Monte Rotondo
Monte Rotondo (2622 meters) is the emblematic peak of Corsica's second highest massif. The hike starts in the popular Restonica valley, near Corte.
This adventure is characterized by a particularly long route, accompanied by a significant positive elevation gain. What's more, the route is highly technical, with vertiginous passages between Lac de l'Oriente and the summit. Despite the presence of cairns to guide the way, it can be difficult to find the right path in this maze of rocks. Although many corsicans consider the summit to be the best viewpoint on the island, this hike is only recommended for the most experienced hikers.
More details on the hike
The starting point of this adventure is about a hundred meters after the Timozzo bridge, along the Restonica valley road. As mentioned in the remark section, there's no parking facilities here, so if you're coming by car, try to get there early as roadside parking is scarce.
The climb is steady all the way to Lac de l'Oriente, with some twists and turns as the slope gets steeper. You'll be in the shade of the Corte Restonica forest for about an hour and a half until you reach the Timozzo sheepfold. Then it's out in the open, through an increasingly mineral landscape, to the magnificent Lac de l'Oriente, at an altitude of 2064 meters. This is where the real challenge begins! There are about 3 kilometers and 600 meters of ascent to do, through immense scree, with sections of varying steepness. You'll often have to use your hands and watch out for cairns to stay on your route. Allow at least two and a half hours' effort from the lake. The reward at the top will be all the greater. With an extraordinary view of almost all of Corsica, the summit is ideally located in the center of the island. Just below, you'll also catch a glimpse of the Lac de Betaniella, Corsica's largest natural lake, at 2321 meters.
For the return journey, simply follow the same route as for the outward journey.
➡️ Hiking parameters
➡️ Hiking parameters
➡️ Hiking parameters
REMARKS
It is worth mentioning the Helbronner shelter at the summit, which offers enough space to comfortably accommodate 2 or 3 people. This can be a very attractive option for those planning to split this very long hike into two stages. What's more, watching the sun rise and set from the summit is a truly magical experience...
There is no parking at the trailhead. We recommend arriving early to take advantage of the few roadside parking spots available.
REMARKS
It is worth mentioning the Helbronner shelter at the summit, which offers enough space to comfortably accommodate 2 or 3 people. This can be a very attractive option for those planning to split this very long hike into two stages. What's more, watching the sun rise and set from the summit is a truly magical experience...
There is no parking at the trailhead. We recommend arriving early to take advantage of the few roadside parking spots available.
More details on the hike
The starting point of this adventure is about a hundred meters after the Timozzo bridge, along the Restonica valley road. As mentioned in the remark section, there's no parking facilities here, so if you're coming by car, try to get there early as roadside parking is scarce.
The climb is steady all the way to Lac de l'Oriente, with some twists and turns as the slope gets steeper. You'll be in the shade of the Corte Restonica forest for about an hour and a half until you reach the Timozzo sheepfold. Then it's out in the open, through an increasingly mineral landscape, to the magnificent Lac de l'Oriente, at an altitude of 2064 meters. This is where the real challenge begins! There are about 3 kilometers and 600 meters of ascent to do, through immense scree, with sections of varying steepness. You'll often have to use your hands and watch out for cairns to stay on your route. Allow at least two and a half hours' effort from the lake. The reward at the top will be all the greater. With an extraordinary view of almost all of Corsica, the summit is ideally located in the center of the island. Just below, you'll also catch a glimpse of the Lac de Betaniella, Corsica's largest natural lake, at 2321 meters.
For the return journey, simply follow the same route as for the outward journey.
Slideshow
Nearby hikes
Lac de l’Oriente
- Difficulty : Hard
- Duration : 5 h 30 m
- Distance : 9.9 km
- Elevation gain : 1050 m
Lakes of Melo and Capitello
- Difficulty : Moderate
- Duration : 3 h 30 m
- Distance : 6.4 km
- Elevation gain : 560 m
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
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.
Girolata via Punta di a Literniccia
- Difficulty : Hard
- Duration : 6 h 30 m
- Distance : 14.3 km
- Elevation gain : 870 m
Ruins of Occi
- Difficulty : Easy
- Duration : 2 h
- Distance : 4.7 km
- Elevation gain : 310 m
Monte Senino
- Difficulty : Hard
- Duration : 4 h
- Distance : 5.9 km
- Elevation gain : 680 m
Piscia di Gallu Waterfall
- Difficulty : Easy
- Duration : 2 h 15 m
- Distance : 4.9 km
- Elevation gain : 200 m
Beaches of Lotu and Saleccia
- Difficulty : Easy to Hard
- Duration : 7 h 30 m
- Distance : 27.3 km
- Elevation gain : 320 m
Bergeries des Pozzi
- Difficulty : Moderate
- Duration : 5 h 30 m
- Distance : 14.7 km
- Elevation gain : 680 m