Urtaca walks

A round-trip hike leading to Bocca San Pancraziu at 969 m via a well-marked track, offering lovely views of the Gulf of Saint-Florent and beautiful vistas of Urtaca and the surrounding mountains. No particular difficulty apart from a steady 3.5 km climb on the way there. A sign at the start indicates a 2 hour 15 minute walk to reach the destination. The walk offers little shade.

A beautiful hike through the Corsican maquis. The path winds along a beautiful marked trail to the Prunincu Refuge, then continues to climb through beautiful vegetation to the ridge overlooking the Puleghio ravine. To reach the summit, you will need to climb over some rocks (caution advised for those prone to vertigo). From Monte Astu, there is a magnificent view over the eastern plain, stretching as far as Île Rousse and the bay of Saint-Florent.

Pleasant circular path around the village of Lama. The path is very well maintained and features information boards about local life (thanks to the local council!). It is a stone path with some steps. It is not particularly difficult, apart from the climb which takes about 1 hour; it is best to wear walking shoes. The walk took 1 hour 50 minutes, but the ascent can take between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes, whilst the descent takes between 50 minutes and 1 hour.Total walking time: between 1 hour 50 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes.

What makes the villages covered by this walk unique is the length of their respective territories, each of which stretches all the way to the Agriate beaches.These are coastal municipalities, certainly, but historically rural, as Santu Petru di-Tenda and San-Gavinu di-Tenda have, since their origins, clung to the foothills of the eponymous mountain range, where the majority of their population is concentrated. Here, the route allows you to explore these two remarkable towns via a circular route. As you walk along the old communal paths that still link them, or through their respective narrow streets, you’ll linger at exceptional viewpoints and feel the sense of wonder evoked by the local natural and cultural heritage. * Please note : You are advised to make yourself known if you see a sign stating ‘hunting in progress’, and it is essential to keep your pet on a lead. This route is strongly advised against from 15 July to 31 October 2026 See practical information

Created in 2006 by the chair of the Nebbiu Rando Association and still maintained, the signposted walking route leading from San Gavino di Tenda to Monte Astu begins at the Chiesa fountain at the top of the village. With over 1,100 metres of elevation gain, this is the most mountainous of the walks in the micro-region. In fact, it requires considerable effort on the first ‘ascent’ until you pass the A Genucula rock, at an altitude of 1,042 metres. Hikers can then catch their breath on a path with a more manageable gradient and enjoy the scenery all the way to the summit cross at 1,535 metres, where a magnificent 360° panorama awaits. The return journey along the same path is by no means uninteresting, offering exceptional photo opportunities all the way.

A beautiful hike that allows you to discover some stunning beaches, starting with Ostriconi beach. After this beach, take the coastal path, which is the start of the Agriate Desert tour, and head back up to Acciolu Bay. There are several beautiful coves along the way.

A short circuit in the Agriates Desert with little elevation gain, some shaded areas and a refreshing breeze from the sea. Pretty trails with beautiful views of the Agriates Desert and the sea. Shaded areas on the first few kilometres. The distance covered can be adjusted as desired by continuing along the path beyond Cala di Vana.

While exploring the Agriates from Saint-Florent is a classic route, approaching the western part from Ostriconi beach is just as interesting and much less travelled. Here, the landscapes are breathtaking and walking is the only way to access a coastline untouched by human intervention.

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

Pleasant circular walk passing the ruins of a 13th-century chapel, with lovely views of Cap Corse, the Gulf of Saint Florent and the Tenda Mountains.

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

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

A lovely circular route along the coastal path starting from Roya Beach in Saint-Florent. A smooth ride along the coast on the outward leg. The return leg follows an inland track with panoramic views of the gulf, Cap Corse, Saint-Florent and the mountain range surrounding the Nebbiu region. See restrictions on use of the route in the practical information section, subject to weather conditions

This hike takes you through part of the Agriates desert along the coastal path, from Saint-Florent to Loto beach, passing through picture-postcard landscapes.

