Yacht charter Propriano

   By Lila Kergall 

January 31, 2022

Map of navigation zones in Corsica (clickable)

Summary

1. Practical information for your yacht charter from Propriano
2. What to do in Propriano?
3. Where to sail from Propriano?
4. The most beautiful anchorages when departing from Propriano
5. What sailing itineraries should you follow?
6. What are the weather conditions?

"Propriano is one of the best starting points in Corsica. It's ideal because all the most beautiful beaches in the south of the island are right next door. There are lots of beautiful places to sail!" These are the words of Jérôme Lambert, a regular on cruises in southern Corsica from Propriano.

Located at the end of the Gulf of Valinco, halfway between Ajaccio to the north and Bonifacio to the south, the town of Propriano is an ideal starting point for a yacht charter in Corsica. Although a single cruise is not enough to see everything, you can discover some of the wonders of the Isle of Beauty in a week. Let our advice guide you so you can fully enjoy your adventure in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea!

This article will give you a foretaste of what southern Corsica has to offer: points of interest, the best anchorages, heavenly beaches, and iconic rocks and cliffs.

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1. Practical information for your yacht charter from Propriano

Renting a boat in Propriano: with or without a skipper?

Filovent offers you the chance to rent a sailboat or catamaran from Propriano with or without a skipper! Here is some useful information:

Average rates according to the season and the size of the boat

Here is a table with a dead reckoning of the average prices of the different types of boats that we offer for a one-week charter from Propriano. These prices may vary depending on the model and age of the boat, and the season. 

The port of Propriano

Overlooked by its tall, colorful houses and protected from the prevailing winds, the Propriano marina and fishing port is located in the heart of the city. It can accommodate 500 boats, including 100 places dedicated to passing boaters for one or two nights. Most of the shops, restaurants and bars are located along the harbor onAvenue Napoléon III, where you will find everything you need!

Numerous services are also available: electricity, water, toilets, showers, laundry, restaurants, bars, supermarkets, ATMs and a post office.

Our local partners

Here is a list of our main partners who rent boats from Propriano:

• Dream Yacht Charter was founded in the Seychelles in 2000 and aims to enable everyone to discover the freedom of sailing on the water! The rental company now offers close to 1,000 boats in some 60 destinations, including 33 from the Propriano base. Highly appreciated by Filovent customers, the Dream Yacht Charter base in Propriano obtains an overall satisfaction rating of 17/20. You will find what you are looking for among the different models of boats with one hull (Oceanis, Sun Odyssey, Sun Loft, Dufour) and catamarans that they offer (Bali, Lagoon, Nautitech, Helia, Saona, Astrea).

• Corse Catamaran was founded 10 years ago and specializes in the charter of multihulls in Corsica. The customized service offered by this rental company is also highly appreciated by Filovent customers, as it obtains an average satisfaction rating of 16/20 in Propriano. Corse Catamaran offers different models of catamarans ( Lagoon, Bali) and trimarans (Neel) from this base.

• Kiriacoulis has been a player in the yachting and cruising sector since 1980. This Greek rental company has 400 boats of all kinds available from 26 bases around the world. Their objective is to always satisfy their customers in terms of service, organization and profitability. Kiriacoulis has 24 boats available at the port of Propriano: monohulls (Oceanis, Sun Odyssey, Bavaria, Dufour), catamarans(Astrea, Bali, Lucia, Lagoon, Nautitech). With a score of 14/20 for the Propriano base, this rental company ranks third in terms of satisfaction, but remains a reliable partner!

2 - What is there to do in Propriano?

Exploring Propriano and the surrounding area

Propriano is a small town in Corsica that is easily explored on foot. You can take the time to visit the church of Notre Dame de la Miséricorde and stroll through the narrow streets. You can also enjoy a stroll around the marina and along the water-jet-powered motorized craft all the way to the Scoglio Longo, a 17-meter-high lighthouse overlooking Propriano.

If you have several days before embarking on your cruise, don't hesitate to explore the territory's historical sites. The valleys of the Sartenais Valinco Taravo territory are full of authentic Corsican villages both at the side of the boat and in the hills. South of Propriano, the prehistoric and archaeological remains near Sartènes are a real open-air museum! You can discover the Cauria stone alignments and the archaeological site of Filitosa, listed as a Historic Monument.

Finally, for nature lovers, you will find what you are looking for at the natural swimming pools ofZoza. To get there, go to Sainte Lucie de Tallano. Then you will have to walk a little and you will be rewarded with a swim in clear, fresh water!

