Iconic landscapes of Bavella in the heart of Corsica’s Alta Rocca mountains are the island’s prime destination for practising canyoning, an exhilarating outdoor activity popular with adventure seekers, nature lovers and families.
Involving a variety of techniques such as swimming, sliding, jumping or abseiling in astonishingly beautiful canyons of the wild Corsican interior, this exciting adrenaline-fueled open-air sport offers a unique way to explore some of the most striking scenery often inaccessible by other means.
This article will guide you through Bavella’s four glorious canyons known for their virginal beauty providing practical information and advice on diverse canyoning excursions. From leisurely difficulty-free descents suited to young children and beginners to more challenging technical routes bound to push you out of your comfort zone, Bavella promises a thrilling outdoor experience and long-lasting holiday memories.
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BAVELLA MASSIF
Aguilles de Bavella (Bavella Needels) form one of the most iconic natural landscapes on the island. Its jagged granite peaks dominate the region of Alta Rocca in south Corsica reaching over 1800 meters in height. The mountain slopes are dotted with ancient wind-sculpted pine trees whereas valleys shelter dramatic gorges, waterfalls and emerald-water natural pools.
ACTIVITIES
Bavella is also the hub for exciting outdoor pursuits offering a vast variety of adventure sports. Benefitting from pleasant high-altitude temperatures visitors may hike, climb, practice canyoning or mountain cycling. GR20, Corsica’s most famous long-distance trail crosses the emblematic Bavella pass, also home to the scenic Trou de la Bombe trail. Pristine local rivers attract families with children seeking water fun amid crystalline pools and rocky slides.
MOUNTAIN FOOD
Following an entertaining play-filled day, visitors may enjoy a delicious meal composed of fresh Corsican ingredients in one of Bavella’s restaurants. A culinary al-fresco experience with views of the awe-inspiring rocky needles descending towards the distant coastline is a truly unforgettable adventure.
SCENIC DRIVE
To reach this archetypal nature retreat you will follow Corsica’s most beautiful mountain route linking Porto Vecchio with Solenzara. On the way, you may stop for a walk by the stunning Lake l’Ospedale or set out on a short hike to the Piscia di Gallu waterfall. Brimming with attractions, the picturesque drive will make your head turn in all directions but as the road is narrow and windy, keep your focus on the upcoming bend. Before you head to Bavella, don’t forget to fill up as there are no petrol stations available on route.
Route de Bavella – the most beautiful mountain drive in Corsica
BAVELLA AND OSPEDALE FOREST 4×4 TOUR
Enjoy an unforgettable excursion to the magical Ospedale Forest and the Needels of Bavella departing from Porto-Vecchio. This 8-hour tour offers mesmerizing mountainous scenery of Corsica’s rugged interior where wild pigs roam free and the murmur of cascading rivers is ever-present. A traditional Corsican meal is included in the price.
DISTANCES
Bavella – Porto Vecchio – 1h10mon
Bavella – Bonifacio – 1h35min
Bavella – Ajaccio – 2h
Bavella – Propriano – 1h
Bavella – Bastia – 2h30min
WHAT IS CANYONING
Canyoning is a thrilling outdoor multi-activity of descending river gorges and canyons that integrates walking, swimming, jumping into torrent pools, gliding down natural rock slides, abseiling down waterfalls and climbing.
Most often done in groups under the watchful guidance of experienced instructors, this fun-filled sport allows to access outstanding natural scenery that is usually hard to reach.
Each canyon has its distinct features differing in shape, length, and composition. Some are aquatic and playful, therefore more suited to beginners, while others are vertical with various technical obstacles, being a better choice for experienced adventurers. However, there is one prerequisite, the participants must know how to swim and be able to submerge their head under water.
WHY HIRE A GUIDE?
Most importantly, an experienced professional will ensure the participants’ safety allowing you to fully enjoy this fun, invigorating activity. With a profound knowledge of each canyon, its challenges and the techniques required to tackle obstacles they will assist you all along the route tailoring the program to your personal needs and abilities.
A local guide will also take you to the most scenic hidden spots showcasing the undiscovered beauty of Corsica’s most remote locations.
SINCE 29 APRIL 2024, FOLLOWING A PREFECTURAL DECREE, ACCESS TO THREE CANYONS- PURCARACCIA, PULISCHELLU AND VACCA IS PROHIBITED WITHOUT THE ACCOMPANIMENT OF A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL.
EQUIPMENT USED FOR CANYONING (PROVIDED BY ORGANIZERS)
- PROTECTIVE HELMET – to shield you from potential impacts or falling rocks.
- NEOPRENE WETSUIT – to keep you warm and improve buoyancy.
- HARNESS AND DESCENDER – useful in abseils.
- WATERPROOF BAG – to keep your personal items, food and water protected.
WHAT TO BRING
- APPROPRIATE FOOTWEAR – trainers or closed-toe sports shoes with a good grip.
- BATHING SUIT – quick-drying comfortable swimwear.
- ELASTIC BAND – for tying long hair and for prescription glasses.
- FOOD AND DRINK – much-needed snack to fuel your adventure.
- TOWEL – to dry off post-canyoning.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS
Canyoning can be physically and mentally demanding. Depending on the difficulty level this exciting activity may test your endurance and help face your fears allowing you to accomplish more than you may have imagined possible.
