Corsica: Mountain and Beach Trail
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 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.
- Chance to swim with your horse
- Ride through charming Corsican vilages
- Gorgeous camping spots on one of France's most beautiful islands
- Offers a mix of paces through best of Corsica's landscapes
- Picturesque picnics spots like at the Tartagine River.
- Possibility of spotting wild horses
- Rich experience of Corsican nature, cultute and conviviality
itinerary
Day 1 – Saturday
Arrive at Bastia Airport, where you will be met by your hosts and transferred to the Albadu farm. Lunch is served at the farm before a free afternoon, with the option to explore Corte or enjoy a swim in the beautiful Restonica Gorges.
Later, you'll meet the horses and receive a briefing on the week ahead in preparation for setting off the following morning. The day ends with a welcome aperitif and communal dinner at the farm.
Overnight in dormitory accommodation.
Day 2 – Sunday
Prepare the horses in the morning before setting off from the Albadu farm in late morning. Ride through the town of Corte and head north, crossing the Cabetsoli stream before joining the historic Corte–Castirla trail.
Stop for a picnic at the Ominanda Pass, surrounded by the Corsican countryside. On arrival at the evening's camp, you'll help care for the horses, including grooming, watering and feeding, before setting up the bivouac.
Tonight you'll wild camp at Tripiole, with the opportunity to gather around a campfire in the evening.
Day 3 – Monday
Ride towards the dramatic Aiguilles de Popolasca, crossing the Golu River and passing through the village of Popolasca. Descend towards the Asco River, crossing an old stone bridge before stopping for a picnic and the chance to cool off with a swim.
In the afternoon, enjoy a long gallop through the valley before arriving beside the Tartagine River. After caring for the horses, set up camp for another night in the wild.
There is another opportunity to swim in the river before dinner.
Day 4 – Tuesday
Today's route takes you into the Castifao Valley, passing traditional shepherds' huts and the San Pietro fountain. Ride between rolling valley slopes and panoramic ridgelines, with increasingly impressive views towards the coast.
Stop for a picnic with views towards the sea before continuing to the village of Pietralba, perched high above the Balanina countryside.
At the end of the day's ride, care for the horses before setting up camp for the night.
Day 5 – Wednesday
An early start this morning for a more demanding day in the saddle. Climb gradually along an old mule track towards the Tenda Pass at around 1,200 metres. Keep an eye out along the way, as you may be lucky enough to encounter horses roaming freely in the mountains.
After a picnic beside a stream, continue towards the village of Sorio before descending through the Aliso Valley, with opportunities for some exhilarating gallops along the way.
Tonight you'll camp at La Pinède, where there is a swimming pool to enjoy after the day's ride.
Day 6 – Thursday
Today the mountains give way to the coast. Follow the old customs officers' trail towards the spectacular Saleccia Beach, riding through the wild landscapes of the Agriates.
In the afternoon, spend time with your horse on Saleccia's white-sand beach, including the unforgettable opportunity to ride bareback into the turquoise sea and swim together.
After caring for the horses, set up camp at U Paradisu, where you can enjoy the sunset over the coast.
Day 7 – Friday
Continue across the Desert of the Agriates, this time following its coastal side. Ride beside the Mediterranean through secluded coves and along stretches of fine sandy beach, with opportunities for exhilarating gallops beside the sea.
Stop for a picnic with your feet in the water and another opportunity for a swim before continuing along the coast to Ostriconi.
From here, the horses and riders are transferred back to the Albadu farm. After giving the horses their final care and tending to the tack, enjoy a final communal dinner at the farm.
Overnight in dormitory accommodation.
Day 8 – Saturday
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the farm before packing your bags and saying goodbye to your hosts.
The transfer to Bastia Airport leaves at approximately 10:00am. Please arrange your return flight to depart no earlier than 1:30pm.
Please note: The itinerary is provided as a guide and may be changed or adapted according to weather conditions, safety considerations or other operational requirements. The guides will make any necessary decisions to ensure the safety and smooth running of the trail.
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Corsica: Mountain and Beach Trail
Mini-brochure PDF
know before you go
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.
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.
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.
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.
Price includes
- 2 night in a dorm
- 5 nights camping
- 6 riding days
- Full board
- Airport Transfers
- Luggage transfer
- Wine
Price Excludes
- Flights
- Tips
- Extra alcoholic beverages
Accommodation
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.
Corsica: Mountain and Beach Trail
Booking Conditions
See the full booking conditions specific to this trail here.Flights and transfer information
Please do not book your flights until you have received a confirmation email from saddletravel.com
- Arrival airport: Bastia Poretta (BIA)
- Arrival time: Before 12h00 - to enjoy the first midday meal. You will also have the opportunity to explore Corte and visit the horses.
- Departure time: Transfer at 10:00 AM is scheduled; the journey to Bastia Poretta Airport takes about one hour. Flights departing after 1:30 PM are ideal.
Single room supplement: A single supplement is not available for this trip, as the first and last night is dorm-style accommodation.