Lac de Goria

Lac de Goria is a small glacial lake tucked into the upper reaches of the Restonica valley in the mountains of Corsica, not far from the town of Corte. Sitting at an altitude of 1,852 metres, it covers a modest surface area of around 4 hectares, making it one of the smaller lakes in this part of the island. Like its neighbours, it was carved out by glacial activity thousands of years ago, leaving behind the rocky, bowl-shaped cirque that holds it today.

Where exactly is the lake?

Goria lies in Haute-Corse, in the mountain range that frames the Restonica valley, one of Corsica's best-known hiking destinations. The lake sits higher up and further into the mountains than the valley's two more famous lakes, Lac de Melo (1,711 m) and Lac de Capitello (1,930 m), and is effectively the next stop for hikers willing to push beyond them.

How do you get to Lac de Goria?

Most visitors start from the Restonica valley, reached by road from Corte. Following storm damage in November 2023, part of that road was washed out, and vehicle access is now limited to the first six kilometres of the valley, as far as Tuani. The former starting point at the Grotelle sheepfolds is therefore harder to reach directly, and many hikers now begin lower down, near Frassetta (around 900 m), which adds extra distance and time to the whole outing.

The path toward Lac de Melo splits into two options: an easier route along the left side of the valley, and a steeper one on the right that crosses a rocky passage equipped with chains and ladders. Reaching Goria means continuing past both Melo and Capitello, further up into the high mountain cirque — a stretch that calls for a reasonable level of fitness and some hiking experience.

What sets Goria apart from Melo and Capitello?

Melo and Capitello are the valley's star attractions and draw large numbers of visitors, especially in summer, when the trail can get crowded. Goria sits higher and further along the route, and reaching it takes noticeably more effort, which keeps visitor numbers much lower. For hikers looking to get away from the crowds gathered around the two better-known lakes, Goria offers a quieter alternative just a bit further up the valley.

What should you know before setting out?

Weather at this altitude can change quickly, even in summer, and the terrain around Goria is rocky and typical of high-mountain cirques, so proper hiking boots and a reasonable fitness level matter here. It's also worth keeping in mind that, since the access road was damaged, the overall hike has become longer than it used to be a few years ago.

Frequently Asked Questions

How high up is Lac de Goria? The lake sits at 1,852 metres above sea level, higher than both Lac de Melo and Lac de Capitello nearby.

Can you drive all the way to the lake? No. Road access ends at Tuani, six kilometres into the Restonica valley; from there, the rest of the journey is on foot.

Is the hike difficult? It requires decent fitness, since it continues past two other lakes through rocky, high-altitude terrain. One of the approach routes to Melo includes a section with chains and ladders.

How is Goria different from Melo and Capitello? It's smaller, sits higher up, and sees far fewer visitors — a good option for those seeking a quieter spot away from the crowds.

Can you visit all three lakes in one trip? Yes. The trails to Melo, Capitello and Goria connect, so it's possible to see all three lakes on a single outing, provided you have the time and stamina for it.