A mountain in the sea
Corsica is certainly known for its beaches but it should not be forgotten that it is a mountain in the sea, and in southern Corsica, it literally flows into the Mediterranean. In the heart of the Corsican Regional Natural Park, this mountainous area of the Alta Rocca is made up of magnificent preserved resources, with the peaks of the Bavella and Incudine peaks at 1855m and 2136m respectively. Here nature is the master: chestnut forests rub shoulders with holm oaks, beech woods and Lariccio pines in a beautiful carpet of greenery. Picturesque and typical villages that line the valley bear witness to the history of those Corsicans of yesteryear, whose refuge was the mountain.
The GR20, a testimony of the past ?
The paths used by the famous Grande randonnée trail N°20 date from a time when pastoralism and transhumance marked the life of island mountain dwellers. This 16-stage hike is recognised as one of the most difficult and technical in Europe. You must be well trained and in excellent physical condition to venture on the GR 20: steep and narrow paths, granite walls, alpine descents, gradients, slabs, screes and rivers, are some of the many obstacles to cross in a breathtakingly beautiful setting, during the two weeks of your journey, if you have chosen to complete the entire route. It is likely that you will remember this extraordinary experience for a long time to come.
The southern coast to coast path
This is a very beautiful hike that will take you from one shore to the other through the mountains. In five stages, you will reach Porto-Vecchio from Propriano through the most beautiful villages of Alta Rocca. The Mare a Mare sud is an alternative to the highly technical GR20. It will delight walking enthusiasts who will enjoy the most beautiful sites in the far south. L’Ospédale, Lévie, Serra di Scopamene, Sainte Lucie de Tallano and Burgo are the destinations that you will reach in 5-6 hours of walking per day. During your trip, you will have a splendid view of the needles of Bavella, you will discover the famous archaeological site of Cucuruzzu listed as a UNESCO heritage site, cross the Rizzanese where you can take a swim, and descend towards the Gulf of Valinco through ancient oaks and chestnut trees.
Alta Rocca, land of lords
40 minutes from Porto-Vecchio, discover authentic Corsica and the picturesque villages of our mountain hinterland. Through the Regional Natural Park, you can discover a preserved historical heritage from the Bronze Age to the Middle Ages. An amazing green landscapeprotects the many vestiges of the past that each village has to offer. Unmissable sites include: Levie and the archaeological site of Capula and Cucuruzzu, Carbini and its 12th century church, Bavella and majestic needles, Quenza and the plateau of Cuscionu, Saint Lucia of Tallano for its famous olive oil.
Swimming in natural pools
During the hot summer months, here is a great idea to cool down! In the peaks of Bavella and the Cuscionu plateau, the main rivers take their source: the Solenzara, the Rizzanese and the Fiumicicoli form magnificent preserved canyons and an incredible playground for sports enthusiasts in the heart of nature. Upstream, Pulischellu, Purcaraccia andVacca are major canyoning sites, an experience to be tried absolutely but supervised by a professional. Downstream, the Cavo’s natural swimming pools, accessible from Sainte Lucie de Porto-Vecchio, is fantastic for river swimming .
Piscia di gallu
Piscia di gallo is probably one of the most impressive waterfalls on the island. It is a very beautiful 1h30 round trip to do with family or friends on a marked path, easy to the top of the waterfall, the second part is more sporty and it is better to venture there well equipped! It can be accessed via l’Ospédale, the trailhead is about 1 km after the lake. You will stroll between scrubland and Lariccio pines, surrounded by impressive granite rocks. And to recover, you can have a drink or eat at the starting point of this very touristic walk.
Cucuruzzu and Capula
It is a major archaeological heritage site dating back to the Torean era. Discovered in 1963, this Bronze Age fortress is classified as a historic monument and is worth a visit! It can be reached by foot from the centre of the village of Lévie, or by car 2 km from the village in the direction of Sainte Lucie de Tallano. The path that leads to the sites walks in a bucolic and pleasant, shaded and very easy to access setting, it allows you to loop around Cucuruzzu and Capula. A discovery not to be missed during your stay in southern Corsica.
A bit of gastronomy
Corsican gastronomy is famous ! It is a Mediterranean cuisine developed over the seasons with local products. Delicatessen, cheeses, pasta, grilled or simmered meats, fish, sweet delicacies, liquors and wines are part of our culinary heritage on the island. Recipes are often passed down from generation to generation, it is a subtle and perfumed cuisine, varied and rich in flavours. Each part of the island has its own specialities made from meat such as veal, pork or wild boar, herbs from the maquis, fresh cheese, including the famous brocciu used to make salty dishes or tasty desserts, red and white wines that are made with heart and passion.