Anchorage

Punta di Rondinara

Shelter: N, NE, W, NW
Seabed: sand
Anchoring: Allowed

Semicircular sand bay on the east coast of Corsica between Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio, closed by Punta di Rondinara to the north and Punta di Capo Rosso to the south.

Beach

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Approach from the east with the entrance clearly open between the two headlands. No hazards in the mouth but the bay shoals gradually inshore; anchor in 3 to 6 metres on sand with good holding. Exposed to easterly and south-easterly winds which push a short swell inside. In a libeccio the southern lobe under Punta di Capo Rosso is the better lee.

Practical

No services at the anchorage itself. The small settlement at the head of the bay has a seasonal beach bar and a restaurant open in summer. Sant'Amanza lies 4 nautical miles south-west for any shelter upgrade, Bonifacio 6.5 nautical miles south-west for fuel, water and full provisioning.

Ashore

Beach of fine white sand backed by low dunes and maquis. Short walk over the isthmus to the southern beach. The coastal path links Rondinara to the Réserve Naturelle des Bouches de Bonifacio further south. No village services on site beyond the summer kiosks.

Story

Rondinara is regularly listed among the most photographed bays of southern Corsica and sits inside the perimeter of the Réserve Naturelle des Bouches de Bonifacio, where anchoring is regulated on posidonia.