Corsica Hiking and Kayaking

*Please note that the following information is meant to provide a general overview of your tour. The specifics of your trip will be contained in a pre-trip letter you will receive prior to your confirmed departure.

Important Trip Details: 

MEETING PLACE: Hotel Fesch or similar (Corsica)
MEETING TIME: 6pm
TRIP MILES: Varies depending on group size, weather and kayaker's abilities
RETURN TIME:  Noon
THE LAST SUPPER: Join your guide and fellow trip guests for a non-hosted farewell dinner at a favorite local restaurant. 
TRIP LENGTH: 9 days
AGE LIMIT:   Minimum age is 14
ACTIVITIES: Sea Kayaking and Mountain Hiking
NEAREST AIRPORTS: Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport (AJA)

Corsica Hiking and Kayaking Tour Itinierary

Day 1: Arrival in Ajaccio - A Port City Steeped in History

Welcome to Ajaccio, the sun-soaked capital of Corsica, nestled between rugged mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. The birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, Ajaccio blends a proud Corsican identity with French elegance—pastel facades, café culture, and sweeping sea views.

This evening, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner and trip orientation.

Note: Ajaccio is easily accessed via direct flights from Paris and other cities in mainland France.

• Meals Included: Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel Fesch or similar

Day 2: Sea Kayaking & Isolella Peninsula

Weather permitting, we sea kayak to the Isolella Peninsula. After breakfast, we transfer to a nearby beach where our kayaks await. Following a safety briefing, we paddle along the scenic coastline of the Isolella Peninsula, where wind-carved rock formations like Sette e Nave meet the stories of ancient Corsica. The day will depend on the weather and our group’s ability.

We paddle for around four hours and enjoy lunch at a beachfront café. The warm Mediterranean may tempt you in for a swim before we return to Ajaccio for a relaxing evening and a dinner of French cuisine and Corsican wine.

Total Paddle Distance: 12 miles / 4 hours (may be altered based on the group’s ability.)

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Hotel Fesch or similar

Day 3: Paddle the Sanguinaires Islands and Travel to Piana

We drive north to the Sanguinaires Islands, an exposed and rugged archipelago home to seabirds and dramatic geology. Weather permitting, we paddle in the morning among these rocky islets before enjoying a picnic lunch. A protected area for birds, the islands are a place of wind, salt and quiet.

Afterward, we travel along Corsica’s west coast to the village of Cargèse, a hilltop town settled by Greek refugees in the 17th century. The highlight is a visit to the two small churches from the 1800’s – one built by Catholics and the other by descendants of the Greeks.

We continue on to tonight's destination, the village of Piana. This is a breathtaking village perched above the sea near the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Gulf of Porto that includes the Calanche of Piana, the Gulf of Girolata and the Scandola Reserve. Learn more about the reserve here. This will be our home base for the next three nights.

Total Kayak Distance: 4-8 miles / 2-4 hours (our route is decided by the group’s ability and weather).

Note: Weather will determine the order of our paddles on Day 2 and Day 3. If strong winds are predicted for Day 3, we would plan to do that paddle on Day 2. If the weather doesn’t cooperate and seas are too demanding for kayaking, we have a backup plan that includes two possible hikes.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Hotel Capo Rosso 

Day 4: Sea Kayaking in the Scandola Nature Reserve

Today’s paddle begins just down the road from our hotel, launching into the waters of the Scandola Nature Reserve—an ecological jewel of volcanic rock, rare flora, and crystal-clear sea.  After a safety orientation we begin paddling and when the sun is high overhead.

We enjoy a waterside picnic lunch, and then continue along the coast, possibly ending the day with a short walk in the Calanche de Piana before returning to our hotel and enjoying a delicious dinner.

Total Kayak Distance: 4-8 miles / 2-4 hours (may be altered based on the group’s ability).

