Explore the Exquisite Island Worlds of France and Italy
Hiking Corsica & Sardinia
Overview
Corsica is a wildly beautiful French island scented with myrtle and dotted with ancient oak and olive trees. Neighboring Sardinia, belonging to Italy, is an island-world with its own language, traditions, and churches where Christianity and Paganism intermingle. We’ve crafted a perfect journey that combines these two Old World cultures with a mix of coastal and mountain hikes, visits to prehistoric sites, wine tastings, and meals that reveal the delicious culinary traditions of two very different island realms. Our stay at the charming Hotel Su Gologone in Sardinia’s Barbagia Mountains is a wonderful finale.
Arrive: Ajaccio, Corsica
Depart: Olbia, Sardinia
Highlights
- Hike among Corsica’s craggy peaks and along spectacular cliffs above the sea
- Explore Sardinia’s fishing villages, mystical cork oak forests, and unique cultural heritage
- Discover standing stones in Corsica and Nuragic villages in Sardina
- Enjoy relaxing evenings in beautiful, well-located hotels
- Savor fine wines, mouth-watering farm-to-table cuisine on both islands
Itinerary
Mystical oak woodlands are on our hike to Filitosa and Cauria, where 22 stone menhirs in the form of “standing men” are a striking reminder of Corsica’s prehistory. On our hike around the Col de Bavella, we pass through Corsican pine forests, and in cliff-perched Bonifacio, a magnet for fishermen and traders for centuries and now a haven for pleasure yachts, we’ll roam its maze of tiny streets. We’ll also hike on bluffs above the sea and sample the best Corsican cheeses.
Ferrying to Sardinia, we hike on Capo Testa, a spectacular promontory at the northern tip of the island where the wind has carved enormous blocks of granite into beautiful and bizarre shapes. We’ll hike among these quarries, which once supplied the Romans with granite for their temples. Heading into the wild interior, we follow trails on Monte Ferru, with its forests of cork oak and views across the prime Vernaccia wine-producing region.
After a coastal hike on the Sinis Peninsula, we take the trail to the Phoenician ruins of Tharros. Other hikes bring us to the ruins of a prehistoric village near the top of Monte Tiscali and through the Codula di Luna, a remote canyon leading to a tiny half-moon beach accessible only on foot or by boat. Depart on Day 11 via Olbia.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated a Level 3+, Moderate, according to our trip grading system. You will need to be comfortable hiking 5.5 miles a day and being on your feet for up to 4 hours a day. The trails on both islands can often be rocky with sections that are quite steep, even involving scrambling over boulders. Trail conditions, weather, and the group's level of fitness can affect hiking times and pacing.
Average Hiking Day
Review Trip Level Details
Average Hiking Day
- 4-5 miles
- 3-4 hours
- 500-700 feet gain/loss
- Day 7: 5 miles, 4 hours, and 1,300 feet gain/ loss; includes 2.5 hours driving
Our hikes are over varied landscapes with moderate to steep terrain. They are at moderate to low altitudes and include rough and rocky trails with loose scree and coastal tracks down to the beach. There are a few steep ascents and descents and some sections that involve scrambling over and around large boulders and through granite rock formations. You must be stable and confident on your feet to participate in this journey.
The weather in Corsica and Sardinia is usually very pleasant, with temperatures in the 70s°F and 80s°F during the day and in the 50s°F and 60s°F at night. Cool breezes and showers can occur at any time, especially on fall departures.
We spend most nights in small, picturesque inns full of charm and ambience. All hotels are chosen for their local history and central locations. Since they are often in historic buildings, the rooms are not always of uniform or international size. Our leaders do their best to assign rooms in a fair way so that all participants experience an equal advantage throughout the trip as a whole. Single rooms can be requested but are not always available, due to the limited space in the hotels. If you prefer a single room, please make your request as early as possible.
There is a continental breakfast at each of our hotels. We will generally enjoy a packed lunch along the way during our hikes, sometimes spending more time sampling local specialties. Please note that in Europe, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening meal will be at 7:30 pm.
Our van will transport the group's luggage, so you only need to carry a daypack for items you need for the day (rain gear, sweater, camera, water bottle, etc.). Trip members are always free to skip a day's hike and travel to the next destination in the support vehicle (or remain at the hotel if we are not transferring that day).
Client Testimonials
"This was my first hiking trip—what a way to begin. It was the trip of a lifetime. The hotels were in wonderful settings and our meals were excellent. We all had a wonderful time."
Ann B.
Orlando, FL
"Fabulous trip, great variety of activities, exciting hikes, beautiful scenery—what more could a traveler want?"
Anne H.
Hillsborough, CA
"Everything about this trip was great, the spacing of the tougher hikes with easier days, the cultural experiences, the meals, and especially the unique visit to the honey maker and the lunch on the last day at the goat shepherd’s. This was really an excellent way to explore these two fascinating islands that I knew very little about."
Barbara H.
Boston, MA
"I enjoyed the trip very much. The selection of the itinerary, hikes, hotels, restaurants, and activities were all great."
Bettina R.
Santa Clara, CA
"This trip was outstanding. Best leaders I have experienced. So knowledgeable, so caring."
Catherine B.
Madison, WI
"Excellent trip! Great moderately challenging hiking, diversity of terrain and landscape, excellent guides, enjoyable meals, the right mix of physical activity and cultural component."
Catherine P.
Toronto, ON
"The hiking and itinerary were excellent, varied, well planned, and well executed. It allowed for a great variety of exposure to different regional areas."
Diana R.
San Francisco, CA
"Beautiful itinerary, beautiful scenery, and every day’s hike was completely different."
Edie and Bo L.
Dallas, TX
"This trip is an experience that no one should miss out on. The food, culture, and leaders are truly first class."
Esther C.
