Sardinia & Corsica
From the Mountains to the Mediterranean
- 14 Days
- From 9,785
- Italy & France
- Moderate
Moderate: Designed for hikers with some experience, offering longer trails and varied terrain.
Highlights
- Sardinia's Coastal & Mountain Treks: Explore Sardinia’s dramatic cliffs pristine beaches and ancient prehistoric sites with stunning views of the glistening blue sea never far away.
- Corsica’s Majestic Scenery: Discover Corsica's breathtaking mountainous landscapes rugged cliffs and golden sandy beaches often hailed as the most beautiful island in the Mediterranean.
- Iconic Hiking Routes: Hike the legendary GR20 trail in Corsica’s snow-capped mountains taking in untamed beauty and panoramic views.
- UNESCO Heritage Wonders: Wander the Sentier du Littoral and explore the incredible rock formations of Les Calanches in the heart of Corsica’s Regional Nature Park.
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting islands of Sardinia and Corsica, where coastal walks, mountain hikes and cultural discoveries await. Begin your adventure in Sardinia, an island renowned for its unspoilt beaches, towering cliffs and ancient prehistoric sites. The island’s rugged interior, still home to traditional shepherds, is as captivating as its coastal beauty. Sardinia’s unique blend of Christianity and ancient pagan traditions is reflected in its remarkable churches, adding to its allure. Throughout the journey, the glistening blue sea serves as a constant, breathtaking backdrop as you explore coastal trails and mountain paths.
A short ferry ride across the Straits of Bonifacio brings you to Corsica, a mountainous gem located 170 km south of mainland France. Corsica’s varied landscapes, from towering peaks to pristine beaches, make it one of the Mediterranean’s best-kept secrets. Our thoughtfully curated route leads you through some of the island’s most awe-inspiring scenery, including dramatic cliffs, serene beaches and lush forests. During guided walks, you’ll pass through fragrant pine, silver birch and chestnut forests, alongside sparkling rivers and hillsides blanketed in lavender, rosemary and thyme—an aromatic wilderness known locally as the Maquis, which inspired the name of the French Resistance.
Next, journey to the picturesque village of Piana, where you’ll explore the striking Capo Rosso and Capo d’Orto, offering panoramic vistas of Corsica’s dramatic coastline. A visit to Les Calanches, a UNESCO World Heritage site, will leave you in awe of its extraordinary rock formations and breathtaking natural beauty in the Golfe de Porto.
The final leg of the journey takes you to the charming town of Saint-Florent, the gateway to the remote and untamed Desert des Agriates. This stunning wilderness, known for its untouched beaches and rugged landscapes, offers the perfect conclusion to your exploration of Corsica’s wild and unspoilt beauty. With its crystal-clear waters and raw, natural splendour, the Desert des Agriates is a fitting finale to this immersive adventure.
Hotels & Cuisine
Our journey begins in Sardinia, where we stay in a delightful family-run hotel nestled beneath the striking Sopramonte massif. The hotel’s architecture is uniquely Sardinian, blending harmoniously with its natural rural surroundings. Here, we indulge in the island’s rich culinary traditions at the hotel’s renowned restaurant, known for serving authentic Sardinian specialities crafted from locally sourced ingredients.
Next, we head to the beautiful coastal town of Alghero, where we spend two nights at Hotel Catalunya. Situated in the heart of this charming town, the hotel offers stunning views over the sea and the historic old town. Alghero, known for its Catalan influence, offers a vibrant culinary scene, and we take the opportunity to explore local restaurants. Here, we savour the unique blend of Sardinian and Catalan flavours, with dishes like seafood paella, fregola with clams, and deliciously fresh Mediterranean fish.
Crossing over to Corsica, we arrive at the stunning cliffside town of Bonifacio. Our hotel is located along the quiet harbour, set against the ancient ramparts, offering beautiful views across the water to the old town. Each evening, we explore the best of Corsican cuisine in the charming local restaurants, enjoying fresh seafood, wild herbs, and local specialties that reflect the Genoese influence in this historic town.
We then travel to Piana, a village recognised as one of the most beautiful in France, where we stay for four nights. Our hotel offers breathtaking Mediterranean views, overlooking the famous Calanches. The on-site restaurant is known for its fresh fish from the Gulf, often prepared as aziminu (Corsican fish soup), as well as delicious local charcuterie, goat and sheep cheeses, handmade pastas, and vibrant salads. Dining here is a true feast for the senses, with the sea as our backdrop.
Our final stop is the charming seaside town of St Florent, nestled at the base of Cap Corse. The hotel’s cosy atmosphere, blending modern comfort with local traditions, makes it the perfect place to unwind. Surrounded by the vineyards of Patrimonio, we enjoy the best of Corsican cuisine, from seafood to local cheeses and charcuterie, in this beautiful coastal town. It’s the ideal base for exploring the countryside and savouring the final days of our journey.
Transportation
Oliena
Hotel Su Gologone
Alghero
Hotel Catalunya
Bonifacio
Hotel Solemare
Piana
Hotel Capo Rosso
Saint-Florent
Hotel La Roya
begins
29 April 2025
Cagliari, Sardinia
ends
