Visit the Bavella Needles

Geological and geological wonders of Southern Corsica: visiting the Bavella Aiguilles is an unforgettable experience!

♪ Southern Corsica : all eyes turn on this great attraction. The famous Bavella Aiguilles, which connect the Alta Rocca to the east coast, have something magnetic. Their mysterious, scary, phantasmagoric silhouettes, sabre the sky as organs released from a science fiction film.

Their magmatic, grey and red rocks are contemplated at every hour of the day. From dawn to dusk, this show is enhanced by the green of the forest of Bavella, its fir, cedars and wise chestnut trees. This wall swept by the Mistral is also a paradise for endemic species on the Island of Beauty.

Follow our guide to visit the Aiguilles de Bavella, a high place of green tourism and quite immanquable.

Visit Bavella Needles, U.S. West Feasts

In addition to clear and revitalizing waters that offer refreshing breaks, the Bavella Aiguilles landscape is similar to that of the American West.

The laminated peaks and large rocky ramparts pass from red to grey, sprinkled by the green of the large leaflets, as in a Far West. The huge chimneys of fairies with shimmering colours are not to mention the Yosemite National Park.

Visit the Needles of Bavella, a holy and friendly place

The Aiguilles de Bavella site is an important place in the heart of Christians. In truth, it is his patron saint, whose statue sits on the pass, the star. In fact, Notre Dame des Neiges is honored every year on August 5.

If you have the opportunity to visit the Aiguilles de Bavella at that time, you will meet a host of pilgrims there. The opportunity to attend a large mass and a huge country meal at the foot of this white virgin. To take part in the fervent procession, go to the aurora in Zonza. The walk is long but, reassure yourself, the final picnic will give you all the necessary forces.

Visit the Aiguilles de Bavella, the rendezvous of hikers

The grandiose site of the Bavella Aiguilles is an unmistakable meeting point for walk lovers. Dominating the pass of the same name, this mountainous massif offers dozens of trails. In the middle of blood stops and sharp teeth, the striking panoramas follow each other. What makes this site mythical in the eyes of hikers is probably its portion of the exemplary GR20.

In the summer, with the high tourist season and the warmth, is not ideal for enjoying the pleasures of walking. Prefer the months of May, June, September and October . The sun is still high in the sky and many days are around 30°C.

What to see and what to do in the Bavella Needles?

This site, characterized by its high rocky peaks where laricios pines and its crystalline river are known for three outdoor activities:

• the canyoning : natural and wild, the gorges of the Corsican mountains are unique in Europe. Everywhere, the clear water flows slowly and hollow with huge basins and slides. It is certainly one of the best places to indulge in the joys of the aquatic hike;
• the hiking : since it is a kind of “Made from hikers”;
• lclimbing and via ferrata : like everywhere in Corsica, visiting the Aiguilles de Bavella is a moment of ecstasy for climbers.

Of course, there are many other activities around. Notably horse rides or donkey-back hikes between Quenza and Aullène.

In addition to sports and outdoor activities, you can simply stroll through the egregated villages along the roads or patauger in the clutched gorges as in the open-air river.

How to visit the Bavella Needles?

The visit to bright waters

The most spectacular way to visit the Bavella Needles is a canyoning session. Four main canyons get rid of holidaymakers: the Vacca (name of the river), Purcaraccia, Pulischellu and Piscia di Gallu (the most impressive corses cascades).

Before each departure, a guide presents the activity to you and distributes the safety equipment: combination, shoulder harness, helmet, bag. After a walk of approach (variable time depending on output and level) the guide initiates you to canyoning techniques. Then it’s time for the big jump (literally).

Vacca Canyon

The Vacca, its stirred natural pools and its deep and emerald vessels are a memorable playground. Certainly, the temperature flirts with 14°C but the splendor of water is worth a few chills... The incessant flow of the river has caused incredible water hiking trails, junched from jumps to 9 metres .

Most departures are made at the Bavella Pass. There are some for all levels, but because of some muscular routes, learn about the level of the exit before you book.

Purcaraccia Canyon

Purcaraccia is a canyon recognized throughout the Island of Beauty. Longen the high walls and felts frozen. Natural fortresses offer natural pools, slides and waterfalls that have small and large fun.

Throughout the course, you also admire the longliner edges, blocks of polished stones and isolated trees... During the descents as a reminder, you believe in a real amusement park.

Whether it’s fifteen-metre slides or fifty-metre reminders, no panic, nothing obligatory and there’s always a more accessible option.

Pulischellu Canyon

Fray a passage among the rocks that have been robbed by ancient torrents. The circuit alternates jumps and slides, but nothing obligatory and engaged. Its beauty is similar to that of its twin: Purcaraccia. But the frame is completely different.

Here, the landscape is clear, the rocky corridors form casings under greenery and sun. You will have to get away from the most accessible boats by car to really enjoy the silent, imposing ravine and the looks of a “During World”.

Canyon Piscia di Gallu

Finally, Piscia di Gallu is one of the most impressive canyons in Corsica. It is located in the Massif de l’Ospédale, in the heart of a granite gorge where the water varnishes without rest. A true Aqualand nature size.

If the jumps interspersed with swimming and aquatic walks are already a treat, the point of the ride is undoubtedly the arrival at the cascade of the same name. She devalues on 60 meters high . Strong sensations and adrenaline guaranteed!

The visit by hiking trails

Under the protective eye of Notre Dame des Neiges, the trails from the pass of Bavella and all around the Aiguilles are among the most beautiful in Corsica.

Bomb hole

One of the most plebiscent hikes to visit the Bavella Aiguilles is that of the Bombe Trou. Count four kilometres round-trip and 3 hours walking . The trail is easy, crosses between forests, clearings and mountains.

The natural window of the Bombe Trou appears at the end of the hike (a section slightly more steep than the rest of the path). To climb up to the ark, a few acrobats rub shoulders with the rocks scratched by erosion. Keep in mind if you arrive at the top: behind it is the void.

By the west, via GR20

Another memorable section: the one that borrows a piece of the mythical GR20. At the departure of the Bavella pass, it allows to visit the Bavella Aiguilles by the West ( red and white marking ). You arrive at the refuge of Paliri in about two hours .

The seasoned walkers, looking for a more muscular hike, will follow it yellow marking which marks the Alpine variant. Count four to seven round-trip hours depending on the chosen route (Punta di u Pargulu or complete loop).

Cross of Leccia and Monte Incudine

Amateurs and enthusiasts of ambitious hikes are still spoiled with the cross of Leccia and Monte Incudine. Two hours round-trip only for the first, but a busy ride.

Close to 7 p.m. for the second and a denial of 600 metres . Curbs are worth it: you will cross many animals as well as a virgin and impenetrable nature that has discouraged tourist facilities.

Purcaraccia or Pulischellu waterfalls

Finally, to visit the Aiguilles de Bavella, many travellers or locals opt for the superb walks to the cascades of waterfalls Purcaraccia or Pulischellu . If these two ravines are recognized for the practice of canyoning, they are not less fantastic walking routes.

The paths along the natural pools dug in the beautiful valley to the waterfalls. As soon as you go beyond the areas of "paauging" as some say (where tourists are soaking without getting too far from the car parks), you will find yourself nose-to-face with wild landscapes. A setting crowned with lush vegetation in the Pulischellu and shaved by the burning sun in the Purcaraccia.

In climbing

Visiting Bavella Aiguilles is also entering the Corsican climber sanctuary. It is one of the most equipped massifs of the island. Novices and confirmed find their happiness. But, let's be honest, the most thrilled are the seasoned climbers who can rub themselves with trying approaches.

It must be said that the granitic configuration, with its spoonful, ravines, cracks, columns, constitute a complex terrain. In any case, the rocks change color at the time and it is always the same magical atmosphere. Mediterranean, mountains and maquis, wild and indistinguished, seem suddenly to curve the cheek in front of you. What a luxury!

Among the most emblematic paths:

• Punta di l’Acellu ;
• Punta di l’Arghjetu;
• Castellucciu d’Ornuccio ;
• Punta Lurnada;
• Punta di u Corbu;
• Teghie Lisce;
• Punta Rossa;
• Punta a Biciartula.

