The Ospedale forest from Porto-Vecchio

Published on July 7, 2024 at 4:00 pm

Looking for a breath of fresh air and sunny countryside? Then head for the forêt de L'Ospedale.

This beautiful forest is an integral part of the Corsica Regional Nature Park !

It's a complete change of scenery from the beaches and seaside atmosphere of Porto-Vecchio.

Now you're in an almost mountainous environment where the forest is king.

If you're a nature lover, the Ospedale is a must-see during your stay in Corse-du-Sud.

View of the sea from the Ospedale nature park

Summary

The Ospedale forest, Porto-Vecchio's green lung
A host of activities in the Ospedale forest
Where to stay near the Ospedale forest?

The Ospedale forest, Porto-Vecchio's green lung

🌲 Just 30 minutes by car from Porto-Vecchio, a real change of scenery awaits you! The air is different, fresher and full of an enchanting scent!

The scent is that of pine resin.

Covering more than 700 hectares, the Ospedale state forest is mainly made up of laricio pines and beech trees. The forest cover is spread out at altitudes of between 200 and 1,000 metres.

In the middle of this forest is the lake and the small village of l'Ospedale. These are all places of interest in the region.

The superb Piscia di Gallu waterfall (open from late autumn to early spring) can be seen after a short hike. The path winds through the forest from the road linking the village of l'Ospedale to Zonza.

Ospedale lake in the heart of the forest

A host of activities in the Ospedale forest

In this Corsican forest, you can enjoy nature and choose the activity that suits you best.

There's something for everyone in the Ospedale forest! Whether you're with family, friends, alone or as a couple.

🥾 To name just a selection of the activities on offer here, there are :

Hiking: several trails around the village of l'Ospedale
Tree climbing: XTREMSUD welcomes you to the shores of Lac de l'Ospedale for a via ferrata of anthology.
Canyoning: always go with experienced guides
Mountain biking

Among the various service providers operating in the area, try Corsica Madness. This is the address for canyoning fans and hiking enthusiasts!

You'll be accompanied by experienced, state-certified guides. The centre is right in the heart of the village of Zonza.

The natural landscape of the Ospedale forest

Where to stay near the Ospedale forest?

⭐ Located in the village of Zonza, below the Ospedale forest, welcome to Cantu di Fiumu. This hotel offers a peaceful stay, where friendliness remains the key word.

You're just forty kilometres from Porto-Vecchio, so the coast seems a long way away!

🌲 In fact, here at Cantu di Fiumi your stay takes place at altitude right in the heart of the Corsican forest.

🛌Each room has a terrace and offers all modern comforts.

🏊 As a bonus, the address boasts a beautiful swimming pool - what a pleasure to unwind here after a mountain hike!

🍴 If you're feeling hungry, no problem, head for the hotel restaurant.

Breakfast is served buffet style every morning, and room service is available on request.

⏰ The hotel is open from April to October.

Booking.com

Cantu di Fiumu

Located in Zonza, 17 km from the archaeological site of Cucuruzzu and Capula, Cantu di Fiumu offers a garden, free private parking, a terrace and a restaurant.

8.9 Superb

From

£118 / night

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Practical information

⏰ When to come and enjoy the beauty of nature in the Ospedale forest?

You can discover this superb region all year round. The best thing is to discover it at different times of the year.

Each season is clearly marked. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant, as the weather is less oppressive than in midsummer.

What's more, the colours are more vivid (ideal for photographers).

In winter, the snow can bring its white magic to the highest peaks.

🚌 How do I get to the Ospedale forest?

The Ospedale forest lies around twenty kilometres north of Porto-Vecchio.

From Porto-Vecchio, the Ospedale forest is linked to the city by several roads.

The easiest way is to follow the D368 road as it winds its way up the Corsican hills. In just 20 kilometres, the change is total.

Pine forest in the Ospedale woods

🚗 Where can I park near the Ospedale forest?

For quick access to the most interesting spots, the best place to park is in the village of l'Ospedale or near the lake.

There are also car parks along the road to Cartalavone (access to the Mare a Mare trail).

If you want to reach the beautiful Piscia di Gallu waterfall, it's best to park along the D368 road leading down to Zonza.

by Jude JONES

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Porto Vecchio