Self-Guided Corsican Wonders Corte to Calvi Hiking Tour

Arrival

Travelers can fly into Bastia–Poretta Airport (BIA), Calvi–Sainte-Catherine Airport (CLY), or Ajaccio–Napoléon Bonaparte Airport (AJA) in Corsica. From Bastia Airport, take the Corsican Railway (Chemins de fer de la Corse) train from Bastia station to Corte, which takes about 1.5–2 hours and offers beautiful scenic views through the mountains. Taxis and private transfers are available outside the airport, and car rental companies such as Europcar, Hertz, and Avis operate at the airport for travelers who prefer to drive. Transfers or train connections are possible from Bastia, Calvi, or Ajaccio to reach Corte on Day 1. Upon arrival in Corte, most hotels in the town center can be reached with a short taxi ride or a short walk.

Departure

The tour ends in Calvi, a coastal town with convenient transport connections. Travelers can depart from Calvi–Sainte-Catherine Airport (CLY), which is about a 10–15 minute taxi ride from the town center, with regular flights to Paris, Nice, and Marseille. Alternatively, travelers can take the Corsican Railway train from Calvi to Bastia or Ajaccio, where larger airports provide additional international connections. Taxis, local buses, and rental cars are easily available in Calvi. Contact the travel advisor for transfer arrangements to the airport or other destinations after breakfast on Day 7.

Corsica offers walking opportunities throughout the year, with different seasonal conditions.

Spring (April–June) is a great time for hiking, as the landscape is filled with wildflowers and temperatures range between 15–25°C, creating comfortable conditions for mountain trails.

Summer (July–August) is warmer, with temperatures reaching 25–35°C, making it better suited for coastal walks and swimming breaks, although it can be challenging for hikes in mountain gorges.

Autumn (September–October) offers pleasant weather between 18–28°C with fewer crowds, providing excellent hiking conditions.

Winter (November–March) is cooler and may bring snow in the mountains around Corte, although coastal areas like Calvi remain relatively mild. Overall, the best months for walking are May, June, September, and October, when temperatures are moderate and the trails are less crowded.

Packing wisely ensures comfort and safety on your hiking adventure. This list covers essential hiking gear, clothing, and travel items to help you handle varied terrain and weather conditions.

Recommended Hiking Clothes & Gear

• Lightweight hiking shoes or boots with good traction.
• Moisture-wicking base layers and breathable hiking shirts.
• Quick-dry hiking pants or shorts.
• Light fleece or down jacket for cooler temperatures.
• Waterproof and windproof shell jacket.
• Sun hat and sunglasses with UV protection.
• Hiking poles if you prefer extra support on uneven terrain.
• Small daypack with hydration system or water bottles.
• Headlamp or small flashlight.
• Light gloves and a beanie for early mornings or higher altitudes.

Clothing

• Layered clothing for temperature changes throughout the day.
• Full-sleeved tops for sun and insect protection.
• Comfortable evening wear for lodges or inns.
• Compact rain jacket for unpredictable weather.
• Extra socks, preferably synthetic or wool.

Other Necessities

• Basic first-aid kit with personal medication.
• Sunscreen, lip balm, and insect repellent.
• Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder.
• Snacks like trail mix, nuts, or energy bars.
• Plug adaptor and power bank for charging devices.

Pro Tips

• Pack light. You'll appreciate it on the trail.
• Break in your shoes before the trip to avoid blisters.
• Keep rain gear easy to access in your daypack.

Luggage

Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one daypack. Mark your luggage clearly with your name, address, and phone number.

Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:

• UK Residents: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Travel Advice.
• US Residents: US Department of State Travel Advice.
• Australian Residents: Smartraveller.
• Canadian Residents: Government of Canada Travel Advice and Advisories.
• New Zealand Residents: SafeTravel.
• Residents of Other Countries: Check with your government or local consulate for tailored travel advice and requirements.

Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Check for updates close to departure to avoid last-minute issues.

Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.

We recommend purchasing adequate travel insurance to protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance, including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses, and personal liability, travel with greater peace of mind.

Is proof of medical insurance required?

Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact through our reservation form. If you cannot provide proof, you'll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.

Can I use my credit card insurance?

Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Keep your emergency contact number and policy number accessible while traveling.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.

Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?

We do not sell travel insurance directly. We recommend comparing policies and choosing the one that best fits your needs. A useful place to start is Insured Nomads.