Via ferrata

Stairs, walks, walkways: via ferrata is the fun, playful and accessible version of the climb. Vertical in the incredible mineral universe of Bavella Aiguilles, you progress for several hours over the void.

Visit by road

The road to Bavella and its lacis, open on many points of view and natural curiosities, are a full journey. You can simply borrow it without stopping you, before joining another destination in Corsica.

The apotheosis of the journey comes with the crossing of the famous pass of Bavella. Perched to 1 218 meters above sea level , barely able to cross another car: the experience is graying (or infernal in summer at tourist peak hours). This is why there is nothing better than waiting for the crowd to dissipate, well at the expense in the natural pools of the river. That said, the panorama from above is striking and is definitely worth the detour.

How to get to Bavella Needles?

Entrance gates to visit Bavella Aiguilles are usually the cities of Solenzara , Porto-Vecchio or Zonza. Regardless of the route taken, wait to meet wild pigs, goats and cows who denounce all motorists.

From Solenzara, on the west coast of the Island of Beauty, count 45 minutes Road. In fact, it is an opportunity to visit the Solenzara swimming pools: super clear natural water holes, which have nothing to envy other canyons. On the mountain side, see the stone huts and corrugated sheet: authentic Corsican herds. One per child in the country appears!

From Zonza, you access the Bavella Needles by car as walking . If you do not have your own vehicle to visit the Bavella Needles, know that many bus perform the journey from the centre of the village .

The hiking trail starts with the main parking of the village . It passes through beautiful shaded paths then on the river. It scintillates the altitude village of Quenza before landing in the heart of the Bavella massif. Quenza is also an ideal drop point for visiting Bavella Needles.

From Porto-Vecchio, the road is simply breathtaking. The windy lakes pass through the pass and the lake of Ospedale. Then you win the road through Zonza.

To visit the Aiguilles de Bavella, most travellers leave their car at the paid parking lot of the pass. However, the places are rare in July and August . You may need to continue to the village of Bavella or, by chance, find a place along the road.

Good addresses to visit the Bavella Needles

The good addresses where to stay

In addition to the lodges steps in the Bavella Aiguilles, which rather concern hikers on the GR20 assault, you will find nice options a few kilometers from the site. For this, follow the picturesque villages of Zonza and Quenza.

Tourism

Between tradition and modernity, this Zonza hotel has all the advantages for an idyllic stay. The water fountain of the ruisselle mountains, the maquis surrounds you, you are used as a Corsican liqueur. It's typical! However, all rooms have great comfort.

Hotel Sole E Monti

In the heart of the village of Quenza, perched at the foot of the famous Aiguilles, this establishment offers an exceptional location and setting. It also serves as a traditional and family restaurant.

As a couple, family or friends, whatever your budget, do not hesitate to consult this Compare hotels to find your ideal hotel. For a more intimate and authentic atmosphere, you can also opt for a Airbnb in the vicinity of Bavella Aiguilles.

Restaurants

After a good walk, the terrace with dive view and the good beer of the Auberge du Col de Bavella are a real comfort. You can enjoy dishes that respect all the codes of specialities of the Island of Beauty: charcuterie and lasagna at Brocciu in the lead. As its name suggests, this establishment also serves as a stage cottage on GR20.

Spots around Bavella Needles

The villages Zonza and Quenza deserve a swine board or a terraced coffee. These are examples of very typical Corsican villages, where it makes a good walk in the alleys and immerse itself in the traditional way of life.

They are also perfect starting points to explore other iconic locations in the region:

• Le plateau du Coscione : unique mountainous plateau, rocky and green, cried with small streams and ponds of water;
• The summit of the Incudine : in the heart of the razed moored with granite blocks, it is a muscular ascent. Possible departure from the Coscione plateau or from the Asinao shepherdies, but still the same wonder at the top;
• The Forest of Ospedale : pine and beech forest, licked by the waters of the artificial lake, sprinkled with hiking trails and adventure parks.

Finally, the Bavella pass is often an excursion made since Porto Vecchio . The opportunity to tell you: it is impossible to miss this beautiful flowering city of Corsica heritage.