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 on the western side of the island and offers shelter from all winds except those from the west. Cala Lunga consists of two inlets with rocky and sandy bottoms, 3–4 meters deep in the innermost part. It is possible to anchor in both gorges: the northern one is smaller but offers better shelter from shifting winds.

When entering the cove, be careful of the exposed and submerged rocks, which are numerous both on the southern side and around the point separating the two gorges.
There are no facilities at Cala Lunga. During the summer, a buoy field is set up inside the bay, allowing boats to anchor even in the outermost part of the anchorage, where the water is deep and it is not possible to drop anchor.

Razzoli Island is part of the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, and therefore permits and authorizations are required for various recreational boating activities, including anchoring in 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. We recommend consulting the Park Authority’s website for updates on procedures and costs for obtaining 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 consists of pebbles and fine sand; since it’s accessible only by sea, it’s relatively uncrowded even during the summer months. The seabed is pristine and teeming with marine life; the unique shape of the cove, surrounded and dotted with rocks and boulders, makes it perfect for snorkeling. From the beach, you can set out to explore the island of Razzoli, undoubtedly the wildest in the archipelago, with a landscape consisting mainly of granite rocks sculpted by the wind and Mediterranean scrub. The island is particularly rich in helichrysum, which colors the landscape yellow and gives Razzoli its distinctive scent.

The old mule trail leading to the Razzoli Lighthouse starts at the beach: The walk is very easy and follows the old railway tracks that were once used to transport supplies to the families living at the lighthouse. Today, it offers breathtaking views of the island and the entire Strait of Bonifacio. The old lighthouse was built in 1843, perched high above the sea, and was a very powerful beacon that required the labor of numerous families before it was electrified. Today, the building stands abandoned, but its old-world charm remains intact.