Corsica Hiking and Kayaking

*Please note that the following information is meant to provide a general overview of your tour. The specifics of your trip will be contained in a pre-trip letter you will receive prior to your confirmed departure.

Important Trip Details: 

MEETING PLACE: Hotel Fesch, Ajaccio (Corsica)
MEETING TIME: 6pm
TRIP MILES: Varies depending on group size, weather and kayaker's abilities
RETURN TIME:  Noon
THE LAST SUPPER: Join your guide and fellow trip guests for a non-hosted farewell dinner at a favorite local restaurant. 
TRIP LENGTH: 9 days
AGE LIMIT:   Minimum age is 14
ACTIVITIES: Sea Kayaking and Mountain Hiking
NEAREST AIRPORTS: Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport (Arrival), Bastia Poretta Airport (Depart)

Corsica Hiking and Kayaking Tour Itinierary

Day 1: Ajaccio

Fly into the capital of Corsica, Ajaccio, which overlooks the Mediterranean Sea on the island’s west coast. It’s famously the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte whose ancestral home is now open to visitors. Take time to settle into your hotel before an orientation meeting with your guide, followed by a welcome dinner where you’ll have the opportunity to meet your fellow travelers.

• Meals Included: Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel Fesch or Similar

Day 2: Kayaking Isolella Peninsula

Today we will be kayaking to the Isolella Peninsula, which stretches into the Gulf of Ajaccio to the south of the capital. It’s home to several spectacular rock formations off the coast of Punta Sette Nave, which is considered one of the most beautiful beaches on Corsica. 

Before launching our kayaks, there will be a short safety orientation briefing, after which we’ll begin the paddle south. After a couple of hours, we’ll stop to picnic on a beach and enjoy a refreshing swim in the warm Mediterranean waters. 

We’ll continue paddling in the afternoon, taking in the majestic beauty of the Isolella Peninsula and its natural wonders. If the weather isn’t favorable for kayaking, we may opt instead to go hiking for the day to explore the rugged interior of Corsica. 

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Hotel Fesch or Similar
• Kayaking Distance: 4-12 miles / 2-4 hours (depending on the group’s ability)

Day 3: Filitosa + Hiking to Cucuruzzu

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll make our way into the mountains that rise to the southeast of Ajaccio, stopping en route to admire some of Corsica’s megalithic art at Filitosa. In addition to being one of the most beautiful prehistoric art collections in Europe, it’s shrouded in mystery, which only adds to its appeal. Take a step back in time to learn about the island’s 8,000 years of human history before reflecting on the past over a delicious lunch of traditional Corsican fare. 

In the afternoon, we will embark on a walk through a magical oak and beech forest to the prehistoric site of Cucuruzzu, which was hidden beneath dense vegetation until 1959. Today, it is protected as a Corsica Regional Nature Park, with some of its rock structures dating back to the 2nd century BC. Even if you’re not a history buff, the glorious setting makes it a worthwhile destination. 

We’ll then drive the short distance to our destination for the night - the charming town of Zonza. Take time to relax and breathe in the pristine mountain air before dining on lovingly prepared home-style fare. 

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Hotel du Tourisme Zonza or Similar
• Hiking Distance: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Hiking Alta Rocca Mountains + Travel to Cargese and on to Piana

Begin the day with breakfast in Zonza before we make our way to the Col de Bavella, a series of rocky granite spikes in the Alta Rocca Mountains. Our hike for the morning will take us to the statue of Notre-Dames-des-Neiges (“Lady of the Snow”), which serves as a marker on the Bavella Pass and reflects the faith of many Corsicans.

Afterward, we will begin driving back towards the coast, stopping for lunch en route. Passing through Ajaccio, we’ll explore the western coast of Corsica and eventually arrive in the picturesque village of Cargese, which perches on a steep hill overlooking the sea. It was originally settled by Greeks hailing from the Peloponnese as they fled persecution by Ottoman Turks and features two 19th-century churches that are worth exploring. 