Stamford, CT
"Excellent trip design with superior hotels and food. The islands themselves were even more beautiful than I had expected from the brochure, and there was an excellent balance of hiking and enjoying our accommodations/towns/hotels."
Gay T.
Fort Myers, FL
"We have done many trips with several different outfitters, and this was certainly one of the best in every respect."
Glenn H.
Greenville, SC
"The trip included just the right mix of beautiful scenery, interesting history, and scrumptious food and wine."
Jobie S.
Trumbull, CT
"A great trip—a perfect mix of pure hiking and hiking/walking to get to an archaeological site, which the guides brought to life."
Julie C.
Northville, MI
"Much to our delight, Stefano was determined to expose us to every edible and drinkable delicacy both Corsica and Sardinia had to offer! We had beautiful swims, good wines, and there was a new cookie to taste on every hike, not to mention a couple of memorable gelato stops. Having lunch with the Sardinian shepherd who grew and made every single thing we ate and drank was unforgettable."
Julie L.
Harbour Island, Bahamas
"One of the best planned trips I’ve ever been on, a great balance of hiking, cultural exploration, great food and accommodations."
Karen J.
Madison, WI
"Our best WT trip yet. We'll be back!"
Lauren P.
Santa Fe, NM
"Among your best itineraries, and a fantastic introduction to a little-known corner of Europe. This was the perfect mix of varied hikes with archaeology, food, and culture."
Logan R.
Bloomfield Hills, MI
"My first European trip with Wilderness Travel. I’m spoiled forever!"
Lynne G.
New York, NY
"This trip was a intimate and charming introduction to the cultures, history, and geography of Corsica and Sardinia—a great experience."
Marti P.
Truckee, CA
"I really enjoyed the variety of the trip. No two days were ever the same in terms of the hike, what we ate, where we ate, the cultural portions of the trip, the hotels, and anything we did outside of the main activity of hiking. I also appreciated the activities and meals that highlighted the connections to the people and places of Corsica and Sardinia. We did so much outside of the normal "touristy" things which will make for many lasting memories."
MaryBeth R.
King George, VA
"Wonderful combination of cultural exposure, hiking, and culinary exploration. The activities were chosen to maximize our appreciation of the islands and their peoples in such a way that would be impossible to replicate as an independent traveler."
Patricia G.
Orlando, FL
"Just the right balance of hiking and cultural opportunities. A great selection of hotels."
Peter C.
San Francisco, CA
"We have been on quite a few WT trips - this was the best team of guides that we have met!"
Peter C.
San Francisco, CA
"The guides were great! Fun, professional, knowledgeable, available, and helpful. They were just terrific. Wonderful trip! I had a marvelous time."
Ronnie F.
Cambridge, MA
"The trip’s itinerary was very good, providing exposure to a range of areas in both islands and offering a combination of coastal and mountain environments, as well as urban centers and small villages. The quality of the food was outstanding."
Roser G.
Rancho Mirage, CA
"We were very impressed! The travel between locations was as minimal as possible, the hiking magnificent, our guides wonderful, and the food interesting and good."
Sarah F.
"Such a memorable trip…stunning scenery, hiking, cultural experience, unforgettable!"
Sharon H.
Seneca, SC
"Fantastic trip! Great food and wine, amazing scenery and spring wildflowers."
Susan D.
Indianapolis, IN
"Very well planned—a nice combination of nature, hiking, culture and history. The food was amazing, too!"
Susan H.
North Port, MI
"This was an amazing trip! The hiking was challenging at times but always super fun; the food was great (I gained weight!); and the guides were extremely knowledgeable, helpful, funny, and friendly. The trip is perfectly designed, with relatively easier hiking days following harder days, and just the right amount of time devoted to introducing local culture, history, food, and wine. I couldn't have asked for a better trip!"
Teresa B.
Bethesda, MD
"We clearly benefited from a thoughtfully curated set of hikes. The sheer variety— from epic hikes on the GR 20 in Corsica and scrambling around the surreally sculpted coastline of northern Sardinia to breathtaking canyon walks that end at dazzling beaches and touring charming mountain towns adorned with wall paintings throughout. All reflected great care in the design. We could not have wished for a more representative collection of exposures to these storied islands."
Tom B.
Winnetka, IL
"A fantastic trip, beautiful, challenging, educational, life-enhancing. The food was AMAZING. I’ve trekked in Nepal, walked the entire Camino Frances, backpacked in Yosemite, Utah, Colorado. My first organized outdoor adventure. It will not be my last!"
Trish H.
Saint Helena, CA
FAQs
Our departures run in spring and early fall — May through June and September through October — when daytime temperatures on both islands typically sit in the 70s°F and trails ideal for hiking. Midsummer can be hot and crowded; shoulder season means clearer skies, fragrant maquis in bloom, and fewer tourists.
You should be comfortable hiking 4-5 miles a day, with 3-4 hours on your feet, and elevation gains and losses of 1,000 feet. The terrain on both islands is often rocky with steep sections — some days involve scrambling over boulders and navigating loose scree — so sure-footedness and a solid base of cardiovascular fitness are important. For more information about what the trails are like and what to expect each day of our itinerary, we recommend you take a look at our blog post.
Absolutely! Many of our travelers join solo and find the small-group format (averaging around 10 people, max 14) a natural way to connect with like-minded adventurers. A single supplement will be applied to your trip cost to ensure you have your own room throughout the trip — see our pricing section for how the exact rate.
Yes, this itinerary is available as a Private Journey. You choose your dates, bring your own group, and travel with a dedicated Trip Leader. It's a popular option for groups of friends or families who want the full Corsica and Sardinia experience on their own schedule. We do have minimum group sizes that must be met for this to be an option though, please contact our Area Specialists to discuss dates, group size, and availability.
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Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.