Anchorage

Cala di Paragnanu

3.8FranceCorsica

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Shelter: N, NE, E, SE, NW
Seabed: algae, sand
Anchoring: Allowed

Small cove on the limestone cliffs west of Bonifacio, South Corsica, sand and weed bottom, open to the south.

Beach
Seagrass

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Approach from the south along the Bonifacio cliffs, 1.4 NM NW of the commercial marina entrance. No buoyage, anchor in 5 to 10 metres on sand patches between posidonia. The sand is only a thin layer over flat granite, so holding is unreliable and boats have dragged in 30 knot gusts; set the anchor carefully and do not leave the boat unattended to go ashore. The cove funnels the wind and can blow harder inside than outside, so a strong forecast is felt here. Exposed to Libeccio from SW, shelter from N to SE.

Practical

No services on site. It is a common overflow anchorage when Bonifacio marina is full. Bonifacio marina 1.4 NM SE for water, fuel, provisions. Anchoring only, no mooring buoys. Posidonia is protected and rangers patrol the reserve daily, avoid dragging.

Ashore

Steep limestone cliffs rising to 60 metres, part of the Bouches de Bonifacio nature reserve. Coastal path to the Pertusatu lighthouse about 2 km east on foot from Bonifacio upper town. The old town of Bonifacio, with its citadel and Escalier du Roi d'Aragon, is 1.6 NM east by dinghy into the fjord-like harbour, or about 45 minutes on foot by a stony path with a few steep pitches, so wear stout shoes. A 35 minute climb inland leads to the Ermitage de la Trinité with a wide view over the strait to Sardinia.

Key facts

Type: Anchorage
Coordinates: 41.39794, 9.12992 (41°23.88'N 9°7.80'E)
Country: France
Shelter: Sheltered from north, north-east, east, south-east, north-west winds
Seabed: algae, sand
Anchoring: Allowed
Services: Beach, Seagrass
Boaters' rating: 3.8/5
Updated: October 15, 2026