Canyoning in Southern Corsica

Southern Corsica is full of spectacular canyons that are quite accessible, but very impressive.

The island’s mountainous terrain, often steep, offers perfect places for canyoning.

Additionally, the rivers that wind through the mountains create breathtaking natural landscapes. These rivers tumble down the slopes, carving their way through the rock to form deep gorges, waterfalls, and crystal-clear pools that are the very essence of canyoning.

There are several canyoning spots in South Corsica, but the ones that stand out are the Vacca Canyon, the Piscia di Gallo Canyon, and the Purcaraccia Canyon.

Each of these canyons offers a different experience, suitable for all levels, whether beginner or experienced. But before talking about the canyons themselves, it’s important to understand what canyoning actually involves.

Canyoning is much more than just jumping into the water. It’s an activity that takes place in a natural, often difficult-to-access environment, where you must descend canyons and rivers using a variety of techniques. This includes swimming, rappelling, jumping into pools of water, and sometimes even walking through very narrow passages. The goal is to make your way through a wild, sometimes hostile, environment while enjoying the beauty of the landscape.

Canyoning combines several elements: swimming in white water, jumping into natural pools, rappelling down waterfalls, and sometimes even climbing in more vertical areas. It’s a very physical activity, but it remains accessible to all thanks to the different levels of difficulty offered.

The Piscia di Gallo canyon

Piscia di Gallo Canyon, located in the Aiguilles de Bavella region, is one of the most popular canyoning spots in Southern Corsica. This canyon is perfect for those looking for a moderate-intensity experience while enjoying an exceptional natural setting. This canyon is renowned for its main waterfall, the Piscia di Gallo, which is over 60 meters high. The water cascading down the rock forms a natural pool where you can jump and swim. The jumps into the water are often the main attraction of this canyon, with heights ranging from 3 to 10 meters, depending on the participant’s experience level.

The Piscia di Gallo canyon is suitable for beginners and intermediate climbers. It is accessible to anyone in good physical condition, as it requires walking and swimming, but no advanced technical skills. This site is also perfect for families or groups of friends looking to share a fun and safe experience.

The Purcaraccia Canyon

The Purcaraccia Canyon, located in the Gravona Valley, is another must-see for canyoning enthusiasts in Southern Corsica. This canyon is a little more technical than the Piscia di Gallo canyon, offering a more immersive experience. The jumps are higher, the slides faster, and the water faster. However, it’s also one of the most beautiful canyons on the island. The rock formations are impressive, and the pools of clear water invite you to swim.

The Purcaraccia Canyon is recommended for those with some canyoning experience. Jumping into deep pools, sliding down natural slides, and abseiling through waterfalls require a little more technical skill and good body control.

The Vacca Canyon

The Vacca Canyon, located in the Ospedale massif, is an easier-to-access site and therefore perfect for those new to canyoning. This canyon is ideal for beginners, as the sections are less technical. It offers a mix of small waterfalls, moderate jumps, and swimming. It’s a place where you can take your time, have fun, and enjoy the magnificent scenery while learning the basics of canyoning.

Safety first

Although canyoning is an exciting activity, it’s important to remember that it also presents certain risks. That’s why it’s highly recommended to go with a professional guide if you don’t have experience or knowledge of these canyons. A guide will be able to assess the risks, adapt the route according to the conditions, and ensure your safety throughout the activity.

The guide is also there to give you practical and technical advice: how to jump safely, how to use a rappel, how to swim in strong currents, and how to protect yourself from falls. It is important to follow the instructions given by the guides and not to improvise.

If you decide to go it alone, make sure you know the route well, are properly equipped (non-slip shoes, helmet, wetsuit, etc.), and check the weather conditions before setting out. Rivers and canyons can be dangerous in the rain, as the water can rise very quickly.

Necessary equipment

Equipment is crucial for canyoning safety. It includes a wetsuit to protect you from the cold, a helmet to protect your head from hitting rocks, a harness for rappelling, and suitable footwear for walking on slippery and rocky surfaces. If you’re going with a guide, equipment will be provided, but if you’re going alone, make sure you have everything you need.

1. Choose the right canyon for your level: There are canyons for all levels, from the easiest to the most difficult. If you’re a beginner, choose canyons like Piscia di Gallo or La Vacca, and if you’re more experienced, you can tackle the Purcaraccia Canyon or other more technical sites.
2. Prepare yourself physically: Canyoning is a physical activity. It is recommended to be in good shape to fully enjoy the experience, especially if you plan to do a difficult canyon.
3. Respect nature: Corsica is a protected area, and it is important to respect the natural environment. Do not leave any litter, do not disturb wildlife, and stay on marked trails.
4. Check the weather: The weather can change quickly in the mountains. Before you set off, make sure there is no risk of rain, as this can make the canyons dangerous due to rising water levels.

Canyoning in South Corsica is an exciting activity that allows you to discover the island from a different perspective. The landscapes are spectacular, the adrenaline rush is guaranteed, and the physical challenges are numerous. Whether you’re a beginner or more experienced, there’s a canyon for you, with experienced guides to ensure a safe and memorable experience. Canyoning is much more than just an activity: it’s a way to connect with Corsica’s wild nature, while pushing your limits and experiencing an unforgettable adventure—a great activity to do with the family.