The Capo Pertusato loop in Bonifacio

de fr

This hike is located in the extreme south of Corsica, in the Strait of Bonifacio.
It offers views of the Lavezzi Islands and Sardinia, as well as breathtaking views of Bonifacio.
It takes you to two white sandy beaches, the deserted Cala Sciumara and the beautiful Saint-Antoine beach. You will cross the maquis and walk along the limestone cliffs with breathtaking views of the coastline and cliffs.
Between (1) and (2) see reviews

Details

n°1457871
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.25 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 10 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 235 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 238 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 103 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 0 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐ District: Bonifacio (20169)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 41.373613° / E 9.179426°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 4255OT
  • Hour-by-hour weather
    Discover Visorando Premium
Downloads
Open in the mobile app
Download GPX GPX
Download PDF PDF

Photos

View from the top of the Rocher Saint Antoine
Pertusato
Pertusato lighthouse
Beach of Cala Sciumara

Description of the walk

Park in the Pertusato semaphore car park 4 km south-east of Bonifacio.

(S/E) Head in the opposite direction of the Pertusato lighthouse. The cement track is blocked by a chain. Go around it and take this track. You will reach a crossroads in a hairpin bend.

(1) Leave the cement track and take the path opposite. Enter the scrubland. Leave this main path by taking a small path on the left marked by a cairn. If you come to a closed gate (entrance to private property), you have gone too far. Go back about 30 metres until you find the small path marked by the cairn on your right.
Go through thefirst gate, part of the fence of which is in ruins.
You will come to another intersection (a).

(2) Turn left to reach the small sandy beach of Cala Sciumara below, where you will find three yellow X-shaped maritime beacons and a ruin.

(3) Turn around to return to the previous crossroads.

(2) Watch out for young children. Follow the coastline until you reach a point offering a view of the wind-carved cliff that forms a shelter.

(4) Follow this cliff, taking care not to slip.
Climb back up the coastal path towards the Pertusato Lighthouse, overlooking the steep white limestone cliffs.
Enjoy a superb view of Saint-Antoine Island and Saint-Antoine Beach below. This is a superb spot for swimming, with crystal-clear water teeming with fish.
Go around the Pertusato Lighthouse to return to the road and reach the crossroads leading to Saint-Antoine Beach.

(5) Take the path on the left to reach Saint-Antoine Beach.
Be careful not to slip on the pebbles.
After a swim, take the time to explore the caves in a lunar landscape.
If you're feeling brave, climb the rock overlooking the beach for a breathtaking view of Bonifacio. You can also enjoy a picnic in the shade.

(6) After climbing back up from the beach, return to the junction with the cement track.

(5) Here you have two options:
- turn left and stay on the cement track, which is longer but easier,
or
- take the shortcut opposite,
both routes lead back to the original crossroads.

(1) Take the same route back to the semaphore car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 103 m - Parking at the Pertusato semaphore
  2. 1 : km 0.2 - alt. 80 m - Crossroads of the loop
  3. 2 : km 1.67 - alt. 20 m - Beach crossroads
  4. 3 : km 1.83 - alt. 0 m - Cala Sciumara sandy beach
  5. 4 : km 2.37 - alt. 15 m - View of the cliff
  6. 5 : km 3.69 - alt. 68 m - Crossroads of Saint-Antoine Beach
  7. 6 : km 4.18 - alt. 42 m - Plage Saint Antoine (Pertusato)
  8. S/E : km 5.25 - alt. 103 m - Parking at the Pertusato semaphore

Worth a visit

Between (1) and (2), with a bit of luck, you may encounter Hermann's tortoise (do not disturb it, as it is protected and cannot be taken).
Between (2) and (4), take your time to catch a glimpse of the Lavezzi Islands in the foreground and, on a clear day, Sardinia.
There are numerous viewpoints along the route.
Take a gourmet break in Bonifacio and stop at the Rocca Serra ice cream parlour in the port, where you can enjoy homemade ice cream in original flavours.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 56 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.6 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
Malland
Malland

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 16, 2025
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

I mainly wanted to enjoy the view of the cliffs and Bonifacio. Once I arrived at the semaphore, I didn't go into the scrubland and instead went around the chain to continue towards the lighthouse.
Small stony paths allow you to get close to the edge of the cliffs for breathtaking views.
Below, the Maltese Falcon flew past Saint-Antoine beach.
Sunshine, blue sea, white cliffs...

