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Picnic aperitif on a beach in the evening

Whatever the season, whether the days are long or short, in a swimsuit or fleece, picnics on the beach are always possible in Bonifacio. This summer, I decided to organize an evening picnic with my friends. First of all, we had to choose which beach to go to. The choice depended on the direction of the wind. In Bonifacio, we always live by the wind! If it’s an easterly wind, we’ll prefer La Tonnara. If it’s a westerly wind, we’ll opt for Balistra or Rondinara.

Local food on the menu

We decided to stock up on local delicatessens and producers to ensure a delicious meal. So here we are, each preparing our picnic. For my part, I chose some good spreads from Potager en herbes: onion and hazelnut confit, Corsican avocado chutney with aromatic herbs. There are also tarts from the Sorba patisserie, charcuterie Lucchini and a mixed salad that we cooked ourselves. As for the wine, we couldn’t choose between a bottle of rosé from Buzzo and a bottle of red from Zuria.

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Time to play

That day, there was a light easterly wind, so we headed for the beach at La Tonnara. No time to get all the gear in place before the kids jump into the water! Afterwards, a big game of soccer takes place on the sand between young and old. The kids roll around in the sand. Then it’s on to Frisbee and rackets. The beach is long. We’re not in anyone’s way. Luxury of space is not an empty word. Nevertheless, the parents need a little quiet and declare the sand sculpture contest open. The children form teams, and it’s off for a quiet hour for the adults.

Don't forget...

No picnic without a garbage can. It’s worth remembering that eating at the beach means bringing your own garbage with you. You can also take advantage of the time you have to pick up other garbage brought there by the wind or currents. If the picnic ends at night, bring a flashlight to pick up any rubbish.

Legendary sunset

While the toddlers are busy, armed with shovels and buckets, digging, shaping, making tireless trips to the sea and back, the parents relax and toast to friendship. As the hour advances, the blue sky darkens and the sun generously begins its show. Known for its most beautiful, and above all its longest sunset, La Tonnara beach attracts spectators at the end of the day. All in awe. There are those who post the moment on the networks and those who prefer to mentally memorize the beauty of the landscape. Then it’s time to decide between the children’s works: dolphins, turtles, faces and, of course, sandcastles populate this little museum. Everyone wins. Time to eat! We light candles and the Sò Bonifacio solar lanterns I bought at the Tourist Office store. Our location is magical.

Singing under the moon

Some of my friends sing and play guitar. The kids love these moments when we start humming tunes we all know. Under the stars. By the light of the lanterns, we’re in unison. Fast rhythms or slower laments, all the songs have a special character in this place now bathed in moonlight. Between songs, we giggle at a false note, discuss the next tune or simply listen to the surf of the sea just a stone’s throw away. The little ones lie down on the towels and begin their night. The older ones point out that we forgot to eat the delicious pastries we bought at BarralonxCiccio. Another break allows us to feast on these haute pâtisserie desserts, which we’ve taken care to transport in a cool box.

Trio Patisseries Barralon Ciccio Bonifacio

Night of shooting stars

It’s almost time to go our separate ways. To make the evening perfect, we all lie down in the sand and gaze up at the sky. The absence of light makes the starry sky magical. Summer is a great time to observe shooting stars. One of us sees one go by. Everyone wants to see their own. And make a wish. Some are luckier than others. We keep score. It’s a competition! The most curious want to know their neighbors’ wishes, but it’s top secret. Otherwise, they won’t come true. We put away the last of our unpacked belongings, and part company with our heads full of memories. This picnic, in all its simplicity, has enabled us to get together and share the charms of a place we’ve seen in a new light (and evening). We’ll be talking about it for a long time to come.

Did you know?

La Tonnara means “tuna trap”, named after the net used to catch tuna. The micro-village of La Tonnara was once a tuna fishing port. Above the beach, you can see the sites of the tuna boats that stored the tuna before shipping it out to the surrounding area.

Cook yourself a nice picnic nustrale

The atmosphere in Bonifacia’s local grocery stores is guaranteed. The scents, the signage, the impression of having unearthed an unusual address, you’re quickly drawn in. With their diversity of products and wide range of Corsican specialties, these stores are perfect for preparing a typical takeaway menu. Sometimes you can taste before you buy, and listen to the advice of the local vendors. Sometimes it’s the producer himself who presents his products and explains how they are made.

Further information

All the secrets of Bonifacio

Top 6 of Bonifacio’s most beautiful beaches

Corse-du-Sud (2a) Extrème Sud, Bonifacio // France, Corse-du-Sud (2a) Extrème Sud, Bonifacio

Stay ideas in Bonifacio