Our next stop is the village of Piana, which is surrounded by rose-colored porphyritic rock spires that are juxtaposed spectacularly against the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea. It lies on the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gulf of Porto, which includes the Calanche of Piana, the Gulf of Girolata, and the Scandola Reserve. We’ll spend the night at a local hotel offering beautiful sunset views over the sea. 

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Hotel Capo Rosso or Similar
• Hiking Distance: 4-4.5 miles / 3 hours with an elevation gain of 200 meters / 600 feet

Day 5: Mediterranean Kayaking

Our plan is to spend the day kayaking along the coastline and explore the Gulf of Porto from the water. But with several spectacular hikes on offer through the stunning Calanche of Piana, we have built flexibility into the itinerary in case the weather conditions aren’t favorable for kayaking. 

From one of Piana’s lovely beaches, we’ll paddle north beneath sheer-faced cliffs and discover hidden sea caves along the coastline. This is the most challenging paddle of the trip but we can opt for one of two shorter routes if the group prefers. 

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Hotel Capo Rosso or Similar
• Kayaking Distance: Up to 13 miles / 5 hours (may be altered based on the group’s ability)

Day 6: Mediterranean Kayaking + Hiking Calanche de Piana

With a shorter day of kayaking planned, today is all about enjoying the views and delving into the history of Corsica. We’ll stop at a pretty beach for lunch and have plenty of time to swim, as well as an afternoon siesta if it takes your fancy. We’ll return to the beach by mid-afternoon, giving us time for a short walk in the dramatic Calanche de Piana as the golden light sets in. 

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Hotel Capo Rosso or Similar
• Kayaking Distance: Between 4 - 7 miles (may be altered based on the group’s ability)

Day 7: Hiking the Gorge de Spelunca + Scenic Train to Vizzavona

After an early start, we’ll make the short drive inland to the start of a hiking trail that winds through the Gorge de Spelunca, which is home to two 18th-century stone bridges that are protected as historic monuments. Spend time swimming in the river and admiring the picturesque forest before we continue to the village of Evisa for lunch. 

In the afternoon, we’ll drive south through the mountains and back to Ajaccio where we’ll board the Trinighellu scenic train. This narrow-gauge railroad traverses several spectacular gorges en route to the summit of Vizzavona. It’s here that you’ll find the historic Hotel Monte D’Oro, which was built as a retreat for British aristocrats at the end of the 19th century. After a refreshing drink at the bar, we’ll relax over a decadent meal at this atmospheric hotel.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Hotel Monte D’Oro or Similar
• Hiking Distance: 4 miles with an elevation gain of 330 meters / 1080 feet

Day 8: Hiking the GR20 + Mountain Train Ride to Bastia

Today we will hike part of the legendary GR20, which is arguably the most famous hiking trail in France and connects the north and south of Corsica. We’ll follow a picturesque stream that leads through a forest of pines, oaks, and chestnuts before returning to the hotel for a delicious lunch of traditional, local fare. 

In the late afternoon, we’ll board a train heading north through Corte, a mountain town that marks the geographical center of Corsica. It’s famed as the place where Pascal Paoli initiated his independence movement against the Genoese in 1755, marking a significant moment in French history. 

After roughly two hours aboard the train, we’ll arrive in the lively town of Bastia, which features a charming old quarter that’s clustered with colorful houses. It’s here that we’ll enjoy our final dinner together at a waterfront restaurant while watching the boats bobbing in the fishing port. 

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Hotel des Gouvernerus or Similar
• Hiking Distance: 9 km (3.5 hours loop) of hiking with an elevation gain of 270 meters / 885 feet

  • Note: There are several hiking route choices available / hikes may be altered depending on the group’s ability.

Day 9: Depart Corsica

If you’ve got an early morning flight, it’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers and head to the airport for your flight home. Those with a little more time can join a guided walking tour to explore Bastia, which has been designated as a French “Town of Art & History”. See the childhood home of Victor Hugo and the twin-towered Church of St. Jean-Baptiste, as well as the art-filled Cathedral of Ste. Marie. 

