Petit Sperone Beach in Bonifacio: turquoise water and a secluded access

If you're looking for the most photogenic beach in southern Corsica without the tourist crowds Palombaggiathe Little Sperone is your destination. 8 kilometres east of Bonifacio, hidden behind the golf course Spur, this white sandy beach faces the islands Lavezzi and offers water of rare transparency in the Mediterranean. Here's everything you need to know to go there, stay there, and combine the visit with an excursion to the Lavezzi.

Why the Petit Sperone beach is worth visiting

Three characteristics distinguish this beach from the dozens of others in the area Bonifacio–Porto-Vecchio.

Exceptionally clear and shallow water. Le Little Sperone It forms a natural lagoon protected by granite tongues. The depth remains less than 1 metre for the first 20 metres from the shore, making it a serious option for families with young children. The water colour, between turquoise and emerald, comes from the clear sandy bottom combined with the absence of strong currents.

Filtered access that regulates numbers. To reach the beach, you need to walk across the golf course Spur. Golf allows pedestrians to pass, but the lack of direct parking on the estate discourages occasional visitors. As a result, you rarely see more than 200 people there at any one time, even in the height of August.

A direct view of the Lavezzi Islands. From the sand, you can see the archipelago on the horizon Lavezzi, classified as a nature reserve. It is one of the few beaches on mainland Corsica from which these islands can be seen so clearly, about 5 kilometres offshore.

Where exactly is Petit Sperone beach?

The beach is located at the South-eastern tip of Corsica, in the municipality of Bonifacio, beyond the fishing village Footrest. Approximate GPS coordinates: 41.3878° N, 9.2553° E.

Le Little Sperone is one of the two beaches in the domain of Spur. His neighbour, the Grand Sperone, occupies the main bay and receives more visitors. The Little Sperone is further east, more intimate, and less easy to find for those who don't know.

How do I get there by car from Bonifacio

From the port of Bonifacio, It's a 15 to 20-minute drive.

Follow the D58 towards Footrest over 6 kilometres. At the entrance to the golf course complex Spur, You arrive at a rough, unpaved lay-by on the right, just before the golf course barrier. This is where you should park. The golf course barrier cannot be passed by car if you are not a member.

From the car park, it’s a 15 to 20-minute walk to reach the beach. The path goes through part of the golf course (marked path, pedestrian access is permitted and signposted), then runs along the scrubland before descending towards the sea.

Navigating Sperone Golf: Rules and Best Practices

The domain of Spur is private, but pedestrian access to the beaches is legally guaranteed by French coastal law. Specifically:

• Stay on the marked trail. Don't cut across the golf greens.
• Give way to golfers. If a party is playing near the path, wait for the shot before proceeding.
• No music, no barbecue, no camping. The area is a Natura 2000 site.
• No drone. Strict interdiction over the entire domain.

These rules are rarely enforced strictly but their non-compliance causes recurring tensions with the golf club staff.

Parking and parking: the tip from Grand Sperone

The dirt car park at the entrance to the golf course is free but limited to approximately 40 spaces. During high season (15 July to 20 August), it fills up before 10 am.

A local's tip: if the car park at the golf course entrance is full, you can park a little further down the road, just before the hamlet of Footrest. This amounts to a 25-minute walk in total, but the path goes along the seaside and the route is prettier than cutting across the golf course.

Book an excursion to the Lavezzi Islands from Piantarella

That's what makes the beach of Little Sperone unique the port of Footrest is a 1-kilometre walk from the beach, and it is from there that several excursions depart towards the Lavezzi. So you can combine a morning at the beach with an afternoon boat trip on the same day, without having to take the car again.

The two most relevant activities are starting from Footrest :

• Bonifacio: Guided boat tour in the marine park with snorkelling. Direct departure from Footrest, 3 hours of visiting the sea caves and archipelago of Lavezzi. Small group format on a 12-metre boat. View availability and prices
• Bonifacio: Sea kayaking trip to the Lavezzi archipelago. Departure also from the beach of Footrest, 5 hours, small group with guide. Engaging format physically but accessible. See availability

Book a boat trip from Piantarella

Beach features

Sand, water, seabed

The sand is white, fine, with no pebbles or seaweed. The seabed remains sandy for the first 30 metres before granite rocks appear. For snorkelers, it is precisely these transition zones that host the most life: wrasse, salema, sargos, sometimes octopuses in the crevices. Posidonia seaweed is present from a depth of 3-4 metres, giving the water that characteristic green hue seen from afar.

Shade, wind, aspect

Very little natural shade. No umbrella pines like in Palombaggia. There are a few shrubs in the background, but most of it is in full sun. Bring a parasol or a beach tent.

Exposure to the libecciu. The beach faces north-east, which protects it well from the 'libeccio' (the prevailing westerly wind in Corsica). However, with an easterly wind, it can become uncomfortable and the water can become murky. Check the weather the day before.

Affluence according to the season

• June and September Ideal attendance, 30 to 80 people simultaneously, water still warm.
• July and August, excluding mid-August 100 to 200 people, arrive before 10 am for parking.
• From 10 to 25 August : pic, about 300 people on the best of days, arrive before 9 am.
• May and October quasi-desert, water still swimmable but cooler (19-21 °C).

On-site and nearby activities

Le Little Sperone serves as a base for a day full of activities, and not just swimming.

Snorkelling and mask-and-snorkel kit

Very good spot for beginners. The rocky areas at both ends of the beach host wildlife accessible from 2 metres deep. No boat or guide needed for snorkelling from the shore.

Excursions to the Lavezzi Islands

See the section above. Both options Footrest are the most cunning since the Little Sperone. A third, more classic option, departs from the main port of Bonifacio (15 minutes' drive from the car park), with half-day or full-day options.

