of rehabilitated hiking trails. There’s plenty to choose from, depending on level and length. Many of these paths are ideal for walks with family or friends. Among the most popular with holidaymakers, for example, is the so-called “heritage trail”, a route that allows you to appreciate the charm and authenticity of villages such as Lumio, Occi and Lavatoggio. This 4 km loop takes around two hours to complete. But it usually takes longer, with hikers stopping regularly to contemplate the scenery.
Must-sees in Haute-Corse
We have selected a few places worth a visit in this beautiful département:
- The forests of Vizzavona and Vivario: The calmness of the woods, the fresh air and the lush greenery make these forests popular havens for families and groups of friends. The hike starts at the Monte d’Or hotel and leads to the Cascade des Anglais.
- The Agriates Desert: The route starts at the Roya beach in Saint-Florent, passes along the coastal path and leads to the Ostriconi beach.
- The Restonica gorges: famous for their natural pools. The route also takes in the magnificent glacial lakes of Melo and Capitello, at altitudes of 1,710 m and 1,930 m respectively. The route takes one hour to Melo and two hours to Capitello.
- The San Pedrone: This is a medium-level hiking trail that climbs to 1,760 m altitude. Before reaching Castagniccia’s highest point, hikers have the chance to admire centuries-old beech and chestnut trees. The route takes between two and three hours, starting from Col Prato, Campana or Campodonico.
- Monte Cinto: The hiking trail is also of medium difficulty. The arrival point is at an altitude of 2,706 m, and the route takes around two and a half hours. Once at the summit, walkers are “rewarded” with fresh air and, above all, a breathtaking view of the Isle of Beauty.