Lac d'Occhi Neri

Lac d'Occhi Neri is a high-altitude glacial lake in the commune of Corscia, in the Niolo region of Haute-Corse, in the heart of Corsica's mountains. Sitting at roughly 2,165 metres, it lies northeast of Monte Cinto, the island's highest peak, inside a glacial cirque overshadowed by Capu a u Verdatu (2,583 m). Its Corsican name, Lavu à l'Ochji Neri, translates literally as "lake of the black eyes" — a fitting description for a dark, deep pool set against pale granite walls.

Where exactly is the lake, and what does its name mean?

Occhi Neri belongs to the so-called Lancone lakes, a cluster of three mountain tarns strung along the same ridge line: Lac de Ghjarghje Rosse (2,175 m) sits just above it, while the smaller Lac de Lancone Sottano (2,155 m) lies just below. Its alternative Corsican name, Lavu di Lancone Mezzanu, reflects its middle position in that three-lake chain. Water draining from Occhi Neri feeds the Ruda stream, itself a tributary of the Golo, Corsica's principal river, which runs from the Cinto massif down toward the island's east coast.

How do you get to Lac d'Occhi Neri?

The hike begins in the village of Corscia, right behind the church, where a clearly marked path climbs into the Ruda valley. It passes two mountain sheepfolds, Caracuto and then Urcula — beyond Urcula the waymarking thins out and relies mostly on cairns, so careful route-finding matters. The trail continues across the open, exposed slopes of the Verdatu and Bianco massifs before reaching Ghjarghje Rosse and Occhi Neri; from there, crossing a rocky ridge, hikers can push on to the nearby Lac Maggiore (Lac Maiò), often rated one of the finest lakes in this part of the range. The full round trip covers roughly 19 km with about 1,500 m of elevation gain and typically takes 9 to 10 hours — a demanding full-day mountain outing, not a casual walk.

What should you know before setting out?

Given the altitude and terrain — open granite slopes, little shade, and stretches with no defined path — summer is by far the best season, once snow has cleared from the higher ground. Carry plenty of water, since reliable sources along the way are scarce, and bring a map or GPS plus sturdy hiking boots. The Niolo region is traditionally sheep-farming country, and active bergeries (mountain sheepfolds) can still be encountered along the route, especially in summer.

Frequently asked questions

How high up is Lac d'Occhi Neri? The lake sits at about 2,165 metres, in a glacial cirque below the summit of Capu a u Verdatu.

What does the name Occhi Neri mean? It's Corsican for "black eyes," referring to the dark colour of the water set against the surrounding rock.

Which village is the starting point for the hike? The trail starts in Corscia, in the Niolo region, right by the village church.

Is this a difficult hike? Yes — it's a long, full-day mountain trek (around 19 km, roughly 1,500 m of elevation gain) that demands good fitness and solid route-finding skills, particularly past the Urcula sheepfold.

Are there other lakes nearby? Yes. Occhi Neri neighbours Lac de Ghjarghje Rosse and Lac de Lancone Sottano — together forming the Lancone lakes — and, beyond a rocky ridge, the well-known Lac Maggiore.