Top 7 Lakes around Asco

For families, Lac de Melo in the Restonica Valley is a great option, as the hike is considered moderately easy and accessible even for children. Additionally, the area around A Mazzola Snack at Lake Sidossi is noted as family-friendly, offering amenities and views.

The region offers various hiking opportunities. For a moderately easy hike, consider the trail to Lac de Melo. For a more challenging and technical ascent with stunning views, the hike to Lac de Capitello is highly recommended. You can find more hiking options and detailed routes in the Hiking around Asco guide, including trails like the challenging Monte Cinto routes.

Yes, the lakes boast unique natural features. Lac de Nino is particularly known for its surrounding marshy grasslands called 'pozzi,' which are small peat bogs dotted with interconnected water holes, and semi-wild horses. Lac de Capitello offers a striking mineral landscape with impressive rock towers and peaks, while Lac de Melo is surrounded by serene picnic areas with alder and rowan trees.

The best time to visit the high-altitude glacial lakes like Melo, Capitello, and Nino is typically from late spring to early autumn (June to September) when the snow has melted and the trails are clear. Some lakes, like Lac de Melo, are frozen for five to six months, and Lac de Capitello for eight months, so summer offers the best access and conditions for hiking and enjoying the emerald or turquoise waters.

While the high-altitude glacial lakes are generally very cold and protected, the Asco Valley itself is known for its natural river pools that offer refreshing swimming opportunities, particularly around the Genoese bridge. These river pools are a popular spot for cooling off.

The lakes are part of the Corsican Regional Park, protecting diverse flora and fauna. Around Lac de Melo, you can observe various protected species. Lac de Nino is famous for its semi-wild horses grazing on the surrounding marshy grasslands, offering a unique wildlife viewing experience.

The hike to Lac de Melo is considered moderately easy, though the final section can be tougher. The ascent to Lac de Capitello, located above Melo, is more challenging and technical, involving steep rocky terrain and potentially requiring the use of chains or ladders. Hikers should be prepared for varying difficulty levels depending on their chosen destination.

Yes, you can find amenities near some of the lakes. For example, A Mazzola Snack at Lake Sidossi offers delicious food with great views over the lake and mountains. The village of Calacuccia, near its artificial lake, also has nice restaurants.

Beyond hiking, the region around Asco offers various outdoor activities. You can explore running trails, with options ranging from moderate to difficult, as detailed in the Running Trails around Asco guide. Mountain biking is also popular, with routes like the challenging 'Gnarled Tree Stump – Ponte Altu loop' available in the MTB Trails around Asco guide.

Lac de Capitello is the deepest lake in Corsica, with a maximum depth of 42 meters. Lac de Nino is Corsica's second-largest lake, situated on the Camputile Plateau, known for its extensive surface area and unique 'pozzi' marshlands.

Yes, the village of Calacuccia, located at 847 meters above sea level, features an artificial lake formed by a dam on the Golo River. This lake offers scenic views of the Cinto massif peaks.

Lake Cinto is a small mountain lake known for its striking blue water, providing a pleasant refreshment for hikers. It's appreciated for its natural beauty and is a popular spot for those seeking a refreshing break.