Around Bonifacio, the beaches closest to Lavezzi are in the Sperone and Piantarella area, about 15 minutes' drive from the harbour, facing Cavallo. The Gulf of Santa Manza, 20 minutes away, opens to the east. Rondinara bay, halfway to Porto-Vecchio (29 minutes), is a shell-shaped cove protected by the Conservatoire du littoral. All are natural beaches, unsupervised out of season.
Key facts
- Petit Sperone and Piantarella: 7.5 km, 15 min from the harbour, facing Cavallo.
- Santa Manza: 10 km, 20 min, a gulf east of Bonifacio.
- Rondinara: 20 km, 29 min, shell-shaped bay, 18 ha protected.
- Driving times calculated with OpenStreetMap from Bonifacio harbour.
The beaches at a glance
| Beach | From the harbour | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Petit Sperone | 7.5 km, 15 min | clear water, views of Cavallo and Lavezzi |
| Piantarella | same area | shallow lagoon, families, board sports |
| Gulf of Santa Manza | 10.3 km, 20 min | east-facing beaches, kayak hire |
| Rondinara bay | 20.4 km, 29 min | enclosed shell-shaped bay, calm water |
Driving times calculated with OpenStreetMap (OSRM) from Bonifacio harbour on 9 November 2026.
Sperone and Piantarella, facing the islands
East of Cape Sperone, the Piantarella area looks straight at Cavallo, 2.3 km away, with Lavezzi behind. The lagoon is shallow and turquoise; there is a Roman site, a listed monument, at Piantarella. It is also a starting point for kayaks, sailing boats and wingfoiling, and for boat hire.
Santa Manza, the gulf to the east
The Gulf of Santa Manza (Sant’Amanza), east of Bonifacio, has east-facing beaches. Visit Corsica lists boat and jet-ski hire there, and you can hire kayaks.
Rondinara, the shell-shaped bay
Halfway between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio, Rondinara bay forms an almost closed circle of pale sand. It is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica, and the Conservatoire du littoral protects about 18 hectares of the site, with the small Prisarella lagoon behind the dune.
What about the Lavezzi beaches?
To swim on the island itself, see Lavezzu’s coves. Further north, Palombaggia and Santa Giulia are described on the Porto-Vecchio page.
Book a trip
Water sports around Bonifacio
Visit Bonifacio by sea1.5 hours★ 4.9 (361 reviews)from €35Check availability
Bonifacio: Learn wing foiling in the turquoise waters of Piantarella1.5 hoursfrom €70Check availability
From Bonifacio: Lavezzi Islands Half-Day Boat Tour3 hours★ 4.8 (229 reviews)from €60Check availability
"From" prices checked on 9 November 2026 and may have changed.
Affiliate links: IlesLavezzi.com earns a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. "Show live prices" loads the GetYourGuide module, which sets its own cookies (learn more (in French)).
Frequently asked questions
What is the most beautiful beach near Bonifacio?
Rondinara bay is often named among the most beautiful in Corsica, with its rounded, shell-shaped beach that has stayed wild. It is about 29 minutes' drive from the harbour.
Are dogs allowed on Bonifacio's beaches?
The Porto-Vecchio tourist office says dogs are allowed on a lead on the beaches of Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio, but not on Lavezzi. Rules can vary by beach and season: check the signs on site.
Can you see Lavezzi from the coast?
Yes, from the Sperone and Piantarella area, Cavallo is 2.3 km away with Lavezzi just behind.
Sources
Information checked against the sources below. Timetables, prices and rules change: confirm before you go.
- OSRM on OpenStreetMap, driving times from Bonifacio harbour, accessed 9 November 2026
- Wikipedia (French), Rondinara bay, accessed 9 November 2026
- Wikipedia (French), Bonifacio: beaches, Roman site at Piantarella, accessed 9 November 2026
- Wikipedia (French), Île de Cavallo: distance from the coast, accessed 9 November 2026
- Porto-Vecchio tourist office, travelling with a pet (in French), accessed 9 November 2026
- Visit Corsica, the Lavezzi archipelago: hire at Piantarella and Sant'Amanza (in French), accessed 9 November 2026
