Enjoy a day among the mountains at Lake Tolla

The natural beauty surrounding the town of Ajaccio attracts locals and tourists all year round. You don't have to go far from the city to see the marvellous scenery. The Tolla lake is less than an hour from Ajaccio. It's the largest lake in Corsica, making it the ideal place to spend a day with the kids, as a couple or on your own. Surrounded by mountains and small villages where time seems to stand still, the lake boasts a water sports centre, restaurants and epic walks.

The lake of Tolla near Ajaccio in Corsica.

- © U. Eisenlohr / Shutterstock

A man-made lake that looks like one of nature's wonders

The Tolla lake is not exactly an ordinary lake. Far from being a creation of nature, it was in fact EDF that built a dam in 1960. The water retention tank was commissioned in 1965. From then on, the Ajaccio region saw it as a tourist opportunity and developed the banks of the lake for locals and tourists alike.

The lake, perched at an altitude of 552 metres, is surrounded by majestic mountains. The small village of Tolla overlooks the valley and contrasts the landscape with its white dry-stone houses. The river Prunelli flows out of the Tolla lake and joins the sea south of Ajaccio. The Tolla lake is a place for travellers of all ages. Thanks to its many activities, you won't miss a day.

The village of Tolla in the background.

- © U. Eisenlohr / Shutterstock

The nautical centre

Open for over 30 years, the nautical centre offers sports enthusiasts and families the chance to hire sports equipment. You can also fish around the lake in the shade of the poplar trees. Rods can be hired directly from the centre. To preserve the peace of the area, the water sports centre does not hire out jet skis or other motorised equipment. You can visit their website or call 04 95 27 00 48 for more information.

The lake is one of the largest in Corsica

- © RnDmS / Shutterstock

👉 Pedalo (4 places)

👛 Price

  • 30 minutes: 12 euros
  • 1 hour: 17 euros
  • 2 hours: 27 euros
  • 3 hours: 37 euros
  • 4 hours: 47 euros
  • 1/2 day: 57 euros

👉 Kayak (2/3 places)

👛 Price

  • 30 minutes: 8 euros
  • 1 hour: 12 euros
  • 2 hours: 20 euros
  • 3 hours: 28 euros
  • 4 hours: 36 euros
  • 1/2 day: 44 euros

Solo kayaks are also available

👉 Paddle

👛 Price

  • 30 minutes : 6 euros
  • 1 hour : 10 euros
  • 2 hours : 15 euros
  • 3 hours : 20 euros
  • 4 hours : 25 euros
  • 1/2 day: 30 euros

👉 Electric paddle

👛 Price

  • 15 minutes : 13 euros
  • 30 minutes: 20 euros
  • 1 hour : 35 euros
  • 2 hours : 55 euros

👉 Water bike

👛 Price

  • 30 minutes : 10 euros
  • 1 hour : 15 euros
  • 2 hours : 25 euros

Go paddleboarding at sunset.

- © Song_about_summer / Shutterstock

Practical info

📍 Location: Tolla nautical centre, 20117 Tolla

🚌 Getting there: the lake is 32 km from the town of Ajaccio. You can hire a car and drive around 50 minutes to get to Tolla. From the town centre, you'll need to take the T21 and T40 roads towards Porticcio. Then take the D3 towards Tolla.

Opening times: open in June from 11am to 7pm and from July to September inclusive between 10am and 7pm.

⚠️ The nautical centre does not accept credit cards, so remember to take cash!

The village of Tolla overlooking the mountains

- © U. Eisenlohr / Shutterstock

After your water sports activities, don't hesitate to take up one of the many walks available in the surrounding area. A visit to the charming little village of Tolla is also a must during your stay in this region.

Where to stay near the lake?

Holiday home on the Tolla lake side Tolla

Holiday home on the Tolla lake side

Charming holiday home in Tolla, a stone's throw from the lake. It offers a splendid view of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
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by Lena COLLINS
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