Top 9 Lakes around Vivario

The most popular lakes easily accessible from Vivario include Lake Melo, known for its emerald green waters and famous hike; Lake Capitello, Corsica's deepest natural lake with a dramatic landscape; and Lac de Creno, famous for its water lilies and picturesque pine trees.

Yes, Lac de Creno is an excellent choice for families. It offers an easy trail, and you can even rent ponies or horses from the car park below for a unique experience. The lake is known for its water lilies and is surrounded by beautiful pine trees.

Hiking conditions vary. The trail to Lac de Melo is well-marked but can involve challenging sections with chains and ladders, requiring appropriate footwear. The path from Melo to Lac de Capitello is steeper and more challenging, with sections requiring the use of hands and chains, making it unsuitable for those with vertigo. Lac de Bettaniella and Lac de Bastani also involve steep ascents and navigating boulder fields, requiring good fitness and sturdy shoes.

Lac de Melo, situated at 1,711 meters, is unique for its emerald green waters and lush vegetation, which is a rarity in Corsica. It's also the source of the Restonica river and is home to a unique bacterial species named after it. The hike offers stunning alpine pastures and comfortable picnicking spots.

Hiking to Lac de Capitello, located above Lac de Melo at 1,930 meters, is a strenuous but rewarding experience. It's Corsica's deepest natural lake, surrounded by immense granite slabs plunging into intense blue waters. The landscape is stark and dramatic, often frozen for over eight months. The path from Melo is very steep, with some sections requiring chains and hands-on climbing.

Lac de Creno is particularly special for its abundant water lilies, which bloom beautifully in June, and the picturesque pine trees that surround it. It's also a vibrant ecosystem teeming with wildlife and grazed by cattle. It offers an easy trail, making it ideal for a relaxed visit.

The region around Vivario offers numerous hiking opportunities. You can find various trails, including moderate to difficult routes like the GR20 section from Vizzavona to Bergeries de Porteto, or loops such as Bergerie de Tolla – Regional natural park of Corsica. For more options, explore the Hiking around Vivario guide.

Beyond hiking, the Vivario area provides excellent opportunities for other outdoor activities. You can explore running trails, such as the Vizzavona – Capanelle Refuge loop, or engage in mountain biking on routes like the Vizzavona – Meli Waterfall loop. For detailed routes, check the Running Trails around Vivario and MTB Trails around Vivario guides.

The best time to visit the high-altitude lakes like Melo and Capitello is typically from late spring to early autumn (June to October) when the snow has melted, and trails are more accessible. Many of these glacial lakes remain frozen for six to eight months of the year. For lower-altitude lakes like Creno, the water lilies bloom in June, offering a beautiful spectacle.

Swimming is generally prohibited in some lakes, such as Lac de Creno, to protect its biodiversity. For other high-altitude glacial lakes, while not explicitly prohibited everywhere, the water is extremely cold due to their elevation and the long periods they remain frozen, making swimming impractical for most.

Les Pozzi de Bastelica are unique bogs with deep pools, a landscape feature known as 'pozzine' in Corsica. This area offers a distinct and beautiful natural environment, often described as a 'little corner of paradise' by visitors, providing a different natural experience compared to the high-alpine lakes.

Yes, the region is known for its high-altitude glacial lakes. Lac de Melo is at 1,711 meters, Lac de Capitello is at 1,930 meters, and Lac de Bettaniella, the largest natural lake on Corsica, sits at 2,321 meters. Lac de Bastani is also one of Corsica's highest lakes, located above 2000 meters.