Summary
- History of the Lavezzi Islands
- Our advice for a good visit of the Lavezzi Islands
- - The best times of the year
- - The best way to discover the Lavezzi Islands
- What to see and what to do in the Lavezzi Islands?
- How much does a ticket to the Lavezzi Islands cost?
- How do I book a ticket to the Lavezzi Islands online?
- How do I get to the Lavezzi Islands?
- Where to stay near the Lavezzi Islands?
You've decided to go to Corsica? If you are passing through the south of this splendid territory, here is how to visit the Lavezzi Islands by boat.
The Lavezzi Islands are an archipelago of 23 granite islands and islets. They are located about ten kilometres south-east of Bonifacio, in the superb department of South Corsica. Did you know that the archipelago was the southernmost point of mainland France? With a surface area of nearly 200 hectares, the Lavezzi Islands are considered one of the most dangerous places in the Mediterranean for navigation. Here, boats navigate in the middle of innumerable reefs while being constantly tossed by strong sea currents. So, if you want to visit the Lavezzi Islands by boat, it's best to know the route at your fingertips! Otherwise, why not call on an experienced captain who will know how to get you to your destination and will fill your eyes with excitement?
If you're interested, you've come to the right place. Prepared by Génération Voyage, here are a few tips to help you visit the Lavezzi Islands by boat in total relaxation. Let's get going!
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History of the Lavezzi Islands
The Lavezzi Islands have always fascinated mankind. Traces dating back to prehistoric times attest to its secular presence. Yet, these rocks thrown in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea seem so inhospitable! Vestiges of a Roman port and a 7th century chapel have been found there. Through pirate raids and barbarian incursions, this archipelago with a strong character quickly acquired its letters of nobility. Attacking it sometimes meant braving elements of unheard-of violence! Moreover, the Lavezzi Islands were the scene of the sinking of the frigate La Sémillante in 1855. The ship broke on a reef, killing several hundred people. Most of the shipwrecked are buried in two marine cemeteries on Lavezzi Island. An altar is also dedicated to them.
In spite of the dangerousness of their reefs, the Lavezzi islands have attracted many visitors since Corsica was opened to tourism in 1950. The turquoise and emerald sea and its clear waters are probably not for nothing. If you also wish to visit the Lavezzi Islands by boat, here is the procedure to follow.
Our advice for a good visit of the Lavezzi Islands
The best times of the year
Corsica enjoys a sunny Mediterranean climate. If you want to contemplate the Isle of Beauty, you should obviously think about the right time to go there. Corsica is one of the most touristic islands in the world.
- You might as well say that getting there during the summer season can sometimes be difficult or discouraging. It is sometimes necessary to book attractions and accommodation well in advance to benefit from the extraordinary majesty of this island divided between sea and scrub.
- The ideal is to visit the Lavezzi Islands by boat in spring or during the Indian summer if you have the possibility. The good weather will be there anyway and the influx of tourists will be less consequent. Another advantage not to be neglected is the budget: out of season, it's much cheaper! You will thus be able to do more activities and treat yourself to many outings in the restaurants along the coast.
The best way to discover the Lavezzi Islands
- The access to the archipelago of the Lavezzi Islands is only by sea. The crossing takes only 20 minutes by taking the shuttle bus that leaves from the port of Bonifacio. This boat will drop you off on the Lavezzi (or Lavezzo) island, which is one of the main islands of the Lavezzi.
- Once you arrive on the island, no problem: you can spend as much time as you like on Lavezzu before taking the return boat. Make sure you don't miss the last shuttle if you leave in the late afternoon! The route is commented in several languages, you will know everything about the nature reserve of the Bouches de Bonifacio and its many wonders.
- To discover the Lavezzi Islands, you can also opt for a day cruise. You will pass in particular in front of the Cavallo Island, the splendid gulf of Sperone and the majestic Cape of Pertusato. At sea, you can also enjoy a breathtaking view of the whitish cliffs of Bonifacio and its traditional houses perched more than 70 meters high!
