Cavu Natural Pools
Corsica's stunning Cavu Natural Pools offer a free, refreshing escape with crystal-clear waters and scenic granite valley hikes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Cavu Natural Pools
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Corsica's stunning Cavu Natural Pools offer a free, refreshing escape with crystal-clear waters and scenic granite valley hikes.
"A free, sublime paradise near Porto-Vecchio, perfect for a refreshing dip away from crowded beaches."
👟 Wear Grip Shoes
Rocks are slippery! Non-slip shoes are a must for safe walking and swimming. :athletic_shoe:
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond Main Pools
Venture further upstream for quieter, more secluded natural pools. :hiking_boot:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal-Clear Natural Pools
Cavu River
Immerse yourself in refreshing, pristine waters sculpted by nature. Perfect for a cooling dip on a hot Corsican day.
+1
Scenic Granite Valley Hike
Trail along the Cavu River
A beautiful 20-minute walk through a granite valley leads to the pools, offering stunning natural scenery.
Secluded Upper Pools
Further upstream from main pools
Escape the main crowds by exploring less-visited pools further along the river for a more tranquil experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds to Cavu
Footwear is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Grip Shoes
Rocks are slippery! Non-slip shoes are a must for safe walking and swimming. :athletic_shoe:
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond Main Pools
Venture further upstream for quieter, more secluded natural pools. :hiking_boot:
🚗 Parking & Shuttle
Paid parking available; a free shuttle runs every 20 mins. Walk is ~20 mins. :car:
💧 Water is Refreshing!
Mountain water is cold but incredibly welcome on hot days. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Grip Shoes
Rocks are slippery! Non-slip shoes are a must for safe walking and swimming. :athletic_shoe:
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond Main Pools
Venture further upstream for quieter, more secluded natural pools. :hiking_boot:
🚗 Parking & Shuttle
Paid parking available; a free shuttle runs every 20 mins. Walk is ~20 mins. :car:
💧 Water is Refreshing!
Mountain water is cold but incredibly welcome on hot days. :droplet:
☀️ Limited Shade
Bring sun protection; there's not much natural shade after your swim. :sun:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning beauty and refreshing waters of Cavu Natural Pools, calling it a 'paradise' and a 'hidden treasure.' The scenic hike and opportunity for a free, natural swim are major draws. However, some note the water can be dirty and the main pools get crowded, with slippery rocks being a common concern.
"A free scenic attraction in beautiful mountainous wooded surroundings. The pools are quite large and very pleasant in the hot weather. Recommend sand less or something with a grip and the stone is slippery especially where algae is present. The parking charge was reasonable and paid on exit. No charge further charges. The walk to the pools took about 20 minutes on foot. Or you can get a free shuttle bus that departs every 20 minutes. There is a restaurant near the pools, but we didn’t use it."
Ian Donaldson
"The way to this Piscines it's really nice and great to have a good hiking, but location of piscines isn't so nice and the water it's very dirty."
IOAN Aps
"The natural pools are very much worth the hike and an ideal place to spend a relaxing and refreshing afternoon. The water is a bit cold as it’s from the mountains but very welcomed on a hot day. There are other pools further up or down which may have less visitors as these three tend to get a bit busy."
Elias von Hildebrand
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cavu Natural Pools are located near Sainte-Lucie de Porto-Vecchio in Corsica. You can drive to a paid parking lot, from which a free shuttle bus departs every 20 minutes, or enjoy a scenic 20-minute walk to the pools.
Yes, there is a paid parking lot at the start of the trail. The charge is reasonable and paid upon exit.
While there isn't a public bus service directly to the pools, a free shuttle operates from the parking area to the pools, making access easier.
The walk to the main pools is about 20 minutes on a marked hiking trail through a granite valley. It can be challenging in places but is manageable for most, including children. +1
Yes, the Cavu Natural Pools themselves are a free natural attraction. There is a charge for parking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Cavu Natural Pools is free. You only need to pay for parking if you drive.
As a natural attraction, there are no set opening hours. You can visit Cavu Natural Pools during daylight hours.
The natural pools are free to access. The only cost is for parking your vehicle at the designated lot.
Absolutely! Swimming is one of the main activities. The water is cool and refreshing, perfect for a hot day.
There are no specific restrictions mentioned, but it's a natural environment, so respecting nature and being mindful of slippery rocks is advised.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes and explore the riverbanks. Venture further upstream to find less crowded pools and enjoy the natural beauty.
Yes, the hike is manageable for children, and the pools offer a fun way to cool down. However, supervise children closely due to slippery rocks.
Bring swimwear, a towel, non-slip shoes, sunscreen, water, and snacks. Consider a waterproof bag for your belongings.
Yes, there are toilets available near the pools, along with a restaurant.
The main three pools can get busy, especially during peak season. Exploring further up or downstream can lead to quieter spots.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant located near the Cavu Natural Pools where you can dine.
While not explicitly stated, picnicking is generally allowed in natural areas. It's advisable to pack out all your trash.
There's a restaurant nearby offering refreshments and meals. Bringing your own snacks and water is also a good idea.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the crystal-clear water against the granite formations. The surrounding lush greenery and the winding river also make for beautiful shots.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and fewer people, ideal for capturing the serene beauty of the pools.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the landscape. A waterproof phone case or action camera is useful for capturing shots in and around the water.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but always be respectful of the natural environment and other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider exploring the less crowded pools further up the river for a more relaxed family experience. The natural beauty of the granite valley and the clear water make it an engaging environment for kids to explore and enjoy the outdoors. Remember sun protection, as shaded areas can be limited.
🚶♀️ Adventure Seekers & Hikers
Bring sturdy hiking shoes with good grip, as the terrain can be uneven and the rocks around the water are very slippery. This is an excellent opportunity for photography, especially during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon. Pack light but bring essentials like water, snacks, and a towel to make the most of your adventurous exploration.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack your own picnic lunch and plenty of water to avoid restaurant costs. The natural beauty and refreshing swim are the main attractions, and they come at no charge. Just remember to bring your own gear, like towels and non-slip shoes, to enhance your experience without extra rental fees.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Cavu River's Natural Pools
For a more tranquil experience, visitors are encouraged to explore further upstream or downstream along the river. The marked hiking trail provides access to numerous other pools, some of which are less frequented. This allows for a more intimate connection with nature and a chance to find your own secluded spot. Remember that the water, originating from the mountains, is quite cold but incredibly invigorating.
When visiting, proper footwear is essential. The granite rocks surrounding the pools are notoriously slippery, often covered in algae, making non-slip shoes or water shoes a must for safe navigation and enjoyment. While there are limited natural shaded areas, a restaurant and toilets are available nearby, adding to the convenience of a visit.
Navigating Your Visit to Cavu
While the pools themselves are free to enjoy, the parking fee is reasonable and paid upon exit. It's important to note that the main pools can get busy, so arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon can help you avoid the largest crowds. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
For those seeking a more secluded experience, venturing further along the riverbanks is highly recommended. Many travelers report finding quieter, equally beautiful pools away from the main gathering spots. This exploration is best done with sturdy, non-slip footwear, as the rocks can be very slippery.
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