The lush and rugged landscape of Corsica is famously beautiful and is one of the countless things that makes it such an appealing holiday destination for many travellers. If you are in search of unforgettable scenery and views to cleanse your eyes and soul and a place where there is ample opportunity for heading out there, stretching your legs, breathing in the freshest of air, exploring, and getting far away from the normal routines and worries of everyday life, a vacation rental in Corsica is just the ticket!
However, not everyone who plans a vacation in Corsica will be up for long, laborious hikes – you are on holidays after all! So, if you are looking for a taste of the beauty of this part of the world and you want to do some leg-stretching without quite signing up for a major expedition then we recommend a trip to the impressive and lovely La Cascade de Piscia di Gallo.
However, not everyone who plans a vacation in Corsica will be up for long, laborious hikes – you are on holidays after all! So, if you are looking for a taste of the beauty of this part of the world and you want to do some leg-stretching without quite signing up for a major expedition then we recommend a trip to the impressive and lovely La Cascade de Piscia di Gallo.
La Cascade de Piscia di Gallo, or Piscia di u Ghjàddicu, meaning the “Fir Cascade” (contrary to certain sources that claim it is actually the Piscia di Ghjaddu meaning the “Cockeral’s Piss.”), is a 60m high waterfall. The tallest waterfall in Corsica, it is an impressive sight to behold with water rushing, frothy and white, over the rugged edge at speed and down the steep, rocky cliff-side into a small pool at its base.
Located 26km and about a forty-minute drive from Porto-Vecchio, it is readily accessed after a short hike from a nearby carpark. If you are not driving, it would be pretty hard to get to the hike as it is a distance from any bus stops but if you have rented a car, it is not a problem. You can park in the carpark for €4 (to be paid in cash at the entrance) or park along the side of the road (D368) for free.
Once you have secured your place, just follow the path to the waterfall. It is 2.5km long and the whole walk should only take between an hour and a couple of hours depending on how fast you walk and how long you stop to admire the view, take photos, snack, etc. The trail starts to the right of the parking lot, continuing left between the snack bars La Cascade and U Diamente and then following the yellow markings towards a small bridge and leading down a stony path towards a forest.
In the forest, there is another river area to cross and if you are travelling out of season you may have to be cautious as heavy rainfall that might happen around the time of your trip can make this impassable and hiking to the waterfall impossible for visitors. It might be best not to plan a visit if it has been raining heavily recently. It is also worth being cautious, in general, while on your way to the waterfall as the path down is rocky and can be somewhat treacherous. The walk, as a whole, is not especially tiring or difficult but caution is required for this rocky section and it may not be suitable for smaller children, the very elderly, or those who are infirm. It is also recommended that you wear sturdy shoes with some grip to them in order to make your descent as safe as possible and that you bring water as there will be nowhere to buy some near the trail.
Along the way, you can take in the views over the surrounding mountains and forest from various points before heading down, down to take in the full majesty of the waterfall as it crashes from above. It is rather astonishing and a true must if you have found a vacation rental in Corsica and are spending time on this magical island in France.
Located 26km and about a forty-minute drive from Porto-Vecchio, it is readily accessed after a short hike from a nearby carpark. If you are not driving, it would be pretty hard to get to the hike as it is a distance from any bus stops but if you have rented a car, it is not a problem. You can park in the carpark for €4 (to be paid in cash at the entrance) or park along the side of the road (D368) for free.
Once you have secured your place, just follow the path to the waterfall. It is 2.5km long and the whole walk should only take between an hour and a couple of hours depending on how fast you walk and how long you stop to admire the view, take photos, snack, etc. The trail starts to the right of the parking lot, continuing left between the snack bars La Cascade and U Diamente and then following the yellow markings towards a small bridge and leading down a stony path towards a forest.
In the forest, there is another river area to cross and if you are travelling out of season you may have to be cautious as heavy rainfall that might happen around the time of your trip can make this impassable and hiking to the waterfall impossible for visitors. It might be best not to plan a visit if it has been raining heavily recently. It is also worth being cautious, in general, while on your way to the waterfall as the path down is rocky and can be somewhat treacherous. The walk, as a whole, is not especially tiring or difficult but caution is required for this rocky section and it may not be suitable for smaller children, the very elderly, or those who are infirm. It is also recommended that you wear sturdy shoes with some grip to them in order to make your descent as safe as possible and that you bring water as there will be nowhere to buy some near the trail.
Along the way, you can take in the views over the surrounding mountains and forest from various points before heading down, down to take in the full majesty of the waterfall as it crashes from above. It is rather astonishing and a true must if you have found a vacation rental in Corsica and are spending time on this magical island in France.
Photo credit: Donarreiskoffer / CC BY-SA 4.0