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.

Here is a new route starting from the Church of Saint Michael in Murato, which quickly takes the walker to discover the ‘Queen’s Rock – Teppa di Luciana’. The archaeological excavations of this ‘enormous rocky chaos’ are described in the ‘Places to See’ section. On the descent towards the coastal river Bevinco, traces of the area’s agricultural and pastoral past can be seen. In and around the village, there are magnificent historic buildings , including the 12th-century Pisan church , other churches and chapels, as well as restored old structures such as ovens, wash houses and fountains. On the southern outskirts, heading towards the Col de Bigorno, renovated Genoese bridges allow you to cross the Bevinco. An old ice house can be seen beside the Strada di Bigorno, which you’ll take on the return journey. Just before crossing the Pont Neuf, there is a picnic area for walkers. Finally, on arrival, you can visit the Church of San Michele, a12th-century Romanesque building in the Pisan style.

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

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

This walk is suitable for families. It is not particularly difficult and offers a bucolic stroll after visiting the villages. Much of the walk is shaded.

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

One can only admire the tremendous work of man carving a beautifully paved path along these narrow valleys to connect the villages or access the mills. Stone is everywhere, both on the trail and in the village of Mausoléo. The Tartagine invites you to swim or cool off. As for the bridges, what harmonious curves! An unmissable hike.

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

From Saint-Florent to Farinole along the coast, this return route allows you to discover hidden swimming spots as well as the path carved into the limestone cliffs, “marking the transition between the schistose Cap Corse peninsula and the Agriate Desert”. The scenery, perfect for photography, is fabulous. On the outward journey, you’ll see the gulf, the ridge of Cap Corse and, on rare occasions, the mainland coastline, which can be glimpsed on clear, windy days. On the return journey, the view opens up to the south towards Saint-Florent, the Nebbiu plain and its foothills, notably featuring the Tenda range and its highest peak, Monte Astu. To the west, the coastline stretches widely from Anse de Fornali to Punta di Cuza, situated between the beaches of Lotu and Saleccia. ⚠️ Hiking is prohibited from March to August as this is the nesting season. See practical information.

This walk follows the coastal path, offering magnificent views and two white sandy beaches.

Loop connecting the beautiful beaches of Lotu and Saleccia, accessible by sea shuttle from Saint-Florent. The outward journey runs along the coast, offering beautiful coastal landscapes and the opportunity to swim, while the return journey inland is quicker. A few remains of old dwellings line the path.

This walking route (U Giru di Piedalbuccio) was created in March 2020 around the rapidly developing residential area of Piedalbuccio. At the time, it was necessary to adapt to the lockdown from March to April 2020, linked to the ‘Covid-19’ pandemic, which restricted time spent outside the home to a maximum of one hour. This route therefore allowed residents to stretch their legs close to home, avoiding the time wasted on road journeys. Even today, in an area where urban development has stabilised, this route remains hugely popular, which in turn minimises the need for maintenance.

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, this walking route takes you, between the villages of Oletta and Poggio d’Oletta, to the remains of agricultural and pastoral areas from the recent past, as well as, much further back in time, the ruins of the San Petru di Mozenzana Chapel, dating fromthe 7th century. A leap forward to the18th century brings us to the events of 25 and 26 September 1769. Inscriptions on the south façade of the convent recall the tragic story of the Poggio heroine Maria Ghjentile, whose ruined house stands in the hamlet of Monticello. Returning tothe 21st century, walkers will have had the opportunity to discover, along the route, vineyards and olive groves – ‘the two pillars of the Mediterranean terroir’ – with a superb, multifaceted wine cellar serving as the highlight.

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

An interesting hike at the foot of San Parteo, offering superb views of the Giussani villages.

From Olzu beach, follow the coastal path to admire the beautiful coves and inlets. Wear sturdy footwear.