Waterfalls and Natural Pools in Corsica

Corsica is crisscrossed by hundreds of watercourses that rush down its mountains towards the sea. Along the way, these torrents carve gorges, leap off cliffs in foaming cascades, and form pools of turquoise water of remarkable purity. These natural pools, nestled within granite rock polished smooth by erosion, offer swimming spots of breathtaking beauty far from the crowded beaches of the coastline.

This guide catalogues the finest waterfall and river swimming sites in Corsica, with all the practical information you need to visit: access details, difficulty of the approach walk, required equipment, and safety precautions.

The must-see sites

Purcaraccia: Bavella's crown jewel

The Purcaraccia natural pools are arguably the most iconic river swimming spot in Corsica. Set in the Bavella massif, they form a succession of emerald pools linked by natural water slides carved into pink granite. The water glides over polished rock in cascading ribbons before plunging into deep basins surrounded by rounded boulders.

Access requires a 45-minute approach walk from the D268 (Col de Bavella road) followed by a descent into the canyon that demands a degree of agility. The site is free and undeveloped: there are no official trail markers, guardrails, or facilities. Exercise caution, especially with children. Visitor numbers can be high in July and August.

Cascade des Anglais: Vizzavona's gem

The Cascade des Anglais, in the Vizzavona forest in central Corsica, is one of the most accessible and charming natural sites on the island. A series of waterfalls and pools follow one another in a verdant setting of centuries-old beech and Laricio pine trees. The woodland atmosphere, with light filtering through the canopy and the sound of water, is truly enchanting.

The walk from Vizzavona station takes 30 minutes on a well-marked trail (GR20 south). The site is family-friendly, including for young children. The pools offer varying depths, from natural paddling areas to basins 2 metres deep. It is the ideal spot for a first Corsican river swimming experience.

Polischellu waterfalls: power and spectacle

The Polischellu waterfalls, at the foot of the Bavella massif, form a spectacular canyon where water carves its way between granite walls. The falls, some reaching 15 to 20 metres in height, feed deep pools with blue-green reflections. The site beautifully combines scenic contemplation with swimming.

Access to the first pools is fairly straightforward (20-30 minutes' walk), but ascending the canyon requires canyoning equipment for the most spectacular sections. The Polischellu waterfalls are both a renowned canyoning spot and a popular wild swimming destination.

Other remarkable waterfalls and natural pools

Cavu pools

The Cavu river in south-east Corsica, between Solenzara and Porto-Vecchio, forms a succession of swimming pools amid maquis and forest. The best-known area is accessible from a purpose-built car park on the D268. The walk is short (10-15 minutes) and the pools are spacious and shallow, ideal for families.

The Cavu is known for its water clarity and relatively mild temperature (16-20 degrees C in summer). The flat rocks surrounding the pools offer excellent spots for sunbathing between dips. The site is very busy in July and August; arrive early in the morning.

Asco natural pools

The Asco valley, north-west of Corte, hides numerous swimming pools along the torrent. The finest are at the Genoese bridge of Asco and in the gorges downstream of Haut-Asco village. The water, descending directly from Monte Cinto (2,706 m), is among the coldest in Corsica (10-14 degrees C) but of extraordinary clarity.

Access to the main pools is easy, directly from roadside car parks (D147). The setting is magnificent, with the walls of the Asco gorges rising on either side of the torrent. This is also the starting point for the Tizzarella via ferrata.

Piscia di Ghjallu waterfall

The Piscia di Ghjallu waterfall ("horse waterfall" in Corsican) is one of the tallest on the island with a drop of around 60 metres. Located in the Ospedale massif in the south-east, it is reached by a 1.5-hour round-trip hike from the Ospedale dam (car park on the D368). The trail passes through Laricio pine forest before opening onto a natural viewpoint with a spectacular view of the falls.

Swimming is possible in the pool at the foot of the waterfall, but the approach requires descending a steep and slippery path. Flow is impressive in spring and may be reduced in late summer. The site is magnificent but requires good fitness.

Restonica gorges

The Restonica valley, accessible from Corte, is one of the most beautiful valleys in Corsica. The torrent has carved deep gorges through the granite, forming swimming pools all along the D623 road. The most accessible spots are at car parks along the road.

For hikers, following the Restonica up to Melo lake (1,711 m) and Capitello lake (1,930 m) offers a spectacular alpine hike with mountain swimming possibilities (very cold but absolutely pure water). Melo lake, in its glacial cirque, is one of the most photographed natural sites in Corsica.

Fango river and its natural pools

The Fango river in north-west Corsica, between Galeria and Calvi, is a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Its crystal-clear waters form magnificent swimming pools amid low maquis and red rocks. The Tuarelli bridge is the best-known access point, with spacious, deep pools just a few minutes' walk away.

The Fango is also known for having some of the warmest water in Corsica (up to 22-24 degrees C in summer in the shallow pools), thanks to the dark rocks that absorb heat. It is the ideal site for those who find Corsican rivers too cold.

Mountain lakes: swimming at altitude

Corsica is home to around forty glacial mountain lakes perched between 1,700 and 2,300 metres above sea level. These lakes, often set within spectacular rocky cirques, offer a unique swimming experience -- provided you can handle water between 8 and 15 degrees C.

The most accessible lakes

• Melo Lake (1,711 m): 1.5 hours' walk from the Grotelle sheepfolds (Restonica valley). The most accessible mountain lake, with a well-marked trail.
• Nino Lake (1,743 m): 2.5 hours from the Col de Vergio or the Vaccaghja sheepfolds. Famous for its pozzines (spongy meadows) and free-roaming horses.
• Creno Lake (1,310 m): 1.5 hours from Soccia or Orto. The only lake in Corsica surrounded by Laricio pines, in an intimate and peaceful setting.
• Capitello Lake (1,930 m): 2.5 hours from the Grotelle sheepfolds via Melo Lake. Wilder and more spectacular than Melo, within a cirque of vertical walls.

Practical tips for river swimming

Safety

Natural swimming sites in Corsica are neither supervised nor developed. Your safety is entirely your own responsibility. Follow these essential rules:

• Never dive without first checking the depth and ensuring there are no submerged obstacles
• Never swim alone and supervise children at all times
• Avoid swimming during floods or after heavy rain (torrents can rise very quickly)
• Wear water shoes with non-slip soles (wet rocks are extremely slippery)
• Do not overestimate your swimming ability in water at 14 degrees C

Recommended equipment

To make the most of the natural pools, bring:

• Water shoes or hiking sandals with grippy soles
• A towel (microfibre for hikers)
• High-factor sunscreen (reflected UV off water and rocks is strong)
• Snorkel and mask to observe the life below (brown trout inhabit some pools)
• A rubbish bag to carry out your waste
• Snacks and plenty of water (there are no refreshment stands at natural sites)

Protecting the sites

Corsica's waterfalls and natural pools are fragile environments. The growing influx of visitors threatens certain ecosystems. Be a responsible visitor:

• Leave no litter, including biodegradable waste (fruit peel, cigarette butts)
• Do not use soap or non-biodegradable sunscreen in the water
• Do not move stones from the riverbed (they shelter aquatic organisms)
• Stay on access paths to avoid trampling riparian vegetation
• Respect the tranquillity of the area: no amplified music

To combine swimming with sporting adventure, discover canyoning at Bavella which lets you descend the most spectacular canyons with a guide. And to plan your entire trip, check out our complete guide to Corsica.