Enjoy the beaches of Propriano: swimming and sunbathing guaranteed!

the two main beaches of Propriano are just a 5-minute walk from the center. To the right of the marina you will find Mancinu beach and to the left, the supervised Lido beach. For water sports enthusiasts, head to the Valinco nautical center. It offers a multitude of activities for adults and children. Continuing on your way, after Lido beach, walk barefoot on the warm white sand of Puraja beach. Then, further south, the beach of Capu Lausuru will offer you a panoramic view, from Porto Pollo to the point of Campomorro. The latter extends over 3.5 kilometers of sand and is one of the wildest beaches in the seaside resort.

3. Where can you sail from Propriano?

The Gulf of Ajaccio

about a 5-hour sail north of Propriano, Ajaccio, the capital of Corsica, can be reached after crossing its gulf and has two ports. To the south-east, Tino-Rossi port has 300 berths, 150 of which are reserved for pleasure boaters with boats no longer than 10 meters. The port of Charles Ornano, further north, can accommodate 850 boats, 40 of which are reserved for pleasure boaters. A yacht charter in Ajaccio is also a good way to discover the west coast of Corsica.

If you are staying for a few days, the city offers various cultural sites to visit. We recommend that history enthusiasts visit the Maison Bonaparte national museum, the former home of the Bonaparte family, converted into a museum. Then let yourself be seduced by the other cultural sites such as the Palais Fesch, the Fine Arts Museum or the Ajaccio Cathedral. Finally, let yourself be tempted by a stroll through the city's narrow streets and colorful houses down to the port. at nightfall, you will be lulled by the sound of the masts of the small and large boats, and will appreciate the conviviality of the cafés that inhabit the marina.

There are many anchorages and beaches accessible by boat in the bay of Ajaccio, such as Porticcio beach,Argent beachand Isolella beach. We recommend that you head to the north of the bay, towards the Sanguinaires Islands. Classified as a "Grand site de France" in 2016, the archipelago is made up of 4 islands: Grande Sanguinaire, Cala d'Alga, Cormorans and Porri. During your visit, you will be able to see the Genoa tower built on the island of Grande Sanguinaire, the Mezzu semaphore and the lazaret, a quarantine zone built in the 19th century to fight the plague. For the best point of view over the islands, go to the Pointe de Parata in the north of Ajaccio Bay, where you can admire the sun setting behind the archipelago.

Bonifacio

The Filovent customers with whom I had the opportunity to exchange views confirmed that the south of Corsica concentrates the vast majority of the best points of interest and anchorages. When you have raised the sails and set course for the southern tip, stop at Bonifacio. That's what Catherine did with her friends during her cruise on a Bali 4.0:"We crossed the bay of Bonifacio. The entrance to the port of Bonifacio is magical with cliffs on either side, you really have to take advantage of it. It's a very beautiful experience!".

The city of Bonifacio is indeed known for its immense white limestone cliffs, which are home to the upper town. The view of the port from the entrance is breathtaking. Welcoming more than 10,000 visitors every year, the marina will charm you with its warm and relaxed summer atmosphere.

The Lavezzi Islands

The Lavezzi Islands nature reserve is also a stop not to be missed! This wild and protected archipelago is made up of 23 islands and islets inhabited by a variety of flora and fauna. The place is well known for its abundant vegetation, its granite rocks emerging from the turquoise waters and the many heavenly coves to be found there.

During your cruise in the Lavezzi Islands, you will be drawn to the many anchorages. Among those not to be missed are Cala Lazarina, overlooked by the pyramid of the Semillante, and Cala di Giunco, known for its exceptional seabed.

Keep in mind that navigation in the archipelago is tricky. Watch out for rocky bottoms and stay alert. Finally, note that regulations apply to navigation in this archipelago: fishing, for example, is prohibited.

Northern Sardinia

Located in the north of Sardinia,the Maddalena archipelago is a place to add to your sailing itinerary. It is made up of 7 main islands: Razzoli, Budelli, Spargi, Maddalena, Santo Stefano, Caprera and Santa Maria. bonifacio is 16 nautical miles from the archipelago. Be careful, navigation between Sardinia and Corsica is known to be particularly windy due tothe venturi effect.

Sailing around the 180 kilometers of coastline of this national park will give your cruise a wild side. Indeed, the rich biodiversity of the Maddalena has made it an extremely well-protected reserve and some areas are off-limits to navigation. However, you will find what you are looking for in terms of anchorages and heavenly beaches.

As a few days is not enough time to explore everything, we recommend the following anchorages: Spaggia del Cavaliere to the north of the island of Budelli and Cala Coticcio on the island of Caprera. A yacht charter from Bonifacio would be ideal, for example, to start a cruise in Corsica and take the time to sail for longer in the north of Sardinia.

