Discover the raw beauty of Corsica’s mountain landscapes kayaking on the serene waters of Lac de Tolla.
Located a stone’s throw away from Ajaccio, the capital city of the island, this wild hideaway is a perfect destination for a relaxing family-friendly day trip.
This page contains affiliate links meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Click here to learn more.
LAC DE TOLLA – LOCATION
Lac de Tolla is located 32 km east of Ajaccio in the heart of the pristine Prunelli Valley. To get to the lake from the capital, follow the T21-T40-D3 itinerary until you arrive at the northern banks of the reservoir.
From the Ocana village, the scenery becomes more dramatic with high granite cliffs plunging directly into the river below. The scenic access road is narrow and windy following the Prunelli torrent deep into the wilderness.
For great photo opportunities stop at Col de Mercujo (715 m) where an excellent viewing spot offers unprecedented panoramas of the whole valley and the fjord-like lake.
BOOK A MOUNTAIN DAY TRIP
- Take part in a small group mountain day trip accompanied by an English-speaking guide. During the tour, you will visit an imposing waterfall, enjoy a Corsican lunch near a mountain river, and stop for swimming or kayaking at Lake Tolla. Here you may check the details of the trip and book your tickets.
VALLEE DU PRUNELLI – BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS AND THE SEA
Lake Tolla is nestled in the magnificent Vallée du Prunelli, a mountainous region located between the Gulf of Ajaccio and Monte Renoso (2352 m).
The Prunelli River crossing the valley is surrounded by luscious green vegetation where a glorious swathe of holm oaks and majestic chestnut trees shelter a wide variety of endemic plants and animals.
Granite pinnacles of Gorges du Prunelli mark the most rugged part of the valley. The cascading torrent of crystal-clear cool waters makes its way through the wide banks of Lac de Tolla all the way down to the Mediterranean.
The distinct identity of this captivating region also builds on its cultural and historic heritage.
Sampiero Corso, Corsica’s emblematic figure, a patriot and a fighter against the Genoese rule of the island, was born in Bastelica. Today his statue graces the center of the village.
Strong gastronomic traditions of Vallée du Prunelli grant a delicious culinary experience. Artisanal charcuterie crafted according to ancestral methods is renowned for its mouthwatering flavours and unparalleled tenderness. A perfect snack for a leisurely summer picnic by the lake.
LAC DE TOLLA – ESSENTIAL FACTS
- Lac de Tolla is a man-made reservoir formed by a dam on the Prunelli River.
- It is Corsica’s largest lake occupying an area of 5 square kilometers.
- The maximum capacity of the reservoir is 38 million cubic meters of water.
- The dam was constructed between 1958-60. In 1965 the project was in full operation.
- Owned and managed by EDF (Electricité de France), the barrage provides power and drinking water to local communities.
- The lake is overlooked by a picturesque village called Tolla where handsome granite houses accommodate just over a hundred inhabitants.
BOOK A MOUNTAIN DAY TRIP
- Take part in a small group mountain day trip accompanied by an English-speaking guide. During the tour, you will visit an imposing waterfall, enjoy a Corsican lunch near a mountain river, and stop for swimming or kayaking at Lake Tolla. Here you may check the details of the trip and book your tickets.
ENJOYING LAC DE TOLLA
If you are looking for a peaceful gateway far from the hustle and bustle of Corsican coastal hotspots, Lac de Tolla may be your destination of choice. This green corner of paradise offers a tranquil retreat where the glistening waters of the lake reflect the untamed virgin beauty of the valley cradled by distant mountain peaks.
A nautical center located by the lake, just off the D3 road, provides a wide selection of water equipment for hire. Kayaks, pedalos, canoes, stand-up paddles, or even small fishing boats, all are available by the hour or by half a day. For your safety, lifejackets are compulsory when navigating the lake whereas all motorboats are unauthorized. The Centre Nautique de Tolla is open from June to September and prices may be consulted online (https://www.centre-nautique-de-tolla.fr/).
Water in the lake is very clean, and being cooler than the sea, it is pleasantly refreshing.
With an abundance of fish, lovers of lake fishing may practice their hobby in Tolla’s idyllic surroundings. Perch, carp, roach, pike, and even catfish inhabit the pure waters of the reservoir.
Two straw huts located in the proximity of the water sports center offer tasty meals in a relaxed, low-key atmosphere.
If you fancy a more active leisure experience, a neighboring Via Ferrata de Tolla proposes an exciting adventure on rocks equipped with bars and cables. The whole walk takes around 3 h and allows you to visit Gorges de Prunelli, the lake, and the dam.
HIRE A DRIVER TO VISIT THE AJACCIO REGION
- Cruise ship passengers and other visitors looking to enjoy their custom day itinerary around Ajaccio and the surrounding regions may hire a driver or even upgrade to include a private tour guide. Guests are welcome to choose their preferred time and place of departure. Private tours last for up to 8 hours and are also offered in English. Click here to learn more and make an early reservation.
A practical tip – the lake car park is located in the vicinity of the water sports center. In season arrive early to avoid disappointment as parking spaces fill up quickly with the arriving holidaymakers.
Find other family-friendly attractions and activities in Corsica.
HELPFUL TRAVEL RESOURCES :
Please help support CoolCorsica!
If you find this website as useful as a guidebook you may have had to buy to plan your adventures, please consider helping me with a small donation.
This all-content traveler-focused site is created in my spare time with a desire to share comprehensive information, useful tips, and inspiring photos of Corsica’s most scenic locations.
Please note that certain products/services and links to products/services are affiliate links and I may earn a commission for any purchases that you make, at no additional cost to you. I truly appreciate your use of any of the links I share.
With your generous help, I can continue to offer my advice and support in planning your dream holiday.
Thank you for your contribution!