Fancy a stroll along the Corsican coast? Discover the Petit and Grand Sperone beaches on foot during a hike in the Bouches de Bonifacio Nature Reserve. We loved the spectacular views over the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the Piantarella Lagoon. Let yourself be tempted by this hike and discover Corsica’s magnificent beaches!
Here are our tips for planning your hike to the Petit and Grand Sperone beaches in southern Corsica.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Tour summary
- Distance: 3.1km
- Duration: 1h round trip
- Difficulty: easy to medium
- Height difference: 46m
- Starting point: Piantarella beach
- Arrival point: Grand Sperone beach
- Loop: no
- Free access
- Wear good shoes, as the trail is strewn with rocks and boulders. Some passages may be slippery.
- Take water to avoid dehydration and wear a cap.
Along the way, you’ll see directional markings to help you find your way around.
Is the Petit and Grand Sperone beach hike worth it? Our review
The hike between the Petit and Grand Sperone beaches is a magnificent walk. This excursion reveals 2 of Corsica’s most beautiful beaches, nestled in the heart of the Bouches de Bonifacio Nature Reserve. We were seduced by the end-of-the-world feel of this coastal course, particularly at the Piantarella Lagoon. The trail winds through Corsican scrub before revealing heavenly coves with crystal-clear waters. We highly recommend this hike to discover landscapes of striking beauty, far from the hustle and bustle of tourism.
Our favorite moments:
- Views of the Plage du Petit Sperone from the elevated path through the scrubland.
- Panoramic views of the Lavezzi Islands emerging from the Mediterranean.
- The Piantarella Lagoon and its azure blue shades.
- Arrival at Grand Sperone Beach, a veritable jewel of white sand.
WHERE TO STAY IN Bonifacio
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Option 1: a historic stay in the citadel
Hotel Spa Genovese – prices, pictures and availability
Option 2: around the marina
Hotel Solemare and its swimming pool with view! – see prices, pictures and availability
Option 3: in the surrounding scrubland
Hotel Cala di Greco overlooking the citadel! – see prices, pictures and availability
See our list of the 10 best hotels in Bonifacio, with our reviews
What are the difficulties?
The floor
The trail has several types of surface that require special attention. Part of our journey was on sand, especially when crossing the Plage de Piantarella, then on the rocks that line the beaches. The route then crosses the scrubland on an uneven path dotted with roots protruding from the ground. You’ll also have to negotiate some stairs and encounter some rocks along the way. We recommend you wear closed-toe walking shoes to avoid slipping.
The weather
The hike is not very shady, so we advise you to avoid peak heat periods. In summer, the Corsican sun can be particularly intense on this exposed coastal route. However, you’ll have the chance to cool off with a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the beaches we cross. Remember to bring plenty of water and wear a cap for protection. Winds can also be strong on this stretch of coastline, so take care on windy days.
Visitor numbers
In July and August, the beaches attract a large number of visitors, which is reflected on the trail. The first section of the promenade leading to Plage du Petit Sperone is particularly busy during the summer months. In the off-season, however, this coastal course is calm. We appreciated the tranquility of the premises during our stay outside the busy tourist months. To take full advantage of the serenity of the landscape, we suggest you choose the months of May, June, September or October.
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Access to Randonnée des Plages de Sperone (Corse-du-Sud)
Where is the trailhead? – card
- The hike lies to the east of Bonifacio, in Corse-du-Sud.
- The departure point is a 15-minute drive from Bonifacio.
- Piantarella Beach is the starting point for this hike.
- Here’s a map showing the position of Plage du Petit Sperone to help you find your way around:
Access road + parking lot
From Bonifacio, take the D260 and then the Route de Piantarella to reach the starting point of the hike ( Plage de Piantarella) in a 15-minute drive. Please note that there is no on-site parking. Visitors park in a row on both sides of the narrow Route de Piantarella. We recommend arriving early to find a seat, especially in high season. To avoid problems, please arrive before 9 a.m. if you are visiting between July and August.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Corsica
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Public transport access
Access by public transport is limited. We recommend you bring your own vehicle to Piantarella Beach, the starting point of the hike. This coastal area is not served by regular bus routes. If you’re staying in Bonifacio without a car, consider renting one for the day or taking a local cab.
