The Gorges de Spelunca is a historic canyon system connecting the coastal town of Porto with the mountain village of Évisa in Haute-Corse, carved by the Aïtone and Porto rivers through a deep pink and grey granite gorge. The canyoning route descends the 3.5 km canyon section accessed from the Pont de Zaglio bridge on the historic Genoese mule path, passing through a sequence of jumps, natural water slides, abseil descents, and deep swimming pools sculpted into the granite over millennia. Guided half-day trips are offered by Corsica Aventure (+33 4 95 46 06 13) at approximately €50–€75 per person; all equipment — wetsuit, helmet, harness, and water shoes — is provided on guided trips. The route is slightly longer than Purcaraccia Canyon at 3.5 km and includes rope work such as abseil descents that require brief instruction at the put-in. No prior canyoning or abseiling experience is required; guides provide technique demonstrations and spotting throughout. The gorge is steeped in history: the mule path running alongside was built by the Genoese in the 15th century to link Porto with the Niolo interior. The path's ancient stone bridges — Pont de Zaglio and Pont Vecchiu — are visible from within the canyon, adding a cultural dimension to the descent. The gorge narrows significantly in its upper section, creating passages only a few metres wide where the sound of the river echoes off the walls. Water temperatures are cooler than open coastal areas due to the canyon's shade; June through August offers the most comfortable conditions. The season runs from June to September, with optimal flows in June and July. Flash flooding is possible after heavy rain; operators check upstream weather and cancel or postpone if thunderstorm risk is elevated. The canyon is approached from Porto or from Évisa, each approximately 20 minutes from the put-in by road. A dry change of clothes and a sealed bag for valuables are essential; the walk out to the vehicles from the canyon exit takes approximately 30 minutes.
Activity facts
- Where
- Évisa, Haute-Corse
- Duration
- 4–5 hours
Equipment
- Wetsuit, helmet, harness (all provided on guided trips)
- Water shoes recommended
Location
Entry at Pont de Zaglio (trail from Porto or Évisa), 20126 Évisa
42.2800, 8.7270 View on map
Highlights
- Genoese mule path stone bridges and 15th-century canyon heritage visible from within the gorge
- Narrow passages, natural water slides, and guided abseil descents through pink and grey granite
- Accessible guided trips with all equipment provided — no prior abseiling or canyoning experience required
- Historic Porto–Évisa route in one of Corsica's most scenic and culturally rich valley systems
- June–July flows produce the best combination of water depth for jumps and manageable current
Tips for visiting
- Book morning time slots — afternoon thunderstorms are more common in summer and operators may cancel late sessions
- Bring water shoes if available; the provided canyon shoes are functional but personal footwear improves comfort on the walk-in
- The walk-in to the put-in is approximately 20–30 minutes from the road; comfortable trainers are recommended in addition to provided canyon shoes
- A dry bag for phone and valuables is essential; bring a change of warm clothes for the drive back after the canyon
- Combining the canyon with the Porto–Évisa drive on the D84 coastal road makes an excellent full-day itinerary from the Porto or Calvi area
- Water temperatures in the gorge are noticeably cooler than coastal beaches — the provided wetsuit is important even in August
Frequently asked questions
How does the Spelunca gorge route compare to Purcaraccia Canyon?
Both are outstanding Corsican canyons. Purcaraccia is celebrated for its high jumps (up to 8 m) and water slides; Spelunca includes more rope work including abseils, narrower gorge passages, and the added interest of Genoese mule path bridges. Spelunca is generally considered slightly more technical.
Is the Spelunca gorge route suitable for beginners?
Yes. Guides provide instruction on all abseil and jump techniques at the start of the session. Participants must be able to swim and be comfortable in and around moving water. Prior canyoning or abseiling experience is helpful but not required.
What is the minimum age for canyoning in the Spelunca gorge?
Most operators set a minimum age of 10–12 years; children must swim unassisted. The abseil sections require sufficient upper body control to brake on the rope, which guides assess individually at the start.
Can the canyon be attempted independently without a guide?
Experienced canyoneers with their own ropes, harnesses, and rope management skills can self-guide the Spelunca route. For anyone without prior canyoning experience, a guided trip through Corsica Aventure or a similar operator is strongly recommended.
What should participants do if weather deteriorates during the descent?
Guides carry emergency communication and monitor upstream conditions throughout the descent. If conditions deteriorate rapidly, pre-planned emergency exits exist at multiple points along the gorge. Participants should follow all guide instructions immediately in any emergency.