Machine-translated

User 19401054

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 01, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Trip taken on 1 September, not very busy except for the beach section.
An exceptional hike that passes through the hollow of the Bonifacio cliffs and offers breathtaking views!
Walk through the scrubland, along the coastline and between two beach access points. The first, which is easy to reach, is a small, quiet cove with few visitors.
Access to the second beach (Saint Antoine) is quite steep on the way down (don't think about the return trip!), but it's doable if you take it slowly.
The beach is magnificent but very busy. On your way back, don't hesitate to visit the caves and the lunar landscape on the right. It's sublime.
A very beautiful hike, not to be missed!
Explanations ok

Machine-translated

User 25657082
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 01, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Easy-to-follow route with beautiful views

Machine-translated

User 4590388

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 11, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Thank you for this tour. It was the middle of a heatwave in August, but with plenty of water and swimming on the way there, it was great. The return journey was easy despite the heat.

Machine-translated

User 26977070

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 04, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Thank you very much, we had a wonderful time, it was superb 😍

Machine-translated

Emeline13
Emeline13

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 22, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very good hike, generally well signposted (note at point "2" on the way back from the beach that you need to go through a gate to head towards the cliffs).
There are a few fairly technical sections, particularly under the cliffs to climb back up to the lighthouse and to get to the rock offering views of Bonifacio. However, the view is stunning and well worth the detour!
We did this in July, when the sun was beating down and there was little shade along the entire route, so water and sunscreen are essential 😊☀️

Machine-translated

C64
C64

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 22, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We didn't see anyone else there in the late afternoon in mid-July! We even found ourselves alone on Cala Sciumara beach!
two or three truly magnificent passages.

Machine-translated

baladesdujeudi
baladesdujeudi

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 23, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very difficult passages to signal. Good footwear essential. Anyone suffering from vertigo should refrain.
Otherwise a magnificent hike.

Machine-translated

Siphnos92
Siphnos92

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 28, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Superb walk between scrubland, undergrowth and the coast. The start is a little confusing in the description, you really need to take the wide path that goes down to the left in the first big bend that goes to the right (a blockhouse serves as a landmark on the heights to the left, you need to pass in front of it below!) After rounding the house, keep to the right-hand path and head downhill (at no point does the path go back up to the sea). The walk under the trees is very pleasant, before arriving at a superb beach, ideal for a break. The second part along the seafront is magnificent, as you walk along the coast, passing under the cliff (not difficult), then passing above it near the lighthouse. The view is magnificent over the Pointe Saint Antoine and the adjoining beach. At the end of the route, don't hesitate to head down to Pointe Saint Antoine and walk along the rocks shaped by the wind - it's absolutely superb. Climb the promontory for a magnificent view of Bonifacio on one side and the turquoise beach on the other. The return to the car park is very easy.

Machine-translated

Chis Coach
Chis Coach

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 24, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very nice, well-marked walk.
Magnificent spot. Nobody on the hike but ⚠️ it's 24 December. It must be different in summer 🤔

Machine-translated

christine24
christine24

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 23, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We enjoyed the route from start to finish: the start in the scrubland (deserted!), the section along the cliffs to the lighthouse (with breathtaking views!), the descent to St Antoine beach (very busy!) and finally the way back to the semaphore where we could admire the cliffs of Bonifacio.

Machine-translated

cjm250555
cjm250555

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 13, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very interesting walk, especially today, which was very impressive, as there was a lot of wind, which meant very big waves. Nothing better for taking great photos.

Machine-translated

Gmhi68
Gmhi68

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 02, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Beautiful scenery, but still a little difficult between 4 and 5, so don't be afraid of heights. The risk of slipping can be frightening.

Machine-translated

RudyP
RudyP

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 27, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very nice walk on Friday 26 July 2024 on a very sunny day. 37°C Some of the sections are in the scrubland in shady areas, which is very pleasant.
The directions were good and the scenery breathtaking.
Personally, the only downside is that I wouldn't describe the hike as easy, but rather as moderate. Some of the cliffs are steep and this walk is not suitable for children. The stopover at Saint Antoine beach is top-notch, as there are plenty of fish on the beach. Don't forget your mask and snorkel!

