Child-friendly hikes on Corsica
Corsica isn't just an island for seasoned mountain hikers. With the right choices, there are plenty of walks that are perfectly doable with children. Short routes along the coast, through forests, and beside rivers with natural swimming pools make the island ideal for an active family holiday.
What should you look out for?
Hiking with children calls for a different approach than an adult mountain trek. A few rules of thumb:
- Choose short routes: 1 to 2 hours is fine for most children
- Combine with water: a walk that ends at a beach or swimming hole is always a hit
- Start early: in summer it can get hot early on; begin before 10 am
- Good shoes: children need sturdy shoes too — no flip-flops or sandals
- Water and snacks: always bring more than enough
Top 5 hikes for families
1. Sentier des Bruzzi (near Bonifacio)
A circular walk of 5 km past unspoilt bays and fantastically shaped rocks. Children are fascinated by the strange rock formations and the red coral beach. You can stop along the way for a swim. Duration: 2-3 hours.
2. Cascades des Anglais (near Vizzavona)
From the Vizzavona pass, follow the GR20 to these famous waterfalls. The trek is short (about 1.5 hours round trip) and ends at natural swimming pools in the Agnone river. Children love playing in the clear mountain water.
3. Village walks on Cap Corse
The 18 themed walks around the villages of Cap Corse are nearly all easy and short (1-2 hours). Children discover Genoese bridges, old mills, and abandoned villages. The walk at Centuri past sheepfolds with sea views is a favourite.
4. Calanques de Piana
The short walk at the Tete du Chien (about 1 hour) is manageable for children from around age 8. The bizarre red rock formations fire the imagination and the sea views are spectacular.
5. Ospedale forest (near Porto-Vecchio)
A half-day walk through the pine forest of Ospedale, just 30 minutes from Porto-Vecchio. The trail offers views of Lake Ospedale and the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio. Peaceful, shady, and pleasant.
Insider tip Consider a walk with a donkey. At several locations on Corsica you can set out with a donkey. The donkey carries the luggage (and sometimes the smallest children) and sets a gentle pace. Children find it fantastic and it suddenly makes longer distances achievable.
The Coscione plateau: nature for the whole family
The Coscione plateau in the Alta Rocca, at 1,500 metres altitude, is a surprisingly flat and open landscape in the midst of the mountains. Children run around among free-roaming cows and horses, jump over streams, and marvel at the pozzines — thick, mossy grass flats that feel like natural trampolines. The plateau is accessible from the village of Quenza (30 minutes by car).
Guided walks
If you'd rather not go it alone, you can book a guided family walk. Local mountain guides adjust the pace and route to the group's level. Prices start from around 40 euros per person.
In brief
- Corsica offers plenty of short, easy hikes for families
- Combine walking with swimming for the ultimate children's treat
- Hiking with a donkey is a unique Corsican experience
With a bit of planning, hiking on Corsica becomes the holiday highlight — even for the youngest ones.