Complete guide to canyoning in Corsica
Canyoning in Corsica is an incredible opportunity to discover wild, unspoilt natural sites that are not accessible in any other way! Gather your friends or family and enjoy a series of abseils, slides and jumps as you descend one of Corsica's many canyons.
Looking for a fun outdoor activity to share with friends and family? Thanks to canyoning, you're guaranteed to have a great time! At first sight, this sport may seem difficult to access: you need the right natural environment (a canyon), very specific equipment and often you have to refer to the regulations that apply to the chosen location. Depending on the canyon, the prerequisites for practising this discipline may also vary.
However, canyoning is now more accessible than ever. In France, Corsica is THE destination to try this sport in an idyllic setting. With its majestic mountains, emerald rivers and numerous canyons, the island of beauty has the perfect environment for a successful canyoning trip. Not to mention the island's sunshine and warm temperatures!
Does it make you want to? It's totally normal! It's also perfectly normal to have questions about canyoning in Corsica, especially if you're planning to discover the sport for the very first time. What exactly does it involve? Which are the main canyons in Corsica, and which one should you choose? How should you prepare for your canyoning trip in Corsica? We'll help you answer these questions and many more in this comprehensive guide to canyoning in Corsica.
1. What is canyoning?
Let's start with a few basic facts about canyoning: what it is, who can do it and its history.
Definition of canyoning
Canyoning is an outdoor activity that involves descending a river or stream in a canyon. As they follow the watercourse, participants encounter several types of natural obstacle: waterfalls, slides over rocks and jumps several metres high. These obstacles are unique to each canyon and, depending on the terrain, can sometimes be avoided by participants.
Canyoning is a complete sporting activity that combines walking, swimming, jumping, abseiling and natural slides! In fact, you're hiking, caving, climbing and swimming all at the same time, while exploring a natural site of exceptional beauty. A real adventure sport!
Often confused with water trekking, canyoning involves the use of a rope. Water trekking is a more accessible discipline, as it does not involve abseiling or any sections requiring the use of ropes or harnesses.
Who can go canyoning?
These days, almost anyone can go canyoning! Of course, there are a few prerequisites, and these vary depending on the canyon. Nevertheless, the activity is safe and particularly accessible with the guidance of a professional guide. Canyoning instructors know the canyons they work in very well and regularly check the anchorages and weather conditions to ensure a pleasant experience for their clients.
Canyoning is therefore suitable for all levels, from beginners to the most experienced. There are even courses suitable for children. The most important thing is to want to have fun and challenge yourself! The most common prerequisites for canyoning are the ability to swim and a certain level of physical fitness (balance, agility and endurance).
A brief history of canyoning
We said earlier that canyoning is an adventure sport, and its roots prove it! If we go back to the origins of canyoning, we can see that the sport was first practised for reasons of survival. People explored the canyons to hunt and fish.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, canyoning opened new doors to scientific research. Using caving and mountaineering techniques, geologists and hydrologists explored the canyons to uncover their secrets: fauna and flora, geological processes, and so on.
It wasn't until the 1960s that canyoning became a sport in its own right. The techniques used by potholers and mountaineers to descend the river using ropes became popular. Associations such as the Fédération française de spéléologie (FFS) and later the Fédération française de la montagne et de l'escalade (FFME) began to organise canyoning trips. Little by little, canyoning became the supervised sporting activity we know today.
2. Why canyoning in Corsica?
Now that you have a better understanding of what canyoning is, you may be wondering where you can try this sport. For us, there's no doubt about it: Corsica is the destination of choice for canyoning!
To take advantage of a climate favourable to canyoning
Even in summer, canyoning is a very refreshing activity. As you are often in the shade, in the mountain environment and also in the water of the river, the ambient temperature is generally cool. The right equipment will keep you warm, of course, but even if winter canyoning does exist, it is mainly a summer activity.
In Corsica, you can be sure of one thing: you'll be canyoning in pleasant conditions! Summers are sunny and hot, so you'll be delighted to cool off in the rivers. Between May and September, conditions are generally ideal for canyoning in Corsica.
Immerse yourself in breathtaking scenery
Corsica is nicknamed the 'Island of Beauty', and it lives up to that name! Renowned for its unspoilt landscapes between sea and mountains, Corsica is a real paradise for nature lovers. To the west, the coastline is dotted with heavenly beaches and travellers will be delighted by the Calanques de Piana, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You won't want to miss these exceptional sites during your stay in Corsica!
However, when it comes to canyoning, it's the mountains of the island's interior that are particularly renowned. In the heart of an impressive landscape with mythical peaks such as Monte Cinto, you'll find numerous canyons and wild gorges. Wherever you go in Corsica, you won't be disappointed by the diverse works of Mother Nature!
