About 30 kilometres north of Bonifacio, the seaside resort of Porto Vecchio offers heavenly beaches and numerous sailing possibilities. Renting a boat in Porto Vecchio is the ideal solution to enjoy the coastline of southern Corsica and discover the famous beaches of the Strait of Bonifacio. Set sail to spend a day on a boat in Porto Vecchio
Practical information
In the south of Corsica, the port of Porto Vecchio is a marina hidden between the sea and the mountains, so ideal for a day’s boat trip. The mouths of Bonifacio being among the windiest places, it is best to check the weather forecast before sailing.
Departure from Porto Vecchio by boat → Cerbicale Islands
Because it is smaller than Bonifacio, Porto Vecchio is a beautiful and quiet seaside resort, ideal for relaxing walks along a sea surrounded by mountains. It is therefore an ideal place to rent a boat and spend a day on a boat in Porto Vecchio. From the pretty port of Porto Vecchio, go in the direction of the Cerbicale Islands Nature Reserve.
This small preserved archipelago consists of 6 islands: Piertricaggiosa, Forana, Maestro Maria, Piana, Toro and the Rock of the Vacca. A few kilometres from the Corsican coast, the Cerbicale Islands form an archipelago where mooring, fishing and hunting are prohibited. These small islands also offer you a very diverse panorama and wildlife.
Cerbicale Islands → Cavallo Island
Located in the Lavezzi Islands archipelago, the island of Cavallo was once known as the island of the billionaires. Only 2 kilometres from Bonifacio, this private island has a unique landscape that only a few lucky people can enjoy. However, you will be able to sail around it or anchor nearby, and admire this preserved and privileged island from a distance.
Cavallo Island → Lavezzi Islands
It’s time to dock on the well-known islands of southern Corsica: the Lavezzi Islands. An essential part of the natural reserve of the Bouches de Bonifacio, the Lavezzi archipelago offers you a typical Mediterranean landscape. You will be able to moor on the Lavezzi Island, a natural reserve between rocks and turquoise waters.
You can even take advantage of it to go snorkeling and discover a real colourful fish paradise. Note that it is forbidden to walk off the paths, and that you won’t find a restaurant on the island. You will therefore have to picnic or wait for the next stopover to eat there.
Lavezzi Islands → Rondinara Bay
7 nautical miles north of Piantarella, you can reach the famous bay of Rondinara. Its picturesque beaches make it a perfect stop for an improvised photo shoot. Voted several times the most beautiful beach in France and even in Europe.
The bay of Rondinara will definitely charm you with its unique shape and its calmness. In Rondinara, you will find some small restaurants if you need. There is enough food to eat halfway through the day trip.
Rondinara → Porto Novo Gulf
Not far from the bay of Rondinara you can find the Gulf of Porto Novo. Only accessible by boat, the bay offers you a wild landscape between rocks and pine forests. This private little paradise allows you to spend a relaxing stopover before returning to the port. If you still have some time to spend, it’s an ideal driving spot!
Porto Novo → Santa Giulia Beach
Last stop before the end of this day on a boat in the area of Porto Vecchio is the beach of Santa Giulia. 9 kilometres south of Porto Vecchio, Santa Giulia is classified as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world by UNESCO. It is an essential stopover when sailing near Porto Vecchio.
Be careful however, as it’s one of the most emblematic beaches of Corsica, it means that it’s also one of the most popular. During high season you can find many tourists there. You can anchor there or simply pass in front of it before returning to Porto Vecchio.
Return to Porto Vecchio
Drive along the Cerbicale Islands and the cliffs along the coast on this final stretch before returning to Porto Vecchio. Once you return to the port, enjoy the city and its authentic charm one last time.
Finish your sailing day with a walk in the city between the historical monuments and the port. Finally, you will find many excellent restaurants that are ideal for dinner at the end your one day on a boat in Porto Vecchio.
