2019-08-08 La Maddalena Islands, Sardinia, Italy to Bonifacio Port via Ile Lazarina, Corsica, France
After an early breakfast we pull up the anchor and depart from our overnight anchorage off Isola Budelli, one of the small north western La Maddalena Islands situated between Corsica and SardiniaA comfortable home away from home!!Heading in a north westerly direction towards the French Island of Corsica we leave the La Maddalena Island groupApproximately 6.5 nautical miles (12 kms) from Isola Budelli we arrive at the small and beautiful Iles LavezziThe archipelago was the site of a shipwreck of a French frigate called Semillante in the mid 1800’s. There are two memorial cemeteries located on Lavezzu, one of the tiny islandsThere are a couple of sheltered small bays on the southern side of Lavezzi Island which are very popular anchorages and it is often hard to find a space to anchor in eitherFortunately our luck was with us and we found a fabulous spot to anchor for a while and have some lunch and a swim in the beautiful turquoise waterThere was plenty of underwater life here, especially when bread was on the menu!!Our little granddaughter, Betsey was having a wonderful time here swimming and collecting rocks and shellsAfter a couple of hours at Iles Lavezzi we continue the short distance to the southern coast of Corsica. Here we come to the spectacular town of Bonifacio perched high on the cliffs overlooking the sea. L’Escalier du Roi d’Aragon, the ancient 187 steps which were carved into the cliff face can clearly be seen from the seaTo the west of the cliffs we approach the hidden entrance to the famous harbour of BonifacioEntering the port of Bonifacio is one of the most spectacular experiences we have experienced during our years of cruising. Each occasion of returning to the port is as outstanding as the ones prior!! This is our 6th visit to the port!!Our family also enjoyed the experience of arriving in the portThe port of Bonifacio is a calanque which is a narrow, steep walled inlet developed in limestone over millions of years of erosionLooking back to the hidden entrance to the port which is only visible by the port markersA row of rather impressive super yachts line the southern shore as we make our way towards the portBonifacio which was founded around 830 AD is Corsica’s oldest townThe medieval town has an ancient fortress with the town stretching along the top of a promontory 70 m above the seaFortunately we arrived early afternoon and secured a good position in the marina near all the restaurants and the heart of the townAs the weather was very hot we chose to take the small tourist train to the top of the townIt is a great way to see the town without passing out with heat exhaustion!!As we make our way up to the top of the old town we catch a glimpse of the Tangaroa in the port belowThe views from the top of the promontory are outstandingLooking east along the stunning white cliffs of the southern coast of CorsicaThere are so many shops and small quaint eateries around every corner and down the narrow lane ways in the old townReturning to the Tangaroa we notice there wasn’t a spare berth to be found in the marinaBetsey with her Papa……. and Nanna!!Earlier we had made an early booking at our favourite restaurant “L’an Faim” located near the marinaOn each of our many visits to Bonifacio we have dined here …. great food …. great staff …… great position!!
We are pleased to see the Citadel is still lit up at night!!! With changing colours through the night!!!
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