Penta-di-Casinca walks

Circular in the Penta Di Casinca valley among the cork oaks and scrubland.

In Haute-Corse, the village of Porri was one of the strongholds of the island's resistance movement. Near the village, a refuge cave known as the "Grotte des Maquisards" (Maquis Cave), which served as the Resistance's headquarters, recalls the contribution of Porri and the Casinca region to the liberation of Corsica. It is well guarded by the Vincetti, Vittori, Bébé Arrighi, Antoine Battesti, Noël Agostini and many others. Source: France 3 Corse ViaStella

This walk forms a circular route linking the villages of Vescovato and Olmu. It starts in Vescovato, where the architectural heritage is well worth exploring for the curious, and passes through the village of Olmu, which will delight lovers of the ‘old stone’ architecture found in island villages. The landscapes you pass through are varied, ranging from woodland to oak groves and open, exposed areas such as the ridges. Thus, as you move from one slope to another, from one bank to the other, you will have the opportunity to enjoy views of both the sea and the islands bordering Corsica, as well as views of the mountains, which are sometimes snow-capped depending on the season.

Sant Angelo (1,200 m) is a peak located between Casinca and Castaniccia. At its summit, you can enjoy a 360° view of the sea, the Biguglia lagoon and the surrounding villages and valleys. The hike takes place in the undergrowth, mostly under the protection of chestnut trees.

This circular hike, which is not difficult but does require a certain level of fitness, will take you through varied and unspoilt vegetation. Along the way, you will discover the two hamlets of Fiuminale and forests of hundred-year-old chestnut trees. From the summit of Croce Niolo at an altitude of 995 m, you will have a 360° panorama. To the west, you can see Monte San Petrone, the highest peak in Castagniccia. To the east, the Tuscan archipelago: Elba and Monte Cristo. To the north, Casinca and the Bastia region. Unspoilt by mass tourism, you will have the opportunity to visit three traditional villages in the upper Costa Verde region.

This circular route will take you through pleasant woodland at 1,200 metres above sea level, on Mont Sant'Angelo, which overlooks the Biguglia plain and the sea. Unlike the traditional trail that starts from Silvareccio, the departure from Carogne or Monte will take you off the beaten track on old, abandoned paths and trails and has the advantage of being circular. (!) Old description, some paths seem to have disappeared, see reviews.

A shaded walk along the Canapajo stream to the ruins of the village of Fiuminale, a restored village accessible only on foot, by donkey or on horseback. Round-trip hike.

This magnificent loop on the slopes of Monte Castellare offers breathtaking views of the neighbouring valleys, the plain of Bastia, Elba Island and, on a clear day, even the Italian coast. It alternates between wooded and open sections until you reach the summit at 1,000 metres, where a magnificent oak tree provides welcome shade for a picnic or a siesta. The descent takes you through the charming hamlet of Costa.

The walk takes place mainly in woodland, particularly chestnut trees. It is very pleasant to walk alongside various streams such as the Ruisseau de Canapajo, after the Pont de l'Enfer. The ruins of an old mill are also visible. The route also passes through the hamlet of Serrale.

Starting from the parish church of San Niculaiu, a listed historical monument, this short, easy, shaded circular family walk will take you through part of the municipality of San Nicolao with its two small hamlets.

Starting from Col du Pratu (Bocca di u Pratu), this hike takes you to the summit of Castagniccia: Monte San Petrone. There is a magnificent beech forest along the entire route and a superb panorama at the summit.

A superb circular walk in Castagniccia, in the shade of chestnut and beech trees and amidst ferns. At a bend in the path, panoramic views of the southern side of Castagniccia, the eastern plain and the Étang de Diane in the background. Majestic trees and strange sculptures formed by vegetation on the remains of immense chestnut trees.

This circular route in Castagniccia offers both a remarkable natural and cultural setting. Passing through villages and other built-up areas, it allows you to discover Corsican heritage: houses, chapels, churches, a convent (near Piedicroce), as well as wash houses and fountains. The circular path, mostly in the woods, is shaded while offering exceptional views of the various villages in the region. Small streams provide refreshing breaks in summer, while remaining passable in winter.

