Compelling Corsica: Kayaking in France

*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 les Voyageurs or similar
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: Bastia Poretta Airport 

Compelling Corsica Kayaking and Hiking Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Bastia

A charming port town with houses of faded pastels perched above the harbor, Bastia is lively, a little exotic and ideal for exploring on foot.  Designated as a French “Town of Art & History” there are many stories to uncover under the ancient stones. The childhood home of Victor Hugo, Bastia features a number of romantic plazas and within its old quarter, a maze of narrow streets with hidden treasures.  Centered around the small fishing port chock full of boats are restaurants that feature the catch of the day.  

Bastia is easy to get to with great air service from mainland France as well as ferry service from Livorno, Italy (near Pisa) and other Italian cities as well as Nice, Marseille and Toulon.

Join us in the evening for an orientation meeting and welcome dinner.

Note: We recommend arriving a day early to enjoy Bastia and recover from jetlag.

• Meals Included: Dinner
• Accommodations: Hotel les Voyageurs or similar

Day 2: Hiking Alta Rocca Mountains, Zonza

We drive south along the eastern coast of Corsica, then inland to the Col de Bavella set in the Alta Rocca Mountains. The dramatic granite spires slice the cobalt sky to create a spectacular site. After lunch we set out on a two hour hike that begins near the serene statue of Notre-Dames-des-Neiges (Lady of the Snow) which is set as a marker for Bavella Pass. She rises above a mound of granite stones and plaques, testament to the deep faith of many Corsicans. We have a relaxing hike amid pines and beneath the high-rising pinnacles of the Col de Bavella.

A short drive takes us to the sweet town of Zonza. Here we relax, breathe in fresh mountain air and dine on food that is all local and lovingly prepared.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Hotel du Tourisme Zonza
• Hiking Distance: "Le Trou de la Bombe"  4-4.5 miles / 3 hours with an elevation gain of 200 meters / 600 ft

Day 3: Ancient site of Cucuruzzu and the Plateau du Cuscionu

Our morning begins in the small town of Levie, famous as a center for handmade knife workshops.  Then we step back in time and take a morning walk through a magical forest of oak and beech at the prehistoric site of Cucuruzzu. Brought to light in 1959 by archaeologist Roger Grosjean, the site was hidden under dense vegetation. Among the 100 most important historical sites of communal value in the Mediterranean, today it is a Corsica Regional Nature Park. Some of the rock structures date to the 2nd century B.C. while others date to the Middle Ages. History buffs will be delighted and for those less intrigued, the setting and scenery provide plenty of stimulation.

After our morning walk that immerses us in Corsican history, lunch features more traditional Corsican fare – salamis, dry-cured ham, sheep and goat cheese, fresh bread, dark wine and more. After lunch, we drive north to the Plateau du Cuscionu. At about 1500 m/4700’ elevation, we hike across meadows, small streams and grassy flats and may see free-roaming horses. Or we may set out to hike in a different location.

Hiking Distance: The Cucuruzzu park hike is about 3 miles / 2 hours with an elevation gain of 59 meters / 193ft.  Our afternoon hike will be determined by weather and interest and will range from 2-4 miles with moderate elevation gain and loss.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Hotel du Tourisme Zonza

Day 4: Filitosa, Cargese and Piana

Descending from mountain heights, we stop for a historical visit of Corsica’s impressive megalithic art. Filitosa is considered to be one of the most mysterious cultural sites in the Mediterranean, let alone one of the most beautiful Prehistoric art collections in Europe. We explore this beautiful area that gives us an overview of 8,000 years of human history.

Continuing our descent to the west coast of Corsica, we pass by the city of Ajaccio, birthplace of Napoleon.  Depending on time, we may stop for lunch and a short walking tour of the town.  We continue north along a coastal road to the hamlet of Cargese, perched on a steep hill above the sea. This small village of 1100 inhabitants was settled by a group of some 700 Greeks from the Peloponese who were fleeing the Ottoman Turks. We spend an hour or so exploring this charming seaside town along with two small churches from the 1800’s – one built by Catholics and the other by descendants of the Greeks.

