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Monte Cinto
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Mountain
Monte Cinto, at 2,706 m, is the highest mountain on Corsica, a French island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is located in the Corsica Regional Natural Park, near the Monte Cinto summit area. The mountain is composed of volcanic rock, mainly rhyolite and andesite. Its steep slopes are covered by maquis, Mediterranean shrubland, as well as mountain pine and larch. Higher elevations are rocky with alpine vegetation. Monte Cinto is a popular destination for mountaineers, though the climb is technically challenging. The classic route starts at Lac de Cinto (Lago del Cinto) at about 2,200 m. The mountain is part of Corsica's watershed, separating the valleys of the Golo and Asco rivers. The region is known for its endemic flora, including the Corsican pink (Dianthus corsicus) and Corsican stork's-bill (Erodium corsicum). Monte Cinto is also an important bird protection area, with species such as the griffon vulture and golden eagle.
- Location: Italy
- Top sights: Paese sommerso di Fabbriche di Careggine · Civica Raccolta di Ceramiche Rinascimentali · castagno storico
- Nearby: Carrara (21 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 15 | 20 | 23 | 22 | 18 | 13 | 9 | 4 |
| Rain mm | 61 | 66 | 64 | 56 | 60 | 44 | 35 | 38 | 65 | 92 | 108 | 76 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Access is usually via the towns of Vagli Sotto or Gorfigliano in the Apuan Alps. Narrow mountain roads lead to the starting points of the hiking trails in the higher regions.
Best season
The best time for a visit is from late spring to early autumn. In winter, the terrain is often snow-covered and requires special equipment as well as mountaineering experience.
Terrain & paths
The terrain is rugged and rocky, typical for the Apuan Alps with their steep limestone faces. Sure-footedness is absolutely necessary on the often narrow and scree-covered paths.
What to bring
Stable hiking boots with a grippy sole are mandatory. Due to the exposed location, you should carry sufficient water, sun protection, and a wind jacket for the summit area.
Parking
Small parking lots are available in the villages or along the roadsides near the hiking trailheads. Capacities are limited, so early arrival is highly advisable to secure a spot.
Safety
Beware of steep drops and loose rocks. In case of poor visibility or approaching thunderstorms, the tour should be aborted, as orientation among the rocks can become very difficult.
Time needed
A full tour to the summit and back usually requires between five and seven hours. Plan for enough breaks to enjoy the wide-ranging views over the Northern Apennines.
Geography
Facts
- Monte Cinto is 2,706 m high.
- It is the highest mountain on Corsica.
- The mountain is in the Corsica Regional Natural Park, which covers 3,500 km².
- Lac de Cinto lies at 2,200 m elevation.
- The first ascent of Monte Cinto was in 1882 by French alpinist Édouard Rochat.
- The average annual temperature on the summit is about 2 °C.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Monte Cinto (7)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
On which island is Monte Cinto located?
It is the highest mountain on the island of Corsica.
How high is Monte Cinto?
It reaches a height of 2706 meters.
Can the summit be climbed in winter?
Yes, but it requires experience and mountaineering equipment.
Are there lakes there?
Lake Cinto is located on the slopes of the mountain.
Can you see the sea from the summit?
Yes, in clear weather you can see the sea around the island.
Monte Cinto: where is it located?
Monte Cinto is located in Italy.
Monte Cinto: what is there to see?
Highlights include Paese sommerso di Fabbriche di Careggine, Civica Raccolta di Ceramiche Rinascimentali, castagno storico.
Monte Cinto: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Monte Cinto: why is it worth visiting?
Monte Cinto, at 2,706 m, is the highest mountain on Corsica, a French island in the Mediterranean Sea.
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