What are the most beautiful waterfalls in Corsica?
Corsica’s most beautiful waterfalls are concentrated around the Bavella massif, the Vizzavona forest and the village of Bocognano: the Cascade des Anglais, Purcaraccia, Polischellu, the Voile de la Mariée and Radule are among the most iconic spots for swimming and hiking.
Corsica is about more than just its beaches. As soon as you climb to higher ground, water cascades down from the granite peaks, carving gorges through the maquis and pooling in crystal-clear basins. A waterfall in Corsica may require an hour’s walk to reach, or sometimes just ten minutes. This variety makes waterfall-hiking an unmissable activity for anyone wondering what to do in Corsica when it comes to nature.
Why explore Corsica’s waterfalls?
Mountains cover a large part of Corsica. This terrain feeds numerous torrents which, over time, have carved out natural pools and remarkable waterfalls. The water remains cool all summer long, fed by melting snow. The footpaths wind through forests of Laricio pines and centuries-old beech trees.
Each waterfall also offers a glimpse of a different part of the island: the central region around Vizzavona, the Bavella massif in the south, and the wild Niolu region in Haute-Corse. Spring brings the most spectacular water flows, summer is perfect for swimming, and autumn reveals quieter trails.
Our selection of Corsica’s most beautiful waterfalls
The Cascade des Anglais: the most accessible
In the Vizzavona forest, in Haute-Corse, the Cascade des Anglais features a series of small falls and crystal-clear pools along the River Agnone.
It takes its name from the British who used to come to enjoy the region’s cool waters in the 19th century.
From the Col de Vizzavona, it takes about twenty minutes to reach the first waterfalls. The path is easy, well-signposted and perfect for families.
Le Voile de la Mariée: the highest
Near Bocognano, about forty minutes from Ajaccio, this waterfall cascades down in a seventy-metre curtain of water. The viewing point can be reached after a short walk of ten to fifteen minutes from the D27 road. Water flow is at its peak in spring; in summer, the waterfall can dwindle to a trickle.
Please check on arrival: access to the river has been restricted by local council orders following rockfalls.
Purcaraccia : the star of Bavella
In the heart of the Bavella massif, Purcaraccia features a series of natural water slides and turquoise pools. It takes nearly an hour’s walk to reach the first pools. Important note: access is strictly regulated in summer following a number of accidents, and is restricted to those accompanied by a professional guide.
Please note that the dates covered by the regulation change every year.
Polischellu : The family-friendly canyon
Still in Bavella, the Polischellu River has carved out a canyon of emerald-green pools. The first waterfalls can be reached in under thirty minutes, with a 30-metre descent. Beyond that point, the terrain becomes technically challenging and requires a guide. Please check for seasonal access restrictions.
Radule : A peaceful swim in the Niolu
In the Niolu, along the GR20 route, the Radule sheepfolds and waterfalls are situated at a high altitude. Accessible after a short walk, they are ideal for a family outing. The large pool and moderate number of visitors make this one of the most pleasant spots for a swim.
Please note: the starting point and duration vary depending on where you park.
Our tips for a hike to the waterfalls in Corsica
A hike to the waterfalls in Corsica is still a mountain activity, even on an easy trail.
- Set off early in the morning: car parks fill up quickly in July and August.
- Wear sturdy footwear: the areas around the waterfalls are rocky and slippery.
- Take water and a snack with you: few sites have places to buy refreshments.
- Check the weather forecast: thunderstorms can cause water levels to rise rapidly.
Safe swimming and safety in Corsica’s natural pools
Natural pools are what give Corsican waterfalls their charm, but the fast-flowing water requires caution. Several sites have seen serious accidents, which is why regulations are in place at Purcaraccia and Polischellu.
- Never jump into a pool without knowing how deep it is.
- Enter the water gradually, as it remains cold even in summer.
- Observe all regulations and temporary closures.
- For canyoning, use a qualified guide.
These sites remain fragile. Take your rubbish away with you, stay on the marked paths and visit during off-peak times. Corsica’s natural environment deserves to be treated with care.
What else to do in Corsica in the countryside?
The waterfalls are just the start. The forests of Vizzavona, Aïtone and Valdu Niellu offer shaded trails beneath the Laricio pines. The lakes of Melo and Capitello, near Corte, are among the island’s most iconic hikes. The GR20, meanwhile, can be enjoyed in manageable sections without having to walk the entire route. Further afield, the Calanques of Piana, the UNESCO-listed Scandola Nature Reserve, the Lavezzi Islands and the Agriates Desert showcase the diversity of the landscapes, ranging from the sea to the maquis and the mountains.
Travelling to Corsica by ferry with La Méridionale
The waterfalls are tucked away in the island’s interior, far from the major towns: travelling with your own car allows you to explore freely between Vizzavona, Bavella and the Niolu. La Méridionale operates a service from Marseille to Corsica, calling at Ajaccio and Porto-Vecchio. Ajaccio provides access to the centre of the island and the Voile de la Mariée; Porto-Vecchio puts Bavella, Polischellu and Purcaraccia within easy reach by road.
The crossing is already part of the journey. The pace slows, the open sea stretches out before you, and Corsica gradually comes into view on the horizon. Our company is committed to preserving the marine environment it traverses, in keeping with the spirit of the regions it serves. There’s a season for everyone to enjoy these landscapes, and the ferry crossing marks the first step of that journey.
Frequently asked questions about Corsica’s waterfalls
What are the most beautiful waterfalls in Corsica?
The Cascade des Anglais in Vizzavona, the Voile de la Mariée in Bocognano, Purcaraccia and Polischellu in the Bavella massif, and the Radule waterfall in the Niolu are among the most popular, both for swimming and for hiking.
Which waterfall in Corsica is the easiest to reach?
The Cascade des Anglais, which can be reached in about twenty minutes from the Col de Vizzavona, and the Voile de la Mariée, ten to fifteen minutes from the road, are suitable for families.
Can you swim at Corsica’s waterfalls?
Yes, in many natural pools, but the mountain water remains cold and some sites are subject to restrictions in summer. Check local regulations before you set off.
When is the best time to visit Corsica’s waterfalls?
Spring for the most spectacular water flows, summer for swimming, and autumn for quieter walking trails.
How do you get to Corsica to explore the waterfalls?
La Méridionale operates crossings from Marseille to Ajaccio and Porto-Vecchio, two ports ideally situated for reaching the mountain ranges where the waterfalls are located.