"You have to go all the way to Sardinia to Santa Teresa Gallura, it's a small village that deserves to be visited," Patrick advised me when he told me about his cruisein southern Corsica, leaving from Propriano. Santa Teresa is a small village on the northern point of Sardinia and is easily reached from Bonifacio. Once you have arrived at the quay, you can moor your boat and enjoy a stroll along the harbor toPiazza Vittorio Emanuele I. Don't miss the chance to climb the Torre di Longosardo, a 14th-century historical monument.

Porto-Vecchio

After passing the southern point of Corsica, head up the east coast to Porto-Vecchio. Between its perched old town, offering a magnificent view of the marina, its beaches and its mountainous hinterland, no one will be disappointed by their navigation around Porto-Vecchio. This town is well worth a visit, and you will be pleasantly surprised by the beauty of the surrounding beaches. On your way up the east coast, you will pass by Rondinara, Santa Giulia and Palombaggia beaches.

4. The best anchorages when leaving Propriano

Campomoro

only 30 minutes s sailing from Propriano, the Campomoro anchorage offers a splendid view of the Gulf of Vilanco."Leaving Propriano, we spent the first night at the Campomoro anchorage, which is very nice if you don't want to sleep in the port.""Aude, who has set sail for the south of the Isle of Beauty on a Lagoon 450 F, told me. I would advise you to head for the anchorage in the early evening, so you can enjoy a superb view of the sunset, and then spend the night there.

In the clear waters of Campomoro Bay, you are sure to have a wonderful encounter. As Catherine, who went on a cruise with her friends on a Bali 4.0, told me,"Campomoro is a dolphin's paradise, it's a very nice surprise!". The bay is indeed known to be a popular spot for these adorable marine mammals the bay is well known as a favorite haunt of these adorable marine mammals. Diving enthusiasts will also find what they are looking for, as the cove is home to a wealth of flora and fauna that will make your underwater excursion an exceptional experience. Finally, you can enjoy lunch on the fine sandy beach at the restaurant "Chez Pierre Paul", a French restaurant appreciated for its Corsican cuisine and magnificent setting.

Silver beach

Patrick advised me to use the anchorage at Plage d'Argent, where he anchored his Lagoon 42. In the Gulf of Murtoli, this discreet and wild beach of Sartène bears his name wonderfully well, as it refers to the fine sand with silvery reflections that can be found there. Colored rocks line the sides of the cove and sometimes emerge from the turquoise water. &On your arrival, beware of the rocks on the northern part of the bay. This anchorage is one of Corsica's little treasures,  not very frequented outside the summer period. Calm and serenity await you!

The bay of Roccapina

Leaving Argent beach, go around the point of Murtoli and cross the gulf to Roccapina bay. A complete change of scenery is guaranteed! Look up to admire the Lion of Roccapina overlooking the bay. Shaped over time by the rain and the wind, this granite beast seems to guard the Genoa tower of Roccapina.

"It feels like it's difficult to get in, but once inside, you're well sheltered. It's a very pleasant anchorage for the night," said Fabrice, who had gone out sailing with his family on a Dufour 390 GL. You can drop anchor and go down to the cove's small fine sandy beach. For hiking enthusiasts, we recommend crossing the mountain by going around the lion to arrive on the other side, on Erbajo beach. That's what Catherine decided to do:"We spent the night at Roccapina beach, so we'll go ashore, climb the mountain and swing by Erbajo beach, which is exceptional and often empty because it's a bit windy." At sunset, the beauty of this place will seem almost unreal.

The

Cala Lazarina (Lavezzi)

"We anchored our boat at the Lavezzi Islands. You have to arrive at the end of the afternoon to find a good anchorage. It's magical to sleep there!", Catherine told me. The Lavezzi Islands offer numerous anchorages, so you are sure to find what you are looking for!

The anchorage at Cala Lazarina is a stop not to be missed when sailing around the Lavezzi Islands. This cove surrounded by rocks is located in the south of the archipelago, a real little piece of paradise for yachtsmen! From your boat, you can admire the pyramid of La Sémillante, a memorial in homage to the sailors who were victims of the sinking of the frigate La Semillante in 1855.

The bay of Santa Giulia

Located south of Porto-Vecchio, Santa Giulia beach is one of the most beautiful in south-eastern Corsica. It is easily comparable to a beach in the Maldives! From your boat, you will see the white sandy bottom stretching as far as the eye can see through a translucent sea. You will find swimming there very gentle and pleasant. For the more adventurous among you, you can take advantage of the large round granite rocks in the center and in the southern part of the bay to perform your best jumps or simply climb on them!

A little further north, you can also choose to anchor your boat at Rondinara beach. This one is more frequented during the summer period. The bay is known for its shell shape and beauty. There are many activities available there, such as restaurants and water sports.

