Plage du Petit Sperone (Bonifacio)

Plage du Petit Sperone is a small cove of fine white sand on the coast east of Bonifacio, near the southernmost point of Corsica, about 15 minutes by car from the town. It suits swimmers and walkers who are happy to carry everything in, since there are no facilities. The cove is only about 80 metres long and faces the little Île de Piana.

Reserve rules: no smoking, fires or camping

The beach lies within the Bouches de Bonifacio nature reserve. Visit Corsica asks visitors to follow the posted rules and take all rubbish away. Both Sperone beaches are non-smoking, and fires and camping are not allowed. The Bonifacio town map states that dogs are tolerated on the reserve's beaches if kept on a lead. A pond lies behind the sand, and the Sperone golf course covers the headland above.

A 20-minute path from Piantarella

Petit Sperone sits between rocks, with Piantarella to the north and Grand Sperone to the south. To get there, drive to Piantarella, park, and continue on the path beyond that beach; allow about 20 minutes on foot over uneven ground. Grand Sperone, the larger neighbour with more room on the sand, is about 15 minutes further along a path beside the golf course. With an early start you can see all three beaches on one walk. The path is not suitable for wheelchairs.

Shallow turquoise water with no lifeguard or shade

The water is shallow, clear and turquoise, and the rocks at each side of the cove suit snorkelling. Water shoes help on the granite. There is no shade and no published lifeguard cover, so bring a parasol and keep an eye on children.