Note: We base in Piana to allow us flexibility should weather conditions not allow us to kayak.  The village is the perfect base for miles of trails, so we always have great alternatives to kayaking.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Hotel Capo Rosso 

Day 5: Mediterranean Kayaking - Circumnavigating Capo Rosso

Wake up to an amazing view of the Mediterranean! Weather permitting, our goal is to paddle around Capo Rosso. Today’s paddle could be as long as 13 miles of rugged Mediterranean coastline. For groups preferring a shorter route, or if wind conditions shift, we’ll adapt the plan accordingly.

Expect beach stops, swimming opportunities, and another scenic picnic. At the end of the day, we’ll return to our hotel and enjoy another evening of good food and sunset views. 

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Hotel Capo Rosso 

Day 6: Hike to the Col de Vergio and Travel to Corte

We leave the coast for the mountains today, heading to the Col de Vergio for a scenic loop hike to the Radule waterfalls. We follow sections of the GR20, considered one of Corsica’s most spectacular long-distance trails, through alpine forests and rocky valleys. Following a lunch at a shepherd’s hut, we drive through the Scala di Santa Regina gorge to Corte. 

Our destination for the night is the historic capital of Corsica, Corte. Corte is the heart of the island’s political, social and cultural life and in 1755 was the capital of the Corsican republic led by Pasquale Paoli who led the island to independence from the Genoese. He is also responsible for giving Corsica a democratic constitution that was in important reference for the American Constitution more than three decades later. A university was founded in Corte in 1765 and closed in 1769.  It reopened in 1981 and today some 4000 students make up half the town’s population during the academic year. Perhaps nowhere else in Corsica can you dig as deeply into the spirit of freedom and self-determination that is the hallmark of the Corsican people as you can here in Corte.

After dinner enjoy a stroll in town and you may happen upon some informal singing at one of the many bars.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Hotel Duc de Padoue

Day 7: Alta Rocca Mountains and Zonza

We drive south along the eastern coast of Corsica, then inlandd to the Col de Baella. After lunch, we depart on a two hour hike on a peaceful forest trail beneath the towering granite spires, beginning at the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges monument.

After our hike, a short drive takes us to the mountain village of Zonza where we enjoy a relaxed local dinner.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Hotel De La Terrasasse, Zonza 

Day 8: Santa Lucia Hike, Filitosa and Return to Ajaccio

Driving from our mountain village of Zonza we drive a short distance to start an easy loop hike called the Santa Lucia de Talla-Chapelle San Ghjuva trail. Our morning hike offers sweeping views of Corsica’s mountainous interior and sea-swept coastline. We then visit Filitosa, one of the island’s most significant prehistoric sites, home to enigmatic granite menhirs dating back over 5,000 years.

Back in Ajaccio, we celebrate the journey with a farewell dinner.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Hotel Fesch or similar

Day 9: Transfer to Airport on Own, or Explore More of Corsica

You may choose to extend your time in Corsica with a train ride to Bastia—a lovely seaport city designated as a French “Town of Art  & History”. 

To get from Bastia to Paris, there are direct flight options as well as ferries to get to Livorno, Italy (near Pisa) and other towns including Marseille, Nice and Toulon. Schedules and information can be found here.

• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Accommodations: N/A

Travel to Ajaccio, Corsica

Most travelers reach Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport by air, with frequent direct flights from cities like Paris, Marseille, and Nice. For those who prefer to travel by sea, ferry service connects Ajaccio to the mainland from ports including Marseille, Toulon, and Nice, as well as from Italian cities such as Livorno and Genoa. While ferries provide a scenic and flexible option, flying is typically the most efficient way to arrive.

Corsica Weather:

We highly recommend checking the weather prior to your trip for an updated forecast and current conditions. We recommend the following website.

Weather in Corsica - Weather Underground

When to go?

Corsica has a Mediterranean climate and one of the sunniest climates in France. Weather along the coast is warm from April to June, hot in July and August and then pleasantly warm again from September to late October.  The interior gets cold by December and snow falls in the higher mountains at times. Our trips are scheduled during ideal times in terms of weather and lack of other tourists.

