Corsica's most beautiful lakes
Hiking in Corsica is an opportunity to make some magnificent discoveries! Put on your mountain boots and set off to discover the beauty of Corsica's highlands. This is your chance to discover well-known and little-known lakes that are well worth the detour! An authentic and exotic stay in the heart of nature to recharge your batteries.
Discover our sporty tours of Corsican lakes
The most beautiful mountain lakes to discover
Lac de Melo (Haute-Corse)
Lac de Melo, located 10 km from Corte in the upper Restonica valley, is nicknamed "the apple" because of its shape. Of glacial origin, Lake Melo is frozen for six months of the year. Although it requires a good level of fitness, most mountain hikers, even those with little experience, can reach it along the GR20 route.
Lac de Capitello (Haute-Corse)
From Le lac de Melo, you can reach Lac de Capitello. Considered to be the leading natural mountain lake in terms of depth (42 m) and the fourth in terms of surface area, the lake remains frozen for 8 months of the year. Much frequented in summer, the site has been "Site classé" since 1966. If you're lucky, you may even spot golden eagles and bearded vultures. If you don't want to meet too many hikers, set off early in the morning, as the view over the 2 lakes is simply breathtaking.
Lac de Goria (Haute Corse)
If you want to recharge your batteries away from the tourist trails, chooseLac de Goria, a superb solitary lake. The hike to Lac de Goria, at an altitude of 2,000 m, is a long one , requiring good footing on a steep route, part of which may still be covered in snow until June. Like the 2 previous lakes, the ascent starts from the Grotelle sheepfolds.
Lac de l'Oriente (Upper Corsica)
Still in the Restonica, a glacial valley renowned for its many lakes and hiking trails, we present Lac de l'Oriente (lavu di l'Uriente). The ascent is steep: 1000m in 4 hours, and the descent even harder! Stop off at the bergeries de TimozzuThe cheese is delicious. Best visited in summer only.
Lac de Bastani (Haute-Corse)
Lac de Bastani lies at the foot of Punta Bacinello, facing Monte Renoso (2,352 m). It is considered one of Corsica's most beautiful lakes in Corsica and one of thehighest (2,092 m alt.). The hike starts from the Ghisoni ski resort and takes an hour and a half. The start is quite steep, but not too difficult for walkers. The colors are superb!
Lac du Cinto (Haute-Corse)
Lac du Cinto, or lavu di u Cintu in Corsican, lies south-west of Monte Cinto at an altitude of 2289 metres. Situated at the foot of Monte Cinto, the roof of Corsica, it is a lake of glacial origin set in a lunar landscape. The hike is difficult and long, but the view over the mountains of the Isle of Beauty is unsurpassed!
Lake Betaniella (Haute Corse)
A Corsican lake of glacial origin, Lac de Betaniella "lavu di Bettaniella", also known as Lac du Rotondo "lavu di u Ritondu" in Corsican, is situated at an altitude of 2,321 meters. Part of the Monte Rotondo massif, it is the largest natural lake in Corsica (425 meters long and 225 meters wide). It's also the second deepest, just after Capitello lake. The hike is very varied, with a beautiful forest track, 2 sheepfolds and a stream, and requires a good level of fitness!
Lac de Nino (Haute-Corse)
In the Niolu valley, Lac de Nino at 1743 m is a favorite with hikers, with a breathtaking viewpoint. The route through the Vergio forest is pleasant and not particularly difficult, but the mineral world becomes more complicated. Then the pastures and wild horses come into view. There are several access routes, but we suggest starting from the Col du Vergio ski resort (GR20 trail).
Lacs du Rinoso (Haute-Corse)
The Lacs du Rinoso are little-known to hikers, especially when you have illustrious neighbors like Melo and Capitello. But they're also well worth a visit. Departure is always from the Grotelle sheepfold parking lot, at the end of the Restonica valley.
Lac de Creno (South Corsica)
Hike to Lac de Creno with friends or family. This intimate lake (in Corsican Lavu à Crena) is the only one lined with conifers. Located in the Monte Rotondo massif, in the Deux-Sorru region, it rises to an altitude of 1,310 meters. The atmosphere is particularly relaxing, and you can admirethe many water lilies that have covered part of the lake's surface since they were planted over 20 years ago.
