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Top 5 must-see places to swim at the Aiguilles de Bavella

Located in the heart of South Corsica, the Bavella Needles are a spectacular and emblematic mountain range of the Island of Beauty. A great spot for hiking and climbing, this magical place also offers a multitude of opportunities to cool off in natural pools and waterfalls with crystal-clear waters. So, join us in discovering the 5 best spots for swimming at the Bavella Needles.

1 – The Solenzara River

Considered one of the most beautiful rivers in Corsica, the Solenzara originates beneath the peak of the Bavella Needles and winds through the beautiful eponymous gorges to the Tyrrhenian Sea. Along its course, it offers numerous natural pools of transparent turquoise water ideal for swimming. Access to these basins is from the D268 road, which connects the Bavella pass to the coastal village of Solenzara. Several parking areas and marked trails allow you to quickly reach these refreshing havens:

  • The Abra Bridge: accessible by car from the D268, this area features numerous natural pools surrounded by smooth rocks perfect for sunbathing.
  • The Polischellu Waterfall: located a few kilometers upstream from the Abra Bridge, this majestic waterfall cascades into a beautiful basin where swimming is possible.

Don’t hesitate to learn everything about the Bavella Needles before embarking on this adventure.

swimming spots at the Bavella Needles

2 – The Purcaraccia Stream

This magnificent mountain torrent, also known as “Purcaraccia Canyon”, is famous for its impressive waterfalls and natural pools with transparent waters. Located at the foot of the Bavella Needles, this site is ideal for practicing canyoning and white-water swimming. Access to the Purcaraccia stream is from the Bavella pass via a marked trail that descends through the forest to the river. It takes about 1 hour of walking to reach the first basins suitable for swimming.

The must-visit swimming spots:

  • The Lezarde Jump: this is the first major waterfall encountered while ascending the stream. Its large pool allows swimming in a spectacular setting.
  • The Purcaraccia Waterfalls: located downstream from the Lezarde Jump, these two waterfalls offer deep and narrow basins ideal for cooling off after a hike.

3 – The Ascu Stagnu River

Less known than the Solenzara, the Ascu Stagnu River originates in the Ospedale mountains and crosses the beautiful Bavella plateau before reaching the Taravo valley. Its course features numerous natural pools with clear waters surrounded by rocks polished by erosion. To access these pools, you need to follow a marked trail from the Bavella pass parking toward the village of Carbini for about 1 hour.

The best swimming areas on the Ascu Stagnu:

  • The Abilina Bridge: accessible from the Bavella pass, this area offers several shaded and refreshing basins within an oak forest.
  • The Devil’s Pool: located upstream from the Abilina Bridge, this beautiful natural pool with emerald waters is surrounded by large slabs of pink granite.

4 – The Fiumicelli River

Also called “Stream of Poets,” this small river that originates beneath the peak of the Bavella Needles features a succession of small waterfalls and natural pools in emerald colors. Accessible from the D268 road heading toward the Larone pass, the Fiumicelli is a true paradise for nature lovers looking to swim in a preserved and wild setting.

The best swimming spots:

  • The Bear Hole Pools: located upstream of the eponymous waterfall, these pools offer an intimate and shaded setting to cool off away from prying eyes.
  • The Funtanilla Waterfall: this magnificent waterfall pours its clear waters into a wide basin surrounded by granite rocks, perfect for enjoying a moment of relaxation.

Swimming at the Bavella Needles

5 – The Cavu River

Located near the village of Sainte-Lucie-de-Tallano, this peaceful place crosses a dense and lush forest before plunging into spectacular granite gorges where it forms several waterfalls and natural pools with clear and refreshing waters. To access the Cavu River, you must take the D12A road and then follow a small dirt path for about 30 minutes of round-trip walking.

The main swimming areas on the Cavu:

  • The Natural Pools of the Stazzu Bridge: consisting of several basins adorned with round rocks, they offer a chance to relax and swim after a day of hiking.
  • The Nucaruccia Waterfall: this wild waterfall plunges into a basin where the cool waters delight bathers in search of tranquility and escape.

Among these enchanting places, you are sure to find your favorite spot to cool off after a day hiking the trails of the Bavella Needles. And of course, don’t forget to respect the surrounding nature and leave no trace of your passage!

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