Forêt d'Aïtone

The Forêt d'Aïtone is a stunning piece of nature on Corsica. The forest of a diverse range of pines is located at a height of 800 to 2000 meters and covers an area of 24 square kilometers.

A recommended route is to follow the road from Porto to Évisa, a stunning road that gradually climbs higher and higher towards the beautiful village of Évisa. Located at the western part of the forest, Évisa is surrounded by chestnut trees.

And these chestnut trees form the basis for the annual chestnut Day which is celebrated every November. The chestnuts of this region have a rich flavour and are distinguished from other chestnuts by the fact that they don't have compartments. 
And it must be said that chestnuts can be found in many Corsican dishes throughout the year.

Where i visited this village during early May, it was nice and quiet. But in the summer season, it can get rather busy in the village as it is located at one of the crossroads of many hiking trails,...

Forêt d'Aïtone is the perfect spot to go hiking. With its many walking routes, you can admire the beauty of the area and more than likely bump in some local wild boars or other animals that roam the forest.

Walks:

​a) Sentier des Chataigniers: This linear rail takes you through the heart of the chestnut grove. Along the route are educational panels explaining the history of the chestnut trees since the Genoese times. (duration approx. 2 hours - 6.1km).

b) Évisa to Ota: this point-to-point path takes you away from Forêt d'Aïtone, but brings you through the stunning Spelunca Gorges. The path runs along streams. (duration approx. 2 hours - 6.4km)

c) Mare e Monti / Mare a Mare Nord: Both these long distance path (multi-day hikes) traverse through Évisa and are both stunning routes that bring you along some of Corsica's most stunning scenery.
​

Another interesting place to visit is the Cascades d'Aïtone, a series of waterfalls where you find the clearest of water, perfect for a refreshing dip in the summer. And when we say, refreshing, it is really refreshing with temperatures never really going above 11 degrees Celcius.

The stunning Laricio pines provide great shade in the summer, and climbing higher and higher, you will eventually reach Col de Vergio (Bocca di Verghju) located at a height of 1478 meters making it Corsica's highest paved pass.

A good way to reach the col is to cycle from Porto, a 34.5km constant climb with the most stunning views. I done this route in early May, a time when temperatures are not to high and the tourist season is only commencing making the roads much quiet. Still , this route is popular with bikers who tend to travel around Corsica in groups. The climb is never to steep (maximum gradient 6%) making it an easy enough climb, still come prepared with some food and plenty of water.

​

The stunning Forêt d'Aïtone should be on everyone's bucket list. It doesn't matter if you want to hike, cycle or drive, the area is worthwhile discovering.