Sentier des Bruzzi: coastal walk near Bonifacio
In the far south of Corsica, not far from Bonifacio, lies one of the island's most beautiful and accessible coastal walks: the Sentier des Bruzzi. A circular route past unspoilt bays, fantastically shaped granite rocks, and a remarkable beach with red sand. Suitable for the whole family and perfect to combine with a swimming stop.
The route
The walk forms a loop of approximately 4.9 kilometres. Without swimming stops you'll be out for about 2 hours, but expect longer — the temptation to stop is hard to resist.
- Distance: 4.9 km
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours (longer with swimming stops)
- Difficulty: easy
- Waymarking: well signposted
From the car park you first take some steps and a steep stretch of path, then follow a narrow trail through dense, fragrant scrubland. Juniper, strawberry trees, myrtle bushes, and cistus surround you — the typical maquis vegetation of southern Corsica.
What you'll encounter along the way
After a few minutes the landscape opens up and you see the coast. On clear days, Sardinia is visible on the horizon. The path splits: go right for the most rewarding sequence.
Highlights along the route:
- Genoese tower of Olmeto and the lion rock of Roccapina in the distance
- Bay of Arbitru: a quiet white beach, even in the middle of summer
- The coral beach: strikingly red sand, caused by foraminifera — tiny single-celled organisms that attach themselves to underwater rocks
- Posidonia bay: a marine reserve with extensive seagrass meadows
- Tafoni rocks: granite rock formations hollowed out by wind erosion, in the most fantastical shapes
The path ends at a small bay known as Venus beach, named after a rock that rises from the water like a silhouette of the goddess.
Insider tip Bring your snorkelling gear. The water around the Bruzzi peninsula is clear and the underwater world is surprisingly rich. The snorkelling is particularly good along the rocky coastline.
Let your imagination run wild
The rocks, carved by wind and sea, form the most surprising figures. Some resemble a turtle shell, others a bird in flight or a bust. Look closely and let your imagination loose — it's all part of this walk.
How to get there
From Bonifacio, take the T40 towards Sartene. At Pianottoli-Caldarello turn left onto the D122 (follow the signs for "Campings"). After Camping Le Damier and Camping Kevano, turn right. After 1.4 km you reach a sharp left-hand bend: park there.
- Parking: small sandy car park at the entrance to the path; if full, you can park 100 metres further on
- Suitable for: families with children (from around age 6)
- Bring: water, swimwear, snorkelling gear, good shoes
The Sentier des Bruzzi is exactly the kind of walk that Corsica should be known for: spectacular nature, without it needing to be strenuous or complicated.