Oletta walks

Oletta is undoubtedly one of Corsica’s most ‘photogenic’ villages. This is due to its natural beauty, its location and the excellent state of repair of its monuments and buildings in general.But there is real value in exploring our village from Mont Tuda, which also offers 360° views.The route takes you past the Mersulaccia Fountain, along the recently reopened local footpaths, past the Saint-François Convent, through the hamlet of Piedalbuccio and into the heart of the village: these are the main points of interest along this route. “Tip: follow the route in the correct direction to climb Mont Tuda via its southern slope. This applies regardless of your chosen starting point (Municipal Car Park on the D38 or Saint-François Convent on the D82).” See restrictions on use of the route in the practical information section, subject to weather conditions

Mount Zuccarello is the highest peak in the municipality of Oletta. It rises to an altitude of955 m and forms part of the Serra mountain range, continuing on from Cap Corse.This route begins with a passage through Muntaghjò, a neighbourhood where, in the Middle Ages, the powerful Montalti family had built a castellu. The rest of the route takes place in mid-mountain terrain, starting with the ascent to the Col de Sant’Antonio and ending at the summit of the mountain, the highest point of the hike. The return journey begins with a beautiful escarpment near the Monts Stretti, before passing through the Col de San Giovanni. From there, splendid views of the Nebbiu and Conca d’Oru natural areas follow one after another all the way to Oletta. From 15 July to 31 October 2026 it is strongly advised not to take this route see practical information

A family hike of moderate difficulty, with a few little-known points of interest well worth discovering. An unusual viewpoint overlooking the two villages. * Alternative route starting from the village of Olmeta di Tuda. Car park at the entrance to the village. From 15 July to 31 October 2026 it is strongly advised not to use this route Given the successive heatwaves since the end of May, our association has not been able to clear the paths using the appropriate heat-resistant equipment, for one thing. Furthermore, the heat, drought and windy conditions are conducive to the outbreak of fires, which pose a maximum risk to walkers. In these extreme conditions, you should opt for short walks along the coast or riverside. Avoid any routes that cross scrubland and/or reach mid-mountain passes.

This walk between Poggio d’Oletta and Oletta was created by our association in March 2024 to honour the memory of the heroine from Poggio, Maria Ghjentile. In the spring of 2025, it underwent a significant and interesting modification. Thanks to the joint efforts of the ‘Conca d’Oru, Patrimonio Vineyard – Gulf of Saint-Florent’ Grand Site de France and the local authorities concerned, a new route has been drawn up which is sure to meet the needs of walkers.Two start/finish options are available, each with its own car park: the square by the former Saint François convent in Oletta and the car park at the town hall in Poggio d’Oletta. Update dated 3 September 2025: the modification to the route between Poggio Town Hall and Oletta Church, proposed by our association, avoids the need to cross and then follow the Poggio-D38 road for 350 metres. See restrictions on use of the route in the practical information section, subject to weather conditions

With a suggested tour of Oletta’s historic centre, explore the narrow streets that have been completely renovated by the local council yet retain their old-world charm.There’s no chance of getting lost: the lower and upper alleyways lead walkers back to the Church of Sant’Andria and its Piaza Nova; from this square or the Muntaghjò steps (at the top of the village), the views are remarkable.As the local footpaths and narrow streets are partially sheltered from the strong sunshine, this walk can be enjoyed in any season. Extension/Alternative Route: Visit to the hamlet of Romanacce – a 1 km round trip starting from point no. 3 in the Muntaghjò district As the Oletta Town Hall website states, “…even though the hamlet is no longer inhabited, it lives on through the miracle of the painting of the Virgin Mary that took place there in 1737”. The house where the miracle occurred can be visited free of charge, as can the adjoining Chapel of Saint Anthony. See restrictions on use of the route in the practical information section, subject to weather conditions

Starting from the former Saint-François convent in Oletta, this is a lovely walk through the countryside, ideal for families as it is easy going and well shaded.There are several points of interest along the route, and a lovely fountain, two-thirds of the way along, means you don’t need to carry drinking water with you.Parking is available, including on market days, which take place in the square in front of the convent every Tuesday and Friday from 1 June to 30 September, in the morning. This route is strongly advised against from 15 July to 31 October 2026 See practical information

The Chjassu Maria Gentile is a pretty walking loop connecting the neighbouring villages of Poggio d'Oletta and Oletta. The route offers rich and varied landscapes: villages, scrubland, oak forests, streams... Its name is a tribute to Maria Gentile, a young heroine of the area who became a symbol of courage when, in 1769, at the age of just 20, she defied French soldiers who had sentenced the inhabitants of Oletta to death for plotting a conspiracy. Maria Gentile's fiancé, like his companions, was sentenced to death and executed without the right to a burial. Maria, refusing to abandon her fiancé's body, decided to defy the ban and, at nightfall, set out to recover it and give him a proper burial. Since then, Maria Gentile has been considered the Antigone of Corsica.

