Corsica: Mountain and Beach Trail

8 Days | From £843pp

France ( Best airport: BASTIA PORETTA)

Embark on a riding adventure through Corsica’s mountain landscapes during this immersive 8-day experience. Starting from the charming village of Corte, you will ride through rugged mountains, pristine rivers, and spectacular coastal cliffs, stopping for picnics at picturesque spots like Col d’Ominanda and the Tartagine River. Camp by wild rivers, gallop on deserted beaches at Saleccia, and share memorable moments with your horses on pristine shores. The journey continues beyond the Col de Tenda, with the possibility of spotting wild horses, culminating in a rich experience of Corsican nature, culture, and conviviality. Perfect for nature lovers and adventurers alike, this expedition offers a unique blend of exploration, relaxation, and discovery on one of France’s most beautiful islands.

The Riding

The riding on this trail is varied, dynamic, and designed to showcase the very best of Corsica’s landscapes. Each day offers a mix of paces, from relaxed walks through mountain villages and river valleys to long stretches of trot and exhilarating gallops across open plains and sandy beaches. The terrain is diverse, taking you from rocky mountain passes and pine forests to hidden coastal coves and wide stretches of shoreline, with plenty of opportunities to ride on historic mule trails and unspoiled paths rarely visited by vehicles.

Riders should be confident at walk, trot, and canter, as the program includes sustained canters and faster sections, balanced by quieter moments to enjoy the scenery. One of the highlights is the chance to swim with your horse on the Saleccia beach, riding bareback into crystal-clear waters. With experienced guides leading the way, the riding combines both adventure and discovery, offering an unforgettable way to explore the island.

Level of Riding and Fitness

To join this trail, riders should be confident and comfortable riding at walk, trot, and canter across varied terrain. It is best suited to those with previous trail riding experience as participants should be prepared to spend several hours a day in the saddle, enjoying both relaxed stretches and more energetic moments, including long canters, while exploring Corsica’s scenic landscapes.

Guides and Group Size

During this experience, you will be accompanied by a professional of equestrian tourism, who will guide you throughout the ride. They will share their knowledge of the region, local wildlife, and flora, while ensuring the smooth progress of the adventure. With their experience and training, they will guarantee your safety, organise the itineraries, and take care of the horses’ well-being. Their role is to create an enriching, safe, and unforgettable experience for each participant, while promoting respect for the environment and core equestrian values within a responsible tourism approach.

Minimum 5 and maximum 8 riders.

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The Horses

The horses you’ll be riding are sure-footed Arabians, and Arab crosses, all born and raised in Corsica. With their steady build and average height of around 15hh, they are perfectly suited to the island’s varied terrain, from rugged mountain paths to long stretches of sandy beach. Their breeding gives them both endurance and agility, making them ideal companions for full days on the trail. Calm, willing, and well-adapted to the Corsican landscape, these horses combine the stamina of the Arabian with a reliable temperament, offering riders both security and spirit on the ride.

Tack and Riding Equipment

A mixed or trekking saddle, mainly made of leather, equipped with a croupière, girth, and hunting collar, double fabric saddle bags, and a leather bridle with simple bits.

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Accommodation and Dining

The first and last night of the tral will be spent in dorm-style accommodation (the group will be split between two dorms). During the 5 nights of thetrail you will be camping in modern tents with all camping equipment provided.

The usual high standards of French food are on offer during this trail. For breakfast you can expect delicious frshly baked bread with butter, jam, fruit juice, tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. Lunch is usually a picnic eaten at a picturesque spot on the trail and could be a baguette filled with local hams and cheeses alongside a sweet treat for desert. Dinner is multiple courses, a soup starter or cruidites, a meat main (vegetarian is avauilable too) with pasta and local cheese and to finish up a delicious homemade dessert. Wine is also included with dinner.

Get a free Corsica: Mountain and Beach Trail mini-brochure in PDF format.

Trail Booking Conditions

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Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1 Saturday - Arrival at Bastia Airport, where you will be met by your hosts for the week. Transfer to the Albadu farm to meet the horses before settling in for lunch at the farm. A walk in Corte and an initial introduction to the horses, followed by a briefing on the trail and the choosing your horse. Welcome aperitif and a communal meal. Overnight stay in the dormitory.

Day 2 In the morning, you’ll prepare your horse before setting off from the Albadu farm late in the morning. The trail begins with a crossing through the town of Corte, heading north. You’ll ride past the Cabetsoli stream and follow the historic Corte–Castirla trail, stopping for a picnic lunch at the Ominanda pass. Later in the afternoon, you’ll care for the horses—tacking down, massaging, watering, and feeding—before setting up camp. The day ends with setting up camp at Tripiole, where you’ll enjoy dinner by a campfire under the stars.

Day 3 Today’s ride takes you across the Golu River and towards the dramatic Aiguilles de Popolasca. You’ll pass through a mountain village before descending to the Asco River, crossing its ancient bridge, and stopping for a picnic on the way. The afternoon brings an exhilarating long gallop through the valley. After caring for the horses—untacking, watering, and feeding—you’ll set up camp. The evening is spent camping beside the Tartagine River, where you can cool off with a swim.

Day 4 The day begins with a ride towards the village of Pedano, perched high in the hills of the Ostriconi Valley. You’ll follow scenic ridgelines with opportunities for gallops before crossing the village of Novella and stopping for a picnic. Continuing through the valley, the trail leads to the Ostriconi River. After caring for the horses—untacking, grooming, watering, and feeding—you’ll set up camp. Tonight’s camping spot is by the sea at the Ostriconi campsite, with the option to enjoy on-site dining.

Day 5 This marks the first stage of crossing the Desert of the Agriates. Riding along the coastline, you’ll discover hidden coves, enjoy thrilling gallops on the shore, and pause for a seaside picnic with the chance to swim. The trail continues across fine sandy beaches all the way to Saleccia, where you’ll stay at the “U Paradisu” campground. After caring for the horses—untacking, grooming, watering, and feeding—you’ll set up camp. The evening is spent camping at Saleccia, with a view of the sunset over the sea.

Day 6 The morning is dedicated to swimming with your horse—an extraordinary bareback experience on the beautiful Saleccia beach. In the afternoon, the trail continues along the coastal path towards the Gulf of Saint-Florent, ending at the “La Pinède” campground. After caring for the horses—untacking, grooming, watering, and feeding—you’ll set up camp. Tonight’s campsite includes an inviting swimming pool.

Day 7 The day begins with an early departure from sea level, riding into the Aliso Valley with plenty of opportunities for gallops. The route ascends into the hills, passing through the charming village of Sorio, where you’ll pause for lunch and perhaps a coffee. Afterward, the climb continues along an old mule trail to the Tenda Pass at 1,200 meters, where you may be lucky enough to spot wild horses. From there, you’ll descend to the village of Pietralba before returning to the Albadu farm by truck. Back at the farm, you’ll say goodbye to the horses before sopending the evening with a family-style meal at the farm.

Day 8 After breakfast, a return transfer to Bastia Airport is scheduled for around 10:00 a.m. Please plan your return flight for no earlier than 1:30 p.m.