To explore Corsica off the beaten track
Canyoning in Corsica is a great way to discover every corner of the island. As a canyon is a fairly difficult place to get to compared with a hiking trail or a beach, you won't come across any crowds. Of course, some of Corsica's canyons are very popular and it can be difficult to get a place on a guided tour without booking in advance. However, the canyon world itself remains a wilderness off the beaten track where only the most adventurous go.
The ecosystem in a canyon is also unique and preserved. It's nothing like what you might see during other outdoor activities. Depending on its location, the canyon can experience long periods of cold without sunshine, as well as floods and dry spells. These climatic conditions create a unique microclimate that you won't find anywhere else in Corsica. In fact, there are even endemic species in Corsica's canyons!
3. The canyons of Corsica
Corsica is a penciller's paradise, and we're going to prove it! Here's a complete directory of Corsica's canyons. Soon you'll want to explore them all!
The canyons near Corte
Central Corsica is characterised by sublime landscapes, picturesque villages and crystal-clear rivers. These mountainous landscapes, home to the island's highest peak, Monte Cinto, are dotted with numerous rivers, gorges and exceptional canyons.
1. Richiusa Canyon
The Richiusa canyon is located between Corte and Ajaccio, a 45-minute drive from each town, near Bocognano. It's a popular canyon in Corsica, as well as being great fun.
- Level: moderate, this canyon is suitable for both sporty beginners and more experienced canyoning enthusiasts.
- Approach walk: 1 hour
- Obstacles: 9 slides - 3 jumps - a 12m waterfall - 6 successive jumps (no jump compulsory)
- Length of descent: approximately 2h30
- Return journey: 15 minutes
2. Vecchio Canyon
The Vecchio canyon is located in the mountains near Corte. More precisely, it lies in the Monte d'Oro massif between the villages of Venaco and Vivario. As the canyon is joined by several tributaries, it is particularly aquatic and known for its large emerald-green pools.
- Level: moderate, this canyon is suitable for both sporty beginners and more experienced canyoning enthusiasts.
- Approach walk: 10 minutes
- Obstacles: no obstacles are compulsory
- Length of descent: 4 to 5 hours
- Return: 5 minutes
3. Tavignano Canyon
This canyon is located in the Tavignano valley, near Corte. Known for its deep gorges, the Tavignano canyon is perfect if you like swimming and jumping.
- Level: Easy to moderate, this canyon is suitable for families and beginners.
- Approach walk: 1h30 - 2h
- Obstacles: no jump required
- Length of descent: 2 - 4 hours
- Return journey: 20 - 30 minutes
4. Verghello Canyon
This canyon is considered to be a very complete canyon because it has various obstacles. The Verghello canyon is located near Vivario and offers a fairly technical and sporting experience, although it is also suitable for beginners.
- Level: moderate to difficult
- Approach walk: 5 min
- Obstacles: jumps from 2 to 8m high (which can be bypassed), 2 to 3 natural slides, 2 guided abseils on a zip line up to 25m long.
- Length of descent: 4h30
- Return journey: 20 min
5. Travu Canyon
The Travu canyon near Chisa has a large flow all year round. It's a popular spot for water trekking, offering a natural route that's much appreciated by nature lovers.
- Level: Easy, this is an aquatic walk
- Approach walk: no approach walk
- Obstacles: waterfalls, slides and jumps
- Length of descent: 2h30
- Return journey: 15 min
The canyons of southern Corsica
Corse-du-Sud is renowned for its sublime beaches, mountains and Mediterranean atmosphere.
6. Cavu Canyon
This canyon is more a collection of natural pools located in the Cavu Valley in Sainte-Lucie de Porto-Vecchio. The site is often used for introductory canyoning and water trekking.
- Level: easy
- Approach walk: 20 min
- Obstacles: jumps, natural slides, swimming and hiking
- Length of descent: 2 hours
- Return: no return walk
7. Canyon of Piscia di Gallu
Located in L'Ospédale, 30 minutes from Porto-Vecchio, the Piscia di Gallu canyon is a sporty and impressive place. It is famous for its 60m-high waterfall.
- Level: difficult (no escape)
- Approach walk: 15 min
- Obstacles: jumps, slides, abseiling up to 60 m
- Length of descent: 2 hours
- Return journey: 40 min
8. Fiumicelli Canyon
The Fiumicelli canyon is perfect for an introduction to canyoning in Corsica. You'll be doing more aquatic trekking and it's a great option for a first discovery of canyoning with children in Bavella.
- Level: Easy, aquatic walk
- Approach walk: 30 min
- Obstacles: 1 compulsory 3m jump, slides
- Length of descent: 2h30
- Return: no return walk
9. Baracci Canyon
The Baracci canyon is around 30 minutes' drive from Propriano and Sartène. It is also easily accessible from Ajaccio or Bonifacio. Known for the distinctive red colour of its granite massif and its vegetation offering unique landscapes, the Baracci canyon is an ideal option for beginners.
