2019-08-09 Bonifacio Port to Porto Vecchio, via Il Piana and Baie de Palombaggia, Corsica, France
Our magnificent view from the marina in Bonifacio of the medieval 13th century clifftop citadelDeparting the marina mid morningWe slowly make our way towards the entrance of the portOnce out of the port we head east, again passing the spectacular sight of the ancient citadel and the houses precariously clinging to the clifftopsSarah enjoying the sun and the sceneryIt is not long before we motor around Capo Pertusato, the southern tip of Corsica and pass the prominent lighthouse of the same nameBetween the tiny islet, Il Piana and the southeast coast of Corsica are beautiful shallow crystal clear turquoise waters which is a very popular daytime anchorage for vessels of all sizesAn extremely shallow sandbar juts out from the shore which attracts many small craft and swimmers Our family head towards Plage du petite Sperone one of the busy beaches nearbyIt was wonderful swimming in the beautiful warm clear waters of the bayThere we some elegant looking big boats on anchor off Il PianaAfter our swim and lunch we continue north up the coast towards Porto VecchioJust southeast of Porto Vecchio we decide to drop anchor off Plage de PalombaggiaWith the temperature in the high 30’s we were all keen to have a few more swims before visiting Porto VecchioOnce underway again we approach the lighthouse, Phare de la Chiappa and the observation deck, Semaphore de la Chiappa which are on the point before entering the large harbour of Porto Vecchio There are several high peaks around Porto VecchioUnfortunately a berth was not available at the marina at Porto Vecchio We join a number of yachts and anchor in the bayAt 6pm via our dinghy we head ashore for an early dinnerJuly and August are the busiest and most expensive times to be in a marina in the Mediterranean. Anchoring out is always more affordable and more private solution!!!After catching the local bus we head uphill to the old townIn the centre of the old town is the lovely old church, Eglise de Saint Jean BaptisteMany outdoor restaurants and bars line the narrow streets of the lovely old Corsican townOur 4 year old granddaughter spots a merry-go-round in one of the main squares in the old townRemembering the wonderful mussels we enjoyed on our last visit to Porto Vecchio in 2016, we decide to return to the same restaurant …. U CasedduWe certainly weren’t disappointed with the delicious mussels we all enjoyed as a starter!!Sarah chose lobster with spaghetti which is a popular dish of the Mediterranean Ric and I shared some lovely grilled fish with vegetablesAnthony dared to be different and chose beef for his main courseOn our way back to the bus stop we pass numerous lovely sidewalk restaurants Mussels seem to be very popular in town!!Another ride for Betsey on the merry-go-round while waiting for the bus back to the portThe view overlooking the marina and bay of Porto Vecchio was fabulous from the old town
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