Mare e Monti Nord
Photo © Gilda (CC BY-SA 2.0) · CC BY-SA
6-9 days
125.8 km
7507 m
1230 m
The Mare e Monti Nord is an emblematic trek in Upper Corsica that traverses 125.8 km of authentic Corsican landscapes over 6 to 9 days. This hiking itinerary connects Calenzana to Cargèse, offering complete immersion in the island's natural diversity. Hikers explore rocky summits reaching 1230 m in altitude, cover a cumulative elevation gain of 7507 m, and discover fascinating caves, dense forests, and preserved alpine lakes. Between high-altitude passages and panoramic descents, the trek offers a variety of landscapes that reveal the geological and ecological richness of the region. Accessibility is facilitated without a car: from Ajaccio or Bastia, a train connects Ponte Leccia to Calvi, then a bus or taxi takes you to Calenzana (15 km). Upon arrival, regular buses connect Cargèse to Ajaccio in 1.5 hours, with the option to continue by train to Bastia or Calvi. The Mare e Monti Nord thus combines mountain adventure with logistical practicality.
Stages
| Departure | Arrival | Accommodation on arrival | Profile | Duration | Distance | +Elev. | −Elev. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 CalenzanaVillage | Auberge de la ForêtRefuge | 4h00 | 11.8 km | +583 m | −323 m | ||
2 Auberge de la ForêtRefuge | Camping Casa Di LunaCamping | 7h15 | 24.3 km | +836 m | −1,358 m | ||
3 Ponte VecchiuHamlet | Gîte E CasarelleCamping | 6h15 | 18.7 km | +947 m | −984 m | ||
4 GirolataVillage | Gite d'Etape L'aliviRefuge | 6h30 | 16.9 km | +1,231 m | −1,166 m | ||
5 SerrieraVillage | Camping Funtana a l'OraCamping | CampingCamping Funtana a l'Ora | 4h15 | 10.2 km | +933 m | −593 m | |
6 OtaVillage | Gite de Etappe di a RotaRefuge | 4h30 | 13.2 km | +758 m | −461 m | ||
7 MarignanaVillage | Refuge E CaseRefuge | RefugeRefuge E Case | 5h30 | 17.8 km | +710 m | −811 m | |
8 Refuge E CaseRefuge | CargèseVillage | 3h45 | 13 km | +376 m | −891 m |
Elevation profile
How to get there
Public transport
Fully accessibleDeparture from Calenzana: train to Calvi (from Ajaccio/Bastia via Ponte Leccia), then bus or taxi (~15 km). Arrival in Cargèse: bus to Ajaccio (~1h30), then train to Bastia or Calvi.
More informationBy car
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