If time allows, we recommend that you spend an additional night in Bastia or catch a flight to Paris to spend a few days exploring this iconic city. Alternatively, you can board one of the ferries that connect Bastia with Livorno in Italy to continue your travels there. Please feel free to chat with our staff if you would like further recommendations.  

• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Accommodations: N/A

Travel to Ajaccio, Corsica

There are flights from France (Paris, Marseilles, Lyon, etc. ) direct to Ajaccio and Bastia. There is also ferry service from continental Europe. The shortest ferry goes from Livorno, Italy (not far from Pisa) and there is also service from Marseille and other ports in southern France. Flying is generally the quickest and most economical method of travel to Corsica.

Corsica Weather:

We highly recommend checking the weather prior to your trip for an updated forecast and current conditions. We recommend the following website.

Weather in Corsica - Weather Underground

When to go?

Corsica has a Mediterranean climate and one of the sunniest climates in France. Weather along the coast is warm from April to June, hot in July and August and then pleasantly warm again from September to late October.  The interior gets cold by December and snow falls in the higher mountains at times. Our trips are scheduled during ideal times in terms of weather and lack of other tourists.

Physical Preparedness

Whether you are an avid sea kayaker, or it is your first time, you’ll enjoy these incredible trips, and share in our passion for adventure, commitment to conserving the environment, and relishing unique experiences. For those new to the sport, kayaking is easy to learn in the sheltered waters that we visit, and we provide all of the camping gear, kayaking equipment and guidance needed. In addition, we keep our groups small to allow you to not only travel intimately among nature, but to ensure you receive the necessary attention from our guides.

Corsica Kayaking and Hiking Packing List Overview

We are excited to see you soon for your kayaking and hiking tour with ROW Adventures! The packing list outlined below is meant to serve as a guide to help you plan, prepare and outfit yourself for your upcoming travels.  We have provided our best recommendations and suggestions. These suggestions are based on the outlined itinerary, the geographic region, our knowledge of Corsica, and our personal experience.  

Gear Provided by Sea Kayak Adventures:

ROW Adventures will provide all necessary paddling equipment including: personal flotation devices (PFDs), all kayaking equipment, and neoprene booties.  

Luggage Recommendations:

Our trips are best enjoyed if you travel light. We think it is wise to avoid checking any luggage under the plane. If you do check a bag, make sure that you have everything that is either essential or would be hard to replace, with you in your carry-on.

We recommend packing in one semi-soft sided, roll-on (ideally a non-hard-sided version) or duffle luggage that meets carry-on requirements. Alternatively, if you must have a checked bag; make sure your personal items are packed with your “hard to replace items.”

We also recommend bringing one small day pack. This dual-purpose pack can serve as your personal item during your flights as well as your day pack for hikes during the tour. Outside zippered pockets are nice and allow you to organize your travel gear. Carry medications, travel documents, important personal items and other essentials or “hard-to-replace” items in this on the plane with you.

Corsica Kayaking and Hiking Tour Packing List

 

Essential Items:

• Passport – be sure it is valid for at least six (6) months after the date of your arrival
• A photo of your passport on your phone. A photocopy of your passport, inside a zip lock bag and stowed elsewhere in your luggage (as an additional precautionary measure, consider leaving a photocopy with family or friends at home as well)
• Copy of your air tickets with ticket numbers, placed elsewhere in your luggage
• Cash for gratuities 
• Credit and/or Debit/ATM card that works internationally, ideally with chip technology (some banks want you to notify them of travel plans ahead of time, which often can be done online.)
• Waterproof watch or small travel clock with alarm (if you are taking a phone, this can serve as your alarm clock)
• Travel outlet adaptors compatible with outlets of your destination country or countries. 

