During summer, Bonifacio on the bottom of Corsica
is a nightmare
to get into.

There are boats jostling everywhere to get 
a space, ferries 
and tripper boats sounding their 
horns and telling everyone to get out
 of the way, a lot of shouting going on…

And so, you begin to wonder just what
 you’re doing there. Don’t get me wrong – in low season, it is a spectacular place 
to be and a must to visit. It’s just that summer chaos that can put you off.

Fortunately, a little way up the coast 
is Baie de Figari, an anchorage that 
is a little oasis of peace after Bonifacio.

The approach has rocks and reefs scattered about but is easier than 
it looks on the chart.

The Torre de Figari on the west side of the bay 
is conspicuous from some way off. Now the entrance has been buoyed, the approach and entrance are even easier than in years gone by, although you might think twice about a night entry.

At first sight, it appears that 
it is not that well sheltered from the prevailing wind which can curve around to blow into the outer part of the anchorage.

In fact, the wind seldom blows with any strength into the bay and you can anchor securely without issue.

Continues below…

How to explore the Minkies under sail

Knowing your tides and their heights is key to conquering the fearsome Plateau des Minquiers, says Ken Endean

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Ken Endean meanders upriver at Fowey for some proper Cornish hospitality and stunning countryside

The unspoilt River Yar

Peter Bruce finds peace and tranquility 
as he meanders up Yarmouth’s pretty waterway

A number of the little bights and coves on the west side are now buoyed off 
for swimming, but there is still plenty
 of room to swing to anchor and the holding is good.

You need to leave
 the channel clear, although a couple 
of years ago when we were there, 
a well-known 170ft superyacht that had evidently not found a space in Bonifacio pulled in to anchor – which did little for leaving the channel clear.

The bay is all smooth sculptured rock with maquis growing where it can in between.

Napoleon always said that
 he knew they were a few miles off Corsica when he smelt the pungent herby aroma of the maquis.

The rocks are wind-sculptured affairs looking a bit like giant Henry Moore figures, just a bit more abstract. And the water is that languid turquoise that invites you in. Yes, it is a very different place to Bonifacio.

At the very head of the long bay
 is a small marina where there are normally berths available with 
all facilities and good shelter.

You can get limited provisions, 
and several restaurants are open
 in the summer.

If you are in the anchorage, a local restaurateur 
in his dinghy will often come 
out to yachts and ask if you want pizza for dinner.

He has a menu,
 so you can order your toppings 
and a very reasonably priced bottle
 of wine with the pizza.

It certainly
 gives new meaning to home delivery.