Solenzara, Corsica Rock pool bathing

A few kilometers north of Solenzara (about halfway up the east coast of Corsica) is Travo. Here turn off the N198, onto the D45, and follow the river Travo valley inland to the junction with the D645. After a few kilometers on the D645, signposted Basalla and Chisa, you will find any number of secluded rock pools – deep enough to swim in with plenty of lovely flat stones for sunbathing and overhanging trees and little pebble beaches for shade. What could be better than this for a relaxing picnic? 

We parked the car, scrambled down to the river, put a bottle of rose in the water to chill and then chilled out ourselves. Even in August we’ve seen few people – the odd family or two and some youngsters canyoning /gorge walking. It is a lovely and inexpensive way to spend a day.

Throughout Corsica there are many gorges and rock pools ideal for bathing. Some are more crowded than others but all those we’ve sampled have been wonderfully refreshing, even if some of them take a bit of effort to get to. It is worth pointing out that some stretches of Corsica’s back roads are not for faint hearted drivers or passengers – so don’t let the driver near the rose.