Useful tips for hiking the Petit and Grand Sperone beaches
How long and when?
Allow between 45min and 1h for a leisurely hike from Piantarella Beach. We recommend scheduling this tour for the morning. In this way, you can avoid the heat and crowds of tourists that characterize the middle hours of the day. Avoid hiking in the middle of the day, as the sun is at its zenith and exposure becomes intense on this coastal route. There’s shade only on certain sections of the Diagon Alley, especially when crossing the scrubland.
The meaning of hiking
Start by crossing Piantarella Beach, the starting point of your excursion. You’ll then reach the Plage du Petit Sperone through the raised scrubland, which offers remarkable views of the surrounding islands. We enjoyed this first section, which allows us to gain height and admire the coastal scenery. Cross the Plage du Petit Sperone before continuing on to the Plage du Grand Sperone. Directional markers line the path, clearly pointing the way to the beaches. On your return, retrace your steps to Piantarella Beach via the same route.
Reduce hiking
To shorten the hike, you can stop at Plage du Petit Sperone and skip Plage du Grand Sperone.
Hiking with children
This tour has no special facilities for children. The route includes some steep steps and an uneven path that requires constant attention. However, we did notice several families with children enjoying the excursion. The superb views and unsupervised swimming opportunities make for a very pleasant experience. Be sure to accompany your children on tricky sections, and make sure they wear appropriate closed-toe footwear. The beaches are the perfect reward after a hard day’s work, and offer relaxing moments for the whole family.
Installations
We observed wheelchair-accessible toilets along the Route de Piantarella. Plage de Piantarella also offers a full range of water sports equipment for hire: pedalos, kayaks, windsurfing, wingfoil, boats, jet skis, windsurf boards and stand-up paddleboards. You can also enjoy a boat trip to the islands or an underwater cruise. For on-site refreshments, there’s a snack bar offering drinks, ice creams and sandwiches, and a pizzeria.
>> Book your kayak trip from Piantarella here <<
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The crossing of Piantarella Beach between sailing sport and azure lagoon
The hike starts from the water sports equipment rental spot at the end of Route de Piantarella. We began our excursion by skirting the rocks that line the beach, before embarking on the crossing itself. Walking on sand and posidonia meadows characterizes this first section of the route.
We watched as water sports enthusiasts sped across the water at impressive speeds, taking advantage of the ideal conditions offered by this renowned spot. Windsurfers will find an exceptional playground here. As we progressed, we admired the views over the Piantarella Lagoon, also known as Piantarella Bay. The azure-blue gradations that characterize this stretch of water are absolutely breathtaking!
Wind your way through lush Corsican scrub to the Plage du Petit Sperone
Once you’ve reached the end of Plage de Piantarella, you’ll join a dirt and sand path that leads into the maquis. The path climbs steadily, offering breathtaking views of the islands and lagoon below. We were captivated by the beauty of the panoramic views as we climbed. The trail has roots, rocks and pebbles along the way, so we recommend you proceed with caution.
The view of Plage du Petit Sperone is one of the highlights of this section. We took the time to stop and photograph this heavenly setting. The narrow path then winds through the dense vegetation of the Corsican maquis, scented with Mediterranean essences. The arrival at Plage du Petit Sperone marks a welcome break in your progress. Cross the beach and enjoy a swim in this idyllic setting if you wish. Stairs then lead you up to the Grand Sperone beach.
End the hike on Grand Sperone Beach, a jewel of white sand.
Embark on the last part of the hike to reach the Plage du Grand Sperone. After a few minutes’ walk, you’ll watch the descent to the beach, which reveals a magnificent golf course to your right. It blends seamlessly into this unspoilt natural setting. The highlight of the tour is the discovery of a paradisiacal, almost tropical setting. The panorama of the Cavallo and Lavezzi islands stretches out before you in all its splendor.
We felt a real sense of wonder at this beach of pristine white sands and translucent waters. If you haven’t already had a swim in the previous stages, this is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of this exceptional setting. Equipped with a mask and snorkel, you can cruise along the rocky outcrops and explore the seabed, rich in aquatic life. Without even taking a dip, we spent a delightful time there, lulled by the sound of the waves. Once you’ve taken your time to enjoy the beach, it’s time to turn back and take the same route to Piantarella Beach.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Corsica
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Where to stay
