Top 20 Lakes in Corsica

Many of Corsica's stunning mountain lakes are accessible via rewarding hikes. Popular trails include the moderate ascent to Lac de Melo, often combined with the more challenging climb to Lac de Capitello. The hike to Lac de Nino offers incredible panoramic views, while the easy trail to Lac de Creno is known for its unique conifer forest setting.

Yes, Lac de Creno is particularly suitable for families. Its easy hike through a conifer forest, unique water lilies, and tranquil ambiance make it a relaxing and authentic experience accessible to most. You can even ride there with a pony or horse rented from the car park below.

Corsican lakes boast diverse natural features. Lac de Nino is famous for its 'pozzines' – small peat bogs with interconnected water holes, and free-roaming wild horses and cows. Lac de Creno is unique for being surrounded by Laricio pines and having its surface partly covered with colorful water lilies. The high-altitude lakes like Lac de Capitello offer dramatic rocky amphitheaters and the chance to spot golden eagles or bearded vultures.

The best time to visit Corsica's mountain lakes for hiking is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to October). During this period, the weather is more stable, and trails are typically free of snow. However, some high-altitude lakes like Lac de Capitello and Lac de Bettaniella can remain frozen for many months, offering a dramatic landscape of rock and ice well into early summer.

While many high-altitude glacial lakes prohibit swimming to protect their delicate ecosystems (like Lac de Nino), Lac de Tolla (Todda) in Southern Corsica offers excellent opportunities for water sports. From May to September, you can rent paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, and pedalos on its calm waters. Its lower altitude and accessibility make it a great spot for swimming and lakeside activities.

Lac de Capitello holds the record as the deepest natural mountain lake in Corsica, plunging to 42 meters. It is situated at an elevation of 1,930 meters and is often visited in conjunction with Lac de Melo.

For those seeking solitude and a challenge away from more frequented trails, Lac de Gloria, located at 2,000 meters in Haute-Corse, offers a solitary experience. Similarly, Lac d'Oriente, situated in a glacial valley at over 2,000 meters, provides a peaceful getaway in a wild and majestic setting, often less crowded than Melo and Capitello despite its challenging hike.

The diverse ecosystems around Corsican lakes support various wildlife. Around Lac de Nino, you can often see wild horses and cows grazing freely. Near Lac de Capitello, early mornings might offer glimpses of golden eagles or bearded vultures. Lac de Creno is known for its rich biodiversity, including unique carnivorous plants like Drosera.

Beyond hiking to the lakes themselves, Corsica offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can explore various road cycling routes, discover scenic running trails, or embark on longer cycling tours throughout the island's diverse landscapes. Many of these routes pass through or near the regions where the lakes are located, offering complementary experiences.

While many mountain lakes require significant hiking, Lac de Creno offers a relatively easy hike accessible to most. For a lake experience with very easy access, Lac de Tolla (Todda) is only about 30 minutes from Ajaccio and provides panoramic views with opportunities for water sports and pleasant walks along its shores.

Corsica is home to several high-altitude lakes. Lac de Bastiani is one of the highest at 2,092 meters. Lac de Bettaniella (also known as Lac de Rotondu) is the largest natural lake in Corsica, situated at 2,100 meters at the foot of Monte Rotondu. Lac de Gloria and Lac d'Oriente are also found at altitudes of around 2,000 meters.

Generally, you do not need a specific permit for day hikes to Corsican lakes. However, it's always advisable to check local regulations, especially if you plan to hike in protected areas or along sections of the GR20. Be aware that certain areas, like the pozzines around Lac de Nino, are protected, and activities like swimming are prohibited to preserve their natural state.