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Punta di a Vacca Morta Hike

By François · updated in June 202506/2025My rating

Key facts about the hike

Difficulty
Easy Hikes are rated from very easy to very hard: my difficulty scale
Duration
2h Estimated time, short breaks included (photos, water, snacks), picnic not included: how it is calculated
Distance
3.8km
out and back
Elevation gain
290m
Type of route
Out and back
Maximum altitude
1,316 m
Vertiginous Five levels, depending on how exposed the route is: the levels in detail
No
Marked
Partially
Popularity
Low
Region
South-East
Start point
41.64522, 9.17574
Activity
Hiking

Hike overview

The Punta di a Vacca Morta hike takes you to a 1,316-meter-high peak in the heart of the Ospedale Forest. This accessible climb is rewarded with a magnificent 360-degree panorama. From the top, you can take in the Bay of Porto-Vecchio, Alta Rocca, Lake Ospedale, and the majestic Bavella peaks. On a clear day, you can even see the coast of Sardinia in the distance.

The moderate elevation gain and short distance make this hike an excellent choice for enjoying spectacular views without significant physical exertion.

Map and elevation profile of the hike

Punta di a Vacca Morta Hike

Difficulties of the hike

Despite a few steep sections in the final part, the climb is easy. The hike begins at the "Le Refuge" hut and follows the orange-marked Mare a Mare Sud trail through the pine forest.

After about 40 minutes, at the Foce Alta plateau, the route branches off from the main trail and heads toward the summit. The orange markings then disappear, giving way to numerous cairns that mark the route. The final climb to Punta di a Vacca Morta is steeper and rockier. It crosses an area of heather and pine trees before skirting spectacular granite formations.

What you'll love

  • An exceptional 360-degree panorama from the summit: You can see both coasts of the island at the same time, with the Bay of Porto-Vecchio and Lake Ospedale below.
  • The impressive granite rock formations with surprising shapes that mark the end of the route.
  • Walking through the Ospedale Forest, which is composed of majestic laricio pines and beech trees that provide welcome shade.

Practical information

Parking

The trailhead is located in the hamlet of Cartalavone, across from the "Le Refuge" mountain hut. Free parking is available on site.

Mare a Mare Sud stage

Cartalavone marks the end of the first stage of the Mare a Mare Sud long-distance trek, which connects Porto-Vecchio to Propriano over the course of five days.

Ospedale lake from the summit of Punta di a vacca morta
Ospedale lake from the summit of Punta di a vacca morta
Ospedale lake from the summit of Punta di a vacca morta
Ospedale lake from the summit of Punta di a vacca morta
View to the southeast from the summit
View to the southeast from the summit
Path through the Ospedale forest
Path through the Ospedale forest
View to the north-west from the summit
View to the northwest from the summit
Lake Ospedale
Lake Ospedale
Small Crocus flower (or Crocus Minimus)
Small Crocus flower (or Crocus Minimus)
Path leading to Punta di a vacca morta
Path leading to Punta di a vacca morta
Bay of Porto-Vecchio
Bay of Porto-Vecchio

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Printed from www.horizonrando.fr/en/corsica/punta-di-a-vacca-morta/