Lakes of Melo and Capitello
The lakes of Melo and Capitello, nestled in the magnificent Restonica valley, are among Corsica's most precious jewels. This hike is extremely popular, attracting over 1,000 people a day during the summer season! If you're looking for a less crowded alternative, consider hiking to the Rinoso lakes.
The trail to the lakes is well-maintained and marked in yellow. It includes several tricky sections, with two ladders, and is generally very rocky. However, it's not uncommon to come across tourists in flip-flops, which can make for a rather surprising experience.
More details on the hike
The hike starts at the Grotelle sheepfold, located at the end of the road leading to the Restonica valley. In summer, the route is often overcrowded, making it difficult to get lost! Outside the summer season, follow the yellow markings for orientation. The trail is more technical than the crowds would suggest.
Allow about an hour or so to reach Lake Melo and another hour or so to reach Lake Capitello. Lake Melo is the source of the Restonica river, a tributary of the Tavignano, Corsica's second longest river. It is surrounded by imposing peaks such as Lombarduccio (2261 m), Capitello (2245 m) and the Pointe des Sept Lacs (2266 m), which form a spectacular backdrop. At an altitude of 1920 m, Lake Capitello is bordered by the vertical cliffs of the Pointe des Sept Lacs. Not surprisingly, it is the deepest mountain lake in Corsica, with a depth of 42 meters. It's also a popular spot for rock climbers.
The return trip follows the same route as the outward trip, allowing you to relive the wonderful scenery you encountered on your ascent.
➡️ Hiking parameters
➡️ Hiking parameters
➡️ Hiking parameters
More details on the hike
The hike starts at the Grotelle sheepfold, located at the end of the road leading to the Restonica valley. In summer, the route is often overcrowded, making it difficult to get lost! Outside the summer season, follow the yellow markings for orientation. The trail is more technical than the crowds would suggest.
Allow about an hour or so to reach Lake Melo and another hour or so to reach Lake Capitello. Lake Melo is the source of the Restonica river, a tributary of the Tavignano, Corsica's second longest river. It is surrounded by imposing peaks such as Lombarduccio (2261 m), Capitello (2245 m) and the Pointe des Sept Lacs (2266 m), which form a spectacular backdrop. At an altitude of 1920 m, Lake Capitello is bordered by the vertical cliffs of the Pointe des Sept Lacs. Not surprisingly, it is the deepest mountain lake in Corsica, with a depth of 42 meters. It's also a popular spot for rock climbers.
The return trip follows the same route as the outward trip, allowing you to relive the wonderful scenery you encountered on your ascent.
Slideshow
Nearby hikes
Lakes Rinoso
- Difficulty : Moderate
- Duration : 4 h 15 m
- Distance : 7.8 km
- Elevation gain : 760 m
A Maniccia
- Difficulty : Hard
- Duration : 6 h
- Distance : 10.2 km
- Elevation gain : 1150 m
GR20 Stage 8: Alpine variant
- Difficulty : Easy / Moderate
- Duration : 3 h 30 m
- Distance : 6.9 km
- Elevation gain : 380 m
Monte Rotondo – Pietra Piana
- Difficulty : Moderate
- Duration : 4 h 30 m
- Distance : 5.6 km
- Elevation gain : 820 m
Hikes to discover
Let chance guide your steps: Each time you visit Horizonrando, you will discover a new selection of hikes in Corsica, chosen at random.
Capo Rosso
- Difficulty : Moderate
- Duration : 4 h 15 m
- Distance : 9.5 km
- Elevation gain : 570 m
Aitone Waterfalls
- Difficulty : Easy
- Duration : 1 h 15 m
- Distance : 2.2 km
- Elevation gain : 90 m
Monte Calva
- Difficulty : Easy
- Duration : 3 h
- Distance : 8 km
- Elevation gain : 420 m
Trou de la bombe
- Difficulty : Easy
- Duration : 2 h 30 m
- Distance : 6.2 km
- Elevation gain : 260 m
Lac de Nino
- Difficulty : Moderate
- Duration : 4 h 30 m
- Distance : 9.7 km
- Elevation gain : 720 m
Capu d’Orto
- Difficulty : Moderate
- Duration : 5 h
- Distance : 10.8 km
- Elevation gain : 860 m