Arc. di La Maddalena – Cala Lunga – Isola di Razzoli

Cala Lunga is the only landing place on the island of Razzoli, near the Straits of Bonifacio It is a deep, well sheltered cove with a small pier to service the lighthouse in the northeastern part of the cove.

The cove is located in the western part of the island and offers shelter from all winds except those from the west. Cala Lunga consists of two gorges with rock and sand bottoms, 3-4 meters deep in the innermost part. It is possible to give anchor in both gorges: the northern one is smaller but offers better shelter from turns of wind.

Upon entering the cove, attention must be paid to the outcropping and submerged rocks, which are numerous both on the southern side and around the point separating the two gorges.
There are no services in Cala Lunga. In the summertime a buoy camp is set up inside the cove, which also allows anchorage in the outer part of the anchorage, where the seabed is deep and it is not possible to give anchors.

TheIsland of Razzoli is part of the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park and therefore permits and authorizations are required for various recreational activities, including anchorages. These permits can be obtained through the Park’s website or at one of the Park Authority’s offices on the island of La Maddalena or in Palau. It is advisable to check the Park Authority’s website for updates on how and at what cost to obtain permits and authorizations.

Since that of westerly winds is the prevailing regime in the Bonifacio Straits area, being able to visit Cala Lunga does not happen often, but it is definitely worth it.

The beach at the end of the cove is composed of pebbles and fine sand; being accessible only by sea, it is relatively uncrowded even in the summer months. The seabed is pristine and rich in fauna and flora; the particular shape of the cove, surrounded and studded with rocks and reefs, makes it perfect for snorkeling. From the beach it is possible to set out to explore the island of Razzoli, surely the wildest island in the archipelago, with a landscape consisting mainly of wind-sculpted granite rocks and Mediterranean scrub. The island is particularly rich in helichrysum, which colors the landscape yellow and gives Razzoli a distinctive smell.

From the beach starts the old mule track that leads to the Razzoli lighthouse: the walk is very easy and extends along the old track of the rails that were used to transport material to the families that lived in the lighthouse and. Today it provides breathtaking views of the island and all of the Straits of Bonifacio. The old lighthouse building was built in 1843, overlooking the sea, and was a very powerful lighthouse that required the work of many families before electrification. Today the building is abandoned but retains its old charm.