a bella scusa Discovering the Corsican Mountains
Corsican Crafts and Local Producers
A Bella Scusa B&B. “The village of Bastelica, the Prunelli Valley, and the Ajaccio region are home to a large number of producers and artisans. In all areas, they are, along with the surrounding nature, the wealth of our island. We have selected some of the most emblematic and easily accessible from Bastelica. They each work in their own way to express respect for or the transmission of centuries-old traditions.” Charming Guesthouse – Bed and Breakfast in Bastelica.
In Bastelica :
- Nanarella and its creations of identity jewelry
- Paule Fattaccioli’s Céramic workshop
- Art Cutler Antoine Tramini
- Jean-François Gandon or Jo Porri’s Paintings
- Goat Farms and cheese dairies (Marc & Laurence Beaumont, Lionel Pinzuti)
- Pig farms – Artisanal charcuterie (Nunzi, Benielli, Casanova)
- I Dolci di tangoni – Artisanal Biscuit making
- U Marcatu di Bastelica – small Village Producers’ Market, Sunday morning
Close to Bastelica :
- Clos Ornasca – Vineyard in San Ghjuvà
- Clos Capitoro – Vineyard in San Ghjuvà
- Le Jardin des Abeilles – Honey house in Ocana
- La Maison des Senteurs – Organic essential oils in Ocana
In Aiacciu /Ajaccio :
- Boutique L’Oru – island artists and designers (jewelry, fashion, textiles, decor, etc.)
- Empire – créations island fashion items
- Domaine de la Sorba – Vineyard visit and tastings
- Le marché d’Ajaccio– local producers during the week and fairground market on weekends
Walking and Hiking in Corsica
The sheepfolds of Ese & the Pozzi
An iconic location in the region, hiking in the Pozzi is a must-do during your stay, so get ready to discover a magical place ! With a guide or on your own, on foot or even on horseback, a breathtakingly beautiful journey awaits you. Don’t hesitate to contact us for help organizing it.
Mountain lakes: Bracca and Vitalaca
Located at the foot of Punta Alla Vetta, facing Monte Renosu, above Lake Vitalaca, Lake Bracca is one of the highest lakes in Corsica (2085m) and also has the particularity of having a horseshoe shape. At the top of Monte Renosu you can also admire Lake Vitalaca. It is a peaceful place surrounded by typical pozzines and a hike that will amaze you!
The Volta Canal and the Ortola Waterfall
An accessible hike with stunning scenery starting from the village! Discover an ancient structure built for miles on the hills, originally intended to carry water from the spring to the village gardens. Beautiful scenery, and upon arrival, the reward of a well-deserved refreshment at the foot of the waterfalls.
Sant’Albertu Waterfall
The Sant’Albertu Waterfall, also known as the Piscia di Carnavalli, is a 10-meter-high waterfall easily accessible from the road. A few kilometers from Bastelica in the direction of Cauro, an easy ten-minute walk takes you to the base of the magnificent waterfall and its pool.
A Bella Scusa B&B. “There are so many other hiking trails to explore from the village or its surroundings that it would be difficult to list them all. We have selected a few of them, ranging from different levels of difficulty. Don’t hesitate to ask us for contact details of guides and hiking specialists who offer excursions in the area.” Charming Guesthouse – Bed and Breakfast in Corsica.
Cultural Leisure or Swimming Break ?
The heritage trail
Explore the village along Heritage Trail. You can admire fountains, chapels, bread ovens and other typical buildings. A path that leads you to the heart of the hamlets, from fountains to mills, in a green setting. Discover the history of Bastelica, from its creation to the contemporary era.
The river
The Prunelli is a Corsican river that runs through the village and carries with it no fewer than 20 streams, rivers, and torrents before ending its descent into the Mediterranean. Explore the surrounding area to find the river trough that suits you: in the sun or in the shade, shallow or in wells preceded by slides… Experience the mountains the way you like them !
The Val d’Ese
About a 15-minute drive from the village, in the heart of the Prunelli Valley, Val d’Ese is a natural gem. Admire the landscape, the river, the view of the Gulf of Ajaccio, and the animals roaming in semi-freedom in spring, summer, and autumn. In winter, Val d’Ese dons its white coat and becomes the islanders’ favorite ski resort. It is also the starting point for the hike to I Pozzi.
Tolla Lake
Just a 15-minute drive away, explore the Prunelli Gorges and reach Lake Tolla! The water is of excellent quality, making swimming a joy. Beach huts, grocery stores, and small craft shops await you. The water sports center offers a wide range of leisure activities (kayaking, pedal boats, paddleboarding, water biking, etc.).
