We continue our boating itinerary in Corsica, moving between the Bocche di Bonifacio islands and then westward to Bonifacio and Figari.
With the first navigation itinerary along the coasts of Corsica we had sailed from Portovecchio to Sant’Amanza, skirting the southeast area.
Even in this second stretch of coast, we confirm what we had already stated before: Corsica is pure wonder and nature, with a stunning sea and some of the most beautiful ports in the Mediterranean. However, one must be cautious while navigating. It is essential to rely on experienced hands or plan routes accurately using pilot books and charts.
Sailing south from our mooring in Sant’Amanza, at the end of the last itinerary, one of the first significant stops for the exciting clear water and fine white sand is Isola Piana: a small island connected to the mainland by a shallow path walkable on foot. You can moor sheltered from both the west and east winds, on either the east or west side, taking care with the shallow sandy bottoms. The bay is very crowded in the summer months, both by tourists and boats. If you reach the shallow area, you can see the remains of a Roman-era villa or alternatively enjoy a good aperitif at the beach bar.
Moving southeast of Isola Piana, we can encounter the two most important locations of the Bocche di Bonifacio Park, Isola Cavallo and the Lavezzi islands. Two places that, although close, are very much at opposite ends: Cavallo is the island of VIPs and villas where walking beyond the beach line is prohibited. However, mooring is not forbidden, and if you manage to find a spot at Cala di Zeri on the east side or Cala Alga on the west side, you will enjoy spectacular water full of fish and colors that rival the Caribbean. Alternatively, you can secure a berth in the small but well-served port of Cavallo.
In contrast, Lavezzi is an uninhabited island, a cluster of rocks shaped over the centuries by wave motion. The anchorages are for fair weather; it is not advisable to stop when the wind is strong, but if the weather is favorable, anchor at Cala di Greco and explore the island, which can be walked around in a couple of hours. You will need to be lucky to get a spot in the fabulous bay of La Chiarina or choose to visit it in the low season.
Finally, a few miles from Lavezzi, you reach Bonifacio, one of the magnificent ports of the Mediterranean where you cannot miss a stop, provided you can find a berth! The entrance to the port is already a spectacle in itself, a long fjord cutting through the white cliffs topped by the old town. To reach the old part of the center, you have to take a somewhat uphill walk, but it is definitely worth it. If you prefer to stay below, you can indulge in boat watching, undoubtedly spotting some of the most beautiful boats sailing the Mediterranean in summer.