Machine-translated

sadded
sadded

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 30, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A superb walk, between limestone and granite

Machine-translated

Other walks in the area

Walking Madonetta lighthouse, Fazzio island, Paragan beach from Bonifacio

Visorando member
Phare de la Madonetta, Îlot de Fazzio, plage de Paragan depuis Bonifacio
↔9.91 km ↗+283 m ↘-274 m ◔3h 40 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Bonifacio (Corse-du-Sud)
The path from Bonifacio to Strada Vecia, Madonetta is an old Genoese road paved and lined with low walls. You'll discover the Madonetta lighthouse, the Fazzio cove and Paragan beach, with exceptional views over Bonifacio.

Walking Loop from the Hermitage of the Trinity to Capo di Feno

Visorando member
Boucle de l'Ermitage de la Trinité au Capo di Feno
↔7.99 km ↗+273 m ↘-266 m ◔3h 05 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Bonifacio (Corse-du-Sud)
A beautiful circular walk, mostly along the coast, offering magnificent views of the cliffs of Bonifacio on the way there and back over the Gulf of Ventilegne. This is particularly recommended on windy days when the waves break on the rocky chaos of Cap de Feno with Sardinia in the background. The hike starts at the Hermitage of the Trinity, a place to visit for contemplation with a Way of the Cross on mercy. Plan to go swimming in the wild coves.

Walking From Étang de Ventilegne to Pisciu Cane and back

Visorando member
De l'Étang de Ventilegne à Pisciu Cane et retour
↔9.66 km ↗+24 m ↘-23 m ◔2h 50 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Bonifacio (Corse-du-Sud)
A superb hike in the Bouches de Bonifacio Natural Park. A refreshing walk along the coastline with a detour into the Étang de la Testarella wetland. It feels like walking through a landscaped garden filled with flowers in spring. A pleasant walk in any season. The return route offers a different viewpoint, preventing monotony. Three and a half hours including stops for this walk, which is one of our favourites. Once again, there is a wide choice of beaches and rocks. Can be combined with the Punta di Ventilegne circular.

Walking Caroni Route

Visorando member
↔5.36 km ↗+110 m ↘-112 m ◔1h 50 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Bonifacio (Corse-du-Sud)
A magnificent walk by the sea or in the countryside. Accessible from a car park at the edge of the trail, this route offers several points of interest such as beaches, rock formations and natural shelters, perfect for a walk with family or friends. This walk, with a moderate elevation gain, offers beautiful Corsican landscapes without any particular technical difficulty.

Walking Punta di Rondinara

Visorando member
Punta di Rondinara
↔2.82 km ↗+65 m ↘-65 m ◔1h 00 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Bonifacio (Corse-du-Sud)
A short walk of less than an hour on the Rundinara peninsula. A family walk with a short 5-minute climb. First, take a short detour to the small beach, located south of the bay, then take the path that leads to the south coast of Rondinara Bay, with beautiful orange-red rocks standing out against the blue of the sea. Once at the top (53 m), you have a view of the entire Corsican coastline as far as neighbouring Sardinia.

Walking Tour of the Prisarella peninsula

Visorando member
↔1.77 km ↗+14 m ↘-22 m ◔0h 35 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Bonifacio (Corse-du-Sud)
Along the park path, a circular path joins the small beach of Prisarella and runs along the southern side of the pond. A short half-hour walk that is almost entirely flat.

Walking The Bruzzi trail

Visorando member
Le sentier des Bruzzi
↔4.73 km ↗+81 m ↘-81 m ◔1h 35 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Pianottoli-Caldarello (Corse-du-Sud)
The Bouches de Bonifacio nature reserve.

Walking Heritage trail: Les Orii in Monaccia-d'Aullène

Visorando member
Sentier du patrimoine : Les Orii à Monaccia-d'Aullène
↔4.20 km ↗+106 m ↘-101 m ◔1h 30 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Monacia-d'Aullène (Corse-du-Sud)
This very easy short hike starts in Monaccia-d'Aullène and follows the heritage trail, which leads to the Mesolithic Orii, which have had many uses over time (farming, livestock breeding, bandit hideouts, resistance, etc.). The circuit also features old mill buildings. __Please note__: although easy, this loop is not suitable for children or people with reduced mobility.

For more walks, use our search engine .

The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.