Top 5 Lakes around Valle-D'Alesani

The primary lake in Valle-D'Alesani is the Lac de barrage de l'Alésani, an artificial lake created by the Alésani Dam. It covers 49 hectares and holds 11.3 million cubic meters of water. Its main purposes are irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and drinking water supply for local communes. You can learn more about the dam itself at Alesani Dam.

While swimming is prohibited in the lake, you can enjoy scenic views, hiking, and fishing. The surrounding region offers picturesque villages and chestnut groves for exploration. For specific routes, consider exploring the hiking trails around Valle-D'Alesani.

Yes, there are hiking trails in the vicinity of the Lac de barrage de l'Alésani. For instance, a 3 to 3.5-hour hike can be undertaken starting from the place de la Calina, heading towards the dam and continuing through the woods to the Vitti fountain. You can find more options in the Hiking around Valle-D'Alesani guide.

No, swimming is prohibited in the Lac de barrage de l'Alésani. However, the area does feature other water spots like the Bucatoggio Waterfall, which has a small lake, and an Upper Swimming Pond where visitors can dip in.

Yes, the Lac de l'Alésani is classified as a first-category fishing area, known for its population of salmonids, including brown trout, and regular stocking of rainbow trout. Fishing is permitted from the second Saturday of March to the third Sunday of September, provided you have a valid Corsican fishing license. Be aware that access to the banks can be restricted due to unstable schistose geology.

The lake's ecology supports various flora and fauna. You might spot Cretan brake fern, brown trout, and invertebrates such as copper demoiselle and black-tailed skimmer.

The lake offers beautiful panoramic views, especially from elevated points in nearby picturesque villages like Chiatra and Sant'Andrea-di-Cotone. The Alesani Dam itself provides a great vantage point with views up the valley and down to the sea. Additionally, the Gravel Trail With Mountain and Lake Views offers excellent photographic opportunities.

While the Lac de barrage de l'Alésani itself has restrictions, the surrounding Valle-D'Alesani region is pleasant for exploration with picturesque villages and chestnut groves. The Bucatoggio Waterfall with its small lake can be a nice spot for a family visit, though hiking boots are recommended for access.

The region is generally pleasant for outdoor activities from spring through early autumn. Fishing season at Lac de l'Alésani runs from the second Saturday of March to the third Sunday of September, which indicates a good period for visiting. The surrounding trails and villages are enjoyable in milder weather.

Yes, the area offers various cycling and mountain biking routes. For mountain biking, you can find routes like 'Alesani Dam – View of the reservoir loop from Santa-Lucia-di-Moriani'. For touring bicycles, there's 'Alesani Dam – Dam on the Alesani river loop from San-Giuliano'. Explore more options in the MTB Trails around Valle-D'Alesani and Cycling around Valle-D'Alesani guides.

The lake is overlooked by picturesque villages such as Chiatra and Sant'Andrea-di-Cotone. These villages, along with others in the Valle-D'Alesani region, offer local charm and potential amenities. The area is known for its chestnut groves and an ancient monastery, providing a pleasant setting for visitors.

The Lac de barrage de l'Alésani is crucial for the region as it serves multiple vital functions: it irrigates the fields, plantations, and vineyards of the eastern plain of Corsica, generates hydroelectric power, and supplies drinking water to local communes. It's a significant man-made feature with practical and scenic value.