The valleys

The Gravona Valley

Discover Ajaccio’s hinterland by driving on the N193 road and then up the country roads to the villages clinging on the hillsides on both sides of the river A Gravona, along which you’ll find many a beautiful swimming spot.

Once you’ve passed the Mezzavia train station, take the winding D1 to your right towards Cuttoli-Corticchiato, Peri, Carbuccia, Tavera… Here and there, you’ll come across the occasional shepherd, cutler, stockbreeder, in preserved landscapes from where you’ll enjoy panoramic view onto the plain.

Once back on the N193 and then the D127, drive on towards Bocognano, up the valley, and play with the water in the Bride’s Veil Cascade before preparing a picnic with the nice products bought at the village delicatessen.

The Prunelli Valley

This second valley runs parallel to the first, and is on a par with it. When you leave Ajaccio, take the N193 to the south and once you’ve passed the airport, take to your left towards Bastelicaccia, on the D3. Along this rich and fertile valley, you’ll pass Ocana, then Tolla, after a stop at Mercujo Pass where the view over the entire valley makes it worth to take a photo. Thrill-seekers can enjoy a cold sweat along the gorgeous Via Ferrata and catch a glimpse of the dam and Lake of Tolla. You’ll have to pass through bucolic landscapes, before you reach the lake and revel in swimming, rowing or napping in the shade. Take through the sleepy village of Tolla and get back on the steep road of the Gorges of the Prunelli, from where you’ll come across more than one panorama deserving snapshots.

Once you get on the D27, you have two options: either you drive up to your left, towards Bastelica, the Ese plateau, its “pozzines” and high-altitude sheepfolds; or you drive down to Cauro and back to Ajaccio on the N193. Before leaving the valley, don’t miss the Corsica flora botanic path at the Cricheto Pass and, right afterwards, the Geonese Zipitoli Bridge, hidden below the road.

Before getting back in the imperial city, don’t deny yourself a swim at the entrance of Porticcio, under the watch of the Capitello Tower, and admire the sunset on this majestic gulf.