- Stopovers are planned, notably in a cove on the island of Lavezzi, ideal for swimming. A second stopover is also planned in the middle of the Sperone lagoon. The icing on the cake: cruises normally include breakfast and lunch. Perfect for an introduction to succulent fish dishes or the dreaded Corsican cheeses!
What to see and what to do in the Lavezzi Islands?
The main islands and islets of the archipelago are :
- Porraggia
- Ratino Island
- Ile Piana : it is the closest to the mainland: it is only 300 meters from the Corsican coast. This small island is surrounded by beaches, and it faces the pretty beach of Petit Spérone.
- Sperduto
- Cavallo: it is nicknamed the island of the billionaires, many stars and personalities own a sumptuous villa there. You won't be able to dock on the island but you will have the opportunity to admire some of its properties from the sea.
- Lavezzi: the latter offers the opportunity to take a nice walk: count 1 hour to go around the island. You can swim in Cala Lazarina, the beach of Achiarina and the intimate beach of the wild Chiesa. Certainly our favorite, we recommend it to anyone who would like to visit the Lavezzi Islands by boat! The island of Lavezzi is uninhabited unlike the island of Cavallo.
Here are some of the major tourist sites not to be missed on the Lavezzi Islands :
- Napoleon's cave is a must see, and Sdragonata's cave has an amazing feature: the hole in the top looks like a map of Corsica!
- The Lavezzi Islands are picturesque little creeks and beaches with crystal-clear water that have nothing to envy the tropical islands.
- In the area, discover the Petit Sperone beach , the Paragan cove, the Fazzio beach and its fjord or the Balistra beach offering a breathtaking view of the hills in the background.
How much does a ticket to the Lavezzi Islands cost?
A walk from Bonifacio to the Lavezzi Islands costs on average :
- 35€ per adult
- 30€ per student
- 27€ from 13-17 years old
- 7€ from 4-12 years old
The boats used are quite comfortable and fast and even offer a commented trip in the direction of Lavezzi/Bonifacio.
For your information, Porto-Vecchio is an alternative to Bonifacio in terms of a tourist pier. Count half a day to make the crossing to the Lavezzi islands, for about 75€ the return boat trip. But the meal is included!
How to book online a ticket to the Lavezzi Islands?
The first solution to book a ticket to visit the Lavezzi Islands by boat is to go through theBonifacio Tourist Office. Here, you will find the schedules and prices of the shuttles to visit the Lavezzi Islands from Bonifacio. It is the SPMB , the Bonifacio Sea Walking Society, which is in charge of the crossing. Please note that it is not possible to book your trip in advance, you will have to pick up your tickets for the boat directly at the company's counter in the port.
The other possible solution is to book your ticket directly on a tour operator's website or in a travel agency. An excursion to visit the Lavezzi Islands by boat costs about 120€ per person for a one-day guided tour.
How to get to the Lavezzi Islands?
The only way to reach the Lavezzi Islands is by boat.
During the months of July and August: departures are approximately every hour from 9.30 am every day. Due to the sometimes capricious weather, schedules can be changed without notice. Moreover, as the boats are quite small, it is not always possible to sail in case of heavy swell.
- The departure is every 30 minutes from the port of Bonifacio, and the return every hour from 12:30 pm. You have the choice: stay on Lavezzi for a few hours or during the day. The island is almost deserted, with little shade: bring sunscreen, parasol, food and bottled water.
Where to stay near the Lavezzi Islands?
As there is a good chance that you will go to Bonifacio to contemplate the reserve, why not stay directly there? That way, you will be able to make the afternoon outing and sleep in Bonifacio at night, or the other way around! You can choose accommodation in the heart of the city, in the majestic citadel or near the pretty port to be next to everything. In the city centre, hotels welcome you all year round, provided you book well in advance during the high season!
And if you prefer to visit the Lavezzi Islands by boat while staying outside Bonifacio, no problem. There are some splendid charming hotels around the town, so you will be able to find what you are looking for, whatever your budget.
Finally, think clever: on the rental platforms, Airbnbs make you feel at home in the heart of the Isle of Beauty. Take a look!
Also read :
In which town to stay in Corsica?
The 6 most beautiful excursions around Calvi
