Our honest local guide to river swimming spots — from the furthest away right back to the hotel doorstep
The Corsicans' summer secret
When the sea gets too warm, we head for the river
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 furthest spot all the way back to the river that flows… right in front of the hotel. 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.
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, but the walk is fairly long and usually done there-and-back: the loop is sadly poorly maintained.
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 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.
6.
Lac Noir (Black Lake)
Lonca / Spelunca junction
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.
7.
The Campo river
Ota–Porto pathAfternoon by the river
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.
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.
8.
The Snake Cave
below the Les Oliviers campsite
The Snake Cave — source: evendo.com
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.
What's left of a pool of water after all those natural pools… but the closest of them all! The flow is gentle: it's mostly somewhere to cool off. Hôtel Le Vaïta sits right opposite — every balcony looks out over this river. You can reach it in a few minutes on foot.
The shallow water only lets you have a dip… or, like us, build great big dams 😄
The bridge over the Liamone — photo: Jean-Claude Camu / Corse Net Infos
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.
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.
