Solenzara is one of the best-kept secrets of Southern Corsica. Its marina can accommodate up to 450 boats and provides direct access to the same iconic destinations as Porto-Vecchio: the Lavezzi Islands, Bonifacio, and Rondinara. But without the traffic jams, without the congestion of the neighboring port, and often at more attractive prices. The same coastline, fewer crowds.

Boat rental in Solenzara appeals both to families looking to explore the secluded coves of the Côte des Nacres and to experienced sailors heading for the Strait of Bonifacio or Sardinia.

Why Choose Solenzara for Boat Rental in Southern Corsica?

The first advantage is its location. Solenzara lies midway along Corsica’s eastern coast, 18 nautical miles north of Porto-Vecchio, 24 nautical miles from the Lavezzi Islands, and 32 nautical miles from Bonifacio. From its 450-berth marina, all of these destinations can be comfortably reached on a day trip in favorable weather conditions.

A second, less frequently mentioned benefit is the Côte des Nacres itself. This 20-kilometer stretch of coastline between Solenzara and the Fautea Tower is home to some of the most unspoiled coves in Southern Corsica: Canella, Favone, and Tarco. The waters are exceptionally clear, and even in August, visitor numbers remain relatively manageable.

The third advantage is the scenery. From the sea, if you turn toward the interior, the Bavella Needles rise on the horizon. This unique sea-and-mountain panorama, with dramatic granite peaks as a backdrop, cannot be experienced from any other port on the island. Add to that the Solenzara River, which originates at the Bavella Pass and flows into the sea just north of the village, with natural swimming pools accessible further upstream.

Finally, Solenzara is significantly less crowded than Porto-Vecchio during the same period. Rental operators are generally more available, moorings are easier to find, and the atmosphere remains more authentic.

Did You Know?

Solenzara is the only municipality in Southern Corsica located on the eastern side of the island’s central mountain range. From your boat, you can enjoy views of both the Tyrrhenian Sea and, looking inland, the granite silhouettes of the Bavella Needles. This sea-and-mountain panorama is unique among Corsican ports.

What Types of Boats Can You Rent in Solenzara?

The local fleet caters to every type of boater, from beginners seeking nearby coves to experienced skippers planning a cruise to Sardinia. Here are the main options available from the marina:

Type	Capacity	License Required	Price / Day	Best For
License-free motorboat	2–6 people	No (max. 6 hp)	€100–€200	Coves, nearby coastline
Twin-engine RIB	4–8 people	Yes or with skipper	€300–€550	Pinarello, Porto-Vecchio
Open boat or cabin cruiser	6–14 people	Coastal boating license	€400–€700	Lavezzi Islands, Bonifacio
Sailboat / Catamaran	4–10 people	Sailing résumé / nautical CV	From €1,000/week	Sardinia, Elba Island

License-Free Motorboat: Discovering the Côte des Nacres

The ideal entry-level option. Limited to 6 horsepower, easy to operate, and requiring no boating license or special documentation. It is perfectly suited for cruising along the Côte des Nacres, stopping in the coves of Canella or Favone, and enjoying a day of swimming and snorkeling independently. Capacity ranges from 2 to 6 people.

Twin-Engine RIB: The Versatile Choice

Fast and highly maneuverable, a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) allows you to reach day-trip destinations such as Pinarello, the Fautea Tower, and the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio. With a skipper on board, it becomes one of the most comfortable options for non-sailors. It handles typical summer sea conditions well and adapts easily to a variety of itineraries.

Open Boat or Cabin Cruiser: For Groups and Longer Excursions

More space, greater comfort, and a longer cruising range. With an open boat accommodating between 6 and 14 passengers, the Lavezzi Islands and Bonifacio become realistic day-trip destinations in favorable weather conditions. It is an excellent choice for groups of friends, large families, or weekend outings.

Sailboat or Catamaran: The One-Week Cruise

Solenzara is a genuine cruising base. Porto-Vecchio, the Lavezzi Islands, Bonifacio, Sardinia, and even Elba Island—62 nautical miles away—can all be explored within a week of sailing. Local charter companies offer both bareboat and skippered options. A nautical résumé (sailing CV) is systematically required.

Do You Need a License to Rent a Boat in Solenzara?

The short answer:

• License-free boats (up to 6 hp): No license or paperwork required. Available from the age of 16. Ideal for exploring the nearby coves of the Côte des Nacres.
• Powerboats: A French coastal boating license (permis côtier) or an equivalent recognized license is required. If you do not hold a license, hiring a boat with a skipper is the easiest solution.
• Sailboats: No boating license is legally required in France, but charter companies will request a detailed sailing résumé (nautical CV). The more ambitious your itinerary, the more documented sailing experience you will need to demonstrate.
• Skipper option: Strongly recommended for trips to the Strait of Bonifacio, where sea conditions can deteriorate rapidly, even when the forecast appears favorable.

The Best Boat Trips from Solenzara

The following itineraries are organized by duration, with nautical distances and approximate cruising times. Rarely will you find all of this information gathered in one place.

Half-Day Trip: Canella and Favone Coves

Head north from the marina. Canella Beach can be reached in approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Expect white sand, shallow turquoise waters, and rocky outcrops perfect for snorkeling. The cove is accessible only by boat or hiking trail.

Favone Beach lies about 35 minutes away. This picturesque bay, framed by pink granite formations, features shallow waters and a gently sloping seabed, making it particularly suitable for families with children.

Between the two beaches, the rocky shoreline offers some of the best snorkeling on Corsica’s east coast, with groupers, scorpionfish, and sea bream hiding among the underwater crevices.

This is the perfect itinerary for a first boating experience.

Full-Day Trip: Pinarello and the Genoese Tower of Fautea

Head south for approximately 8 nautical miles, or around 30 minutes depending on your boat.

The Genoese Tower of Fautea overlooks the coastline from its rocky headland and provides one of the region’s most iconic photo opportunities when viewed from the sea.

Continue to Pinarello Beach, a one-kilometer stretch of pristine white sand with shallow waters and a distinctive milky-blue color. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Southern Corsica and remains relatively uncrowded outside the peak months of July and August.

For more adventurous boaters, the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio lies 18 nautical miles from Solenzara. Enjoy lunch at the lively marina before returning along the coast in the late afternoon.

Extended Day Trip: Rondinara Bay and the Cerbicale Islands

Head southwest for 24 nautical miles. Depending on your vessel, the journey takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.

Your first stop is Rondinara Bay, famous for its almost perfectly shell-shaped curve, crystal-clear blue waters, and fine white sand. It regularly appears in rankings of Europe’s most beautiful beaches.

Anchoring is permitted within the bay, making it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling.

Continue to the Cerbicale Islands, a protected archipelago. Landing on the islands is prohibited, but the surrounding waters offer exceptional marine biodiversity and some of the finest snorkeling opportunities in the region.

On the return journey, consider stopping at Pinarello.

The Signature Day Trip: The Lavezzi Islands and Bonifacio

This is the flagship excursion for powerful motorboats and favorable weather conditions.

The Lavezzi Islands are located 24 nautical miles from Solenzara, requiring approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of navigation.

This granite archipelago is a protected nature reserve renowned for its wild beauty. Its underwater ecosystems rank among the richest in the Mediterranean, featuring colorful fish, spiny lobsters, and remarkable granite formations sculpted by centuries of currents and waves.

Mooring areas are clearly marked; ensure that you strictly respect authorized anchoring zones.

From the Lavezzi Islands, Bonifacio is a further 7 nautical miles away.

The crossing through the Strait of Bonifacio, between towering white limestone cliffs and granite islands, is considered one of the most spectacular boating experiences in the Mediterranean.

Arrive at Bonifacio’s lower harbor for lunch, explore the dramatic clifftop old town, and return in the afternoon.

Important: This itinerary requires:

• A sufficiently powerful boat
• Favorable weather confirmed on the morning of departure
• Ideally, an experienced skipper

Currents in the Strait of Bonifacio can be extremely strong, and sudden wind gusts are common.

One-Week Cruise: Sardinia and Elba Island

Perfect for sailboats and catamarans.

From Solenzara, a one-week itinerary can include:

• Pinarello
• Rondinara
• The Lavezzi Islands
• Bonifacio
• Santa Teresa Gallura in Sardinia (7 nautical miles from Bonifacio)
• Porto-Vecchio
• Return to Solenzara

Elba Island can also be reached within approximately two days of sailing, located 62 nautical miles away.

This route offers one of the finest cruising experiences in the Western Mediterranean.

Weather and Navigation: East Coast Corsica Essentials

Navigating Corsica’s east coast without understanding its local wind patterns can create unnecessary risks. Here are the key points to know.

The Libeccio

A southwesterly wind that commonly affects the east coast during summer.

It often begins to build in mid-morning and strengthens throughout the afternoon.

A fundamental rule of local navigation is:

Leave the marina before 9:00 a.m. for longer crossings and plan to return before 2:00 p.m. during July and August.

The Tramontane

A northerly to northwesterly wind that can arrive suddenly and with considerable force.

It is particularly notorious in the Strait of Bonifacio, where gusts may exceed 40 knots with little obvious warning.

Never depart for Bonifacio without consulting at least two independent weather forecasts.

The Natural Shelter of Corsica’s East Coast

Corsica’s central mountain range acts as a natural barrier against prevailing westerly winds.

As a result, the east coast is generally more sheltered than the west coast.

However, this protection is only relative and should never replace prudent seamanship and weather monitoring.

Recommended Resources Before Any Departure

• Météo-France Marine – official marine forecasts
• Windguru – Solenzara weather station forecasts
• Windy – detailed wind visualization and hour-by-hour evolution

Emergency at Sea

CROSS Méditerranée (Maritime Rescue Coordination Center)

Emergency number: 196

• Free of charge
• Available 24/7
• Reachable from any phone in France

When Is the Best Time to Rent a Boat in Solenzara?

The boat rental season generally runs from April through October for most operators. Some companies, such as Corsil Marine, offer year-round rentals, but availability outside the main season remains limited.

Period	Weather	Crowds	Prices	Our Opinion
April – May	Excellent	Almost none	Very low	Perfect for peaceful exploration
June	Very good	Moderate	Moderate	Best overall balance
July – August	Hot and sunny	High	+30–40%	Book 6–8 weeks in advance
September – October	Ideal	Low	Low	Best value for money
November – March	Variable	Very low	Very low	Very limited availability

Our Recommendation

September and October are the standout months.

The sea reaches its warmest temperatures (24–26°C / 75–79°F), winds tend to be more stable than in midsummer, the coves are almost deserted, and rental prices drop by 30–40% compared to August.

June offers a similarly attractive balance, with the added benefit of long daylight hours and generally calm sea conditions.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Boat in Solenzara?

Typical 2026 rates vary depending on the type of vessel, rental duration, and season. The following ranges provide a realistic estimate:

• License-free motorboat (day rental): €100–€200
• Twin-engine RIB with skipper (day rental): €350–€600
• Open boat or cabin cruiser (day rental): €400–€700
• Sailboat (one week, bareboat): from €1,000
• Catamaran with skipper (one week): from €2,500

Additional Costs to Consider

Fuel: Expect to spend approximately €40–€120 for a day trip to the Lavezzi Islands or Bonifacio, depending on your speed and the type of boat.

Security deposit: Typically between €500 and €2,500, depending on the vessel. The amount is usually pre-authorized on a credit card and only charged in the event of damage.

Always review the rental agreement carefully, paying particular attention to:

• Authorized cruising areas
• Insurance deductibles and exclusions
• Fuel policies
• Deposit conditions

Recommended Booking Platforms

• SamBoat
• Click&Boat
• Nautal
• GlobeSailor

Local Charter Companies

For direct bookings, consider contacting:

• Solenzara Marine Service
• Corsil Marine
• Marine Voile Location
• Corse Nautic Service

Direct bookings often provide better rates outside the peak summer season.

Practical Tips Before Heading Out to Sea

• Book early during July and August. Solenzara offers fewer boats than Porto-Vecchio, and the most desirable vessels are often fully booked six to eight weeks in advance.
• Check the weather forecast both the day before and the morning of departure using Météo-France Marine and Windguru. Never attempt a trip to the Lavezzi Islands or Bonifacio if conditions are uncertain.
• Leave early for longer crossings. In summer, departing before 9:00 a.m. is strongly recommended, as the Libeccio often strengthens by mid-morning and can make the return journey more challenging.
• Bring enough supplies for the entire day. Remote beaches and coves typically have no shops or services. Carry plenty of drinking water, food, and high-SPF sunscreen.
• Respect regulations in the Lavezzi Nature Reserve. Anchoring is permitted only in designated areas, and landing is prohibited in protected zones.
• Take photos of the boat before departure, including the hull, dashboard, and onboard equipment. This simple precaution can help avoid disputes when returning the vessel.
• Emergency at sea: Contact CROSS Méditerranée by dialing 196. The service is free and available 24 hours a day.

Conclusion

Solenzara is Southern Corsica’s hidden gateway.

You will enjoy the same sea, the same crystal-clear waters, and access to the same iconic destinations as Porto-Vecchio—but without the crowds, without the traffic, and with a unique sea-and-mountain backdrop found nowhere else on the island.

The marina is well equipped, the range of rental options is extensive, and the itineraries available from Solenzara rank among the most spectacular in the Mediterranean.

Choose June, September, or October for the best value, compare offers on platforms such as SamBoat and Click&Boat, and don’t wait too long to book during peak season.

In Solenzara, the best boats are snapped up quickly.

For good reason.