The Lavezzi Islands are a small granite archipelago between southern Corsica and Sardinia, best visited by boat from Bonifacio. Think pale rocks, clear water, small beaches and that almost unreal “is this still France?” colour of the sea.
They are absolutely worth considering if you are staying in southern Corsica, but this is not a normal beach resort day out. The main island, Île Lavezzu, is wild, exposed and very basic. There are no cafés, toilets or beach facilities, so you need to prepare properly before you go.
Last checked by FerryGoGo: 7 July 2026. Boat trips, access rules and weather conditions can change, so always check locally in Bonifacio before travelling.
Are the Lavezzi Islands worth visiting?
Yes, if you like wild island scenery, swimming, snorkelling and simple nature trips. The Lavezzi Islands are not about restaurants, beach clubs or organised comfort. They are about clear water, granite boulders, short walks and finding a quiet corner before the high-season boats arrive.
The islands are especially good if you are already staying near Bonifacio, Porto-Vecchio or southern Corsica. If you are based much further north, it can become a long day, and you may want to combine it with an overnight stay near Bonifacio.
| Good for | Less good for |
|---|---|
| Swimming and snorkelling | Travellers who need shade and facilities |
| Boat trips from Bonifacio | Families who want toilets, cafés and easy comfort |
| Photography and wild scenery | Very windy or rough sea days |
| A southern Corsica itinerary | Anyone expecting an empty island in August |
How do you get to the Lavezzi Islands?
The usual starting point is Bonifacio, at the southern tip of Corsica. From the port, you can take a boat trip or shuttle to the Lavezzi archipelago. The crossing is short, but this is not a ferry route in the normal FerryGoGo sense. It is more of a local boat excursion or island shuttle.
Other options include renting a boat, booking a boat with a skipper, joining a sailing trip or travelling by kayak from Piantarella in suitable conditions. Weather matters here. The Strait of Bonifacio can be windy, and operators may change or cancel departures if sea conditions are poor.
Boat trips from Bonifacio
From Bonifacio, there are broadly three ways to visit the Lavezzi Islands:
- Boat shuttle to Île Lavezzu: the simplest option if you want time on the island and a return boat later in the day.
- Guided boat tour: better if you mainly want to see the cliffs of Bonifacio, the archipelago, Cavallo and the coastline from the water.
- Private or skipper-led boat: more expensive, but more flexible for swimming stops, timing and avoiding the busiest landing times.
If you want to walk, swim and picnic on Île Lavezzu, choose a trip that actually lets you disembark. Some boat tours are scenic cruises and do not stop long enough for a proper island visit.
| Boat option | Best for | Check before booking |
|---|---|---|
| Shuttle-style boat | A simple day trip to Île Lavezzu | Return times, last boat, weather rules |
| Guided cruise | Seeing Bonifacio cliffs and the islands from the sea | Whether there is a stop on Lavezzu |
| Private boat or skipper | Swimming stops and more flexibility | Anchoring rules, skipper licence, fuel and route |
| Kayak or sailing from Piantarella | Active travellers in calm conditions | Weather, distance, safety and local advice |
What to expect on Île Lavezzu
Île Lavezzu is the main island most day visitors go to. It is small, rocky and easy to explore on foot, but it is not built up. There are no restaurants, shops, toilets or rubbish bins. That is part of the appeal, but it also means you need to be self-sufficient for the day.
The scenery is the highlight: rounded granite rocks, small sandy coves, shallow blue water and views towards Sardinia and Corsica. It is beautiful, but in peak season it is not a secret spot. Boats from Bonifacio bring plenty of visitors, especially on calm summer days.
Beaches, walking and snorkelling
The Lavezzi Islands are best for simple outdoor activities: swimming, snorkelling, walking between coves and sitting among the rocks with a picnic. The water can be wonderfully clear, especially on calm days, and the granite formations give the place a very different feel from most Corsican beaches.
Bring swim shoes if you have them. Some coves are sandy, but many areas are rocky or uneven underfoot. A snorkel is worth packing, but keep expectations realistic if the sea is choppy or the beaches are crowded.
- Best activity: swimming and snorkelling in calm weather
- Best pace: slow, simple and unplanned
- Best time: earlier in the day or outside the highest summer peak
- Worst mistake: arriving without enough water or sun protection
What to bring to the Lavezzi Islands
This is the most practical part of planning a Lavezzi day trip. There is very little shade, very little comfort and no easy backup once you are on the island.
- Plenty of drinking water
- Food or a picnic lunch
- Sun cream
- A hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear and towel
- Snorkel and swim shoes
- A light cover-up or UV shirt
- A rubbish bag
- Enough battery for photos and return-ticket information
Do not rely on finding supplies after arrival. Buy what you need in Bonifacio before boarding.
Cavallo: the private island nearby
Cavallo is the inhabited and largely private island in the archipelago. It has a very different feel from wild Île Lavezzu, with villas, private moorings and a more exclusive atmosphere. Most day visitors focus on Lavezzu instead, because it gives you the classic Lavezzi experience: rocks, coves, clear water and nature.
If you take a guided boat tour, Cavallo may be part of the route from the water. Check the tour description carefully if this matters to you.
Respect the protected area
The Lavezzi archipelago sits in a sensitive marine and nature area. Treat it as a protected place, not as a normal beach. Stay off fragile vegetation, do not leave waste, avoid disturbing birds and marine life, and follow local instructions from boat operators and reserve staff.
If you are travelling by private boat, pay special attention to anchoring rules. Anchoring in Posidonia seagrass meadows is forbidden, and in some areas anchoring is organised or restricted. Use official moorings or sandy areas only where allowed, and follow local charts and instructions.
Can you visit the Lavezzi Islands from Sardinia?
Geographically, the Lavezzi Islands sit close to Sardinia, but most standard day visits are organised from the Corsican side, especially Bonifacio. If you are planning a wider Corsica and Sardinia trip, the Lavezzi Islands fit naturally into the southern Corsica part of the itinerary.
For a longer ferry trip, it can make sense to combine Corsica and Sardinia in one holiday. First decide whether Corsica or Sardinia is your main destination, then build the boat trips around that route rather than trying to force Lavezzi in from the wrong side.
For route planning, start with our guides to ferries to Corsica and ferries to Sardinia.
How Lavezzi fits into a Corsica ferry trip
If you are arriving in Corsica by ferry, the Lavezzi Islands work best as part of a southern Corsica itinerary. Bonifacio is the key base. From there, you can visit the old town, see the white limestone cliffs, and add a Lavezzi boat trip on a calm-weather day.
Do not plan the whole Corsica holiday around Lavezzi alone. It is a great day out, but it depends on weather, sea conditions and crowds. Think of it as one strong southern Corsica highlight, alongside Bonifacio, nearby beaches and possible onward travel towards Sardinia.
Useful Corsica and ferry links
Sources checked
- Bonifacio Tourist Office: the Lavezzi archipelago
- SPMB Bonifacio: boat trips from Bonifacio
- Visit Corsica: SPMB Promenades en Mer de Bonifacio
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