Between Figari and Bonifacio, the beach of Tonnara remains quite wild, between sand and colored rocks.
Also called Tunara, this beach has everything to please with easy access and good swimming conditions.
Here is our practical guide to enjoy the beach: map, access, photos and the discovery of its neighbor Stagnolu.
Why visit the beach of La Tonnara in Bonifacio
Is the beach of Tonnara worth it?
Absolutely.
It has everything to please.
It remains wild looking but still has a large parking lot and restaurants.
Its waters are translucent, and thanks to the islets not far from the coast (the Tonnara islands), it creates a kind of lagoon quite calm (but with wind).
And it is possible to explore rocky areas around, a coastal path with beautiful colors.
It is one of the most beautiful beaches around Bonifacio(see our list)
Why choose this beach?
Tonnara is much less famous than many beaches in the area.
It is therefore a little less crowded than others. Between the sand, the rocks and the nearby beach of Stagnolu, it is possible to find some peace and quiet.
There is little construction in the area, which makes the experience more enjoyable.
And in season, kite-surfing and jet-skiing are offered.
More pictures after the practical advice.
Access and Map – Plage La Tonnara (Corsica)
Where is the beach of Tonnara?
- South of the Gulf of Ventilegne
- Between Bonifacio and Figari
- Driving time from Bonifacio = 15min drive
- Driving time from Figari = 15min
- Driving time from Porto-Vecchio = 40min
- 5min from the main road T40
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
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.
How to get to Tonnara – access road
From the T40 road, which goes south to Ajaccio, you will see the beach of Tonnara clearly indicated. To the left if you go up with Ajaccio, or to the right if you drive towards Bonifacio.
There is still 5 minutes to drive on the D358.
The road to the parking lot is paved and not complicated.
Parking of the beach of Tonnara
Sorry, we forgot to take a good picture of the parking lot.
Once at the beach, you will find a large free parking lot very close to the beach.
In the middle of summer, it can fill up completely during the day. But, out of season, no problem to park.
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On the sand and in the water… practical advice
Best time to visit
This beach is pleasant all year round.
In winter, even if the water is too cool, you can enjoy the trails along the coastline with beautiful views and colorful rocks.
As for Corsica in general, the crowds arrive in summer, and especially between mid-July and mid-August.
The beach faces west, so it is ideal for sunsets.
The sand
On the beach of Tonnara, the sand is not as soft as on other beaches (such as Palombaggia), but still pleasant. And its particularity is that it turns to pink.
Around the beach, you will find rocky areas.
Conditions for swimming
Thanks to the islets not far from there, the beach forms a kind of lagoon.
The slope is very gentle to enter the water.
Be aware, however, that it is often very windy.
And once in the water, watch your feet because the rocks you see outside, can also appear in some places underwater.
Nautical activities
In nautical activity, you can make snorkeling on the side of the islets of Tonnara.
These rocks are ideal.
Otherwise, thanks to the wind, it is a good place for kitesurfing or windsurfing.
In season, you can also rent kayaks or jet-skis.
Other activities
In season it is also possible to rent a quad or to go fishing.
Conditions with children
Kids love all the rocks to climb and the gentle slope to enter the water is also ideal.
But swimming is not supervised.
Access for people with reduced mobility
A new access chair for people with reduced mobility has been installed in the restaurant.
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Where to sleep and eat
Restaurant on the beach of La Tonnara
On the beach, next to the parking lot, you will find 2 restaurants, open in season and some days in winter:
They propose typical Corsican dishes, mainly around fish and seafood (small fishing port…).
Both have large windows overlooking the sea.
Hotels near the beach of Tonnara
To stay right next to this beach, you can choose the hotel Résidences La Tonnara. These are 2 furnished apartments with sea and mountain view.
Ideal when you like nature and calm.
see prices, pictures and availability
WHERE TO STAY IN South Corsica
Option 1: Around the famous beaches
We recommend..:
- Hotel Mariosa with beach and restaurant – see photos and availability
- Résidence U Pirellu, if you want to be able to cook – see photos and availability
- Hotel L’Alivi Santa Giulia with beautiful views over the bay – see photos and availability
Option 2: in the maquis around Bonifacio
We recommend..:
- Hotel Cala di Greco overlooking the citadel! – see prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel A Cheda with its garden and exceptional restaurant – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Version Maquis Citadelle (5 stars) – see prices, pictures and availability
Option 3: in Bonifacio itself (citadel or marina)
We recommend..:
- Hotel Spa Genovese in the citadel – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Santateresa at the top of the citadel – see prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Solemare and its swimming pool with view! – see prices, pictures and availability
Option 4: in Propriano
We recommend
- Hotel Aria Marina for convenient apartments with views – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Marinca for a little luxury and unforgettable views – see prices, photos and availability
The islands of the Tonnara
Just in front of the beach, take the time to admire the islets. These are the islands of La Tonnara, a declared natural area.
There are many seabirds.
On the geological level, they are also fascinating with red, grey and white rocks.
They are composed of 3 main rock islands, and others barely touching the surface.
It’s a good place for sorkeling, like anywhere where there are rocks and transparent water…
We did not manage to find any information on birds, geology or flora.
An old fishing port and a Genoese tower
This beach is also an old fishing village.
In the 17th century, they used nets called “tonnara”. These nets are also called Madragues (from their Italian name). They were in place to catch big fish, mainly tuna, but also swordfish.
This gave the name to the hamlet, the beach and the islands.
But the Sardinians, jealous of the success of the Bonifacian fisheries, destroyed these nets which slowed down the activity.
Sorry, we forgot to take a picture of the harbor… we had our minds elsewhere, in the beauty of the landscape!
At the entrance to this small port, there are the remains of a Genoese tower.
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Coastal path: creeks and beach of Stagnolu
And for those who want to explore the area a little more, there is plenty to do.
You can even walk along the Sentier des Douaniers from Bonifacio!
It is a 16km walk.
But you can also simply explore the kilometer around…
If you walk towards the south, in the direction of Bonifacio, you pass by a small point before reaching the beach of Stagnolu.
I recommend that you deviate from the trail to explore this rock pile.
After a few steps, you can discover small coves with rocks of various colors.
It’s really beautiful!
Beach of Stagnolu
The walk then takes you above the beach of Stagnolu.
Stagnolu is a long cove, even wilder.
It takes about 10 minutes to get there.
To continue on the coastal path, you have to go down and continue on the other side.
At the other end of Stagnolu, you will find a beach area for naturists.
HOW TO GET TO Corsica
Option 1: by ferry
Departure from France and Italy
- See all ferry options in our article
- Compare schedules, prices and availability directly
Advantage: you can take your car!
Option 2: by plane
Airports in Bastia, to visit the North, Figari to visit the South, or Ajaccio convenient for all Corsica.
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Other beautiful beaches nearby
Saint John Beach
Hidden in the bay of Figari, this beach has beautiful smooth rocks spread along the beach. They have different shades of gray and shapes rounded by the elements.
This beach is particularly beautiful on cloudy days.
Photographers particularly appreciate it.
Read more
Chevanu Beach
With many coves but few tourists, this is one of your best choices if you want a quiet day at the beach.
Located in the bay next to Figari, the beach is also known as Kevano.
Read more about it.
