Positioned in the treacherous Strait of Bonifacio between Corsica and Sardinia, Cavallo is the only inhabited island of the Lavezzi archipelago. Often described as the "Mustique of the Mediterranean," it is a private enclave historically favored by royalty, industrialists, and celebrities. The island is entirely private, and while the beaches up to the high-water mark are accessible to the public under French law, proceeding inland requires an invitation or a reservation at the island's single luxury hotel.
Navigational Challenges
The approach to Cavallo requires absolute concentration and current, highly detailed cartography. The surrounding waters are heavily littered with granite pinnacles, shoals, and submerged reefs that have claimed numerous vessels over the centuries. The Strait of Bonifacio creates a natural venturi effect, significantly funneling and accelerating both westerly and easterly winds. A Force 5 wind forecast in the open sea can easily translate to a Force 7 within the strait, accompanied by a steep, confused sea state.
Navigating visually is essential. Fortunately, the water clarity is exceptional, allowing sharp-eyed crews to spot deeper azure channels weaving between the lighter, shallow patches of sand and granite. Nighttime arrivals are strongly discouraged unless captain and crew possess intimate local knowledge.
Berthing at Port de Cavallo
The island features a small, well-sheltered private marina on its eastern side. The entrance channel is narrowly dredged and marked by buoys, but it is prone to silting; vessels drawing more than 2 meters should proceed with extreme caution and communicate directly with the capitainerie regarding current depths prior to entry.
The marina accommodates around 200 yachts, though berths for vessels exceeding 30 meters are extremely limited. Essential services like water, electricity, and basic waste disposal are available, but rates are notoriously high, reflecting the island's exclusivity. Provisioning here is minimal, generally limited to high-end boutique items; major restocking should be conducted in Bonifacio (Corsica) or Santa Teresa Gallura (Sardinia) before arrival.
Anchoring Alternatives
If the marina is full or unsuitable, anchoring is possible in several small bays around the island, such as Cala Zeri to the north or Cala Greco to the south. Holding is generally good in deep sand between weed patches, but protection is highly dependent on wind direction. The wind can shift rapidly in the strait, turning a calm anchorage into a hazardous lee shore in a matter of hours. Always rig a trip line when anchoring near the granite structures to prevent fouling.
The Onshore Vibe
Ashore, Cavallo offers a serene, golf-cart-only environment characterized by low-slung villas constructed from local granite, designed to blend seamlessly into the dramatic landscape. The primary public amenity is the Hotel des Pêcheurs, which operates an upscale restaurant and spa. The island is intentionally quiet, relying on its natural beauty—wind-sculpted rocks and isolated beaches—rather than nightlife to entertain visitors.
Pros and Cons
Advantages: unparalleled exclusivity, dramatic geological scenery, and a highly secure, private atmosphere. It serves as a perfect, quiet retreat amidst the high-octane summer cruising grounds of Sardinia's Costa Smeralda.
Disadvantages: Severe navigational hazards require stress-inducing pilotage. The cost of berthing and dining is exorbitant, and the unpredictable wind conditions in the Strait of Bonifacio can trap yachts for days at a time.