- Difficulty level: easy, this canyon is suitable for both sporty beginners and more experienced canyoning enthusiasts.
- Approach walk: 5 min
- Obstacles: 2 to 8 m jumps (not compulsory), 2 natural slides, a zip line that ends in the water, a monkey bridge, abseiling, a jump or abseil in the last basin at the end.
- Length of descent: 4 hours
- Return journey: 45 min
10. Dardu Canyon
The Dardu canyon is probably one of the most original canyons in Corsica, as it ends in the sea. Set in the Calanches de Piana, one of Corsica's most famous natural sites, it offers a unique sporting experience in a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Level: Sports
- Approach walk: 10 min
- Obstacles: abseils up to 25 m, jumps and slides
- Duration of descent: 3 to 4 hours
- Return: 1 hour (several options available: hiking or swimming)
The canyons near Calvi
The Calvi district covers a large part of the north-west coast of the island. It is renowned for its must-see tourist sites such as Ile Rousse and Saint-Florent.
11. Canyon de la Mélaghia
This canyon is located near Calvi, in the forest of the Haute-Corse Regional Nature Park. This little-frequented canyon has all the essential canyoning obstacles in a peaceful, unspoilt setting.
- Levels: Easy to moderate, this canyon is suitable for both sporty beginners and more experienced canyoning enthusiasts.
- Approach walk: 50 min
- Obstacles: Abseiling, slides, zip lines, monkey bridges and jumps
- Length of descent: 2 hours
- Return journey: 35 min
12. Fango Canyon
The Fango canyon, also known as the Fangu canyon, is located in the valley of the same name near Galeria. The valley is classified as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, making it an exceptional setting for an introduction to canyoning in Corsica, or even for an aquatic hike.
- Level: Easy, aquatic hikes and outings possible at any time
- Approach walk: 45 min
- Obstacles: jumps, swimming and slides
- Length of descent: 2h30
- Return: no return walk
13. Canyon de la Ruda
The canyon de la Ruda is a superb sports canyon in Haute-Corse! The start of the canyon is at an altitude of over 1,000m, so you can expect a mountain experience against the backdrop of Corsica's highest peak: Monte Cinto.
- Levels: Easy to moderate, this canyon is suitable for both sporty beginners and more experienced canyoning enthusiasts.
- Approach walk: 40 min
- Obstacles: abseils, optional jumps, slides and swimming
- Length of descent: 3 hours
- Return : 1h
14. Canyon di a Spiccia Rossa
The canyon di a Spiccia Rossa is the perfect canyon for abseiling enthusiasts. Technical and suitable for beginners, this canyon offers a wild setting in the heart of the maquis. To discover this canyon, we recommend that you are not afraid of heights!
- Levels: Easy to moderate, this canyon is suitable for both sporty beginners and more experienced canyoning enthusiasts.
- Approach walk: 1h15
- Obstacles: abseils up to 25m, a tightrope with handrail, a jump (not compulsory), a zip line.
- Length of descent: 4 hours
- Return journey: 40 min
15. Canyon le Stollu
The Stollu canyon is ideally located near Bastia, offering you a sporting activity in a refreshing setting! To get to the entrance of the canyon, take the old shepherds' paths as a warm-up.
- Level: sporty
- Approach walk: 45 min
- Obstacles: abseils, waterfalls up to 27 m, slides up to 15 m
- Length of descent: 2 hours
- Return journey: 15 min
The canyons near Bastia
The Bastia region is not the most famous for canyoning in Corsica. Nevertheless, there are a few canyons to be found here.
16. Cippetto Canyon
The Cippetto canyon is located in the commune of Volpajola in the Nebbiu region of Haute Corse. You'll need to master abseiling to enjoy this canyoning experience in Corsica.
- Level: sporty
- Approach walk: 50 min
- Obstacles: abseils, jumps, slides, succession of waterfalls up to 55 m
- Length of descent: 2h30
- Return: no return walk
17. Canyon de la Viula
The Viula canyon is located on Cap Corse, at Olcani, near Nonza. With its large abseils and emerald pools, this canyon will delight thrill-seekers.
- Level: sporty
- Approach walk: 1 hour
- Obstacles: abseils, slides and jumps up to 8 m (optional)
- Length of descent: 3h30
- Return journey: 5 min
Our top 3 canyons in Corsica
With so many canyons in Corsica to suit all abilities, it can be difficult to choose which one to explore, especially if you're short on time. To help you, we recommend our top canyoning activities in Corsica, all located near Bavella and departing from Solaro.
