Corsica Mare e Monte and Sardinia

The Mare e Monte Nord traverses Corsica from sea to sea. It’s 76 miles long (123km), involves over 6500 metres of ascent. I took me 9 days. Sardinia lies only 7 miles south of Corsica across the Strait of Bonifacio. Although Corsica is French and Sardinia is Italian, they share many characteristics. Geologically and culturally the islands are very similar. Their history, ethnic base, and cuisine are similar. Both have a deep-rooted connection to the sea and both are mountainous. Both have gorgeous magnificent beaches and unspoilt nature. There are some differences. In area, Sardinia is nearly three times larger than Corsica and has a five times bigger population. Corsica has a more continuous mountain chain that gives rise to the GR20 and the other long-distance walks, including the Mare e Monte. Sardinia has fewer recognised long-distance footpaths. The Mare e Monte is unspoilt and much less frequented than the more famous GR20. Much of the way is forested and one is assailed by the scent of herbs and plants. The walk is very up and down. Six of the ten gités are in villages at or near the coast and to get to the next one, you have to climb over ridges and high passes. This means that each day you climb an average of over 700 metres. Most of the way is along ancient transhumance paths for the seasonal movement of livestock and provided the main links between settlements. Sardinia has a rich archaeological history and a vast mountainous interior and it would have been good to have spent longer exploring. But the plan was to have a rest and a pleasant break after the long walk. The Mare e Monte Nord is most worthwhile. It is peaceful, dramatic, varied and interesting. The accommodation is excellent and one gets to enjoy both the crystal clear waters and sandy bays of the coast and the demanding ridges and gorges of the interior.