Holidays in Bavella
Welcome to Bavella !
In the Alta Rocca region of Corse-du-Sud, 10km from Zonza and 30km from Solenzara, the Aiguilles de Bavella culminate at 1,600 metres, dominating the Massif of the same name at 1,243 metres. Their spiky appearance due to erosion, their colours ranging from red to grey dotted with pine trees twisted by the wind, present an amazing spectacle.
The Aiguilles (needles) are named Punta di Pargulu, Punta di a Vacca, Punta di l'Ariettu, Punta di l'Acellu. Bavella figures prominently on the route of the GR20 hiking path, from Cuscione to the refuge at Paliri, overlooking Tafonata di Paliri, a cavity 8m in diameter, also known as the Trou de la Bombe (bomb crater).
It is not rare to see mouflon and deer against this spectacular backdrop. It is also the realm of several species unique to Corsica like the Corsican brook salamander, a type of reddish-brown lizard, and the Corsican nuthatch, a tiny bird which lives in high mountains.
Sight-seeing at Bavella
The Aiguilles de Bavella are an amazing spectacle and there are several walks of all levels of difficulty around them. Don’t miss the statue of Notre-Dame-des-Neiges which stands on the top of a pile of stones near the Route du Col de Bavella, the famous « Trou de la Bombe (bomb crater) », the Purcaraccia stream, famous for its waterfalls and natural swimming pools. The name « Trou de la Bombe » stems from the fact that the hole resembles a bomb crater, although it is in reality a surprising geological curiosity. This pleasant walk in the shade of pine trees does not involve many ascents or descents.
In and around Bavella
The Aiguilles de Bavella is a wonderful place for walking, hiking, taking superb photos or simply contemplating the beautiful scenery.
The nearby Forêt (forest) and Lac (lake) de l’Ospedale offer magnificent panoramic views.
The Vacca canyon has many natural swimming pools with crystal clear water and is also a place where beginners and experts can go canyoning in a magnificent landscape surrounded by little waterfalls.
The geography of Corsica means you can go from the high mountains to the beach in less than an hour. The journey to Porto-Vecchio is simply amazing with superb views of the sea and beaches.
You are sure to make frequent stops to enjoy the scenery, so don’t be surprised at some of the animals you may encounter : wild pigs, cows, goats, the roads here are not just for vehicles !
The area has many delightfully picturesque villages.
A little extra…
Choose a day when the weather is fine, otherwise the Aiguilles de Bavella may be shrouded in thick fog. Don’t forget to take a windcheater or a sweater as there can be a difference of 10°C between the coast and the Col de Bavella, especially when it’s windy. It is also advisable to go to Bavella in the morning to have time to make the most of everything there is to see and do.
How to get to Bavella
2 roads lead to the Aiguilles de Bavella, one from Porto-Vecchio, and the other from Solenzara (narrow and winding). To have the best views, the ideal way is to go there via Solenzara (45 minutes) and come back via Porto-Vecchio (1 hour)."
