Lac de Bastani

Lac de Bastani is a high-altitude glacial lake in the commune of Ghisoni, tucked inside the Regional Natural Park of Corsica roughly sixty kilometres from Corte. Sitting at nearly 2,100 metres, right below Punta Bacinello and facing Monte Renoso, it ranks among the highest lakes on the island.

What makes this lake stand out?

Seen from above, particularly from the summit of Monte Renoso, Bastani reveals a distinctive heart-shaped outline that has made it a favourite subject for hikers with a camera. Its water carries a striking emerald tint, produced by filamentous microalgae thriving in the cold, clear depths. The lake covers roughly 4.4 hectares and plunges to about 24 metres at its deepest point. Because of the altitude and harsh mountain climate, it stays frozen for as much as seven months of the year. Trout live in its waters, drawing the occasional angler willing to make the climb.

Where exactly is it located?

Bastani sits less than a kilometre northwest of its neighbour, Lac de Nielluccio, and barely half a kilometre from the summit of Monte Renoso itself (2,352 m). The two lakes share the same mountain range and a similar starting point, but they are separate bodies of water with their own shape and character — worth telling apart when planning a route.

How do you get there on foot?

Most hikers start from the bergeries and refuge of Capannelle, at about 1,586 metres, right on the GR20 long-distance trail above Ghisoni. From there, the route branches off the GR20 to follow the path that once served the Petraniella ski lift, climbing steadily toward the lake. The round trip covers around 7 kilometres with roughly 430 metres of elevation gain — a sustained but non-technical ascent across rocky sections and grassy plateaus. Reasonably fit walkers reach the lake in about one and a half to two hours. The path is well marked and does not require climbing equipment or special skills.

When is the best time to go?

The trail is fully walkable from June to September. Outside that window, snow can cover the higher sections, complicate route-finding, and make some rocky stretches genuinely hazardous. Even in summer, an early start is wise, since mountain weather in central Corsica can shift quickly by early afternoon.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in Lac de Bastani? No, swimming is not allowed. The lake functions as a natural high-mountain reservoir and its water stays extremely cold even in summer.

How long does the hike from Capannelle take? With reasonable fitness and good weather, expect about one and a half to two hours one way — a half-day outing including the return.

How is it different from Lac de Nielluccio? It's a separate lake in the same massif, less than a kilometre away, with its own shoreline and shape. Experienced hikers sometimes combine both lakes in a single outing.

Can you continue on to the summit of Monte Renoso from here? Yes, the lake lies very close to the peak — under half a kilometre as the crow flies — though reaching the summit itself takes extra effort and clear visibility.

Is the hike suitable for beginners? Yes, in good weather and with proper footwear it's a moderately demanding mountain walk, manageable for hikers with average fitness.