If you like beautiful roads in narrow canyons, don’t miss the D344 road that allows you to cross the Canyon of Inzecca and the Canyon of Strette.
A small detour by very long that we recommend you, with a stop at the dam of Sampolo.
In this article we share our practical tips and more information to take advantage of it.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the area anonymously, making our own choices, and paying all our bills in full.
Why visit the Défilé de l’Inzecca
If you are looking for beautiful scenery, the Inzecca Pass is an excellent option.
With its narrow canyon, clear river, and cliffside trees, every turn triggers a “wow”. The waters of the Fium’Orbu river have dug two impressive gorges at an altitude of about 650m, one after the other: the Défilé de l’Inzecca (which means entrails) and the Défile des Strette (which means narrow).
This discovery is short, but it is according to us one of the most beautiful roads of Corsica.
For those who love winding roads surrounded by rocks, this is the place to be!
Practical advice – Inzecca canyon, Corsica
Where is the parade of the Inzecca?
- Center of the east coast of Corsica
- Just south of Aléria
- Downstream from the village of Ghisoni
- Road D344
- Aléria to Sampolu dam = 30min drive
- Porto-Vecchio to Sampolu dam = 1h20 drive
- Corte to Sampolu dam = 1h drive
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Corsica
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
How much time to allow
The road is about 13km long, so it is quite short.
Allow 1 hour round trip to enjoy the scenery.
Practical advice
- Roads to avoid in motorhome
- There are very few places to stop. In the summer, you may not be able to get out of the car, but the views from the road are already enough.
- The environment is protected by the Natura2000 label
Bathing
The river offers idyllic bathing sites, with beautiful natural pools, upstream from the lake. But parking is not always easy.
Inn of the Inzecca
At the beginning of the parade, you can stop to eat at the Auberge de l’Inzecca.
This is what we had planned but unfortunately it was closed.
Copious meals typically Corsican.
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A winding and narrow road – difficulties
The road at both sections is indeed winding with a rock wall on one side.
In the essembleme there is a way in each direction. But in some places it is impossible to pass a car.
So slow down well, especially if it’s at a curve.
But don’t panic. The road is not so difficult. You just have to take your time.
There is a small wall all along the side of the void, which makes driving less stressful.
It is obviously a very popular road for motorcyclists.
But as you can see on the picture below, we don’t recommend it for motorhomes because there are pieces of cliffs sticking out.
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DREAM TRIP TO Corsica
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- Practical advice
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The river Fium’Orbu
The responsible for its magnificent gorges is the river Fium’Orbu (also written Fiumorbo).
It takes its source at 1750m altitude in the Renoso massif in the heart of Corsica.
And it flows into the Tyrrhenian Sea at Calzarello.
This river is about 46km long with 38 referenced tributaries that make it grow, while at the beginning it is only the stream of Marmano.
Its average annual flow is 3.7 m3/s.
Be careful, always check the conditions because in the mountains the water level can change suddenly.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Corsica
Inspiration destinations
Best of
- The most beautiful beaches of Corsica
- The most beautiful villages of Corsica
- The most beautiful cities of Corsica
- The most beautiful destinations in Corsica
- The museums of Corsica
- Hidden gems in Corsica
- The most beautiful natural pools
- What to do in North Corsica
- Best things to do in South Corsica
- Canyoning in Corsica
Where to stay
Sampolu dam and lake
The hydraulic dam of Sampolu (or Sampolo) is visible from the road.
It is located at 365 m of altitude.
This concrete structure was built between 1987 and 1991 and put into service in 1992.
The dam is over 32m high and 93m wide.
Its altitude at the crest is 378m.
A penstock system runs water from the lake into a gallery to generate electricity.
The dam is managed by EDF.
The lake covers 24.5ha.
It contains 2 millionm3 of water which is used for electricity production (at the dam) and irrigation.
WHERE TO STAY IN South Corsica
Option 1: Around the famous beaches
We recommend..:
- Hotel Mariosa with beach and restaurant – see photos and availability
- Résidence U Pirellu, if you want to be able to cook – see photos and availability
- Hotel L’Alivi Santa Giulia with beautiful views over the bay – see photos and availability
Option 2: in the maquis around Bonifacio
We recommend..:
- Hotel Cala di Greco overlooking the citadel! – see prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel A Cheda with its garden and exceptional restaurant – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Version Maquis Citadelle (5 stars) – see prices, pictures and availability
Option 3: in Bonifacio itself (citadel or marina)
We recommend..:
- Hotel Spa Genovese in the citadel – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Santateresa at the top of the citadel – see prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Solemare and its swimming pool with view! – see prices, pictures and availability
Option 4: in Propriano
We recommend
- Hotel Aria Marina for convenient apartments with views – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Marinca for a little luxury and unforgettable views – see prices, photos and availability
Green cliffs: serpentine
If you get a chance to look at some of the cliffs up close, you may notice some green in the rock.
The Inzecca Canyon digs in serpentinite formations (serpentine mineral rocks). They have an Olive color and a scaly appearance.
HOW TO GET TO Corsica
Option 1: by ferry
Departure from France and Italy
- See all ferry options in our article
- Compare schedules, prices and availability directly
Advantage: you can take your car!
Option 2: by plane
Airports in Bastia, to visit the North, Figari to visit the South, or Ajaccio convenient for all Corsica.
Compare flights!
What to do nearby: Ghisoni, Aléria…
Village of Ghisoni
If you continue the road towards the interior, you will arrive at the very small village of Ghisoni. Its existence is attested since the 14th century.
It is best known in winter for its ski resort. The rest of the year, enjoy its churches and its Neptune fountain dating from 1856.
There is a park with a tree climbing.
Aléria and its ruins
Aléria and Mariana were the 2 main Roman colonies of Corsica.
For Aléria, the location was ideal, with an important river and good land for crops. Aleria, founded in the 6th century BC, is considered the oldest city in Corsica.
Aléria has a long history. Nowadays, you can visit the ruins with a breathtaking view of the area and the museum.
The fort of Matra houses the Jérôme Carcopino Museum, the regional museum of archaeology. It is named after a famous historian of the Roman period.
The gorges of Solenzara
A little further south, the Solenzara Gorge is a favorite as it is a great place to cool off on hot summer days. There is plenty of shade with the trees and crystal clear pools of water created by the river.
The road is wide and in good condition. There are several parking lots along the road.
It is an easy road and you can continue to the Bavella pass with incredible views of the Aiguilles de Bavella.
The whole route is fantastic.
