The Fango Valley in northwestern Corsica is, for us, one of the most beautiful nature reserves on the island: emerald-green swimming holes between smooth, polished rocks, a calm river delta with freshwater turtles, and dense, shady forests along the Fango River that are a welcome relief on hot summer days.
We spent several days in the Fango Valley in June 2026, partly as a stop on our 14-day Corsica road trip, and we both hiked and paddled here. In this guide we share everything you need to know about parking, swimming, hiking and the kayak tour in the Fango Delta.
Last updated: October 2026.
Facts about the Fango Valley
Best time to visit: May to July
Location: near Galéria, northwest coast of Corsica
Parking: paid in season
More information: Camping in Corsica
Highlights
Emerald-green swimming holes
Kayak tour in the Fango Delta
Freshwater turtles
Casa di Luna campsite
In a rush? Here are our hotel tips:
Alternatives to the campsite, in Galéria at the Fango Delta
Fango Valley Highlights
The Fango Valley in Corsica is famous for two things above all: the natural swimming holes inland and the Fango Delta on the coast. Here’s what you can do in the Fango Valley and what to keep in mind.
Highlight #1: Swimming Holes and Walks in the Fango Valley
The swimming holes in Corsica’s Fango Valley are natural pools in the Fango River where you can swim and splash around. Some of them are so deep that you can’t touch the bottom, while others are shallow enough for kids to play in safely. What makes these pools special is that the water is much warmer than you’d expect from a mountain river, close to the temperature of the sea.
There are several places to get down to the water in the Fango Valley. These are the best spots.
Ponte Vecchio Bridge
Right next to the bridge (Google Maps) there are two large parking lots. One of them is paid in high season (€5 per day), and the other one next to the restaurant is free.
From both lots it’s a short walk straight to the river. There isn’t much room here to spread out a blanket and lie down. In places the water is very shallow, but in others the pools are up to 30 meters (100 ft) long and 3 meters (10 ft) deep. The Ponte Vecchio bridge also gives you a great view over the river and the different pools.
You can also do a little river walk upstream from here, partly swimming and partly scrambling. It’s great fun, since every pool needs a different approach. When you’ve had enough, simply climb up the bank and follow the small trail along the river back to the parking lot.
The trail also lets you reach the other pools along the river without a car.
Pont de Tuarelli
This swimming spot has a large free parking lot (Google Maps) and plenty of ways to get into the water. The valley is a bit flatter here and the rock walls don’t tower up as they do at Ponte Vecchio. In return, it’s much quieter, as most visitors stay at the first spot.
In general, there are many more swimming holes that can be reached from the D351. The further you drive from Ponte Vecchio, the quieter it gets.
Good to know: In particularly dry summers, individual pools can dry out for a while. The river carries the most reliable water from May to early July.
Tip: Trekking sandals or water shoes make scrambling over the often slippery rocks in the riverbed much more comfortable.
Highlight #2: Kayak Tour in the Fango Delta
The second big attraction in the Fango Valley is the river delta right on the coast.
Where the Fango flows into the sea near Galéria, it becomes wider and calmer. This is the Fango Delta, a freshwater habitat with several side channels. Right at the river mouth you can rent single or double kayaks and explore the branching waterways. Allow about 1.5 hours to paddle all the channels.
The reserve has a kind of quiet rule. We think it’s a bit overdone, but the staff take it very seriously. You’re asked to speak very quietly and paddle very slowly. The staff don’t always stick to it themselves, but it doesn’t spoil the fun on the water.
If you manage to glide through the water quietly, you’ll be rewarded with sightings of freshwater turtles, herons and other birds. The turtles sit on wooden boards that have been placed along the bank for them. It’s a little artificial, but still well worth seeing.
We did the tour with a toddler and it worked really well. You just have to paddle slowly and stay calm so you don’t scare the animals. After the tour it’s worth jumping into the sea from the pebble beach next door.
Tip: Book the kayak tour in the morning if you can. That’s when it’s quietest on the water and your chances of spotting turtles are highest.
You can book the kayak tour (€8 per person) at the Fango Delta directly on site (Google Maps). Parking here is free. You can find more about the delta on the official Visit Corsica page.
Important Tips for the Fango Valley
Where is the Fango Valley and how do you get there?
The Fango Valley lies in northwestern Corsica around the Fango River, which flows into the sea near Galéria. The D351 runs right along the river for long stretches, so you can stop almost anywhere and walk down to the water.
That makes the valley especially attractive for families with small children, since you don’t have to walk far. The village of Galéria sits on the coastal road between Calvi and Porto, which are only about 76 kilometers (47 miles) apart by road. You can find more about Calvi and Porto in our guide to the best attractions in Corsica and in our Calvi guide.
Where to stay in the Fango Valley
Camping
In the middle of the Fango Valley is the nature-focused Casa di Luna campsite, where we stayed ourselves. The site is fairly large and a bit of a maze. You’ll pitch up in the shade under big trees, and the swimming holes in the valley are a short bike ride or a few minutes by car away. The Fango Delta isn’t far either.
You can read more about this and our other favorite campsites in Corsica in our article on camping in Corsica, which also explains why wild camping and free camping on the island aren’t really an option.
Hotels
You’ll find plenty of good hotels in the village of Galéria, within walking distance of the Fango Delta and a short drive from the swimming holes. You can book them on Booking.com*
Frequently Asked Questions About the Fango Valley
Where can you park in the Fango Valley?
The best-known parking lot is at the old Ponte Vecchio bridge, about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Galéria. Parking there is paid in season, but there’s also a free lot next to the restaurant. Further up the valley you’ll find several smaller, quieter parking spots with direct access to the river.
Is swimming in the Fango Valley suitable for kids?
Yes. The river is easy to reach from the road almost everywhere, with no long walks. The calmer, shallower pools further up the valley are especially good for families with small children.
When is the best time to visit the Fango Valley?
May to early July, when the river carries the most reliable water. In particularly dry summers, individual pools can dry out later in the season.
How much time do you need for the Fango Valley?
You can easily spend a whole day (or even several) at the swimming holes. The kayak tour is easy to fit in on your way along the coast and takes about 2 hours.