For a full day that includes a meal on board and swims in the Lavezzi, the excursion Lavezzi Full Day Trip It is the market leader. See the full-day Lavezzi excursion

For a short 2-hour catamaran sailing trip with snorkeling, which pairs well with a half-day beach and sea excursion: See the catamaran trip to Lavezzi (2 hours)

Visit to Bonifacio and its cliffs

A 15-minute drive away, the old town of Bonifacio perched on its limestone cliffs deserves half a day on its own. Our Complete guide to visiting Bonifacio covers the Bouches de Bonifacio, the King of Aragon's staircase and the citadel.

Sperone Point Hike

Un chemin côtier part de Little Sperone eastwards and follow the coast to the point of Spur then to the bay of Saint Amanza. Allow 2 hours return for the short version, 4 hours to loop to Saint Amanza. Vue continues on the Lavezzi. Moderate difficulty, little shade, water and closed footwear essential.

Lesser Sperone or Greater Sperone: which one to choose

The two beaches are similar but cater to different audiences.

Criterion	Little Sperone	Grand Sperone
Distance from the car park	20 minutes walk	10 min walk
Average attendance in August	200 people	500 to 700 people
Depth	Very shallow (0-1 m over 20 m)	Faster (1.5m to 10m from the edge)
Sable	Fine white	Fine white
Ombre	None	None
Services (thatched hut, rental)	None	None
Public type	Families with children, snorkelers	Couples, young adults, bathers

If you're undecided and travelling as a couple or with friends without children, the Grand Sperone is often preferred for its size and ambiance. For families with children under 8, the Little Sperone is better suited due to its almost non-existent depth.

Where to stay and eat nearby

Le Little Sperone hasn't no on-site service No hut, no restaurant, no deckchair rental. Bring everything you need.

Nearest restaurant the hamlet of Footrest at 1 kilometre, with two or three places open in season. The restaurants on the harbour Bonifacio are 15 minutes away by car.

Accommodation no hotel in the immediate vicinity, apart from the Sperone Golf Hotel On the golf course (high-end). Good options can be found at Bonifacio even or around the gulf of Santa Manza. Our The complete guide to Bonifacio List several addresses.

Practical advice

What to take

• Beach umbrella or tent, shadow does not exist.
• Closed shoes For the access walk, the path has a few stones.
• Water in quantity, no water point on site.
• Tuba mask, highly recommended.
• Mineral sunscreen, the area is Natura 2000, chemical creams harm seagrass.
• Rubbish bag, to bring back his rubbish.

Best time and clever times

The morning before 11 am or after 5pm The light is better for photos and there are fewer crowds. Avoid the 1pm-3pm slot in high summer, both for the sun and the crowds.

April to June and September to October : the golden window. Water still cool in April (16-18 °C) but perfect sky and light.

Respect for the site

The area is classified Natura 2000 European ecological network. Some rules to follow:

• No sand, shells, or rocks to be taken.
• No anchoring on seagrass beds (visible from the shore as dark patches).
• No fires, no wild camping.
• Dispose of all your rubbish, including cigarette butts.

Frequently Asked Questions about Petit Sperone Beach

How to access Petit Sperone beach?

By car to the golf course entrance car park Spur 8 km east of Bonifacio via the D58), then a 20-minute walk through the golf course and scrubland. Pedestrian access is permitted and signposted.

Do you have to pay to go to Petit Sperone beach?

No. Access is free, parking is free, and crossing via the golf course is free for pedestrians. The golf course is private, but French coastal law guarantees access to the beaches.

What is the difference between Petit Sperone and Grand Sperone?

Le Grand Sperone is larger, more accessible (10 minutes' walk instead of 20), and busier. The Little Sperone is more intimate, less profound and better suited to families with young children.

Where to park for Petit Sperone beach?

At the dirt car park at the entrance to the golf course Spur, free, around 40 places. If full, park before Footrest and walk along the seaside.

Is Petit Sperone beach suitable for children?

Yes, very. The water is shallow for the first 20 metres (less than 1 metre), with no current and no waves in calm wind. The 20-minute approach walk might tire very young children; bring a baby carrier for those under 4.

Are there any restaurants at Petit Sperone beach?

None. The nearest beach hut is at Grand Sperone (a 10-minute walk along the coastal path) or to Footrest. Plan your picnic or plan your return home Bonifacio For lunch.

When to go to avoid the crowds?

June and September offer the best compromise between visitor numbers and weather. In July and August, arrive before 10 am or after 5 pm. Absolutely avoid the 11 am to 4 pm slot between August 10th and 25th.

Can you go snorkelling at Petit Sperone?

Yes, this is one of the best beginner spots in the south of Corsica. The rocky areas at both ends of the beach are home to fauna accessible from a depth of 2 metres. Bring your own equipment, as nothing is available for hire on site.

Combine Petit Sperone and Lavezzi Islands excursion: the perfect day

Here is the organisation we recommend to make the most of the area:

Morning (9 am-12:30 pm) Arrival at the car park, walk to the beach, swimming and snorkelling from the shore.

Lunch (12:30 PM - 2:00 PM) picnic on the beach or back to the village of Footrest for a quick lunch.

Afternoon (2pm-6pm) Boarding at Footrest for a 3 to 4-hour boat trip to the Lavezzi. Departures at 2pm are numerous during peak season.

Book the excursion in advance, especially for the 2pm slots in July-August. Places often sell out a week in advance.

View availability of the 2pm departure from Piantarella

To go further

• Visiting Bonifacio: Complete Guide
• The Lavezzi Islands: what you need to know
• All the beaches in the south of Corsica
• South Corsica: The General Guide

Cover photo of Jean François Bonachera, photo of the beach Andrea Castelli.