Horse riding in Bastia and Cap Corse
Discover horse riding in the Bastia / Cap Corse area!
Horse riding in Haute-Corse: an adventure not to be missed
Between the island’s second city and the wild peninsula stretching nearly 40 km to the north, the Bastia / Cap Corse area offers particularly varied terrain for horse riding. Within just a few kilometres, you go from the beaches of the Marana to the maquis ridges, with the Genoese towers punctuating the famous Cap route as a backdrop. It’s a setting different from that of the east coast or Balagne: steeper, wilder, and often less frequented by tourists.
Our selection of horse riding activities for Bastia / Cap Corse
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Equestrian centres around Bastia
Two addresses are located directly in the area. U Cavallu di Brando takes advantage of its position, in the commune of Brando, at the entrance to Cap Corse, to offer outings that combine rides through the maquis with views over the Gulf of Bastia. A little further south, the Club Hippique du Haras des Sables is well suited to those staying near the beaches of Bastia and looking for an easily accessible outing without having to venture inland.
For those staying at a campsite in Bastia or further up the peninsula at a campsite in Cap Corse, both centres remain reachable in less than half an hour by car, making it possible to fit in a horse ride between a morning at the beach and an afternoon of sightseeing.
Outings between sea and maquis
What sets horse riding apart here is the immediate proximity between the shoreline and the first foothills of the maquis. Around Miomo or San-Martino-di-Lota, several trails allow you to follow the coastline for a while before climbing towards the heights, with the Serra di Pigno and its view over the entire Gulf of Bastia as the ultimate goal for the longest equestrian treks. You regularly come across isolated chapels, abandoned restanques and shepherd's huts, remnants of a mountain farming tradition that has now disappeared across much of the Cap.
Lovers of beaches in Haute-Corse will also enjoy the outings that head back down to the coast at the end of the day, a moment when the low light over the Tyrrhenian Sea completely changes the atmosphere of the ride.
Following the Cap route on horseback
The D80, the famous road that circles Cap Corse, serves as a guiding thread for many equestrian itineraries, without actually following it directly. The centres in the area organise outings that reach the surroundings of Erbalunga, Sisco or further north towards Pino and Centuri, with possible stops in some of the typical villages of Cap Corse. The most experienced riders can push on to the approaches of Monte Stello, the highest point of the peninsula, on routes sometimes shared with hikers.
For a stopover on the Cap route, a night near Nonza makes it easy to explore the whole peninsula: the village is described in detail on the Corsica Camping page dedicated to Nonza, halfway between Bastia and Saint-Florent.
For beginners and families
Unlike some mountain areas inland, Cap Corse offers several short, non-technical loops, particularly around the beaches near Bastia, ideal for a first outing or for children. The horses used on these routes are generally chosen for their calm temperament, with a pace suited to novices. More athletic outings, towards the interior of the Cap or in the direction of Monte Stello, remain reserved for those who already have a few hours of riding under their belt, as the elevation gain and rocky terrain require greater confidence.
When to go?
Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September-October) remain the most comfortable periods: mild temperatures, maquis in bloom, and far fewer crowds than in the height of summer. In July-August, outings are scheduled early in the morning to avoid the heat, sometimes with a swim on horseback at the end of the ride on the beaches of the Marana. In winter, the coastline remains accessible, but routes towards the interior of the Cap depend more on the weather, as the wind can pick up quickly on the peninsula.
Other activities to combine on site
The Bastia / Cap Corse area lends itself well to an active stay that isn't limited to horse riding. Between two equestrian outings, you can alternate with hiking on the ridges of the Cap, diving along the coves or kayaking to explore the coast from the sea. All the activities in the area are gathered on the page activities in Haute-Corse.
As for seaside accommodation, the campsites located at the entrance to Cap Corse, around Saint-Florent and Patrimonio, are also a good option for combining beach and horse riding: the A Stella campsite in Patrimonio offers horse rides just a few kilometres from its seaside location.
