Top 7 Natural Monuments around Prato-Di-Giovellina

Among the most popular natural monuments are The Arch of Corte, a striking natural arch offering rewarding views after a climb, and La Scala di Santa Regina Gorge, known for its dramatic rock faces carved by the Golo river, reminiscent of a Far West landscape. Visitors also highly appreciate Above Corte for its panoramic views of Corte and the surrounding valley.

Yes, the Natural Pools on the Fiume Tavignano are a great option for families. These well-visited swimming pools offer clear waters and even a small sandy beach, perfect for children to play. Bathing shoes are highly recommended for comfort.

The region boasts a variety of unique geological features. You can find the striking reddish-hued magmatic rock formations of the Calanques de Piana, a UNESCO World Heritage site, sculpted by centuries of erosion into bizarre shapes. The Gorges de Spelunca are notable for their pinkish granite rocks and intensely red coloration in some areas. Additionally, the Agriates Desert, despite its name, features rocky ridges and a unique blend of Mediterranean maquis leading to pristine turquoise-water beaches.

The area offers diverse outdoor activities. You can explore the Agriates Desert by car, motorbike, 4x4, or by hiking and cycling along the coastal path. The Gorges de la Restonica are popular for hiking, with trails leading to glacial lakes like Lac de Melo and Lac de Capitello. For more structured routes, you can find various hiking routes, road cycling routes, and MTB trails around Prato-Di-Giovellina.

Yes, the Gorges de Spelunca feature two historic Genoese stone bridges, Pont de Pianella and Pont de Zaglia, dating from the 13th to 17th centuries. These bridges are classified as historical monuments and can be crossed while hiking along the canyon floor. Additionally, the Agriates Desert was historically cultivated and used for transhumance, adding a layer of human history to its natural beauty.

The glacial lakes, Lac de Melo and Lac de Capitello, are located in the upper reaches of the Restonica Gorge. Lac de Melo (1710m) is known for its emerald green water and inviting picnic spots, accessible via a moderate 3-hour round trip hike from the Grotelle sheepfolds. Lac de Capitello (1930m) is Corsica's deepest lake, offering a more rugged beauty with impressive rock towers. The path to Capitello from Melo is more challenging, with some sections requiring chains for assistance. Lac de Nino, at 1,743 meters, is another high-altitude oasis known for its unique 'pozzines' and semi-wild ponies.

The best time to visit largely depends on the specific monument and activity. For swimming in river pools like those in the Gorges de la Restonica or Fiume Tavignano, summer is ideal. For hiking to glacial lakes, late spring to early autumn offers more favorable conditions, as Lac de Melo is frozen for a significant part of the year. The Calanques de Piana are stunning at sunset, intensifying their red colors, making late afternoon visits particularly rewarding.

Many natural monuments offer scenic drives. You can drive along the narrow D623 road through the Gorges de la Restonica for spectacular views, or the D81 road through the Agriates Desert. The D81 road between Porto-Ota and Piana also offers panoramic views of the Calanques de Piana. However, some areas, like the glacial lakes Lac de Melo and Lac de Capitello, require hiking to reach them. The coastal path (Sentier des Douaniers) in the Agriates Desert is also primarily for walking or cycling.

Despite its name, the Agriates Desert is not a barren wasteland but a vibrant and protected 15,000-hectare wilderness. It's characterized by dense Mediterranean maquis, rocky ridges, and temporary streams. Its uniqueness lies in the striking contrast between its arid inland landscape and its 37 km long coastline, which boasts some of Corsica's most stunning turquoise-water beaches, such as Saleccia and Lotu.

Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking natural landscapes, the dramatic rock formations, and the opportunities for immersion in untouched nature. The clear turquoise waters of the river pools and coastal beaches are a highlight for many, as are the rewarding views from elevated points like Above Corte and The Arch of Corte. The blend of rugged beauty with historical elements, such as the Genoese bridges in Gorges de Spelunca, also adds to the appeal.

The Gorges de la Restonica are renowned for their scenic beauty and turquoise river pools, ideal for swimming. A drive along the narrow, winding D623 road offers spectacular views. For hikers, trails of varying difficulty lead to Lac de Melo and Lac de Capitello. It's advisable to check local conditions, especially during peak season, and be prepared for winding mountain roads. For more information on the Gorges, you can visit visit-corsica.com.

Lac de Nino, located on the Camputile plateau, is the source of the Tavignano river, Corsica's second-largest river. It is particularly renowned for its unique 'pozzines' – small peat bogs dotted with interconnected water holes – and lush green turf where semi-wild ponies often graze. This high-altitude oasis offers a distinct, almost Tibet-like landscape, contrasting sharply with the island's coastal scenery.