Lavezzi archipelago Islands

Address: Lavezzi archipelago (Îles Lavezzi), South of Corsica, France

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.

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.

• 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.