By Marine ISAIA 
By Marine ISAIA
- What is there to see in Propriano?
- The bay of Campomoro
- Roccapina
- Bonifacio
- How do I get to Propriano?
Propriano is a charming town in the south-west of Corsica, between Ajaccio and Bonifacio. Nestling in the Gulf of Valinco, a very wild gulf with a rich flora and fauna, this port town has a large marina which attracts many tourists every year.
Benoît Auger, a Filovent customer and diving enthusiast, went on a cruise to Propriano with former diving students and friends. "Leaving from Propriano, we visited southern Corsica and northern Sardinia, stopping off at Bonifacio. On the way back, we stopped at the Lavezzi Islands, a true paradise for diving," he told me.
Benoît Auger at the helm!
What is there to see in Propriano?
This small town of 3,000 inhabitants is home to numerous remains from the Greek and Roman eras that you absolutely must see during your cruise to Propriano. During your visit, take the opportunity to see the ruins of two churches dating from the 6th and 7th centuries, an ancient necropolis, the remains of a windmill and a bread oven. We invite you to take a stroll through the Hameau de Tivolaggio neighborhood, which is supported by a natural granite rock. It's sublime!
"Propriano is a pretty little town, the center is on the side of the boat, it's very nice. The marina is good and the free parking is very much appreciated!" Côme tells me. "It's very beautiful along the coast. Just after the exit of the port, there is a large beach that is really very nice" he adds.
In Propriano, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to beaches! Numerous picture-postcard beaches are available to you. To name but a few, the sublime Plage du Corsaire, Plage du Lido, and also Plage de Mancinu and Plage de Valincu. You will also have the opportunity to veer off on numerous nautical activities in Propriano. This destination is ideal for scuba diving thanks to its extraordinary seabed. During your cabin cruise, masks and snorkels will be available for a snorkeling session! You can also enjoy an afternoon of jet skiing or water skiing, and much more!
Photo of Benoît Auger's catamaran during his cruise to Propriano
For nature lovers, the hinterland is ideal for hikes in the heart of the Corsican maquis, in a breathtaking setting. So don't forget to pack a good pair of shoes with your swimwear and some sunscreen!
Setting off from Propriano and heading down the west coast, there are also many extraordinary sites to discover during your cruise.
The bay of Campomoro
A little further south of Propriano, during your cruise in Corsica, take a trip to Campomoro Bay, a real jewel of the west coast of Corsica. This small seaside resort is located at the point of the Gulf of Valinco. Its small fishing port and pretty fine sandy beach with its translucent water have retained all their authenticity and offer you a truly idyllic setting.
Between the sea and the maquis, there is something to delight everyone! Numerous walks for the more athletic and superb beaches and secluded coves for those who love to relax. It is also a great diving spot for all levels. Benoit Auger, a Filovent customer who left at the end of May to take advantage of the low season, confirms this for me : "We dived at the point of Campomoro Bay, which is very good for people who don't have much experience. The depth is around fifteen meters."
From your boat, you will be able to see its imposing Genoa tower, the highest in Corsica, which has made its reputation. The Campomoro Tower is without doubt the best known on the island. Take the time to visit it, it is open from April to November and the entrance ticket is only 2.50 euros and it is free for children under 12. At the top, a breathtaking panoramic view awaits you. Filovent recommends that you go there at the end of the day to admire the splendid sunsets!
Roccapina
A true little paradise on earth, the Roccapina site has managed to preserve the wild state of its beach, to the delight of vacationers! White sand, turquoise water and greenery make up the landscape of this famous beach, which is a true marvel in its purest form. Surrounded by majestic rocks, on one of them stands the imposing figure of a reclining lion in pink granite, facing the Mediterranean, as if keeping watch over the city. This is the famous Lion of Roccapina.
"If I had to recommend an anchorage, it would be Roccapina, just in front of the Murtoli estate. It's very well known and we loved it!" Côme tells me cheerfully from the masthead. He and his friends even went there twice during their cruise! "It's very big, there's always room. The seabed is not very deep, so it's easy to drop anchor," he continues .
This heavenly spot will ensure a complete change of scenery during your stopover and will give you a feeling of calm during your visit to this unspoiled coast. For hiking enthusiasts, from the beach you can take a small path that will take you around the Lion de Roccapina and lower you to Erbaju beach, dotted with small dunes.
Bonifacio
Located at the southern tip of Corsica, it is nicknamed the City of Cliffs because of its natural fortress of imposing limestone rocks. Its charming marina offers a breathtaking panorama to all its visitors. "Arriving in Bonifacio is always an extraordinary experience!" says Benoît, who has been there several times. "In the open sea, all you can see are the immense cliffs, and as you approach, you discover a crack between these white limestone cliffs," he explains . "You enter it and at the end you discover the magnificent port of Bonifacio. It's a must-see stopover when you're on a cruise from Propriano!" he concludes nostalgically.
Benoît Auger and his friends during their cruise to Propriano: between paddleboarding and diving!
During your stopover, stroll along the harbor, which is the main attraction in the lower part of the city of Bonifacio. Along the side of the boat, pastel-colored houses and numerous restaurants and bars bring the area to life day and night. The Lavezzi Islands are also a must-see! "It's an ideal diving site, only 500 meters from the coast," Benoît informs us.
How do I get to Propriano?
"We chose to leave from Propriano because as we wanted to alternate between sailing and diving, leaving from Ajaccio would have made us lose a day of sailing," Benoît, who left with his group of diving buddies, tells me. "Its geographical position is t-top because Sardinia is very accessible without having to spend hours sailing!"
The fastest and most common way to reach the town of Propriano is obviously by air. From France, many companies offer direct flights to Ajaccio or Figari, which are the closest airports. Although Figari airport is the closest, there are fewer flights. Filovent therefore advises you to go to Ajaccio, you will be 1h30 by car from Propriano, a bus also does the shuttle, and the road is absolutely sublime!
Photo taken by Côme Deliry during his cruise to Propriano
Like Côme and Benoît, if you want to go there with your own vehicle, you can take the ferry."We went down in the car and 2 of the crew joined us in Ajaccio by plane. We took the ferry with the cars, it cost us 160 euros per person return for a crossing of about 10 hours," Côme Deliry tells me. "The return trip was very fast because we took the express ferry. It might have been cheaper, but we took several double cabins and the fact that we had cars made the price go up!" he continues.
You can also get there by ferry from France, but the crossings are not daily, with an average of three per week, and the crossing can be long depending on where you leave from (allow 12 hours from Marseille).
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