The Lavezzu island walk: loop, cemeteries and coves

The marked path on Lavezzu island is an easy loop of about 1 hour 30 at a gentle pace. It links the coves, the two cemeteries of the Sémillante victims (Acharino to the west, Furcone to the east) and gives a view of the memorial pyramid. The ground is flat but stony and there is no shade at all: closed shoes, a hat and water are essential. Leaving the path and climbing the rocks is forbidden.

The loop at a glance

What you see on the way

• The coves of Cala di u Grecu, Achiarina and Cala della Chiesa: see Lavezzu’s beaches.
• Furcone cemetery, to the east, with its small chapel and a plaque to the officers of the Sémillante.
• Acharino cemetery, to the west. The two cemeteries hold 560 of the 773 men who died in the wreck of 15 February 1855: see the Sémillante.
• The memorial pyramid, on the islet beside Cala Lazarina, where the frigate ran aground.
• The Lavezzi lighthouse, built in 1874 in the south of the island.

Rules on the path

Visit Corsica sets out the island’s rules, as a strict protection zone: stay on the paths, do not climb the rocks, no fishing, no smoking, no drones, take nothing (plants, shells, minerals). Animals are not allowed, and the island has no bins or toilets. Fines are possible.

Since 2023, the northern land area of the island and the Ratinu, Sperduti and Purragia islets have been closed to the public to protect seabirds. Follow the waymarks: they take these closures into account. Details on the reserve rules.

Walking without wilting

At Pertusato, the nearest Météo-France station, July and August average more than 22 days above 25°C. Take the first boat, do the loop before your swim, and carry at least 1.5 litres of water per person (a cautious estimate, as the island has no water point). Full list on what to bring. If you enjoy walking among granite, the Bavella Needles are an hour’s drive from Porto-Vecchio.