The principle is relatively simple: descend a steep river, taking advantage of natural obstacles to add "fun" to the descent. A canyon descent is a succession of jumps into natural pools, slides down natural chutes, abseils and sometimes a zip-line.
However, canyoning in Corsica should not be taken lightly. It requires appropriate safety equipment and a good knowledge of the river. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you hire a specialist company to help you discover canyoning in complete safety, with qualified instructors.
South Corsica, a paradise for canyoning enthusiasts
Even if you've chosen to spend your vacation in the south for the beauty of the beaches at Porto Vecchio and the pleasures of swimming, you're no doubt aware that Corsica is a "mountain island".
Separated by a vast mountain range, the 2 sides of the island are made up of long valleys carved by the many rivers that flow from these peaks. Over time, these rivers have carved out particularly deep passages in the granite massifs of southern Corsica, resulting in some truly spectacular gorges that are difficult to access. These natural pools, wild waterfalls and untamed landscapes are the perfect setting for canyoning enthusiasts, who find Corsica's geology a unique playground!
Canyoning in the Porto Vecchio region
The Porto Vecchio region is rich in sporting and leisure activities. Between the seaside and the mountains, there's a wide choice of activities to suit all levels of ability.
The mountain range closest to Porto Vecchio has some incredible spots for mountain bikers, hikers, horseback riders and tree climbers. And for thrill-seekers, the rivers on the eastern side of Bavella are the benchmark for canyoning in Corsica.
The most famous spots in the region are the canyons of Pulischellu, Purcaraccia and Vacca. The canyon of Piscia di Gallu is also very popular, but requires a different level of practice.
The best canyoning descents in Bavella, near Porto-Vecchio
It offers all the essentials of a Corsican canyon: jumps into emerald-green pools, granite slides and dales, swimming and a superb 15 m abseil.
The descent takes around 3 hours. Allow 45 minutes for the approach and 1 hour to return after the last jump.
Pulischellu: an introductory canyon in the Bavella massif, Pulischellu is an explosion of colors and sensations. Numerous pools allow you to jump and swim, as well as slide down a tobbogan.
Easy to get to, it takes just 30 minutes to start and only 5 minutes to complete the descent! The descent takes around 2 hours, making it very accessible to families and less sporty groups.
The descent takes around 3 hours to complete. It takes 1h15 to walk to the start and 45 minutes on the return journey to collect your vehicle.
Who can go canyoning in Porto Vecchio?
If you're on a family vacation in Porto Vecchio, you'll be wondering how difficult the Bavella canyons are, and how accessible they are to all members of the family.
Canyoning is a sport practised in white water.
All participants must therefore be able to swim! They must also be in good physical shape, not be too impressed by the void, and be able to tackle the approach walks on the trails (never long or difficult, but sometimes hot in summer).
The easiest canyons are accessible to children aged 9 and over. They must always be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Where can you go canyoning in Porto Vecchio?
If you want to go canyoning near Porto Vecchio, you have to go to the Bavella massif. There, you can call on a number of local companies, based between Porto Vecchio and the mountain village of Zonza.
Be sure to book as far in advance as possible, especially at the height of summer. The Bavella canyons are very popular, and access is regulated. Reservations are essential for a safe descent with the island's companies.
the various companies are :
Corsica Madness
Village de Zonza
20124 Zonza
06 13 22 95 06
corsicamadness@gmail.com
https://www.corsicamadness.fr
Xtrem Sud Canyon
Bavella
20122 Quenza
06 18 97 03 46
info@xtremsudcanyon.com
http://www.xtremsudcanyon.com
Corsica Canyon
Bavella D268
20122 Quenza
06 22 91 61 44
infos@corsicacanyon.com
https://www.canyoncorse.com
Corsica Forest
Camping U Ponte Grossu D 268
20145 Sari-Solenzara
06 16 18 00 58
contact@corsica-forest.com
http://corsica-forest.com
Bavella Canyon
Rocchiu Pinzutu
20145 Sari-Solenzara
06 20 27 49 41
infos@bavellacanyon.com
http://www.bavellacanyon.com
Aqa Canyon
Quartier Insorito
20170 Levie
06 20 61 76 81
+33 4 95 52 83 06
aqa-canyon@orange.fr
http://www.aqa-canyon.com/
Canyoning from the Caranella estate
Located in Lecci, slightly north of Porto Vecchio, Domaine de Caranella is within easy reach of the main access points to the main canyons of Bavella.
So, leaving the hotel, you can choose to take the road to Ospedale and then climb to the Col de Bavella via the village of Zonza. This village is home to a number of important businesses that will be able to arrange a meeting with you on site.
Alternatively, you can take the road along the east coast and then up along the river from Sari-Solenzara. In less than an hour's drive from the Hotel Caranella, you'll be at the start of the Purcaraccia in Quenza!
And if you prefer a less sporty, more leisurely version of the river, we highly recommend a day at the Cavu natural pools.
Contact info
Address: Domaine de Caranella, route de Cala Rossa - 20137 Lecci
Telephone: +33 (0)4 95 71 60 94
Fax: +33 (0) 4 95 71 60 80
Email: info@caranella.com
GPS coordinates: Latitude: 41.625131 Longitude: 9.337188
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