Cuscionu’s plateau, 1000 waterholes’grass : pozzines

Key Points

• Price: $351 for a group of up to 4 people, offering excellent value for an immersive natural experience
• Duration: Ranges from 3 to 6 hours, with options for half-day, full-day, or sunset visits
• Location: Corsica’s Cuscionu plateau, featuring stunning panoramic peaks and tranquil pozzines
• Highlights: Wild animals freely roaming, old glacial lakes, wind-carved sheepfolds, and optional dinner with sunset views
• Difficulty & Preparation: Moderate hiking with around 150-200 meters of elevation change, requires proper gear and hydration
• Accessibility & Logistics: Starts from Bucchinera, with a 20-30 minute drive on a rugged mountain road; private groups available

Exploring Cuscionu’s plateau offers an experience brimming with natural beauty, quietude, and unique landscapes. For $351 per group, up to four people, travelers gain access to a landscape where pigs, sheep, goats, cows, and horses roam freely in a setting of calming vastness. The tour features guided hikes lasting from 3 to 6 hours, with options to enjoy a sunset dinner or a full-day adventure with local tastings.

While the terrain involves a moderate hike with about 150 to 200 meters of elevation change, the experience is tailored to those seeking tranquility, incredible views, and authentic Corsican scenery. The tour is suitable for those prepared with proper hiking gear and water, as well as an appreciation for unspoiled landscapes. The guides, known for their hospitality and knowledge, lead you through this peaceful plateau, revealing legends, plants, and the history of the area.

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Key Points

• Affordable guided tours with options for half-day, full-day, or sunset experiences
• Scenic views include the highest peaks and the sea from panoramic vantage points
• Wildlife and sheepfolds showcase the traditional transhumance and natural habitat
• Old glacial lake with lawns and waterholes, called pozzines, offers a relaxing break
• Optional dinner at a sheepfold features exceptional hospitality and sunset vistas
• Practical advice emphasizes bringing enough water, proper clothing, and protective gear

Discovering Cuscionu’s Panoramic Peaks and Sea Views

The tour starts at Bucchinera, where visitors meet for a guided hike into the Cuscionu plateau. This area is renowned for its spectacular vistas—from a panoramic peak, you can see both the sea and the highest peaks of Corsica. The guides take you through shepherds huts and wind-carved sheepfolds, illustrating the area’s longstanding pastoral traditions.

The landscape is marked by legendary stories and plant explanations shared by the guide, Julie. The trek involves about 2-3 hours of hiking, with manageable height differences of 150-200 meters. Along the way, you’ll encounter old caves shaped by the elements and a large stretch of grass dotted with pozzines, an ancient glacial lake with small waterholes. These features combine to create a sense of calm and timelessness.

Exploring the Old Glacial Lake and Waterholes

The pozzines stand out as a highlight—lawns with tiny waterholes that have barely recovered from ancient glacial activity. As you walk across this landscape, the guide explains local legends and the use of native plants. The lawns and waterholes add a soothing quality to the hike, offering space to relax and enjoy the scenery.

This area’s natural elements showcase Corsica’s geological history and provide a peaceful spot for photographs or simply soaking in the atmosphere. If you opt for the full-day experience, you’ll eventually descend to a sheepfold where a dinner might be served during the sunset, adding a warm, hospitable touch to your journey.

Optional Dinner with Sunset at the Sheepfold

The dinner option takes place at a traditional sheepfold nestled in the landscape, where exceptional hospitality awaits. The sunset views from this vantage point are particularly striking, with the sky painted in warm hues. The meal typically features local products, and the entire experience emphasizes the authentic culinary culture of Corsica.

This option is perfect if you want to combine hiking, scenery, and local cuisine. The return journey lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours after sunset, with the last part of the hike illuminated by front lights. The scenery and the flavors create a memorable conclusion to the day.

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Logistics and Accessibility of Cuscionu Tours

Transport to the tour begins at Bucchinera, with a 20-30-minute drive on a rugged mountain road. The road is private and unmaintained, featuring many holes—a detail to consider when choosing your vehicle, as low cars are not recommended. The tour offers private groups, providing a more personalized experience, and the starting times vary from 8:30 am, 12:30 pm, 3:30 pm for half-day options, with 9 am for the full day, and 3 pm for sunset departures.

Participants should come prepared with trekking gear, including water, sun protection, warm clothing, and hiking shoes. The guides suggest carrying at least 1.5 liters of water per person, along with personal essentials like a small pharmacy, hat, gloves, and poles if needed. The tour takes place rain or shine, emphasizing the importance of proper gear.

Highlights of the Landscape and Wildlife

Throughout the hike, wild animals such as pigs, sheep, goats, cows, and horses are seen freely roaming the plateau. The area’s shepherds huts and outlying sheepfolds showcase traditional transhumance practices, emphasizing the pastoral lifestyle of Corsica. The wind, sun, salt, and water have shaped the sheepfolds and landscape, creating a unique visual tapestry.

The scenery combines mountain peaks, seaside views, and ancient lakes, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and those interested in geology and local legends. The calm ambiance of the plateau invites reflection and appreciation of Corsica’s natural heritage.

Practical Details and Booking Information

The tour is available in multiple languages: French, English, German, and Spanish. It is suitable for small private groups or individuals wishing to join a shared experience. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour, and you can reserve now and pay later for flexibility.

Participants should plan to bring trekking gear, adequate water, and weather protection regardless of the season. The tour is designed for those comfortable with moderate hiking and prepared for varied weather conditions, as it proceeds rain or shine.

Why Choose This Tour?

The Cuscionu plateau hike stands out for its combination of spectacular views, tranquility, and authentic Corsican scenery. The chance to see animals in their natural environment, explore ancient caves and lakes, and enjoy a sunset dinner makes it a well-rounded experience. The guides’ local knowledge and hospitality add depth and warmth to the journey.

While the mountain road to Bucchinera requires some caution, the rewards of reaching this peaceful highland landscape are significant. This tour suits nature enthusiasts, small groups, and those looking for a moderate hike with stunning vistas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring for the hike?
Participants should bring proper trekking gear, including water (at least 1.5 liters per person), sun protection, warm clothes, and personal belongings such as a small pharmacy, hat, gloves, and poles if needed.

Is the tour suitable for children or less experienced hikers?
The hike involves 150 to 200 meters of elevation change and moderate terrain, making it suitable for those comfortable with basic hiking. Proper preparation and gear are essential.

Can I join without the dinner option?
Yes, the tour offers a half-day option starting at 9 am, which can include local product tastings or lunch but does not necessarily include a dinner or sunset. The full-day option offers the dinner at the sheepfold with sunset views.

How do I get to Bucchinera for the tour?
The starting point is Bucchinera, accessible via a rough mountain road with a 20-30 minute drive from the main area, on a private and unmaintained road.

What languages are available for the tour?
Guides conduct the tour in French, English, German, and Spanish, catering to a wide range of visitors.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
The tour proceeds rain or shine, so visitors should be prepared with appropriate gear for all weather conditions.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby