Spot · tier 2 · France

Piantarella

Piantarella is a shallow bay just east of Bonifacio at Corsica's southern tip, facing the Îles Lavezzi across the Strait of Bonifacio. The strait acts as a natural funnel that accelerates wind between Corsica and Sardinia, and Piantarella is best known for catching this Venturi-boosted flow on easterly wind days, with the Lavezzi islands as a scenic backdrop.

freerideintermediateflat water

water off the Bonifacio coast near Piantarella — Patrick Nouhailler's… / CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

same coastal stretch, different frame — Patrick Nouhailler's… / CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

closest candidate (573m), generic Corsica scenery — Николай Максимович / CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Wind

best months	May Jun Jul Aug Sep
season notes	The Strait of Bonifacio funnels and strengthens wind passing through it; the spot is specifically prized for east wind days.
wind name	Levante (E) accelerated through the Strait of Bonifacio; Libeccio (SW) also reaches the area
direction to shore	best in east wind
quality	can be gusty where the Venturi effect accelerates the flow

Water

type	mixed
temp summer c	24
temp winter c	14
wetsuit	boardshorts/shorty in summer
tides	minimal Mediterranean tidal range
currents	the Bouches de Bonifacio strait is known for strong, sometimes brutal currents around its many rocks
standing depth	shallow bay - much of it wadeable

Levels

beginner	no
intermediate	yes
advanced	yes
notes	The Venturi-accelerated wind can be strong and gusty; the shallow, scenic bay rewards intermediate-and-up riders comfortable with a boosted breeze.

Launch & crowd

description	Shallow bay beach with a view across to the Îles Lavezzi.
rescue	not confirmed
busy months	Jul Aug
vibe	scenic, relatively small spot popular with the Bonifacio sailing/watersports crowd

Hazards

rocks and strong currents typical of the Bouches de Bonifacio strait
boat traffic to/from the Îles Lavezzi
gusty wind acceleration through the strait

Rules

adjacent to the Réserve naturelle des Bouches de Bonifacio marine reserve - respect any protected-area restrictions

Tips

wait for an east wind day to get the strait's Venturi effect working in your favour

Travel basics

airport	FSC - Figari-Sud Corse Airport
getting there	short drive east of Bonifacio
accommodation	Bonifacio
cost level	high
no wind	explore Bonifacio's old town and cliffs, boat trip to the Îles Lavezzi nature reserve

Nearby: Balistra

Sources: fr.wikipedia.org · fr.wikipedia.org