Monte Magna is situated at the western edge of the municipality of Poggio d’Oletta.Before reaching the summit, walkers will probably be tempted to take a short round trip to explore the ruins of the Chapel of San Petru di Mozenzana, whose first apse is thought to date fromthe 7th century. This dating, combined with the building’s relatively good state of preservation, is undoubtedly what makes it such a moving place. You will need to return to the main path to reach the summit of Monte Magna at an altitude of 233 metres. The360°viewsfrom there are exceptional. As well as the villages, the Nebbiu plain and the Tenda massif, you can admire the landscapes of the ‘Conca d’Oru – Patrimonio Vineyard – Gulf of Saint-Florent’ triptych , which have earned this natural site its place in the Grands Sites de France network. This route is strongly discouraged from 15 July to 31 October 2026 See practical information

A lovely circular walk featuring a section through mid-mountain terrain. First across the Costa Nuda plateau at an altitude of 634 m, then on to the Col de San Giovanni at 705 m. At this point on the route, walkers will certainly climb up to the eponymous cross at 726 m, where they can stop to take in the beautiful scenery. Views over both seas (the Tyrrhenian and the Mediterranean), the Chjurlinu-Biguglia lagoon, the Nebbiu and Conca d’Oru plains, and the Tenda Massif. Hikers will also discover an ancient threshing floor (aghja in the Corsican language) with its round stone for threshing wheat, which still stands on the site.The return journey from the San Giovanni Pass begins heading west and continues to Bocca di Pardino, offering superb panoramic views of the Patrimonio appellation vineyards, the Gulf of Saint Florent and the start of Cap Corse. At the pass, the route heads south towards the village of Olmeta di Tuda. This route is strongly advised againstfrom 15 July to 31 October 2026 see practical information

Created by the Bureau Montagne Nebbiu (Association of Mountain Guides), this walk allows you to familiarise yourself with the birdlife whilst exploring a Natura 2000 nature conservation area.The B.M.N. has improved the route signposting by installing a large sign at the start of the Col de Santu Stèfanu. From 15 July to 31 October 2026 it is strongly advised not to use this route Given the successive heatwaves since the end of May, our association has not been able to clear the paths using the appropriate thermal equipment, for one thing. Furthermore, the heat, drought and windy conditions are conducive to the outbreak of fires, which pose a maximum risk to walkers. In these extreme conditions, you should opt for short walks along the coast or riverside. Avoid any routes that cross scrubland and/or reach mid-mountain passes.

Vallecalle occupies a strategic location amongst the villages of the Upper Nebbiu.The suggested route takes walkers to Murato and then Rapale, with a return to Vallecalle made possible by the recent reopening of the Santo Pietro Vecchio mule track.In these places steeped in history, the pagliaghji (haylofts) bear witness to the region’s once-thriving agricultural and pastoral activity. The abundance and quality of the Romanesque architectural remains remind us of our ancestors’ devotion to the sacred.The cool stretches under oak and chestnut groves, followed by open terrain, and the superb panoramic views add to the appeal of this route.Visits to the villages, rich in heritage monuments and traditional crafts, are well worth a detour. Walking times should be adjusted accordingly. This route is strongly advised against from 15 July to 31 October 2026 See practical information

From the outskirts of Oletta, an old mule track leads to Saint-Florent across the plain. At its end stands the Cathedral of Nebbio, well worth a visit or a return visit.After a short detour through the vineyards of the Patrimonio appellation, which offers a superb view of the gulf and the start of Cap Corse, the walker reaches the town, its citadel and its harbour.The quays, once home to fishing boats, are now home to the largest marina on the ‘Isle of Beauty’. Once you’ve crossed the Pont Neuf over the Aliso, the renovated sea wall and Roya beach reveal much more accessible attractions such as angling and swimming.The return journey follows a rural municipal path lined with shepherds’ huts – known as ‘pagliaghji’ – built from white Saint-Florent stone. See restrictions on use of the route in the practical information section, subject to weather conditions

This is a lovely family walk around an exceptional village. Not only because of the natural areas you pass through and the scenery they offer, but also because of the history of the place and the preservation of its heritage. Or quite simply because of the quality of life that Muratu, in the Corsican language, offers its residents, whether they are permanent residents or just passing through. This impression is confirmed by the condition of the buildings – from the renovated old ones to the most recent – as well as by the variety and quality of the shops. Along the route, walkers will discover, to the south, the plateaus with their rich agro-pastoral history and the ruins of the San Frusulu chapel, which has recently been restored. After a short stretch over the heights of the village of Piève , followed by a descent through the maquis, you reach the banks of the small coastal river ‘the Bevincu’, spanned by its Genoese bridges. The village centre offers a chance to appreciate Murato’s significant vernacular heritage. This route is strongly discouraged from 15 July to 31 October 2026 See practical information

The village of Murato invites you to discover a trail called Histoire de pierres et d'eau (History of Stones and Water). It is a tourist circuit between village and nature where you can discover Murato Supranu (upper part of the village) and Murato Sottanu. You will pass through narrow streets, old houses, churches, chapels, fountains, pagliaghji (straw huts), wash houses and bread ovens. This route is not intended to be a long hike, but it has the merit of allowing you to discover the past and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

The Balcons trail, starting from the Belvédère de Barbaggio (downhill) or the RD238 (uphill), offers a nearly 10 km round trip with continuous views of the vineyards and the Conca d'Oru. It can also be taken as a one-way trip (5 km) by leaving a car at the end point and another at the starting point. Surrounded by scrubland, this trail offers remarkable views of the landscapes of the Grand Site de France Conca d'Oru, the Patrimonio vineyards, the Gulf of Saint-Florent and the limestone chain of Mont Sant'Anghjulu, whose six iconic hills are the visual signature of the area.

Created on the initiative of the municipalities of Rapale, Pieve and Sorio, the ‘Between the Profane and the Sacred’ route passes through these three beautiful villages in the Upper Nebbiu region, which have preserved and showcased a heritage that is an absolute must-see.Communal footpaths, mule tracks, Romanesque chapels, menhir statues, a church with an off-centre bell tower, plus a route through chestnut and oak woods, making it suitable for walking in all seasons.This description is not a copy-and-paste of the certified route but a variant split into two circular loops that follow its route. The idea is to make the route more accessible by reducing the distance and duration, thereby allowing more time to explore the heritage. This is therefore the first circular loop. This route is strongly advised against from 15 July to 31 October 2026 See practical information

This coastal hike allows you to explore this desert via a very pleasant trail and swim in idyllic coves.