Tonight’s destination is the village of Piana, set high on a steep rising mountain above the sea. Piana is surrounded by colorful pink and rose porphyritic spires of rock that rise like sentinels above the turquoise Mediterranean. It is on the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Gulf of Porto that includes the Calanche of Piana, the Gulf of Girolata and the Scandola Reserve. Learn more about the reserve here.

We arrive at our lovely hotel which is home for the next three nights and features spectacular sunset views over the sea.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Hotel Capo Rosso

Day 5: Kayak in the Scandola Nature Reserve

A short distance from our hotel we find a beach where our sea kayaks await.  After a safety orientation we begin paddling and when the sun is high overhead, we stop for a picnic lunch where the warm Mediterranean waters invite you in for a swim! After lunch and perhaps some stories of much-fabled Corsica, we continue our paddle beneath cliffs of ochre and red as we glide over crystal blue water.  By mid-afternoon we finish, ideally with time for a walk in the enchanting beauty of the Calanche de Piana.  At the end of the day, we return to our hotel and enjoy French cuisine, good wine and laughter.

Note: We base in Piana to allow us flexibility should weather conditions not allow us to kayak.  The village is the perfect base for miles of trails, so we always have great alternatives to kayaking.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Hotel Capo Rosso
• Kayaking Distance: 4-8 miles / 2-4 hours (may be altered based on the group’s ability).

Day 6: Mediterranean Kayaking – Cappo Rosso

Wake up to a glorious view of the Mediterranean! If weather conditions allow, our goal today is to paddle around the peninsula of Cappo Rosso.  Today’s paddle could be as long as 13 miles.  If this is beyond the ability of the group, or weather dictates otherwise, we have two other shorter routes available that are also beautiful!

The day is punctuated by swims, beach stops and a picnic lunch in this place where history and raw nature combine to create a mesmerizing beauty. At the end of our day we return to the comfort of our hotel and enjoy sunset views over the sea.

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

Day 7: Niolu to Corte and Hiking to the Col de Vergio

We leave the hotel that has been our oasis the past few days and drive about an hour into the heart of the mountains of Corsica to the Col de Vergio. Our hike is to the Radule waterfalls along a fairly easy loop hike in the Valdunielly Biological Reserve. Our trail serpentines it’s way though a forest of larch, birch and pine into the Golo valley. The path is rocky and spectacular.  We reach the falls where we a dip into the refreshing waters.

We lunch at a shepherd’s hut and follow our return route which is part of the legendary GR20 (Grande Randonnee) route, considered one of the most difficult and spectacular in all of Europe.  Once done we drive through deep granite gorges in the Defile de la Scala di Santa Regina, coursing through the heart of Corsica.

Our destination for the night is the historic capital of Corsica, Corte. In a valley surrounded by sky-piercing peaks, stone houses line steep slopes above the confluence of the Orta, Restonica and Tavignana rivers. The tallest rock promontory in town has been fortified for over 2000 years, and the 15^th century citadel still stands guard. Corte is the heart of the island’s political, social and cultural life and in 1755 was the capital of the Corsican republic led by Pasquale Paoli who led the island to independence from the Genoese. He is also responsible for giving Corsica a democratic constitution that was in important reference for the American Constitution more than three decades later. A university was founded in Corte in 1765 and closed in 1769.  It reopened in 1981 and today some 4000 students make up half the town’s population during the academic year. Perhaps nowhere else in Corsica can you dig as deeply into the spirit of freedom and self-determination that is the hallmark of the Corsican people as you can here in Corte.

After dinner enjoy a stroll in town and you may happen upon some informal singing at one of the many bars.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Hotel Duc de Padoue
• Hiking Distance: 7 km/ 4.3 miles – 200 m/ 650’   Approximately 3 hours of hiking

Day 8: Restonica Valley Hiking, Bastia

Not far from Corte is the Restonica valley, one of the scenic highlights of Corsica. Tall granite peaks, crystal clear rivers and forests of pine and birch combine for an inspiring day in nature.  We hike on rocky trails and a dry streambed, clambering over boulders as needed.  This is the most challenging hike of the trip as we climb considerably towards the end of the hike to reach Lake Melo including an ascent using chains, and finally a ladder.  From Lake Melo we can continue to Lake Capitello if desired.  The views are wondrous, with forests and peaks that reach 6000’ and more, cutting into the turquoise sky.