Active Clothing

*We recommend synthetic or quick-dry materials while kayaking and hiking

• One pair long, lightweight, nylon pants with zipper pockets (zip off legs are an alternative that give give you more options) 
• One - two pair nylon shorts or capris (this can double as a swimsuit for the guys) 
• One pair synthetic or merino wool long underwear
• Swimsuit 
• Two - three t-shirts and/or short sleeve shirt(s) or tank top(s) (synthetic is best) 
• Two long sleeve shirts with sun protection
• Two - three pairs of synthetic or merino wool socks 
• One wide-brim, tie-on hat 
• One warm hat like a ski cap or beanie
• One lightweight, packable jacket and/or vest 
• One wool or synthetic sweater or jacket for warmth in the evenings and mornings 
• One waterproof jacket (lightweight raincoat)
• One pair sturdy trail shoes, or running shoes, to use for hiking
• One pair of casual shoes or sandals with ankle straps and closed toes to wear when not hiking, such as in towns, etc. 

Additional Gear and Other Essentials:

• Pair of collapsable walking poles
• One lightweight sarong (thin material that can double as a beach towel)
• Small, packable travel towel (to take on hikes for swimming, etc) like this ultralight one
• Flashlight or headlamp
• One pair of paddling gloves (optional)
• Small day pack or fanny pack for hikes 
• One wide-mouth water bottle, 1 liter or larger
• Water filtration system - Bringing this along will help reduce our use of single use plastic. Corsica has nearly perfect tap water that can be easily filtered so it wont upset your body's system. If you are concerned, bring a filter such as a LifeStraw, Grayle, or Sawyer Squeeze or a Steripen that you can swirl in your water bottle to kill both bacteria and viruses.
• One buff or bandana for sun protection and cooling off
• ​Camera (or phone with camera) and appropriate charging mechanism
• Back up battery pack for electronic devices
• Wall power adapter for European plugs
• Binoculars or monocular 
• Glasses or contacts if needed
• Polarized sunglasses
• Retaining strap for glasses and sunglasses
• Reusable dirty/clean gear bags for wet or soiled items
• ​Small ​​reusable, leak-proof bags for liquid or spillable personal items
• Books or E-reader, pen and notepad, headphones, etc
• TSA-accessible lock for luggage security when not on your person

Toiletries and First Aid

• Standard toiletry kit including general hygiene products, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. (keep liquids under 3.38 oz.(100ml) for carry-on)
• Laundry detergent sheets so you can wash clothes in the hotel room if desired
• Insect repellent 
• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF 15-30
• Pre-moistened toilette packets or disposable shower wipes to refresh
• Prescriptions and any necessary personal medicines (please be sure to bring necessary prescriptions and any needed emergency medicine such as an EpiPen, Benadryl, etc)
• Heavy duty skin lotion for dry, sun-baked, and salted skin
• Small squeeze bottle of hand-sanitizer gel

Note on Packing Light: Packing efficiently will make loading your kayaks easy and enable you to quickly find your gear during the tour. Plan to use 1-2 kayaking outfits that you will reuse throughout the trip. You are welcome to bring extra clothing for before or after your tour.  

ROW Adventures - Corsica Recommended Reading List

• Carrington, D. (1974). Corsica: A portrait of a granite island. John Day Co.

• "The Last of Eden" Part 1 Conde Nast Traveler: March, 1991 

• "The Last of Eden" Part 2 Conde Nast Traveler: March, 1991 

• "A Marvel in the Med" Conde Nast Traveler: February, 2013 

Additional Corsica and Sea Kayaking Information 

Weather Report - Check the local weather before you go.

Best Flights to Corsica - Find the perfect flights that work for you.

Corsica Info and History - Learn about this unique corner of Europe.

Trip Photo Album - Browse a photo album from a recent trip.

Anatomy of a Sea Kayak - Learn about your tour vessel.

Seeing the Isle of Beauty Through Rose Colored Glasses - Learn about the wonderful wine of Corsica.

Flavors of Corsica - Learn about the unique flavors and ingredients used throughout the region.

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