The area surrounding Corte offers outdoor activities for all, from rock climbers and hikers to families traveling with children. Anyone from ages 5 to 90 can enjoy the clean mountain air and spectacular scenery that abound in the center of the island, which also happens to be part of the PNRC (Regional Natural Park), a park that occupies almost two thirds of Corsica.

Photography by Celine Ragonnet

Easy Day Trips from Corte
From Corte there are three main routes you can take for some enjoyable day trips, where refreshing mountain water is the main attraction:

From the center of Corte route D623 borders the Restonica valley, a popular attraction with access to hotels, restaurants, campsites and several hiking trails. (See Exploring the “Heart of Corsica” at the end of this article).

North of Corte on highway N193, route D84 leads to the mountain village of Calacuccia, in the heart of the Niolo valley, the starting place to several trails with access to crystal clear waterfalls and the stunning lake Nino, shown below.

Photography by Celine Ragonnet

Further north on N193 past the town of Ponte Leccia, route D147 offers a scenic drive along the refreshing gorges carved out by the Asco river. The road dead ends into a beautiful park with a great view of some of Corsica’s highest peaks. (The picture below was taken in the month of July. At other times these peaks are covered in snow).

The trailhead to the Tavignano river is accessible on foot from the center of Corte as well, however this trail is a bit more difficult to tackle if you’re not used to hiking and it can’t be reached by car.

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These are just some of the outdoor activities located within minutes of Corte. With its cobblestone streets, citadel, museum, and cozy squares lined with cafes and restaurants, Corte is also great place for easy strolling and sight seeing.

Easy Access to the Main Cities
By car Corte is roughly 90 minutes away from Ajaccio, Bastia and Porto-Vecchio and about an hour away from Calvi. Corte can also be reached by train or bus.

For further information see: Exploring the Heart of Corsica

Filed under: Day Trips