Bruzzi

Bruzzi, clear waters and biodiversity

To the south-west of the Bouches de Bonifacio nature reserve, the Bruzzi offer one of the wildest mineral landscapes. Whether you arrive by land, from a path guarded by a venerable cork oak, or by sea, greeted at the Chevanu cove by a mineral icon that resembles the Venus de Milo, a rare charm operates on these shores of clear water and impressive marine biodiversity.
At the end of a path where light and shade alternate under the foliage of arbutus and tree heather, a high point offers a 180-degree view of the Bruzzi peninsula, a rocky maze bathed in crystal-clear waters. All you have to do is pass from one side to the other of this overhang, which is alternately exposed to opposing winds, to be able to bathe on the blond sandy beach of Venus at sunrise, and on the Coral beach at sunset, named for its red colour. Extended out to sea by the Bruzzi islets, this rocky coastline has been the scene of many events, such as the wreck of the Tasmania, a prestigious steamship which, like many others since ancient times, came to grief in the 19th century on the Moines reefs visible in the distance to the west.

From the car park, follow the signposted path. As you walk along this shady path, you'll be able to imagine, as you look at the heather trees, the many shapes of pipes that the roots of this hard, heat-resistant shrub have created, shaped by the expert fingers of craftsmen. This species, like the cork oak, which is used to produce corks, was highly prized for many years, as were many others that also made the reputation of the maquis, a source of raw materials for an often self-sufficient agro-pastoral economy.

Once you reach the high point, turn left along the eastern coast of the peninsula. From the Bruzzi peninsula to the Anse d'Arbitru, a haven for boats and marine life, small indentations and rocky outcrops punctuate this coastline where the vegetation, from the seashore to inland, gradually rises among granite colossi.

Go to Vénus beach, then cross from east to west to go to Corail beach. While the atmosphere on Vénus beach is perfect for meditation and quiet ablutions, Corail beach is an invitation to explore underwater with flippers, mask and snorkel. Along the submerged rocks, you can discover the red foraminifera, a calcified arbuscular animal with a pinkish-red colour, found mainly at the foot of the Posidonia, but also in the darkness of underwater cavities.

Follow the cairns along the coast and head inland. Areas that have been protected for a long time, such as the Bruzzi and the Islets des Moines, are home to balanced marine populations of fish and crustaceans at all stages of development. Thanks to their diversity and the interplay of currents, they are spreading to more recently reserved areas. This ‘reserve effect’ is gradually spreading to more and more marine areas.

Walk along a low stone wall and complete your route at the high point. In spring, the white asphodel unfurls its floral scape. The stems of this lily, a pyrophytic species (i.e. resistant to fire), were used as torches for lighting up at night. After a hard day's work, people enjoyed a good mattress made from the leaves, which were picked fresh and then dried. In times of famine, the year's bulbs were prized. You only have to look at the roadsides turned over by wild boar to get an idea of their appeal.

Length of walk : 2 hours
Difficult&eacuty : Easy

Please note that the following are prohibited :
Landing on the islets, all forms of fishing, motor vehicle traffic, fires, bivouacs, camping and rubbish.

To find out more

Download the walk in PDF (370 Ko)