We enjoy a picnic lunch during our day, then drive north to Bastia.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Hotel les Voyageurs or similar
• Hiking Distance: 7 km/ 4.3 miles – 370 m/ 1200’ to Lake Melo, optional 200 m/650’ to Lake Capitello.  Approximately 4.5-5 hours of hiking.

Day 9: Explore Bastia, Extend Your Stay or Depart Corsica

For those who are not rushing off, we explore Bastia in the morning on a guided walking tour of the town, childhood home of Victor Hugo, where new and old stand in stark contrast.  Designated as a French “Town of Art & History” there are many stories to uncover under the ancient stones.  

At this point you have many choices!  You might want to spend another night in Bastia (recommended) before staring home.  Or, you may wish to catch an afternoon flight and spend a day or two in Paris on the way home.  There are also ferries that leave Bastia for Livorno, and other coastal towns in Italy, as well as ferries that go to Marseille, Nice and Toulon.  Schedules and information are at  http://www.mobylines.com/routes/ferry-corsica.html or https://www.corsica-ferries.co.uk/

When flying to/from Bastia, we do not recommend going through Nice as there are very few connecting flights and if yours is cancelled it can be a 24 hour delay.  Rather it’s best to fly via Paris as there are a number of flights each day.

Our office is happy to help with suggestions.

Travel to Bastia, Corsica

There are flights from France (Paris, Marseilles, Lyon, etc.) direct to 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.

Sea Kayak Adventures Physical Requirements

Here at Sea Kayak Adventures our first and foremost goal is for you to have an enjoyable and safe experience. While most of our trips are suitable for beginners, some of our trips are more active than others and it’s important that you understand the physical requirements of the trip you choose. 

All of our sea kayaking trips are active adventures that involve some level of physical exertion and possible exposure to the elements including but not limited to wind, rain, heat, sun, cold temperatures and cold water conditions. Sea Kayak Adventures is able to accommodate people with physical limitations, disabilities and medical conditions; please speak with your Adventure Consultant if you think you will require any additional assistance while on the trip.  We ask that you consult your Doctor if you have health or medical conditions that could impact your ability to participate in an active and outdoor adventure.  In general, all trip participants must be able to do the following:  

• Wear all protective and safety equipment that are required by Sea Kayak Adventures and recommended/required by industry wide standards.
• Load and unload, on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion, the bus and/or van providing transportation for Sea Kayak Adventures activities.
• Reach the water access points (put-in and take-out) on their own, or with the aid of a qualified companion.
• Enter and exit the raft, kayak and/or inflatable kayak on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion.
• Remain seated and balanced in a floating raft, canoe, kayak or inflatable kayak w/ the aid of adaptive equipment, if necessary.
• Float on their back when entering moving and still water.  The participant must be capable of turning from face-down to face-up in the water with the aid of a Personal Floatation Device and must be able to hold their breath while under water.
• Remain calm and keep breathing under control in the event of a swim.
• Climb into the kayak, with the help of another person, should an involuntary swim happen at any point on the water.
• Make progress toward the shoreline or a boat by swimming in moving water and must be able to exit the water and ascend the shoreline once reached.
• Participate as an active paddler when instructed by the guide for the duration of the trip. 
• Move about the accommodations on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion.

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 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.

Compelling Corsica Packing List Overview

We are excited to see you soon for your kayaking and hiking tour with Sea Kayak 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:

Sea Kayak Adventures will provide all necessary paddling equipment including: personal flotation devices (PFDs), all kayaking equipment.

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.

Compelling Corsica Sea Kayaking and Mountain 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
• Neoprene Booties if needed for kayaking otherwise water sandles with a strap for kayaking.
• 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 
• Reef safe sunscreen (we highly recommend Stream2Sea as a reef safe option)
• Lip balm with SPF 20-50
• 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

 

Sea Kayak Adventures - Recommended Corsica 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.

Traditional Dishes of Corsica - Get excited for the culinary experience!

9 Facts About Corisca That Might Surprise You - Learn about Corsican culture and history.

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