madonna at col de bavella

Bavella Valley

The mountains of the Bavella valley are also known as Corsica's dolomites because of their rugged rock faces and crags. This valley is a paradise for mountain hikers, rock climbers and canyoning fans. The 1218m high pass, the Col de Bavella, is a starting point for numerous beautiful hikes into the surrounding mountains and windswept pine forests.

The Bavella Valley – A Hiker's Paradise

An easy hike starts on the pass heading south to the Trou de la Bombe and if you don't mind a short climb (I), hike up to the viewpoint summit Punta Velaco (1483m).

Heading north, the terrain becomes a lot more demanding. Here, the alpine version of the GR20 leads through a big climbing garden up to the peaks of the Bavella Needles. Steep climbs and descents are to be mastered including a climb secured by iron chains. Tower III of the Bavella massif (there are VII altogether) is relatively easy to climb. Only the last few meters require some easy climbing but you will be rewarded with fantastic views of the rocky wilderness of the Bavella.

Canyoning on Polischellu and Purcaraccia

Going towards Solenzara from Col de Bavella you will come across two mountain rivers, Polischellu and Purcaraccia. With their washed out rock walls, natural slides and deep basins they offer the ultimate adrenalin rush to every canyoning fan.

Absolutely Beautiful Swimming Spots

Along the now well developed road, further down the valley, you find numerous natural swimming pools with up to 50m long basins. After a long day hiking, they beckon for a refreshing swim in crystal clear water. The campground U Rusmarinu (about 7km from Solenzara) is a particularly beautiful spot. Here several basins, some up to 50m wide, have formed in the river.