Physical Preparedness

Whether you are an avid sea kayaker, or it is your first time, you’ll enjoy these incredible trips, and share in our passion for adventure, commitment to conserving the environment, and relishing unique experiences. For those new to the sport, kayaking is easy to learn in the sheltered waters that we visit, and we provide all of the camping gear, kayaking equipment and guidance needed. In addition, we keep our groups small to allow you to not only travel intimately among nature, but to ensure you receive the necessary attention from our guides.

Corsica Kayaking and Hiking Packing List Overview

We are excited to see you soon for your kayaking and hiking tour with ROW Adventures! The packing list outlined below is meant to serve as a guide to help you plan, prepare and outfit yourself for your upcoming travels. We have provided our best recommendations and suggestions. These suggestions are based on the outlined itinerary, the geographic region, our knowledge of Corsica, and our personal experience.  

Gear Provided by Sea Kayak Adventures:

ROW Adventures will provide all necessary paddling equipment including: personal flotation devices (PFDs), all kayaking equipment, and neoprene booties.  

Luggage Recommendations:

Our trips are best enjoyed if you travel light. We think it is wise to avoid checking any luggage under the plane. If you do check a bag, make sure that you have everything that is either essential or would be hard to replace, with you in your carry-on.

We recommend packing in one semi-soft sided, roll-on (ideally a non-hard-sided version) or duffle luggage that meets carry-on requirements. Alternatively, if you must have a checked bag; make sure your personal items are packed with your “hard to replace items.”

We also recommend bringing one small day pack. This dual-purpose pack can serve as your personal item during your flights as well as your day pack for hikes during the tour. Outside zippered pockets are nice and allow you to organize your travel gear. Carry medications, travel documents, important personal items and other essentials or “hard-to-replace” items in this on the plane with you.

Corsica Kayaking and Hiking Tour Packing List

 

Essential Items:

• Passport – be sure it is valid for at least six (6) months after the date of your arrival
• A photo of your passport on your phone. A photocopy of your passport, inside a zip lock bag and stowed elsewhere in your luggage (as an additional precautionary measure, consider leaving a photocopy with family or friends at home as well)
• Copy of your air tickets with ticket numbers, placed elsewhere in your luggage
• Cash for gratuities 
• Credit and/or Debit/ATM card that works internationally, ideally with chip technology (some banks want you to notify them of travel plans ahead of time, which often can be done online.)
• Waterproof watch or small travel clock with alarm (if you are taking a phone, this can serve as your alarm clock)
• Travel outlet adaptors compatible with outlets of your destination country or countries. 

Active Clothing

*We recommend synthetic or quick-dry materials while kayaking and hiking

• One pair long, lightweight, nylon pants with zipper pockets (zip off legs are an alternative that give give you more options) 
• One - two pair nylon shorts or capris (this can double as a swimsuit for the guys) 
• One pair synthetic or merino wool long underwear
• Swimsuit 
• Two - three t-shirts and/or short sleeve shirt(s) or tank top(s) (synthetic is best) 
• Two long sleeve shirts with sun protection
• Two - three pairs of synthetic or merino wool socks 
• One wide-brim, tie-on hat 
• One warm hat like a ski cap or beanie
• One lightweight, packable jacket and/or vest 
• One wool or synthetic sweater or jacket for warmth in the evenings and mornings 
• One waterproof jacket (lightweight raincoat)
• One pair sturdy trail shoes, or running shoes, to use for hiking
• One pair of casual shoes or sandals with ankle straps and closed toes to wear when not hiking, such as in towns, etc. 