PHYSICAL CHALLENGES
Navigating river beds requires strength, flexibility and coordination to balance in wet, slippery environments. Within a short timeframe, you will involve all parts of your body in comprehensive exercises during swimming, jumping and sliding, an all-out workout amid pristine nature.
MENTAL CHALLENGES
Activities such as jumping or traversing narrow passages may trigger a fear response requiring the participants to confront and overcome their anxiety. Not only that, descending the torrent demands focus and attention to handle unforeseen situations and an ability to adapt to changing environments.
As there is no possibility of turning back, the only option is to carry on along the canyon, relying on the professional guidance of a qualified instructor familiar with the terrain.
Although demanding, this thrilling experience offers unmatched rewards in terms of personal growth and a sense of accomplishment guaranteed at the end of the excursion.
WHO SHOULDN’T PRACTICE CANYONING
- Non-swimmers
- People afraid of heights and confined spaces
- People unprepared for physical activity
- Pregnant women
- People with certain medical conditions – back, ankle, or bone problems, heart conditions, pre-existing medical conditions requiring regular medications
4 BEST CANYONING DESTINATIONS IN BAVELLA
1. FIUMICELLI CANYON – RELAXING CANYONING FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Fiumicelli Canyon is a popular family-friendly canyoning destination, free of technical difficulties and accessible to children as young as 5. If you are just starting your adventure with aqua hiking or you would like to enjoy a relaxing fun-filled day with friends and family in the stunning surroundings of Bavella, Fiumicelli will be your perfect choice. Picturesque waterfalls, natural pools, and aromatic woodlands are the backdrop to an easy and playful water trail.
MINIMUM AGE – 5
DESCENT DURATION – 2.5h
APPROACH / RETURN – 5min / 20min
PRICE – from €45
TECHNICAL ASPECTS – 2-3 meter jumps that can be bypassed, natural slides
2. PULISCHELLU CANYON – BEGINNER-FRIENDLY INTRODUCTION TO CANYONING
Known as a ‘Natural Aqualand’, Pulischellu Canyon is a great place for beginners and families seeking a beautiful, exciting, yet safe environment to learn canyoning. This picturesque trail is composed mainly of slides and jumps (all of which can be avoided) with no challenging technical obstacles, dotted with pretty jewel-coloured pools.
MINIMUM AGE – 7-8
DESCENT DURATION – 2-2.5h
APPROACH / RETURN – 20-30min / 5min
PRICE – from €50
TECHNICAL ASPECTS – up to 10-meter jumps (bypassable), a 9-meter waterfall, natural slides
3. PURCARACCIA CANYON – SPORTY CANYONING IN SPECTACULAR NATURE
Purcaraccia is one of the most beautiful canyoning destinations in Europe and a must-do for adventure seekers visiting Corsica. A fabulous succession of emerald natural pools carved in white granite rock, imposing waterfalls and natural toboggan runs offers a diverse combination of aquatic activities for sporty visitors. Consider a longer approach time when choosing this iconic canyon.
MINIMUM AGE – 10-12
DESCENT DURATION – 3-3.5h
APPROACH / RETURN – 1.5h / 45min
PRICE – from €75
TECHNICAL ASPECTS – 2 obligatory 40-meter abseils, up to 8-meter jumps (can be bypassed), 2-15m natural slides
4. VACCA CANYON – CANYONING IN WILD SCENERY FOR FIT ADVENTURERS
Vacca Canyon is renowned for its pristine, untouched scenery where tall granite walls form narrow gorges with deep sapphire-hued bays and majestic waterfalls. The monumental landscapes of Vacca are suited to active adventurers with some prior canyoning experience. All obstacles of this sublime trail are compulsory.
MINIMUM AGE – 12
DESCENT DURATION – 3.5h
APPROACH / RETURN – 45min-1h / 1h15min
PRICE – from €65
TECHNICAL ASPECTS – 2-9 meter jumps, natural slides, a 16 meter abseil
PROVIDERS
- Corsica Canyon – https://www.canyoncorse.com/en/
- Natura Canyon – https://www.naturacanyon.com/
- Bavella Canyon – https://www.bavellacanyon.com/en/
- Xtrem Sud Canyon – https://xtremsudcanyon.com/
PRACTICAL TIPS
- Follow the instructions of your guide regarding slides, jumps and abseiling techniques.
- Communicate any misgivings or worries, your instructor is there to make you feel safe and comfortable.
- Always wear your protective equipment to ensure security.
- Bring water and snacks to maintain energy levels on the trail.
- Watch out on wet, slippery surfaces.
- Always check weather conditions before setting out.
- Avoid unnecessary jumps or other manoeuvres (if possible) if you don’t feel comfortable with them. Choose other routes.
- Pick the canyon suited to your physical and mental abilities.
- Carefully read the trail description, and consider the approach and return time.
Route de Bavella – the most beautiful mountain drive in Corsica
Trou de la Bombe – hiking to the hidden gem of Bavella
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HELPFUL TRAVEL RESOURCES
Liability Disclaimer
All outdoor activities are carried out at your own risk. Always plan ahead and be cautious when preparing for your hikes. The author of this blog cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident, death, loss, personal injury, or any other inconvenience or damage that may be sustained by anyone as a result of the use of any information contained on this website.
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