A Bella Scusa B&B. : “If you dare to go a little further: 35 minutes away, on the seaside and the Gulf of Ajaccio, the Genoese tower of Capitellu, listed as a Historic Monument since 1991, was built in the 16th century. It is one of the oldest Genoese towers on the Isle of Beauty. Take the opportunity to relax on the charming Beaches of Porticcio.” Charming Guesthouse in Corsica – Bed and Breakfast
Sport and thrills in Corsica
Tolla Via Ferrata
Thrill seekers, the Via Ferrata of Tolla is undoubtedly the most beautiful in Corsica, and perhaps even in France. With its rope bridge suspended in the Prunelli Gorges, it will offer you thrills in complete safety. It can be enjoyed with children, but remains a high-mountain activity. We recommend being accompanied by a guide along your route in the Corsican mountains.
Canyoning in the Richiusa
The Canyon of Richiusa is one of Corsica’s most famous canyons, easily accessible and close to Ajaccio. A series of natural pools with turquoise waters, jumps, abseiling, natural slides carved into the rock, and a zip line. This course will delight beginners and experienced divers alike, offering a magical setting to share a unique experience.
The Val d’Ese ski resort
Skiing with a sea view ! This small family resort offers an extraordinary spectacle. Located at an altitude of 1,620 m, it covers a little over 20 hectares of skiable terrain, as well as 100 hectares of nearby off-piste skiing. It includes a green run for beginners, a blue run for intermediate skiers, and two red runs for more experienced skiers. The nearby Le Ranch du Val d’Ese also offers horseback riding excursions in the mountains.
Electric Mountain Bike outing
Explore the region by mountain bike with Corsica Mountain Bike ! Enjoy the natural and cultural heritage of the Prunelli Valley through its forests, lakes, and waterfalls. Half-day or full-day excursions available.
A Bella Scusa B&B. “Take on the challenge of mountain survival with Corsica Survivalisme. The association is based in the village and offers a unique and unforgettable experience. You might also be tempted by the Treetop Adventure Park of Vero. The largest adventure course in Corsica welcomes you to the heart of a pine forest, with panoramic views of the Gulf of Ajaccio, the Gravona Valley, and the mountain range that stretches from Monte d’Oru to Monte Renosu. 50 minutes from the village.” Charming Guesthouse in Corsican Moutain
A Bella Scusa : Organize your stay in Corsica from Bastelica
A Bella Scusa B&B. “Since Corsica is a mountain in the sea, the roads that cross it are sometimes longer than you might imagine: journeys are calculated in time rather than kilometers. This guide only includes examples of journeys for information purposes. Be careful, the longest distances in time are not necessarily the furthest on the map, and vice versa !” Elegant Guesthouse in the Corsican Mountain.
Pratical Informations
Ajaccio Napoléon Bonaparte Airport : 35 min
Ajaccio Ferry Terminal : 45 min
Muvimare Sea Shuttle connecting Porticcio to Ajaccio : 35 min
| Sites |
Journey time | URL |
| Ancient ovens, washing places, fountains, churches and chapels | In the village itself | |
| Ortala Waterfall and the Volta Canal | Hike starting from the village (2 h 30) | |
| The Maquis tourist train – farmstead tour | 5 minutes | Website |
| Zipituli Genoese bridge | 10 minutes | |
| Lake Tolla and its nautical centre (pedalos, canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, fishing boats, etc.) | 15 minutes | Website |
| Via Ferrata de Tolla | Climbing / hiking trail starting from the Col du Marcuju (3 hr) | Website |
| Val d’Ese Ranch | 15 minutes | |
| Carnavali Waterfall | 15 minutes | |
| Ese sheep farms and the Pozzi de Bastelica – Natural swimming pools | Hike starting from the Val d’Ese (3 hr 30) | |
| Lake Bracca – Glacial mountain lake, spring for the valley | Hike starting from the Col de Scalella (3 hr 30) | |
| Voile de la Mariée Waterfall | 25 minutes | |
| Richiusa canyon | 30 minutes | Website |
| Napoleon’s Palace – U Palazzu Bucugnà – ecomuseum | 30 minutes | Website |
| Capitello Genoese tower (1552) – UNESCO world heritage site | 30 minutes | |
| A Cupulatta – Animal park | 35 minutes | Website |
| Boat trips: the island’s most beautiful coastal sites by sea | 35 minutes | |
| The South Bank and its nautical activities (diving, flyboarding, jet skiing, kitesurfing, etc.) | 35 minutes | Website |
| The beaches on the South Bank and the Gulf of Ajaccio | 35 minutes | |
| Palais Fesch – Fine Arts Museum | 45 minutes | Website |
| Maison Bonaparte – National Museum | 45 minutes | Website |
| Veru Treetop Adventure Park | 50 minutes | Website |
| The Sanguinaires islands and the Parata headland | 55 minutes | Website |
| Filitosa prehistoric site | 1hr | Website |
| Corsican Museum of Anthropology and Restonica Valley (Corte) | 1hr20 | Website |
| Viseu Racecourse in Zonza | 2hr | Website |
| Purcaraccia pools in Bavella – Natural swimming pools and water slides | 2hr | Website |
| Piana rocky inlets – UNESCO world heritage site | 2hr | Website |