Corsica is a mountain island with granite and limestone right up to the summits. That makes it a playground for climbers, via ferrata enthusiasts and anyone who wants to head for the heights.
Via ferrata
A via ferrata is a secured climbing route across rock faces, with steel cables, ladders and bridges. You're permanently clipped into a safety line and no climbing experience is needed. In Corsica you'll find two outstanding courses.
Ospedale near Porto-Vecchio
On the Ospedale massif, 20 minutes above Porto-Vecchio, there are two courses of about one hour each. The beginner course is accessible to everyone; the sporty course is for those seeking more of a challenge. Both end with an optional zipline and offer a 360-degree panorama over the gulfs of Porto-Vecchio, Lake Ospedale and, on a clear day, all the way to Sardinia. From around 30 euros per person.
Tolla near Ajaccio
The via ferrata at Tolla sits on a rock plateau above Lake Tolla, with views over the Prunelli valley down to the Gulf of Ajaccio. The course takes about 3 hours, includes a monkey bridge among other features and is suitable for everyone. A mountain professional guides you and provides instruction beforehand. From around 40 euros.
Treetop adventure parks
For those who prefer swinging through the branches to scaling rock faces, Corsica has several accrobranche parks with ziplines, walkways, rope swings and climbing walls.
Solenzara (Acqua & Natura)
Courses for children from age 3 up to challenging routes with ziplines over the Solenzara river. The youngest start on the Kid course, while adventurers choose the Indiana route. From 12 euros.
Vero near Ajaccio
The largest treetop adventure park in Corsica: 208 workshops spread across 17 courses, with views over the Gulf of Ajaccio. Suitable for children from age 4 and adults who want to try surfing on treetops. A 35-minute drive from Ajaccio.
Vizzavona in Bocognano
The highest park in Corsica, in the mountains near the GR20 trail. Fourteen difficulty levels in the cool of the forest, near the Angel's Waterfall.
Moca Croce near Propriano
An oak forest 40 minutes from Propriano and Ajaccio. Courses for the very youngest (Piou piou) through to 83 workshops on the Adventurer trail. In the shade, ideal on hot days.
Rock climbing
Corsica is a climber's paradise. The Aiguilles de Bavella, Monte Cinto and the Restonica valley offer routes for every level.
In Niolu near Calacuccia you can book a 3-hour introductory session at the natural climbing site Cuccia, in the Scala di Santa Regina. Afterwards you can cool off in the clear pools of the Golo river. Experienced climbers can book multi-day outings on the Grandes Voies, the long multi-pitch routes in the mountains around Corte.
Practical information
All equipment (harness, helmet, carabiners) is provided by the operator. Wear sturdy shoes and sporty clothing. Via ferrata and treetop adventures are available throughout the season, typically from April through October. Book a few days ahead in summer.
Insider tip Combine the via ferrata at Ospedale with a visit to Lake Ospedale and the pine forests above it. A great day out if you're staying in the Porto-Vecchio area.