Our honest local guide to river swimming spots — ranked by distance from the hotel, with our rating
Around Porto, we're lucky enough to have both the sea AND the mountains. And when the beaches heat up at the height of summer, the locals know where to go: the natural pools and waterfalls of the hinterland, where the water stays cool and a shady corner is never far away.
Here is our honest round-up, from the closest spot to the furthest, with our rating for each. Hôtel Le Vaïta looks straight onto the Porto — the mountain-view rooms look out over the river — but for a swim you are better off heading a little upstream: that is what this page is for. We'll tell you what we love, what we'd steer you away from, and where to go depending on your plans.
💧 General caution: river water is cold, the rocks are slippery, and the level can rise fast after a storm. Jumping into the water carries real risks — always check the depth and never jump in unfamiliar terrain.
Almost wiped out by a major flood. The Snake Cave used to be a lovely spot below the Les Oliviers campsite, with a jump of around 4 m. Today it looks more like a paddling pool.
Little to see now, unless you're staying at Les Oliviers or nearby.
A wide-open space with enough river that you can avoid everyone if you wish. You reach it from the Ota–Porto path, and it runs down to Casa del Torrent. Water that isn't too cold, few people, plenty of it: for us, the perfect spot for an afternoon by the river.
This is the spot we call « opposite the Funtana » between ourselves: the river runs level with the Funtana all'Ora campsite, about 3 km from the centre of Porto, and the water is a walk of less than 300 m from the campsite.
This is the spot we call « opposite the Funtana » between ourselves: the river runs level with the Funtana all'Ora campsite, about 3 km from the centre of Porto, and the water is a walk of less than 300 m from the campsite.
The only downside: it's a little less pretty, as there are no waterfalls.
⚠️ Jumps of up to ~6 m are possible, but very risky: only jump after checking the depth, never alone, never in unfamiliar terrain.
Our choice for a proper relaxed afternoon by the water.
The famous Spelunca gorges have very few natural pools: you get wet rather than actually swim, along the Spelunca walk. Unlike its neighbour the Lonca (just below).
A little secret: there's the "Devil's Cauldron" as you leave the trail… but it's hard to find.
Worth it mainly for the walk, less so for the swimming.
Far less well known than the Spelunca, yet right next door. The Lonca offers plenty of natural pools with very few visitors. We recommend it for all families.
Bonus: you can even reach a climbing wall set up near the village.
Our pick for families: peace and quiet and proper pools to swim in.
Lac Noir is simply the meeting point between the Lonca and the Spelunca. A pool of water easily reached from the road, deep enough that some people jump from the bridge…
⚠️ Jumping from the bridge is dangerous (depth and riverbed are never guaranteed). We strongly advise against it — keep your swimming to safe areas.
Ah, straight away the most magical place in the whole district! Little waterfalls you can reach either 10 minutes from the main road, or via the chestnut-grove path (1 hr, but shaded and flat).
You can swim here easily, despite the very cool water — and the big crowds in July and August.
The must-see spot. We've devoted a full guide to it: the natural pools and waterfalls of Aïtone.
A protected nature reserve where you'll share the water with ducks, frogs, fish and other animals in their natural habitat. Unlike the other places on this list, swimming is not allowed here: you discover the river a different way, by kayak provided on site for the occasion (€8 per person, asked for before you set off).
The river is entirely shaded — a true haven of peace, far from the bustle.
Our favourite. We couldn't recommend it more highly.
Perched high up on the Col de Vergio, by the Fer à Cheval car park. It's genuinely a long way from anywhere: we only recommend it if you're heading towards Corte, as it makes a lovely halfway break.
The setting is superb, and the walk is nothing to worry about: 1 hr 40 there and back, a footbridge to cross and a few stretches over bare rock. You do it there-and-back, as the loop is sadly poorly maintained.
Careful with the satnav: do not search for “Radule waterfalls” — the route it offers starts the walk in the wrong place. Head for the Fer à Cheval car park.
For walkers, or as a stop on the road to Corte.
One last one for the road! Forty-five minutes from Porto, the Liamone river can be a real treat to explore as long as you have a kayak. This time it's free, and almost as enjoyable as the Fango delta.
For the sea, see our selection of the finest beaches of the Gulf of Porto. To go further on the most magical spot, take a look at our guide to the Aïtone waterfalls. And to plan your trips into the hinterland, see how to get to Porto.
Thirteen trails we have walked and written up, from the shepherds' path four minutes from the hotel to the Capo Rosso — with duration, height gain and starting point.
See our walks
From Porto beach to the coves of Piana and Serriera: our selection, with access and parking.
See our beaches
River levels change quickly: very low at the end of summer, dangerous after a storm. Before you set off, ask us — we'll tell you where the water is best that week, which spots are in the shade in the afternoon, and which we'd keep children away from. That is part of what staying opposite the river is for.
Hôtel Le Vaïta, on the marina at Porto, is the ideal base camp for exploring rivers, waterfalls and natural pools. 26 air-conditioned rooms with a view, best rate guaranteed when booking direct.
