Lake of Ospedale and Piscia di Ghjaddu

Corsica is a land of contrasts. The region of Porto-Vecchio offers a diversity of landscapes of stunning beauty. At only half an hour from the city of salt and its heaven beaches, the lake of Ospedale (U Spidali) and its small village are a fresh break more than welcome after hot summer’s day.

This remarkable site, located at 950 meters altitude, owes its name to the ancient hospital of the region, that was therefore at the heart of the village ; the Corsican word « U Spidali » being translated to the word « hospital » in English. The territorial forest of Ospedale, all around the lake, is mainly composed of magnificent pine trees. On more than 5 000 hectares, between the Bavella massif and Porto-Vecchio, this vast green lung is among the most important forested parts of Corsica. It is composing the living set of an incredible biodiversity, where it is possible, with a lot of patience, to observe an emblematic species of the island : the mouflon. This space, perfect spot for dilettante and reconnection to wild nature, has also been the territory of pastoralism for centuries. The shepherds were making their transhumance, guiding their herds from the lowland, where fresh grass, getting closer to the summer, is rarer, to altitude grazings.

Going a little higher, over the lake, the Punta di Corbu stands. This natural belvedere, that culminates at approximatively 1 200 meters of altitude, offers a clear, distant and unobstructed view of the Extreme South and Sardinia. In this area, still, the north direction allows to discover a jewel of the mountain : the waterfall of Piscia di Ghjaddu. Considered as the highest of Corsica, the waterfall of the fir springs from a mineral wall, to embrace a dizzying fall of 70 meters. Below, the translucent water lands in a large and profound jade green bassin.

Going a little higher, over the lake, the Punta di Corbu stands.

Text & Photos : Sébastien Leroy