Easy hike to an idyllic mountain lake in the woods
Surrounded by pine forests and flecked with grassy islets, the little Creno lake is easy to reach and attracts many visitors. The lake is swampy, not an inviting place for a swim; nevertheless, near the shore, lovely picnic spots await you where feral pigs scavenge for the hiker’s left-over scraps. In any case, the route should be combined with a climb to the chapel on Monte Sant’Eliseo with lovely panoramic views.
Location: Soccia, 729m, pretty mountain village 31km east of Sagone. Just as lovely is the neighbouring village of Orto, which can also be chosen as a starting point for a hike to Creno lake.
Starting point: car park, 1000m, including a snack bar beneath a large metal cross – from Soccia in a northwesterly direction via a narrow asphalt road (3km, signposted).
Height difference: to Lake Creno about 350m, another 200m to Monte Sant’Eli­seo.
Grade: easy, very well-marked route, strenuous climb to Monte Sant’Eliseo.
Refreshment and accommodation: snack bar at the car park, bar and hotel/restaurant in Soccia, campsite in Vico.
Alternative: possible descent to Orto via well-marked paths from Creno lake and also from Monte Sant’Eliseo (1½ hrs.; partially unmarked and overgrown path), and from there in 1 hr. to Soccia (add another ½ hr. to the car park).
Map: IGN 4251 OT (1:25.000).