Have you decided to visit Corsica? If you’re passing through the south of this splendid territory, here’s how to visit the Lavezzi Islands by boat.
The Lavezzi Islands are an archipelago of 23 granite islands and islets. They are located some ten kilometers southeast of Bonifacio, in the beautiful department of Corse-du-Sud. Did you know that the archipelago is the southernmost point of mainland France? With a surface area of almost 200 hectares, the Lavezzi Islands are considered one of the most dangerous places in the Mediterranean for sailing. Here, boats operate in the midst of countless reefs, constantly buffeted by strong currents. So, if you want to visit the Lavezzi Islands by boat, it’s best to know the route inside out! Alternatively, why not hire an experienced captain to take you to port and show you around?
If you’re interested, you’ve come to the right place. Prepared by Generation Voyage, here are a few tips on how to visit the Lavezzi Islands by boat in complete relaxation. We’re off!
History of the Lavezzi Islands
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Diego Fiore
The Lavezzi Islands have always fascinated mankind. Traces dating back to prehistoric times attest to their age-old presence. Yet these rocks in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea seem so inhospitable! Remains of a Roman port and a 7th-century chapel have been found on site. With its history of pirate raids and barbarian incursions, this archipelago with its strong character quickly acquired its letters of nobility. Tackling it sometimes meant braving elements of unprecedented violence! In fact, the Lavezzi islands were the scene of the sinking of the frigate La Sémillante in 1855. The ship broke up on a reef, killing several hundred people. Most of the shipwrecked are buried in two marine cemeteries on Lavezzi Island. There is also an altar dedicated to them.
Despite their dangerous reefs, the Lavezzi Islands have attracted many visitors since Corsica opened its doors to tourism in 1950. The turquoise emerald sea and crystal-clear waters are undoubtedly part of the attraction. If you too would like to visit the Lavezzi Islands by boat, here’s how.
Our tips for visiting the Lavezzi Islands
The best times of year
Corsica enjoys a sunny Mediterranean climate. If you want to see the Isle of Beauty, you obviously need to think about the right time to visit. Corsica is one of the world’s most popular tourist islands.
- Getting there during the summer season can sometimes be difficult or discouraging. It is sometimes necessary to book attractions and accommodation well in advance to enjoy the extraordinary majesty of this island divided between sea and scrubland.
- Ideally, you should visit the Lavezzi Islands by boat in spring, or during the Indian summer if you have the opportunity. In any case, the weather will be fine and the influx of tourists will be smaller. Another advantage not to be overlooked is the budget: out of season, it’s much cheaper! You’ll be able to take part in more activities and enjoy a wide range of restaurants along the coast.
The best way to discover the Lavezzi Islands
- Access to the Lavezzi archipelago is by sea only. The crossing takes just 20 minutes by shuttle bus from the port of Bonifacio. The boat will take you to Lavezzi (or Lavezzo) Island, one of the main Lavezzi islands.
- Once you’ve arrived on the island, no problem: you can spend as much time as you like on Lavezzu before taking the return boat. Just make sure you don’t miss the last shuttle if you’re leaving in the late afternoon! With commentary in several languages, you’ll learn all about the Bouches de Bonifacio nature reserve and its many wonders.
- To discover the Lavezzi Islands, you can also opt for a day cruise. You’ll pass Cavallo Island, the splendid Gulf of Sperone and the majestic Cap de Pertusato. From the sea, you can also enjoy a breathtaking view of the whitish cliffs of Bonifacio and its traditional houses perched over 70 meters high!
- A number of stopovers are planned, including a cove on the island of Lavezzi, ideal for swimming. A second stopover is also planned in the middle of the Sperone lagoon. The icing on the cake: cruises normally include breakfast and lunch. Perfect for learning about succulent fish dishes or the dreaded Corsican cheeses!
What to see and do in the Lavezzi Islands
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The main islands and islets of the archipelago are :
- Porraggia
- Ratino islet
- Île Piana: the closest island to the mainland, just 300 meters from the Corsican coast. This small island is surrounded by beaches, and faces the pretty Petit Spérone beach.
- Sperduto
- Cavallo: nicknamed the island of billionaires, many stars and celebrities own sumptuous villas here. You won’t be able to dock on the island, but you will be able to admire some of its properties from the sea.
- Lavezzi: the latter offers the opportunity for a lovely walk: allow 1 hour to circle the island. You can swim in Cala Lazarina, Achiarina beach and the intimate, wild La Chiesa beach. Definitely our favorite, we’d recommend it to anyone who wants to visit the Lavezzi islands by boat! Unlike Cavallo, Lavezzi is uninhabited.
Here are some of the major tourist sites not to be missed on the Lavezzi Islands:
- The Grotte de Napoléon is a must-see, and the Grotte de Sdragonata has an astonishing feature: the hole in the summit looks exactly like a map of Corsica!
- The Lavezzi Islands are picturesque little coves and crystal-clear beaches that have nothing to envy of tropical islands.
- In the area, discover Petit Sperone beach , Paragan cove, Fazzio beach and its fjord, or Balistra beach with its breathtaking view of the hills in the background.
How much does a ticket to the Lavezzi Islands cost?
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The average cost of a trip from Bonifacio to the Lavezzi islands is :
- 35€ per adult
- 30 per student
- 27€ from 13-17ans
- 7€ for ages 4-12
The boats used are comfortable and fast enough, and even offer a commented trip in the Lavezzi/Bonifacio direction.
For your information, Porto-Vecchio is an alternative to Bonifacio in terms of tourist landing stages. Allow half a day for the crossing to the Lavezzi Islands, for around €75 round-trip by boat. But meals are included!
How do I book a ticket for the Lavezzi Islands online?
The best way to book a ticket for a boat trip to the Lavezzi Islands is through theBonifacio Tourist Office. Here you’ll find timetables and fares for the shuttle service to visit the Lavezzi Islands from Bonifacio. The SPMB, Société des Promenades en Mer de Bonifacio, is in charge of the crossing. Please note that it’s not possible to book your trip in advance, so you’ll need to pick up your tickets for the boat directly from the company’s counter on the port.
Alternatively, you can book your ticket directly through a tour operator or travel agency. An excursion to visit the Lavezzi Islands by boat costs around €120 per person for a one-day guided tour.
How to get to the Lavezzi Islands
The only way to reach the Lavezzi Islands is by boat.
During July and August: departures take place approximately every hour from 9:30 a.m. every day. Schedules are subject to change without notice, due to weather conditions. What’s more, as the boats are quite small, it’s not always possible to sail in heavy swells.
- Departure every 30 minutes from the port of Bonifacio, and return every hour from 12.30 pm. You can choose to stay on Lavezzi for a few hours or the whole day. The island is virtually deserted, with little shade: bring sun cream, parasol, food and bottled water.
Where to stay near the Lavezzi islands?
If you’re likely to set off to see the reserve from Bonifacio, why not stay directly there? That way, you’ll be able to go out in the afternoon and sleep in Bonifacio at night, or vice versa! You can choose accommodation in the heart of the town, in the majestic citadel, or close to the pretty port, so you’re close to everything. In the town center, hotels are available all year round, provided you book well in advance during the high season!
And if you’d rather visit the Lavezzi Islands by boat and stay outside Bonifacio, no problem. There are a number of splendid boutique hotels in the vicinity of the town, so you’re sure to find something to suit your budget.
Finally, think smart: on rental platforms, Airbnb properties make you feel right at home, in the heart of the Isle of Beauty. Take a look!