U Pratu Loop
A magnificent trail starting from the GR20. You'll traverse two chestnut groves before reaching two successive plateaus where you can admire the Montegrosso massif and the villages of Balagne. Enjoy views of Calvi Bay and return via the GR20. A cross-junction is available halfway through the first plateau to connect with the GR20 and the Curbaghju Loop.
U Curbaghju Loop
On Saint Anthony's day in mid-January, the sun crosses the middle of Curbaghju (Calenzana mountain).
This is a very easy route that takes you to a beautiful aghja (threshing floor) and ancient sheepfolds at the halfway point. Then, you'll cross a chestnut grove in the valley, offering refreshing shade in the summer, before returning via the GR20.
Santa Lucia Loop
This route is longer but presents no difficulty. Passing near the village of Moncale and overlooking the Gulf of Calvi, it offers a magnificent viewpoint over the Bonifato circus. Return via the Tra Mare e Monti and the GR20.
Bocca di Bonassa starting from the Bonifatu Inn
Departure from Calenzana - 2B - Upper Corsica
A circular hike in the Bonifatu Forest starting from the inn (paid parking in season). This hike is less crowded than other routes. The trail is shaded through the forest, and the view is often obstructed by vegetation, but you can enjoy a beautiful vista at the Bocca di Bonassa.
Ficaghjola Loop
Departure from Calenzana - 2B - Upper Corsica
A family-friendly loop that combines swimming and hiking. Explore nature in the heart of the Bonifatu massif. Avoid this hike in case of flooding risk. The starting point for the Ficaghjola loop is at the bottom of the parking lot; you will first descend to the riverbank, cross a footbridge, and then climb to higher ground.
Two Slopes Loop at Bonifatu
Departure from Calenzana - 2B - Upper Corsica
Bonifatu and its forest of pines and oaks are an ideal place for swimming, as well as walking and hiking. Here, I suggest an itinerary that combines several small loops and allows you to discover different slopes.
Candia Loop from Bonifatu
Starting from Calenzana - 2B - Upper Corsica
The Bonifatu Territorial Forest offers numerous hiking trails, including the Candia Loop, marked in purple. This trail is ideal for a short and leisurely walk, especially if you follow the suggested direction, as it leads you to a relaxing spot by the river. It's a perfect choice for families or beginners, with plenty of shade along the way.
The Carozzu Refuge and the Spasimata Footbridge from Bonifatu
Starting from Calenzana - 2B - Upper Corsica
This round-trip hike follows a section of the GR20 trail from Bonifatu and takes you to the impressive Spasimata footbridge.
The ruined village of Occi
Departure from Lumio - 2B - Upper Corsica
At 377 meters above sea level, above Lumio, lies the ruined village of Occi. In the 15th century, it was inhabited by people who deserted the coast to escape the Saracens. The 17th and 18th centuries saw the decline of the village. Occi was annexed to Lumio in 1852. Felice Giudicelli, known as Fra Felice, the last inhabitant, died there on November 22, 1918.
The Church of the Annunziata, a Baroque church from the 15th century, was restored from its ruins (the work was partly funded by Laetitia Casta).
Cima di Sant Angelo from Pigna
Departure from Pigna - 2B - Upper Corsica
A lovely little walk on the trails of Balagne with beautiful viewpoints. Between Pigna and San Antoninu.
Enjoyable in early autumn. No particular difficulty except for the slightly steep climb between the convent and Mont Sant Angelo.
Three perched villages: Corbara, Pigna, and Sant Antonino
Perched above the Aregno plain, Corbara the discreet, Pigna the artistic, and Sant' Antoninu the proud watch over the shore below. They can be connected by a network of ancient paths, which this circuit invites you to traverse.
Pieve d'Aregno Loop - Lavatoggio - Sant'Antonino
Starting from Lavatoggio - 2B - Upper Corsica
Sant' Antonino is located in the heart of Balagne, perched at an altitude of 500 meters on a granite peak near L'Île-Rousse and Calvi, between the sea and the mountains. The village overlooks the plain of Aregno on one side and part of the Reginu plain on the other. Like an eagle's nest, it consists of approximately 75 houses, tightly clustered together, winding around a granite peak, forming a labyrinthine layout to better resist any potential invader.
Walk in the undergrowth in Avapessa
Departure in Avapessa - 2B - Upper Corsica
This short and easy loop starting from the village of Avapessa is ideal for family walks, including with children. The fact that a large part of the route is shaded makes it perfect for summer strolls.
Please note: the route presented here avoids a section of road suggested by the IGN trail in favor of a wooded and marked trail, marked in red.
Loop of the three villages in Zilia.
Departure from Zilia - 2B - Upper Corsica
A loop that allows you to visit three villages in Balagne while contemplating, on two slopes, the plains of Réginu and Montegrosso. Between wooded sections and magnificent views, this hike is a beautiful way to discover this region. In the background, the magnificent Montegrossu overlooks the village of Zilia at the start.