Additional Gear and Other Essentials:

• Pair of collapsable walking poles
• One lightweight sarong (thin material that can double as a beach towel)
• Small, packable travel towel (to take on hikes for swimming, etc) like this ultralight one
• Flashlight or headlamp
• One pair of paddling gloves (optional)
• Small day pack or fanny pack for hikes 
• One wide-mouth water bottle, 1 liter or larger
• Water filtration system - Bringing this along will help reduce our use of single use plastic. Corsica has nearly perfect tap water that can be easily filtered so it wont upset your body's system. If you are concerned, bring a filter such as a LifeStraw, Grayle, or Sawyer Squeeze or a Steripen that you can swirl in your water bottle to kill both bacteria and viruses.
• One buff or bandana for sun protection and cooling off
• ​Camera (or phone with camera) and appropriate charging mechanism
• Back up battery pack for electronic devices
• Wall power adapter for European plugs
• Binoculars or monocular 
• Glasses or contacts if needed
• Polarized sunglasses
• Retaining strap for glasses and sunglasses
• Reusable dirty/clean gear bags for wet or soiled items
• ​Small ​​reusable, leak-proof bags for liquid or spillable personal items
• Books or E-reader, pen and notepad, headphones, etc
• TSA-accessible lock for luggage security when not on your person

Toiletries and First Aid

• Standard toiletry kit including general hygiene products, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. (keep liquids under 3.38 oz.(100ml) for carry-on)
• Laundry detergent sheets so you can wash clothes in the hotel room if desired
• Insect repellent 
• Biodegrable sunscreen (we highly recommend Stream2Sea as an all natural option)
• Lip balm with SPF 20-50
• Pre-moistened toilette packets or disposable shower wipes to refresh
• Prescriptions and any necessary personal medicines (please be sure to bring necessary prescriptions and any needed emergency medicine such as an EpiPen, Benadryl, etc)
• Heavy duty skin lotion for dry, sun-baked, and salted skin
• Small squeeze bottle of hand-sanitizer gel

Note on Packing Light: Packing efficiently will make loading your kayaks easy and enable you to quickly find your gear during the tour. Plan to use 1-2 kayaking outfits that you will reuse throughout the trip. You are welcome to bring extra clothing for before or after your tour.  

ROW Adventures - Corsica Recommended Reading List

Corsica: A Portrait of a Granite Island – Dorothy Carrington
A captivating exploration of Corsica’s history, culture, and people, written by a British historian who spent decades studying the island.

The Corsican Caper – Peter Mayle
A fun, fast-paced novel set in Corsica, filled with adventure, intrigue, and the charm of Mediterranean life.

Mediterranean: Treasured Recipes from a Lifetime of Travel – Claudia Roden
A beautiful cookbook celebrating the rich culinary traditions of the Mediterranean, including Corsican flavors.

Birds of Europe – Lars Svensson
A field guide to help travelers identify and appreciate the diverse bird species found across Corsica’s mountains and coastline.

The Shepherd’s Life: Modern Dispatches from an Ancient Landscape – James Rebanks
A fascinating look at the pastoral traditions of shepherding, offering a connection to Corsica’s rich history of shepherd culture.

The Mediterranean in History – David Abulafia
A sweeping history of the Mediterranean region, providing historical context for Corsica’s role in trade, war, and culture over the centuries.

The Corsican Widow – Vanessa Couchman
A historical novel set in 18th-century Corsica, following the life of a young woman navigating the challenges of a strict island society

"The Last of Eden" Part 1 Conde Nast Traveler: March, 1991 

"The Last of Eden" Part 2 Conde Nast Traveler: March, 1991 

"A Marvel in the Med" Conde Nast Traveler: February, 2013 

Additional Corsica and Sea Kayaking Information 

Weather Report - Check the local weather before you go.

Best Flights to Corsica - Find the perfect flights that work for you.

Corsica Info and History - Learn about this unique corner of Europe.

Trip Photo Album - Browse a photo album from a recent trip.

Anatomy of a Sea Kayak - Learn about your tour vessel.

Seeing the Isle of Beauty Through Rose Colored Glasses - Learn about the wonderful wine of Corsica.

Flavors of Corsica - Learn about the unique flavors and ingredients used throughout the region.

Please see our full Terms & Conditions HERE.