The Foret d’Aitone area is located about three kilometres northeast of the village of Evisa. Among locals and travellers it is widely regarded as perhaps the most beautiful forest in all of Corsica. This magnificent woodland landscape covers roughly ten square kilometres and stretches between Evisa and the mountain pass of Col de Verghio, situated at an elevation of 1,477 metres. Col de Verghio is the highest point on the island that can be reached and crossed by a paved road, making it an important gateway into the high mountains of central Corsica.
Foret d’Aitone is known for its ancient stands of Corsican pine (pin laricio), towering straight trunks and deep, shaded forest halls that give the area a distinctive and almost mystical atmosphere. Beneath the tall trees lie carpets of moss, ferns and forest grasses, while clear mountain streams wind through the valleys, carving their way through granite and schist.
The forest is most famous for its picturesque and crystal-clear natural pools and cascades known as the Piscine naturelles d’Aïtone. These striking natural basins were sculpted over centuries by flowing water, which polished the rock into smooth, rounded forms. The pools are exceptionally clear, turquoise and refreshingly cold, making them a popular summer destination. They are easily accessible via well-maintained and well-trodden forest paths, suitable for most visitors. Along the way, hikers encounter views of rocky outcrops, lush woodland and lively streams descending toward the dramatic Spelunca Gorge.
In the immediate vicinity lies the former Vergio ski centre, now abandoned and slowly falling into disrepair. Although no longer in use, it remains part of the region’s recent history, once known as the highest ski area on Corsica. Today the site serves mainly as a starting point for hiking trails, mountain excursions and exploration of the surrounding natural attractions.
The virtual walk and spatial photographs depict a highly popular hiking trail that gradually ascends toward the Belvédère viewpoint. This path is cherished by hikers because it leads from dense forest into more open mountain scenery. The Belvédère viewpoint acts as a majestic natural balcony, offering unforgettable panoramic views of massive rock formations and the wild riverbed of the Spelunca Gorge. The gorge is one of Corsica’s most dramatic landscapes, famous for its steep reddish cliffs, deep canyons and ancient stone bridges that span its rugged terrain.
Foret d’Aitone is therefore a place where natural beauty, geological diversity, historical memory and modern hiking culture come together. It is one of those corners of Corsica that captivates visitors with its untouched wilderness, tranquillity and the feeling that nature here still reigns supreme.