Introduction to canyoning: the Pulischellu canyon
In the sublime setting of the Aiguilles de Bavella, near the villages of Solenzara and Zonza, we invite you to discover the Pulischellu canyon with the professional guides from Corsica Canyon.
Perfect for discovering canyoning with the whole family, the Pulischellu canyon is accessible from the age of 8 to any child in good physical condition who can swim. Don't hesitate to book the Pulischellu initiation canyon in Bavella to discover canyoning in Corsica!
- Approach walk: 30 min
- Obstacles: jumps of up to 10 metres (all of which can be avoided), slides and other obstacles that can almost all be avoided.
- Length of descent: 2h30
- Return journey: 5 min
Medium commitment sport canyoning: the Purcaraccia canyon
If you're a sporty type, we'd recommend the Purcaraccia canyon, one of the most beautiful canyons in Corsica. It's also a complete and varied canyon that will give you plenty of thrills in the sublime setting of Bavella.
Accessible from the age of 12, the Purcaraccia canyon requires a good level of fitness and a good command of swimming. You can easily get to the starting point of the activity from Porto-Vecchio (1h15 drive) or even from Ajaccio (2h15 drive).
- Approach walk: 1h30
- Obstacles: the jumps (up to 8 m) can be avoided by swimming or walking, the 2 abseils 45 m high are compulsory.
- Length of descent: 3 hours
- Return journey: 45 min
Sporty canyoning with a strong commitment: the Vacca canyon
If you're not afraid of a challenge, the Vacca canyon is for you! In this canyon, you won't be able to avoid any obstacles. You'll need to be ready to tackle them all, as only the jumps can be avoided, and then only by abseiling.
The setting of the Vacca canyon is made up of vertiginous walls with an exceptional narrowing. It's the most aquatic canyon on Bavella and offers a superb descent in the heart of an exceptional wilderness. Although our activity in the Vacca canyon is accessible from the age of 12, a first experience of canyoning is recommended to enjoy the excursion.
- Approach walk: 45 min
- Obstacles: jumps, swimming, 16-metre abseil (no avoidable obstacles)
- Length of descent: 3 hours
- Return journey: 1h15
5. Canyoning in Corsica?
Now that you've got plenty of ideas for canyoning in Corsica, you may be wondering how you can get started. Here's how and when to plan your canyoning trip in Corsica.
The best time to go canyoning in Corsica
The canyoning season in Corsica generally runs from May to September. The peak is July-August, and as this activity is very popular, you'll need to book in advance to secure a place on a supervised canyoning trip.
Of course, the season can vary depending on the year and the geographical location of the canyons. Some canyons, such as the Petra-Leccia canyon, are open from spring onwards.
The best way to prepare for canyoning in Corsica
While many canyoning activities are accessible and easy, the sport does involve some risk of falling, drowning or slipping. The best option for safe canyoning in Corsica is to go with a professional guide. As the instructor is a canyoning specialist and knows every nook and cranny of the canyon in which he or she works, he or she will be able to advise and guide you so that you can enjoy your activity with peace of mind.
As well as being important for your safety, a supervised canyoning excursion in Corsica makes it easy to organise the activity. All you have to do is get to the meeting point and follow the guide, who knows the area like the back of his hand.
6. What should you bring to canyoning in Corsica?
If you join a supervised trip, you'll need to bring almost nothing for your canyoning trip in Corsica. All the equipment you need is usually provided, and you'll only need to bring a few things with you.
Canyoning equipment
As well as taking care of the shuttle and supervising your canyoning trip, your guides will provide you with quality equipment to guarantee your safety during the activity. First, you'll be fitted with a neoprene wetsuit to keep you warm. Then you'll put on a helmet to protect you from falls. Special footwear may also be loaned to you, although this is not always the case. Sometimes you'll need to take along a sturdy pair of trainers that you're prepared to get wet in and that don't have smooth soles to prevent slipping. You can take water shoes or light hiking boots that allow the water to run off properly. Finally, you'll be wearing a harness for abseiling.
Accessories to bring
As well as the specific canyoning equipment, it's a good idea to bring a few accessories for your comfort. Apply sun cream to protect yourself from the sun and bring a small waterproof bag for your personal belongings, such as your mobile phone or keys.
You can also pack a snack and a bottle of water to keep you hydrated during the activity and then regain your strength when you leave the canyon. At this point, you'll also want to dry off, so bring a towel and a change of clothes so you don't get too cold!
In conclusion, canyoning in Corsica is a must-do activity, offering options to suit all levels in canyons with diverse landscapes. The Isle of Beauty is dotted with canyons and is a veritable paradise on earth for fans of this sport.
Whether you're a beginner or an expert, there's bound to be a canyoning activity in Corsica to suit you! For even more inspiration and ideas, check out our article on the 9 best canyoning spots in Corsica.