The Lavezzi Islands archipelago | Tourist Office of Bonifacio, South Corsica and its Lavezzi Islands

A group of granite islands

Lavezzu, Cavallo, Ratinu, Piana… are just some of the granite islands that make up the Lavezzi archipelago, which has been designated a high-level protection zone within the Strait of Bonifacio Nature Reserve. Whilst Cavallo is the only one that is inhabited, Piana is unique in that it lies just a sandbank away from Piantarella beach, which lies directly opposite.

Would you like to visit the island of Lavezzu?

There are several options: take a boat or shuttle from the port of Bonifacio, hire a boat, or set off by sailing boat or kayak from Piantarella. Please note that anchoring is regulated here. Zodiacs from the Territorial Guard patrol the area to monitor for anti-social behaviour. As a reminder, it is forbidden to drop anchor in the Posidonia seagrass beds.

It is also worth noting that, to preserve the tranquillity of the flora and fauna during the peak season, SPMB Balades en mer offers a non-stop cruise around the Lavezzi Islands as part of its Route 3. This is an opportunity to enjoy the scenery without disturbing it – a wonderful, sustainable option.

“All the birds here are ringed so that we can track where they go during their winter migration.”
Jean-Michel Culioli, head of the protected areas department at the Corsican Environment Agency.

Beyond the postcard

The Lavezzi Islands undeniably resemble a picture-postcard setting that makes you want to take photos and spend the day in the water. That’s true. But don’t miss out on the footpaths leading to the cemeteries, a Neolithic rock shelter, the old sheepfold, the ruins of the Santa Maria Chapel, or the lighthouse. Keep an eye out for seabirds such as the common shearwater, the crested cormorant and Audouin’s gull. If you do so quietly, you’ll be able to observe them even better.

You’ll be asked not to climb onto the rocks, which remain the birds’ private domain. Please take your rubbish away with you. And stay on the signposted paths, which have recently been re-routed to allow more space for flora and fauna.

Please be aware that Lavezzu Island has no facilities: no restaurants, bars or toilets, and no drinking water. Bring a packed lunch if you’re spending the day there, and a bin bag to take your rubbish home with you. As there are no trees on the island, make sure you bring something to protect yourself from the sun and plenty to drink. Parents with young children should opt for a baby carrier rather than a pushchair.

The sinking of the Sémillante

On 15 February 1855, the French ship *La Sémillante* ran aground on the rocks off the Lavezzi Islands. This frigate, the flagship of the French Navy, had set sail from the port of Toulon, bound for the Black Sea and the Crimean War, with some 300 sailors and 400 soldiers on board. Having abandoned plans to sail round Sardinia to the south due to bad weather, the captain steered the ship into the Strait of Bonifacio. The two cemeteries on the island are the final resting places of the bodies that were recovered. There were no survivors.

A paradise on earth

The Lavezzi Islands are a paradise that many of you wish to visit during the summer months. Whether you’re on a day trip or sailing a yacht, you’ll be blown away by the beauty of the area. To help you plan your trips and activities within the Bouches de Bonifacio Nature Reserve as effectively as possible, the Corsican Environment Agency has made various maps and the relevant regulations available at this address:

https://www.oec.corsica/La-reserve-Naturelle-des-Bouches-de-Bonifacio-cartes-en-ligne_a5067.html

By the sea

How to get there

The Lavezzi Islands can only be reached by sea. Our service providers know the islands well and will give you all the advice you need to make the most of your visit. Whichever option you choose, please remember that the Lavezzi Islands archipelago is a fragile environment that we must all respect and protect.