Circular three-village tour in Zilia

Park in the car park opposite the biscuit factory and the fountain.

(S/E) Head left, cross the road and take the alleyway to the right of the church. Follow Rue Casanova.

(1) At the end of the street, turn left onto the cobbled lane that climbs up and leads to the yellow-marked trail. Follow this trail up to the pass: there are a few gates that open and close easily. Head down to the stone building, following the 4x4 track.

(2) Find the yellow-marked trail that winds through the vegetation and descends to the left. Be careful as it is difficult to spot. In any case, do not follow the track that descends towards Feliceto. You will emerge onto a 4x4 track.

(3) Turn left and follow this track to a cattle farmer’s gate.

(4) The path resumes on the left, running alongside the farm’s stone wall. Head down to the village of Muru, reaching the centre via the road.

(5) Just before the Post Office, head up to the left to reach a small clearing. Take the lane leading up to the left and rejoin the yellow-marked hiking trail. It is signposted: Montegrosso. The markings may also feature a yellow M. Follow this well-marked trail to the pass.

(6) There is a gap in a wall which might suggest that this is the continuation of the path. Do not go through it, but veer to the left. The path to follow is barely visible for a few metres and is quite steep. The path is therefore above the plateau. It is bordered by a low stone wall on the right and a sign reads: “Bocca di Muru 666 m”.

During the descent, you will come across numerous junctions. Follow the main path, always keeping to the left.

(7) Turn left, following the sign for “Cassanu Zilia”. Cross the road and continue straight ahead.

(8) At the junction, head straight ahead again to cross through the village. When you reach a small square, turn right and go down all the narrow streets which will lead you to the footpath. Follow this path until you reach the road.

(9) Take the road on the left to the cemetery and keep right onto the path signposted “Zilia”. Follow this path, which bends to the left and heads east.

(10) Be careful: take the narrow path on the right. You will see faint yellow markings, but the fork is not very visible. Further on, turn left and follow the path until you reach a tarmac road. Follow it to the right, pass the cemetery and arrive at the junction marked by a Yellow Cross.

(11) Leave the road that climbs to the right and continue towards the village visible above

(12) Take the steps leading up to the right. At the top, turn left, then right to return to the car park (S/E).

It is advisable to wear clothing that covers your legs due to the vegetation (broom, maquis, etc.)
It is also advisable to take plenty of water with you.
As I undertook this hike in February, I didn’t really come across any water sources.

On both sides of the valley, you can admire various villages of Balagne, with the Reginu dam and the sea in the background.

Zilia is renowned for its mineral water, which you can drink from the fountain on the road, below its equally famous biscuit factory. The village and its places of worship are well worth a visit, as is the panoramic viewpoint.
You’ll arrive at the lower part of the village, where you can also visit the Chapel of Saint-François.

Muru, in addition to its charm, boasts a magnificent church. Once you reach the pass, you may also spot red kites or large black ravens, depending on the season.

Cassano, a typical Balagne village, also offers architecture to discover as you wander through its narrow streets.