Lac de Vitalaca (South Corsica)
Lac de Vitalaca lies at an altitude of 1777 meters in the Renoso massif. Several itineraries are possible, notably from the village of Bastelica. Nestling at the bottom of a trough-shaped valley, Lac de Vitalaca could be taken to mean "which takes away life", its cold waters having a bad reputation... It is one of Corsica's most beautiful lakes. Little-known and little-visited due to its isolation, Lake Vitalaca is nevertheless well worth a visit. Surrounded by superb Pozzi trees, the sense of freedom, solitude and tranquillity is soothing and humbling in the face of nature's grandeur.
In Corsica, natural lakes are located mainly in the following massifs:
Monte Cinto massif
- Lac d'Altore (alt. 2,050 m)
- Lac d'Argento (alt. 2,300 m)
- Lake Ceppu (alt. 1,793 m)
- Lake Cinto (alt. 2,289 m)
- Lac de Ghiarghe Rosse (alt. 2,175 m)
- Lake Lancone Sottano (alt. 2,155 m)
- Lake Maggiore (alt. 2,267 m)
- Lago della Muvrella (alt. 1,868 m)
- Lago d'Occhi Neri (alt. 2,165 m)
- Lake Paglia Orba (alt. 1,515 m)
Monte Rotondo massif
- Mare d'Acqua Ciarnente (alt. 1,568 m)
- Lac de Bettaniella or Lac du Rotondo (alt. 2,321 m)
- Lac de Capitello (alt. 1,930 m)
- Lac de Cavacciole (alt. 2,015 m)
- Lac de Creno (alt. 1,310 m)
- Lake Galiera (alt. 2,442 m)
- Gialicatapiano pond (alt. 1,523 m)
- Lake Goria (alt. 1,852 m)
- Lake Lavigliolu (alt. 1,834 m)
- Lake Melo (alt. 1,711 m)
- Lake Nino (alt. 1 743 m)
- Lake Oriente (alt. 2,061 m)
- Great Lake of Oro (alt. 1,970 m)
- Petit lac d'Oro (alt. 1,563 m)
- Lake Pozzolo (alt. 2,348 m)
- Lake Rinella Soprano (alt. 2,135 m)
- Lake Rinella Sottano (alt. 1,940 m)
- Grand lac de Rinoso (alt. 2,065 m)
- Petit lac de Rinoso (alt. 2,082 m)
- Lake San Ciprianu (alt. 1948 m)
- Lake Scapuccioli (alt. 2,338 m)
- Lac de Soglia (alt. 1,870 m)
- Lake Sorbi (alt. 2,060 m)
Monte Renoso massif
- Lake Alzeta (alt. 1,690 m)
- Lake Bastani (alt. 2,092 m)
- Lake Bracca (alt. 2,085 m)
- Lake Nielluccio (alt. 1,919 m)
- Lake Rina Soprano (alt. 1,882 m)
- Lake Rina Sottano (alt. 1,806 m)
- Lake Vitalaca (alt. 1,777 m)
Incudine Massif
- Lake Monte Tignoso (alt.1235 m)
Artificial lakes :
- Lac de l'Alesani (alt. 147 m)
- Lac d'Alzitone (alt. 62 m)
- Lac de l'Argentella (alt. 45 m)
- Lac de Calacuccia (alt. 793 m)
- Lake Calca Tavulaghjiu (alt. 50 m)
- Lac de Codole (alt. 108 m)
- Lac de l'Ortolo (alt. 180 m)
- Lac de l'Ospedale (alt. 945 m)
- Lake Padula (alt. 60 m)
- Lake Peri (alt. 76 m)
- Lake Sampolo (alt. 365 m)
- Lake Talza (alt. 42 m)
- Lake Teppe Rosse (alt. 32 m)
- Lac de Tolla (alt. 552 m)
- Lac du Rizzanese (alt. 530 m)
Come to Corsica for an unforgettable hike to discover its most beautiful lakes!
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