The SPELUNCA GORGE links EVISA to the vibrant village of OTA – a mountain village with a hot Mediterranean climate. There are braying donkeys, hunting dogs, villagers working in their gardens, bright bougainvillea, lemon and fig trees and of course the delicious smell of the CHEZ FELIX restaurant.
“One in most walking guide books, whatever you do, if doing one way, do it downhill. The number of people we saw on the way up disheartened as they were still way off Evisa.”
6km, 3h00, +145m/-636m, ORANGE
Food supplies: Shop in EVISA (at the bottom of the village after the spring). Lunch possible Chez Felix, OTA.
- Evisa (to Pont de Zaglia) 2.5km / 1h30
From EVISA village spring head down hill through the village. Go past an ornate château style house on your right, the Hotel LA CHATAIGNERIE and the fire station (there is a parking area here if you are driving).
Continue on past the cemetery which is on the right. At the large tomb, turn right for the SPELUNCA GORGE, signposted OTA – it is way marked ORANGE. (If you walk down the road for another 250m you will find a panoramic view point of the surrounding mountains and sea. Return to start of walking trail.)
The path leads down the gorge, through dense copse woodland, initially crossing the slope, then starting downhill in gentle loops. After 35 minutes (1km or so) the path starts looping back and forth more rapidly below the cliffs, losing height on a stone mulepath. Occasionally there are viewpoints into the valley.
The vegetation is changing, you pass fig trees and rocky outcrops, the path winds its way downhill over large stone steps.
After about 1h30 in the gorge/2km walking, the path begins to open up now and again, and the sound of the river below becomes ever louder. After a short passage through the trees, you will stumble upon the small Genoese bridge, the PONT DE ZAGLIA. Here is a good picnic and swimspot.
- Pont de Zaglia (to the two bridges) 1.5km / 0h45
Once over the bridge, the path veers right and continues climbing on a balcony path high above the torrent on the left bank. Occasionally it cuts through huge rocks. After 45mins / 1.5km, you come to the road and the two bridges of OTA. There are good swimming possibilities in the rock pools just before the bridge.
- The two bridges (to Ota village) 2km / 0h45
At the intersection with the road, turn left, after 100m take a turning on the right that will lead downhill and in front of a clubhouse, the path veers left and follows the river. Head for the large high arched Genoese bridge, PONT DE PIANELLA – cross over and turn left. The path will pass over boulders, past village rubbish and various debris, at all times it runs parallel to the river. As you start to approach OTA, you will see olive and citrus trees, hear braying donkeys and barking hunting dogs. You will emerge on a small tarmac road, head straight on. The restaurant CHEZ FELIX, on the left, uphill, is an excellent spot for a rest, a drink on the terrace, or a hearty lunch. Head up from the restaurant, walk to the village square, there is a fountain in the corner of the square.
Walks in Corsica 