PLAGES DE L’ÎLE LAVEZZU

TOP TIP: VISIT EARLY IN THE MORNING! Around 30 minutes by boat from Bonifacio, the beaches of Lavezzu Island are a must-see during the summer season. Opt for the first departures to enjoy the site before the crowds arrive and to avoid the worst of the heat. HOW TO GET THERE? Lavezzu Island is accessible exclusively by sea. There are several options available to you: • Take a ferry from the port of Bonifacio. To explore the archipelago without disembarking, the SPMB – Promenades en mer de Bonifacio also offers a non-stop cruise around the Lavezzi Islands as part of its Route 3. A great alternative for admiring the scenery whilst minimising the number of visitors to the island. • Hire a boat, ensuring you stay within the authorised navigation and anchorage zones. Please note: anchoring is regulated and monitored. It is strictly forbidden to drop anchor in Posidonia seagrass beds, which are essential to marine biodiversity. • Set off on a sailing boat or in a kayak from Piantarella Bay, subject to weather conditions and current regulations. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR VISIT! • On Lavezzu Island, nature reigns supreme! You will find no restaurants, bars, toilets, drinking water points or rubbish bins. Make sure you bring plenty of water, a packed lunch, sun cream and a bag to take your rubbish home in. • As no trees grow on the island, there is no shade: make sure you protect yourself from the sun. The paths are sometimes narrow and stony: wear suitable footwear and, for families with young children, use a baby carrier rather than a pushchair. • Pets are not allowed on the island. WHAT TO DO ONCE YOU’RE THERE? • Beaches and swimming Discover Lavezzu’s wild beaches and coves, nestled amongst impressive granite boulders. Among them, Achiarina Beach—one of the island’s largest and most beautiful—charms visitors with its fine sand and turquoise waters. The perfect setting for a swim and a spot of relaxation! • Snorkelling With its crystal-clear waters and seabed teeming with biodiversity, Lavezzu is a prime destination for snorkelling enthusiasts. Explore the seabed whilst respecting marine life. • Walking trails and heritage Follow the signposted trails to explore the island’s granite landscapes. If you look closely, you might spot an astonishing elephant-shaped rock at the far end of a beach! As you wander, you’ll also come across the shipwreck cemeteries and the memorial to the sinking of the Sémillante in 1855, as well as the remains of a Neolithic rock shelter, an old sheepfold, the ruins of the Santa-Maria chapel and the lighthouse. To preserve biodiversity and better manage visitor numbers, the paths have been re-routed to leave more space for flora and fauna. Please stay on the signposted paths and respect the restricted areas. • Flora and fauna Lavezzu Island is home to remarkable biodiversity, with numerous protected species, some of which are endemic. Take the time to observe seabirds, such as the common shearwater, the crested cormorant or Audouin’s gull, whilst keeping a low profile so as not to disturb them. The rocks provide vital refuge for these species: climbing them is therefore prohibited. Please note: within this protected natural area, smoking, fishing and collecting anything (flowers, plants, shells, minerals, etc.) are prohibited. CHECK THE REGULATIONS! To plan your visit and find out which areas are accessible, consult the maps and official regulations for the Bouches de Bonifacio Nature Reserve, made available by the Corsican Environment Agency via the link below.