41°23′ N · 9°09′ E · Bonifacio
Corsica
Around the Strait of Bonifacio: white cliffs, the Lavezzi Islands and the Maddalena archipelago.
Sailing trips / Corsica sailed
The entrance to Bonifacio is one of the most impressive in the Mediterranean: a narrow fjord runs between tall limestone cliffs, with the old town perched right on the edge.
Only six miles separate Corsica and Sardinia. In that stretch lie two nature reserves with crystal-clear water: the Lavezzi Islands on the French side and the Maddalena archipelago on the Italian side.
The route
A typical week in this area. We decide the actual route on board, depending on weather and crew. ≈ 80 nm.
- Day 1Bonifacio → Lavezzi Islands 6 nm
A short hop to the granite islands, anchoring in Cala Lazarina.
- Day 2Lavezzi → Porto-Vecchio 20 nm
North along the east coast, past the bay of Santa Giulia.
- Day 3Porto-Vecchio → Rondinara 10 nm
One of the most beautiful anchorages in Corsica, almost circular and turquoise.
- Day 4Rondinara → La Maddalena 18 nm
Across the strait to Sardinia and the Maddalena archipelago.
- Day 5La Maddalena → Budelli / Santa Maria 6 nm
Anchor between the small islands of the national park.
- Day 6Santa Maria → Santa Teresa Gallura 10 nm
A short leg to the Sardinian coast, pasta in the old town in the evening.
- Day 7Santa Teresa → Bonifacio 10 nm
Back across the Strait of Bonifacio, ideally in the morning before the wind builds.
Good to know
- La Maddalena National Park charges a fee for boats; buy the ticket online.
- In the Strait of Bonifacio a westerly can rise from force 3 to 7 within an hour. Take the forecast seriously.
- Bonifacio harbour is very full in July and August. Book ahead or arrive in the morning.
Photos from the trip
