Day 3 in Bonifacio, Corsica – Exploring the Uninhabited Lavezzi Islands
It is our Day 3 in Corsica, we had planned a visit to the Lavezzi Islands. Earlier that morning, we had taken a boat trip around Bonifacio, sailing past the famous Le Grain de Sable rock and along the dramatic cliffs near the Citadel. Visiting the uninhabited Lavezzi Islands later in the day felt like a perfect continuation of our time on the sea. This day was part of our full 3-day Bonifacio itinerary, covering all the highlights across the island of Corsica.
Lavezzi Islands
The Lavezzi Islands are a small archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea, located in the Strait of Bonifacio. Situated just off the southern coast of Corsica, they are easily accessible by boat from Bonifacio. The archipelago is known
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Lavezzu Island – Lavezzi Archipelago
for its crystal-clear waters, wild beaches, and dramatic granite boulders that rise out of the sea and surround the shoreline. There are around 25 islands in total, along with several smaller islets and reefs, creating a landscape that feels raw and untouched.
Planning Our Visit from Bonifacio
We booked our tour from the Marina at the Port of Bonifacio. Since it was a hot July day, we decided to spend only a few hours on the islands. The Lavezzi Islands are a protected nature reserve, and there are no food stalls, shops, or washrooms available. With this in mind, we planned a small picnic before boarding the boat. We walked around the marina to buy snacks, plenty of water, and a sun umbrella from a nearby grocery store, which turned out to be a very useful purchase.
Location and Main Islands of the Archipelago
The Lavezzi Islands lie between the French island of Corsica and the Italian island of Sardinia, about 10 kilometers from the Corsican coast. There are two main islands in the archipelago: Cavallo Island, which is inhabited and
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Clear waters of Lavezzu Island, alive with fish and sponges
private, and Lavezzu Island, which is uninhabited. Cavallo is the only inhabited island in the group, while most tours drop visitors off at Lavezzu Island and return at scheduled times to pick everyone up.
The Boat Ride to Lavezzu Island
Soon it was time to board the boat, and we sailed away from the port of Bonifacio. The journey was smooth, with calm waves and refreshing sea air. The Mediterranean waters shimmered under the summer sun, making the half-hour ride both scenic and relaxing. In 30 minutes, we arrived at Lavezzu Island and were dropped off along with other visitors.
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Sailing the Mediterranean to Lavezzi Islands,, Italian Island of Sardinia is seen behind
Arriving on an Uninhabited Island
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Lavezzu Island
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Entering Lavezzu Island
Once the boat left, we were completely on our own. A fenced path led us a few meters away from the shore, after which there were no signs or directions. We followed faint trails left by previous visitors, walking through bushy paths and rocky terrain. It quickly became clear that Tiny beaches were scattered across the island, each naturally separated by granite boulders.
Choosing Our Private Beach
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Lavezzi Islands
We wandered around the island for a few minutes until we found a small, unoccupied beach where we could set up our umbrellas and settle in. The beach was surrounded by granite boulders, some rising like pillars from the water and others forming natural boundaries, which made it feel completely private. We didn’t venture far into the island, preferring to stay near this perfect spot so we could make the most of our few hours before
the boat returned. The turquoise sea and white sandy shores made it ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and the wild, untouched beaches were bordered by bushes and low vegetation, adding to the sense of natural seclusion.
Swimming, Snorkeling, and a Windy Picnic
We set up our picnic area near the shore, placing our umbrellas to create some shade, and went straight into the water without wasting any time. The moment we stepped in, we were surrounded by beautifully colored fish swimming all around us. We barely moved a meter away from the shore and did not even need snorkels to see the marine life clearly. The water was not too saline and felt perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
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We spent our time switching between the water and the shore, enjoying our picnic in between. It was quite windy, and our umbrellas kept flying away, forcing us to jump out of the water and run after them each time. Ironically, the umbrellas were what kept us busiest on this otherwise peaceful and relaxing island.
A Surprisingly Private Experience
Later, we walked around a little more, making sure to remember our path before returning to our chosen spot. There were more tourists on the island than we had expected, but the natural layout of the granite boulders created separate, room-like beaches. Even with many visitors around, the island felt surprisingly private and secluded.
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Smoothly carved granite boulders
Heading Back to Bonifacio
As our time on the island came to an end, we packed up carefully, making sure to leave nothing behind. About twenty minutes later, we made our way back to the main entrance where the boats arrive to pick up visitors. Since we were on the last return trip, several boats were docked, collecting tourists they had dropped off earlier. Everything was well organized, and boarding was smooth.
Our Candy Promise
After an incredible day exploring the uninhabited Lavezzi Islands, we returned to Bonifacio with enough time for a final walk along the marina. Since it was our last night in this beautiful town, we wanted to soak in as much of the atmosphere as we could. We bought candies from a different store this time, happily breaking the promise we had made on our first day exploring Bonifacio and even packed some extra for the rest of our trip in France.
Tours we Recommend
Take a boat trip to the breathtaking Lavezzi Islands, where you can swim in crystal-clear turquoise waters and relax on pristine granite-lined beaches.
Find the best Lavezzi Island tours here.
Explore Bonifacio from a boat: Visit Bonifacio by Sea
Where to Stay
Stay near the Port of Bonifacio or uphill in the old town.
Here are some suggestions for up hill hotels with sea view
Colomba Hôtel Centre-Ville Historique
Visitor Tips for the Lavezzi Islands
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Lavezzi Islands is during May and June, as well as from the end of August through September. During these months, the weather is pleasant, the sea is warm, and the islands are less crowded. July and August are peak season and can be extremely hot, with more visitors on the islands.
Tickets to Lavezzi Islands and the boat ride
There are no entrance tickets for the Lavezzi Islands themselves. You only need to purchase tickets for the boat ride from the Port of Bonifacio (Marina) or take a tour. There are plenty of boat options available at the Marina. The basic round-trip ticket costs about 40 euros, and no reservation or advance booking is required.
If you book the tour Lavezzi Islands its actually less expensive than the tickets from bought from the Marina iteself as the price includes both Lavezzi islands and Bonifacio by Sea.
How to Reach the Lavezzi Islands
The Lavezzi Islands are accessible from the coastal town of Bonifacio on the island of Corsica in France. Boats depart from the Port of Bonifacio, and the journey takes approximately 30 minutes by sea.
Protecting the Lavezzi Nature Reserve
The Lavezzi Islands are a protected nature reserve, and preserving their natural beauty is essential. Visitors are encouraged to take back everything they bring with them, use reusable water bottles and containers, avoid disturbing plants or wildlife, and snorkel responsibly. Staying on existing paths and respecting the quiet, untouched nature of the islands helps ensure that this fragile ecosystem remains pristine for future visitors to enjoy.
Bring Essentials and Shade
Since the Lavezzi Islands are a protected nature reserve, there are no food stalls, water, or restrooms available on the islands. It’s important to bring your own snacks, water, and sun protection. A portable umbrella or beach tent can provide much-needed shade, though it’s best to bring one that is sturdy and won’t easily blow away in the wind.
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