Corsica's most beautiful valleys

2. The Fango Valley

Located in the Balagne region of north-west Corsica, the magnificent Fango Valley is the valley of the Fango River, also known as the Falasorma or Filosorma.
The river rises at the foot of Capu Tafunatu (2335m) and flows into the sea in the Gulf of Galéria. Accessible in less than 45 minutes by car from Calvi, a small road winds its way up the valley, skirting the river for some 15 km.

As you enter this hinterland, you'll discover a fertile region often referred to as "the garden of Corsica". Classified as a UNESCO biosphere reserve since 1977, the Fango valley is famous for its crystal-clear waters and natural pools. In the heart of Corsican nature, the Fango Reserve encompasses majestic oak forests up to 2556 metres altitude at the foot of the northern walls of the Paglia Orba massif.

Attentive hikers are sure to discover a wide variety of birds. Over forty species nest in the Fango valley. In the higher levels of this Mediterranean valley, Corsican mouflon, bearded vultures and golden eagles occupy the steep relief of the high peaks.

Some hikes in the valley

• Hike from Ponte Vecchiu (easy, 3hrs walk)
• Hiking from Tuarelli to Galéria (medium, 4h30 walk)
• Bocca di Capronale hike (sporty, 9h00 hike)
• Bocca di Melza hike and Parma sheepfolds (sporty, 7h00 hike)

3. The Asco Valley

Comprising the communes of Castifao, Moltifao and Asco, the Asco Valley is one of the many valleys that can be explored by car. It can be reached from Ponte-Leccia via a winding, very narrow road. Located in Corsica's Regional Nature Park, its territory corresponds to the entire course of the Asco River.

In its lower reaches, the valley is still wide and flat, but after Moltifao and for almost 9 km, the road winds through a narrow gorge to cross the magnificent Asco gorges. The Asco valley is very popular with hikers, who can climb to altitudes of over 2,000 metres, where a population of mouflons can still be found.

In addition to the many magnificent natural pools, there is a beautiful via ferrata and an adventure park. In winter, you can also ski in the Asco valley at Ascu Stagnu.

Some hikes in the valley

• Hike along the Asco river (easy, 2h00 walk)
• Hike to Bergeries de la Tassineta (medium, 2h00 walk)
• Hike to Bocca di Stagnu (medium, 4h00 walk)
• Hike to Monte Cinto (sporty, 8h00 hike)

4. The Tavignano valley and gorges

Rising from Lake Nino at an altitude of over 1700m, the Tavignano is Corsica's longest river after the Golo. Access to the Tavignano valley is via an ancient mule track that winds its way from Corte up to the highest point of Lac de Nino. Between Corte and the Sega refuge, the trail uses a section of the Mare a Mare Nord.

Situated in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional, the Tavignano valley is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved valleys in Corsica. For those wishing to bathe along the way, there are several places offering access to the river and its refreshing natural pools. In summer, it's advisable to set off early, as the path on the south side has very little shade.

Some hikes in the valley

• From Corte to the Rossolinu footbridge (6h30 round trip)
• From Corte to the Sega refuge (6h30 round trip)

5. The Restonica Valley

From Corte, a narrow, winding road leads into the Restonica Valley. This road follows the Restonica river for 20 km to reach the Grotelle sheepfolds at an altitude of 1,370 m. Classified as a "Grand Site" during the summer months, the Restonica Valley is one of the island's most popular natural attractions.

Home to the large high-altitude glacial lakes of Melo 1711 m and Capitello 1930 m, this valley offers access to the high mountains via the GR20 trail up to Monte Rotondo (2622 m). There are plenty of places to swim in the clear waters of its natural pools, as well as numerous climbing sites.

Some hikes in the valley

• Hike to Lac de Mélo (easy, 2h walk)
• Hike to Lac de Capitello (medium, 4h walk)
• Hike to Brèche de Capitello (sporty, 6hrs walk)

6. The Niolu Valley

Located in the north-central part of the island, the Niolu valley is a high-mountain region. The Golo, Corsica's longest river, originates in the Niolu. Casamaccioli, Corscia, Calacuccia, Lozzi and Albertacce are the main villages in this valley.

A remote part of the island's interior, this wide valley is accessible either from the Gulf of Porto, via the Vergio pass (the island's highest road pass), or from Corte, via the spectacular Scala di Santa Regina. Corsica's least populated region boasts some of the highest peaks, including Capu Tafunatu (2335m), Paglia Orba (2525m) and Monte Cintu (2709m), the island's highest peak.

A densely wooded micro-region, the Niolu territory is covered by vast forests, notably the Valdu Niellu with its magnificent Larici pines. Niolu is also famous for being the site of Corsica's largest religious pilgrimage, the famous "Santa di Niolu" on September 8 each year.

Some hikes in the valley

• Viru loop from Albertacce (medium, 3h walk)
• Cinque Frati" tour (sporty, 7h walk)
• Les bergeries de Ballone (medium, 3hrs walk)
• From Albertacce to Col de Vergio (medium, 6h30 walking)