The 3 hiking gems bathed by the Mediterranean Sea.

GR-20 Corsica (France)

Many of us would associate Corsica with coast and beaches, or a place where Napoleon Bonaparte was born. But this beautiful Mediterranean island hides its best kept secret inside: the mountain chain that runs through the island from the North to the South, which has more than 140 peaks over 2000 meters and about 3500km2 of protected areas. The GR20 crosses the Regional Natural Park of Corsica and is considered the most beautiful trekking and GR in the world. Its length is 180 kilometers. It is a quite technical trekking, since it has difficult steps, almost 22,000 meters of elevation gain and stages lasting about 7 hours a day. The northern half is considered the most difficult, since it is where the highest mountains are located, such as Monte Cinto with its 2706 meters of altitude.

The 5 keys to the GR20

• Estimate around 7 hours of trekking per day (15 stages)

• Progressive adaptation: the northern ascent is more technical.

• The backpack must weigh between 14 and 18 kg.

• Carefully prepare each stage and the resting place.

• Try to avoid hotter and colder seasons.

Sierra de Tramuntana (Mallorca, Balearic Islands)

Between Dragonera Island and Cape Formentor stretches the majestic Tramuntana mountain range. It runs through Mallorca from the Northeast to the Southwest, creating the natural barrier that protects the island from the famous north wind, the Tramuntana, to which it owes its name. Declared a world heritage site in 2011 for its cultural landscape, it is an example of symbiosis between the people who live in the small towns, spread across the mountains, and its wild nature.

GR-221, also called the “Dry Stone Route” runs through the entire mountain range for about 90 kilometers. Although it has many signposted variants that add up to no less than 168 kilometers. The landscapes that we are going to see are very changing, because sometimes the path passes very close to the coast and other times it enters the mountains, passing near the highest peak in Mallorca, Puig Major (1426m).

During stage 5 we will visit the Beniaraix Ravine, which, apart from being a monument to dry stone, will also surprise us with its incredible landscapes and its turquoise pools, scattered along the course of the torrent (in spring). The stone path zigzags between the terraces built with the same technique, and if we are lucky, we will be able to see how the farmers collect the olive harvest, prune or repair the terraces. Once, I was also able to see, to my great surprise, how a family went up to spend the weekend at their cabin, using a couple of donkeys as the means of loading. These authentic moments transport you to another time and allow you to connect with the environment in a deeper way.

Amalfi Coast (Salerno, Italy)

The Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) is considered the most beautiful hiking route in Italy. It delights tourists with the unique and dizzying views of the Amalfi Coast and the island of Capri. Its history goes back thousands of years, making the route exist surrounded by mystery, between legends and reality.

Until the first half of the 19th century (which is when the current coastal road was built) the “Path of the Gods” was the only road that gave access to the towns of the Amalfi coast. Today we can still see that rural life in the area remains the same as it did hundreds of years ago: shepherds accompany their flocks, people collect the harvest that grows on the terraces or we can even see a farmer carrying freshly milked milk to the town.

The trail itself is about 8 kilometers long and reaches an altitude of 600 meters above sea level. It can be done in both directions, although in the hottest months or if you are not prepared to overcome this slope, you can start at the highest point in the town of Bomerano and follow this picturesque path to Nocelle. There you can decide if you prefer to return or if you want to venture down the 1800 steps that will take you to Positano.