Day 1 in Central Corsica

Welcome to the Central region of Corsica! This area is the hilly interior of Corsica where you`ll find unspoiled forests, switchback roads, quaint charming villages perched high in the sky, and mountain peaks sculpted by the wind. Upon arrival, make your transfer to your destination, arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do.

Start your visit in Corte, Corsica`s ancient capital and a hiker`s paradise. This is one of the central region`s most beautiful locations; in addition to being an attractive town, the surrounding countryside is packed with outdoor adventure opportunities and photogenic landscapes.

Corte is a University town, 30% of the population are students at the University, with a cosmopolitan air, and bustling cafes and bars filled with students from all over. As you arrive in the city you`ll notice the dramatic citadel sitting on top of a rocky outcrop above the town and the Tavignano valley. A walk up to the citadel is where the tourist office and a museum are located. Make sure to visit the nearby viewing platform which provides stunning views of the citadel and the town, as well as the surrounding mountains in which Corte is set.

Near to the citadel the National Palace was once the seat of the independent Corsican government. It now houses various temporary exhibitions. Below the citadel the main town is along one street with steep steps leading up to houses and shops up the slope. A lot of the town is slightly dilapidated but it has a faded charm and is of course surrounded by fantastic mountain scenery.

One of the most active parts of town is the area by the Fontaine des Quatre Canons and the wide steps, the Rampe Sainte Croix, that run up from here with numerous restaurants and bars along the way. At the top is the ornate church of Santa Croix which has a beautiful interior with the paintings on the ceiling and very pretty bright blue and gold details.

The center of the town is around Place Gaffori with a statue of General Gaffori in front of the building where he once lived. Jean-Pierre Gaffory was the head of the Corsican government from 1730 to 1750 before Pascal Paoli. Gaffori was assassinated by the Genoese. Stop in for a look inside the 15th-century Church of the Annunciation and admire the attractive pulpit. It has a unique bell tower as you approach Corte from the surrounding countryside.

After a busy day of exploring the city of Corte, spend some time relaxing in one of the many restaurants and take in the ambience of the city at night.

Day 2 in Central Corsica

Wake up early today and head to the Gorges de la Restonica to the south of Corte, one of the scenic highlights of the island. The gorges are accessible both as the casual visitor for an easy walk or a more intrepid hike. It is extremely popular with hikers and bathers looking to escape the Corsican heat in the accessible river pools.

Another option to discover the Gorges de la Restonica is simply driving along the valley while stopping along the way in the various pools for a swim. The rocks on either side of the gorge are very impressive and covered in trees, mostly pine and birch, but also with numerous flowers.

We recommend a hike to take in all the dramatic nature of the gorges, there are several paths of varying difficulty. Below the cliffs is a fast moving river that flows over rocks and boulders which forms the most beautiful turquoise pools along its length. One path that is highly popular is the path that will take you to the two lakes: Melo and Capitello and takes about four hours round trip. (For something a bit more challenging, take the path to Monte Rotonda which stands high above the valley through the pine forests.)

Alternatively, check out the Tartagine Forests, an incredible area of wild countryside in Corsica`s National Park region also within easy reach of Corte. Discover the beautiful mountains and sit by snow fed rivers rushing over granite boulders surrounded by pine trees. Take the route through Speloncato, via the old chestnut woods of the Guinssani, where you can stop at the Genoese church, and admire the stunning view of the valley. As the road is winding and narrow so the trip will take you longer than expected, we recommend to either bring a picnic (there are few other visitors) or visit one of the local Auberges in Olmi Cappella, Pioggiola or on the Col de Battaglia.

At the end of the day, enjoy any of the area restaurants serving up delicious local cuisine before heading back to your hotel for a restful night sleep.

Day 3 in Central Corsica

On your last day in the Central Region of Corsica continue exploring the astonishing beauty and head to the Asco Valley. The remote and now abandoned ski resort of `Altore 2000` lies at the end of the road leading west through the Forêt de Carrozzica at the northern foot of Monte Cinto, but is an excellent place to start a hike along a stretch of the GR20 that takes in Corsica`s third highest peak, Paglia Orba and which offers, arguably, some of the best views on the whole of the island. On the way to Altore, there is the Genoese bridge at Asco, which provides a peaceful spot to stop for a refreshing swim in the river and there are many picturesque picnic spots within a short walk.

On the road up to Asco is the Village des Tortues, which is home to the sanctuary for the native Hermann`s Tortoise - a species peculiar to the island and, thanks to this initiative, now beginning to become re-established in the wild.

There are also plenty of roads to explore deep into the forests of Vizzavona, La Restonica and Rospa Sorba, crossing lofty passes that provide exceptional views across the island.

At the end of the day stop at any one of the picturesque villages you found along the way to take in the charm and enjoy some local cuisine.

Additional Days in Central Corsica

Should you be able to spend additional days in the central region of Corsica we recommend a visit to the remote village of Aullène to enjoy the magnificent scenery. It has fewer than 200 permanent inhabitants today, but once was a place of importance before any of the modern, faster roads by the coast were built. The only route from Ajaccio to Porto Vecchio went through here. The village is surrounded by chestnut and pine forests and offers an excellent center for exploring the mountains.

Another village worth a visit is Zonza, situated is at a meeting point of mountain roads. With its old stone houses and narrow streets, it is a true mountain village. The surrounding countryside is diverse and fascinating; the majestic Col de Bavella, drawn and painted by Edward Lear and endlessly photographed since, is nearby. This area is particularly suitable for those who want to do some walking without being too ambitious, and many easier routes are marked.

And yet another area worth discovering is the Vico and the Gorges of Liamone. Vico is one of the more remote outposts of Corsica and nestles in the mountains 9.3 miles northeast of Sagone. To the north, Col de Sevi provides fine views across the mountains, or strike east and visit the thermal springs at Guagno-les-bains. The more adventurous can continue further along this way to the hamlets of Soccia and Orto perched on a ledge in front of the crags of Monte St Eliseo. From Vico, the D1 travels south following the Rivière Liamone for about 4 miles. The Gorge is a beautifully remote landscape of extensive valleys covered in chestnut trees and framed by shadowy ridges covered in patches of deep maquis. Wild pigs roam freely until the village of Arbori, an exquisite collection of russet buildings strung out on a ledge overhanging the valley. Don`t miss the convent of St François, a great white building encircled by vivid green woods and gardens. Continue south and you arrive at the wine producing Cinarca region. Walkers should not miss the hike to the Lac de Creno.

Your Last Day in Central Corsica

Depart your hotel for the train station, ferry or airport where you will head home or make your way to more Corsican adventures. Savor the memories of a very special time in the central region of Corsica.