Among the most striking landscapes of Southern Corsica, Saint-Antoine Beach holds a very special place. Located at the foot of Cap Pertusato, it combines a short hike, spectacular panoramas, a raw mineral atmosphere and the iconic rock formation shaped like a boat, seemingly watching over the cove. Far from the classic sandy beaches, this excursion invites you to discover a different way of experiencing the sea.
The trail leading to the beach starts from the Cap Pertusato parking area. The walk, which takes around twenty minutes, crosses a bright landscape where the maquis gradually opens onto impressive views of Bonifacio’s limestone cliffs. As you approach the sea, the scenery becomes almost unreal. The rocks appear sculpted by hand, the colour of the water shifts with every step, and in the distance, the famous “stone boat” comes into view, motionless, as if perfectly balanced in place. The site feels both raw and delicate, shaped by erosion, wind and the passing seasons.
We discovered this beach in 2019 thanks to our friends Emma and Fred, and that first visit remains a cherished memory. The walk is gentle enough for young children to manage without difficulty, as long as you take your time. Our son Arthur was just five years old at the time… The arrival offers a striking contrast between the white stone and the deep blue of the sea. Made up of pebbles and rocky formations, the beach remains surprisingly peaceful, even in the height of summer, as access requires a small effort that not everyone is willing to make. This makes it possible to enjoy a quiet moment, swim without crowds, explore the rocks or simply take in the scenery as a family.
Saint-Antoine is not a beach where you come to lie under a parasol for hours on end. It is a place for those who enjoy walking a little, discovering unique landscapes, feeling the power of the sea and appreciating this ever-changing mineral beauty throughout the day. The white rock catches the light from early morning and turns almost pink in the late afternoon. The stone boat draws every gaze. You photograph it, walk around it, get closer, then return to the water. This blend of hiking, discovery and swimming makes for a complete and memorable experience. A wild interlude, and a truly different way to discover Southern Corsica.
The drive to Bonifacio and then to the Cap Pertusato lighthouse is simple and pleasant. The parking area marks the beginning of the path that descends towards the beach. It is best to bring some water, a hat and suitable footwear, as the site is completely wild and exposed to the sun… which is also part of its undeniable beauty.
Access time from Bella Sotta: around thirty-five minutes by car, followed by a twenty to thirty-minute walk.