5. What sailing itineraries should you follow?

"To sail is to accept the constraints that one imposes on oneself". These are the words of the great French sailor, Eric Tabarly. Several factors must be taken into account when choosing your sailing itinerary: the winds, the skipper and the constraints that the crew is prepared to accept. Your sailing itinerary will be pitched differently depending on whether you want your sailing vacation to be a holiday or an adventure!

In the event of strong westerly winds, it is advisable to take shelter in the anchorages in the south of Corsica. In the event of easterly winds or light westerly winds, you can sail up the west coast of Corsica in the direction of Ajaccio. Below you will find two sailing itineraries mapped out by Kiriakoulis.

Sailing itinerary 1 for 7 days starting from Propriano (total distance: 111 nautical miles)

• Day 1: Propriano → Campomoro (4 nautical miles ~ 1 hour)
• Day 2: Campomoro → Plage d'Argent → Bonifacio (28 nautical miles ~ 6 hours)
• Day 3: Bonifacio → Lavezzi Islands (4 nautical miles ~ 1 hour)
• Day 4: Lavezzi Islands → Santa Giulia → Porto-Vecchio (19 nautical miles ~ 2 hours)
• Day 5: Porto Vecchio → Rondinara → Ventilegne (29 nautical miles ~ 6 hours)
• Day 6: Ventilegne → Roccapina → Gulf of Tizzano (14 nautical miles ~ 2.5 hours)
• Day 7: Gulf of Tizzano → Propriano (13 nautical miles ~ 2 hours)

Sailing itinerary for a tour of Corsica in 16 days starting from Propriano (total distance: 252 nautical miles)

• Day 1: Propriano → îles Sanguinaires (17 miles ~ 4 hours) → Ajaccio (6 miles ~ 1 hour)
• Day 2: Ajaccio → Cargèse (20 miles ~ 4 hours) → Capu Rossu (8 miles ~ 2 hours)
• Day 3: Capu Rossu → Gulf of Porto (4 miles ~ 1 hour) → Girolata (4 miles ~ 1 hour)
• Day 4: Girolata → Scandola Reserve (3 miles ~ 30 minutes) → Nichiareto Bay (14 miles ~ 2 hours)
• Day 5: Nichiareto Bay → Revellata Gulf (5 miles ~ 1 hour) → Calvi (3 miles ~ 40 minutes)
• Day 6: Calvi → Algajola (5 miles ~ 1 hour) → Île Rousse (3 miles ~ 40 minutes)
• Day 7: Île Rousse → Saleccia (13 miles ~ 2 hours) → Saint Florent (5 miles ~ 1 hour)
• Day 8: Saint Florent → Centuri (17 miles ~ 4 hours)
• Day 9: Centuri → Barcagio (5 miles ~ 1 hour) → Macinaggio (5 miles ~ 1 hour)
• Day 10: Macinaggio → Bastia (17 miles ~ 4 hours)
• Day 11: Bastia → Aléria (38 miles ~ 7 hours)
• Day 12: Aléria → Pinarellu (26 miles ~ 5 hours)
• Day 13: Pinarellu → Porto Vecchio (7 miles ~ 2 hours)
• Day 14: Porto-Vecchio → Bonifacio (23 miles ~ 4h30)
• Day 15: Bonifacio → Roccapina (12 miles ~ 2 hours) → Cala Conca (10 miles ~ 2 hours)
• Day 16: Cala Conca → Propriano (9 miles ~ 2 hours)

Advice from Dominique Mejean, Base Manager of our partner Kiriacoulis in Propriano:

"It may be a good idea to start your cruise by going to the furthest point of your sailing itinerary right from the start, staying there for 1 or 2 days and then sailing back to Propriano. This will allow you to get straight into the swing of things and avoid a tiring return journey with lots of sailing after a week's vacation".

6. What are the weather conditions?

During your cruise on the island of beauty, you will encounter the main Mediterranean winds. The Libeccio is dominant on the west coast. It is a warm, dry wind that comes from the southwest and often exceeds 30 km/h. Depending on your sailing itinerary, you may also be carried by the Sirocco, a warm wind from the Sahara, or the Mistral and the Tramontane, which are northerly winds that can blow quite strongly.

Corsica enjoys the Mediterranean climate, known for being dry and mild in summer. If you want to make the most of the sunny days, we recommend that you go sailing between April and October, bearing in mind that the summer months are the busiest. During this period, you will enjoy a temperature of between 20°C and 30°C and sea water of around 23°C!

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank Patrick, Catherine, Fabrice, Aude, Jérôme and Xavier for their testimonials and photos, which are a wonderful illustration of this article. I would also like to thank Dominique, head of the Propriano base of the Kiriakoulis group, for the information he provided and the sailing itineraries.