Arriving at Tre Punti means first accepting to walk under the sun without shade, on a path that runs along the limestone cliffs between Bonifacio and the Pertusato lighthouse. No parking at the end, no beach hut, no reassuring “beach” sign. The 3 Points beach is not a beach in the classic sense: it is a rocky inlet, a slab of white limestone laid flat at the water’s edge, without a grain of sand.
Rocky slab and snorkeling at Tre Punti: what the beach is not
One often imagines a cove with fine sand. The reality is different. Tre Punti is a flat rock slab, directly exposed to the sun, with no natural shade. Lonely Planet describes the site as “rather a rocky slab,” not conducive to classic lounging.
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This configuration radically changes how it is used. Forget about laying a towel on warm sand: here, you lay a ground mat on the rock, put on a mask, and explore the underwater world. Snorkeling is the main activity at Tre Punti, thanks to clear water and marine life protected by reserve regulations.
For those looking for a complete guide to the site, the 3 Points beach in Bonifacio details the access conditions and the atmosphere on site. The place is suitable for hikers and free diving enthusiasts, much less for families with young children looking for comfort.
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No-take zone: concrete prohibitions at Tre Punti
A sign clearly indicates the status of the place: “Natural reserve of the Bouches de Bonifacio, no-take zone of Tre Punti.” This classification is not decorative. It imposes specific rules that most visitors ignore or underestimate.
Any form of harvesting of fauna and flora is prohibited in this area. Specifically, this means:
- No fishing, either by rod or spear, even from the rocks
- No collection of shells, sea urchins, or any other marine organisms
- No harvesting of plants, rocks, or fossils on the site
- No wild anchoring in the area for pleasure boats
This level of protection is stricter than on other beaches in Bonifacio. On a typical beach in the municipality, recreational fishing is still allowed under certain conditions. At Tre Punti, it is prohibited without exception.
Inspections do occur, although reports vary on their frequency. Agents from the Bouches de Bonifacio reserve patrol the area, especially during the summer season. Fines for harvesting in a protected area can be significant.
Access on foot from the Pertusato lighthouse: terrain and preparation
The path starts from the Saint-Roch chapel in Bonifacio and runs along the steep coast to the Pertusato cape. You can also shorten the route by taking the D58 towards Piantarella and then turning towards the lighthouse. In both cases, the last portion is done on foot.
The path is completely devoid of shade. In the height of summer, the heat on the white limestone cliffs quickly becomes exhausting. Leaving early in the morning or late in the afternoon makes all the difference: the light is better, the temperature bearable, and the cove often deserted.
What to bring is a matter of common sense, but you regularly see hikers arriving without the minimum:
- Enough water (no supply points along the way)
- Closed shoes with a non-slip sole for the rocky descent
- A hat and sunscreen, as the Corsican sun beats down unfiltered on this southern slope
- A mask and snorkel if you plan to enjoy the underwater scenery
The descent to the cove itself requires a minimum of agility. You navigate rocky passages that can be steep. This is not a path with carved steps: it is a natural access, where you need to use your hands in places.
Picnic on the slab: what works and what doesn’t
Tre Punti is well-suited for a picnic, provided you adjust your expectations. The rocky slab is flat and spacious. You settle facing the Bouches de Bonifacio with Sardinia in the background. The setting is spectacular.
What works: a cold meal prepared in advance, an insulating mat to sit on the hot rock, rigid containers that won’t blow away in the wind (and there is almost always wind at this exposed cape). Be sure to take all your waste back with you, there are no trash bins on site or along the path.
What doesn’t work: the classic beach umbrella, which the wind can knock down in minutes. Heavy coolers, which you will regret on the way back. Beach chairs, unnecessary on the rock and cumbersome to carry on foot.
The duration of your stay on site depends on your tolerance to direct sunlight. Without protection, two to three hours is more than enough before the heat becomes uncomfortable. Regulars arrive around 7 AM and leave before noon.
Tre Punti compared to other wild beaches in Bonifacio
Bonifacio has several beaches that claim the “wild” label: Petit Sperone, Stagnolu, Canetto. Each has its character, but Tre Punti stands out for one specific point: the complete absence of facilities and sand.
Petit Sperone offers white sand and a shorter access, but attracts significantly more people in summer. Stagnolu remains confidential, with an atmosphere similar to Tre Punti but a sandy bottom. Canetto, more accessible, loses its isolation in exchange for comfort.
Tre Punti is not the most beautiful beach in Bonifacio if you are looking for sand and space to spread out a towel. It is the most radical: a slab of rock facing the sea, a maximum protection status, zero infrastructure. The site is for those who want snorkeling in protected waters and almost guaranteed solitude outside of high season.
Sardinia, visible from the slab on clear days, reminds us that this part of Corsica is closer to Italy than to Ajaccio. This geographical position, at the extreme south, also explains the transparency of the water and the richness of the seabed: the currents of the Bouches de Bonifacio stir up a marine biodiversity that the no-take zone helps to preserve.