When nature becomes a spectacle. Secret yet welcoming, the Ucelluline waterfall (meaning "little bird" in Corsican) offers a striking setting that will leave a lasting impression. Between the villages of Santa Maria Poggio and San Nicolao, discover this wild and unspoilt site where fresh, clear water flows before your eyes and continues its journey to the sea. This walk is very popular during the day, but also at night, when its misty veil is fully illuminated and will fill you with wonder.

This trail, starting from a pay-and-display car park (€5), takes you to the Bucatoghju Waterfall and also allows you to see a Genoese bridge. It is an easy, family-friendly walk, though it does involve several (structured) stream crossings.

This circular loop can be done with the family, for example, or simply to discover the Orezza region on a short and easy hike. During this walk, you can discover the region's natural heritage (waterfall) as well as its architectural heritage.

This alternative route to Monte San Petrone from the village of Pie-d'Orezza is much more challenging, but also more beautiful than the classic route via the Col de Prato. At 1,767 metres, San Petrone is the highest peak in Castaniccia. The summit offers a remarkable 360° panorama. You will have a view of Cap Corse to the east coast, the whole of Castaniccia and the mountain range of the island's highest peaks. This hike can be classified as very difficult for hikers who are not used to fairly long distances and significant elevation gains. You can shorten it by avoiding the return trip to the summit of San Petrone from the Col de Bocca di San Pietro. Nevertheless, it will still be a very beautiful circular hike with varied landscapes and unobstructed views.

This circular route starting from Campodonico traverses varied mountain landscapes in the heart of Castagniccia. On the plateau, a breathtaking view allows you to admire the mountain range of central Corsica and the remarkable villages of Castagniccia, whilst enjoying a distant view of the sea. Furthermore, there are traces of ancient buildings to admire at Bocca al Prato.

A beautiful little circular walk from the outskirts of Castineta (well worth a visit!). Discover old hamlets and paths between Castineta and Morosaglia. These paths were widely used before the road to Castineta was built.

This hike will allow you to admire the views of both seas.

This is a route with little elevation gain in the mountains above Rutali, ideal for a family walk. In the middle of the scrubland, there are arbutus trees, oaks and a few chestnut trees. You quickly find yourself isolated in wild nature at an altitude of 600 metres with views of the sea to the east and west. We are facing the base of Cap Corse.

Located above Cervione, this hike offers a chance to admire varied landscapes and vegetation. The viewpoints, on either side of the mountains, also allow you to gaze from afar at built heritage, such as the Chapel of Scupiccia, for example, or the village of Santa-Maria Poggio. In the distance, out at sea, the Island of Monte Cristo can also be seen.

A beautiful mid-mountain route which, from the Col de Bigorno at an altitude of 885 m, takes walkers to the summit of Sant’Anghjulu at 1,389 m. On a clear day, the 360° panorama offers views of some of the highest peaks in Southern Corsica. Nearby, the Lento Refuge is situated on the western side of the I Compuli rocks. It is made available by the local council; the key is hung near the window to the right of the entrance. The only refuge in the Tenda range, this peaceful spot overlooks the Manghjatoghju valley, where animals gather around ‘pozzine’* fed by the numerous springs. A magnificent view opens up over the peaks of Asco and Cortenais. The return journey follows the same route, with the Nebbiu plain, the Gulf of Saint-Florent and Cap Corse to the north. To the south, from the Col de Bocca Forca, the Golo valley and its hilltop villages come into view. This route is strongly advised against from 15 July to 31 October 2026 See practical information

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.

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

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 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

Second circular route of the route: ‘Between the Secular and the Sacred’, created on the initiative of the municipalities of Rapale, Pieve and Sorio, using the old footpaths that once linked the three villages. This route is every bit as good as the previous one when it comes to exploring the local heritage: menhir statues, wash houses, fountains, cobbled alleyways and village paths lined with walls – that’s the secular side.The sacred heritage is equally remarkable, featuring the churches of San Quilico in Pieve, San Filippu Neri in Sorio and the chapels.The return journey from Sorio to Pieve, offering a panoramic view over the Nebbiu plain and the Gulf of Saint Florent, is ideal for taking photographs. This route is strongly advised against from 15 July to 31 October 2026 See practical information