Lavezzi archipelago

Islands Granite islands off Corsica with marine reserve and reefs

Off southern Corsica, the Lavezzi archipelago comprises pink granite islets and narrow channels; boat trips, snorkeling and short island hikes attract day-trippers from Bonifacio.

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The Lavezzi archipelago is a group of small granite islets and rocks off the southern tip of Corsica in the Strait of Bonifacio. The islands are part of the commune of Bonifacio and are noted for stark granite landscapes and clear Mediterranean waters.

The islets have long been a navigational hazard in the Strait of Bonifacio and feature in local maritime history; they are now protected for their natural and marine values. Human settlement is minimal and historically the islands were used intermittently by fishermen and sailors.

Situated off the southern coast of Corsica near the town of Bonifacio, the archipelago sits in the narrow channel between Corsica and Sardinia and is reached by short boat crossings from the Corsican shore.

  • Location and administration: The archipelago lies in the Strait of Bonifacio off the southern tip of Corsica and is administered from the nearby town of Bonifacio.
  • Access and use: Access is primarily by boat and the islets are frequented on day trips for swimming, snorkeling and short coastal walks rather than overnight stays.

What to See #

  • Lavezzu (main islet): Lavezzu is the largest and most visited islet in the group, featuring granite shores and landing points used by tour boats and diving trips.
  • Marine reserve and diving spots: The surrounding waters are part of a protected marine area with clear, shallow channels that are popular for snorkeling and day trips from Bonifacio.
Lavezzi archipelago
Lavezzi archipelago (Îles Lavezzi), South of Corsica, France
41.3411, 9.2542

How to Get to Lavezzi archipelago #

The Lavezzi archipelago (Iles Lavezzi) is reached by boat from the harbour at Bonifacio, on the southern tip of Corsica. Regular seasonal boat tours and private charters operate from Bonifacio’s marina/port to the islands-boats depart from the town harbour within easy walking distance of Bonifacio’s town centre.

Bonifacio itself is reached by car via the coastal roads from Porto‑Vecchio and other Corsican towns, and by scheduled bus services in season; once in Bonifacio the island trips depart from the main harbour.

Tips for Visiting Lavezzi archipelago #

  • Take an early morning boat from Bonifacio or nearby ports to reach the Lavezzi islands before day-trip crowds and enjoy clearer water for snorkeling in the sheltered coves.
  • Use licensed boat operators and respect protected-zone rules-some islets and beaches are part of a nature reserve and landing or anchoring is restricted in places, so follow posted signs and skipper guidance.
  • Plan for changing sea conditions in the Strait of Bonifacio-winds and currents can pick up quickly, so choose operators who monitor weather and avoid crossing in rough conditions.

Best Time to Visit Lavezzi archipelago #

Late spring through early autumn (especially May, June and September) is best for boat trips, swimming and snorkeling; winter services are limited.

High season
June-August · 20-30°C
Warm sea temperatures and clear weather make this prime time for boat trips, swimming and snorkeling; islands are busiest with day-trippers.
Shoulder season
May, September · 18-25°C
Pleasant conditions, fewer crowds and many boat operators still running - often the best balance for visiting.
Winter
November-March · 8-16°C
Cooler, windier seas and many services/boat trips are reduced or suspended; access can be limited.

Weather & Climate near Lavezzi archipelago #

Climate

Temperate climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 8°C to 27°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.

Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
36°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

64 Good

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
14°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

42 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.4h daylight

February

February is the coolest month with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

66 Good

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
13°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

45 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.4
UV Index
Low
10.5h daylight

March

March is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

66 Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
15°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

46 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
11° 17°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

40 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
13.2h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall.

82 Excellent

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
15° 20°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

26 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.6
UV Index
Very High
14.4h daylight

June

June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 18°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.

94 Ideal

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
18° 24°
71%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

13 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.0
UV Index
Very High
15.0h daylight

July

July is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 7 mm and clear sunny skies.

98 Ideal

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
21° 27°
67%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

7 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
14.7h daylight

August

August is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 22°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.

96 Ideal

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
22° 27°
66%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

17 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.7
UV Index
Very High
13.7h daylight

September

September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).

90 Ideal

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
19° 25°
69%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

31 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
12.3h daylight

October

October is mild with highs of 21°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
16° 21°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

64 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
11.0h daylight

November

November is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

68 Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
12° 17°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

63 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
9.7h daylight

December

December is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with 69 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.

60 Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
10° 15°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

69 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.1h daylight

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