Trois Pointes Beach lies on the southern coast of Bonifacio, below the coastal path linking the town to the Pertusato lighthouse. There is no direct road access: reaching it means walking along a rocky trail exposed to the sun and wind, either from the Pertusato area or from Bonifacio itself.
Pertusato parking at capacity: the main bottleneck
Most visitors heading for Trois Pointes Beach take the D260 towards Pertusato, hoping to park as close as possible to the coastal path. The problem is that parking at Pertusato is regularly full during the high season, and haphazard parking makes the situation even worse.
Local authorities are considering redeveloping the Pertusatu site in response to visitor numbers that have become difficult to manage. Access conditions may therefore change from one season to the next.
When the car park is full, there are two options. The first is to turn back to Piantarella, where there is more parking, and then walk to the coastal path, which makes for a longer hike. The second is to set off directly from Bonifacio, taking the trailhead near Saint-Roch Chapel. This is also the most reliable walking route to discover Trois Pointes Beach in Bonifacio without relying on finding a parking space.
Trail from Saint-Roch Chapel in Bonifacio: a step-by-step route
The trail starts at Saint-Roch Chapel, which is within walking distance of Bonifacio’s citadel. It follows the coast southeast along the Chemin de Campu Rumanilu. The route is marked, but the trail is rocky and almost entirely exposed to the sun.
The path offers sweeping views of the limestone cliffs and, on clear days, Sardinia. The descent to Trois Pointes Beach branches off before you reach the Pertusato lighthouse. This junction is not always clearly marked: signs may change from year to year depending on the owners of the land the trail crosses.
How to spot the turnoff
The main path continues straight towards the lighthouse. To descend to Trois Pointes, leave the main trail before Capo Pertusato. The turnoff is just beyond a rocky stretch where the path briefly widens. If in doubt, keep the sea on your right and look for a path that descends steeply towards the shore.
Navigation apps sometimes mistake the beach for a nearby military zone. It’s best to check the route on a paper IGN map or download the GPS track for the Pertusato coastal path before setting off.
Getting to Trois Pointes Beach without a car: practical options
Not everyone has a car in Bonifacio. The good news is that the walking route from Saint-Roch works without a car, since the trailhead is right in town.
Here are the practical ways to reach Trois Pointes without driving:
- Take the coastal path from Saint-Roch Chapel, which is within walking distance of central Bonifacio and requires no motorized transport. Allow plenty of time for the one-way walk over uneven ground.
- Take a boat from Bonifacio harbour on an excursion along the cliffs and sea caves. Some shuttles drop passengers near the coves around Capo Pertusato, but going ashore depends on sea conditions.
- Share a ride with other visitors to Piantarella, then walk along the coastal path. This option cuts down on walking time compared with setting off from Bonifacio.
No regular bus service runs to Pertusato or Piantarella. Walking is the only reliable, independent way to reach the beach without relying on someone else.
What to bring and when to go: what the terrain demands
The route to Trois Pointes is not technically challenging in an alpine sense, but it does come with a few demands that are easy to overlook when you’re heading to the seaside.
The trail is exposed to the sun and wind along its entire length. In summer, the heat radiating from the limestone rocks can become uncomfortable by late morning. It’s best to go during the cooler hours: early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
What to bring
- Closed-toe shoes with grippy soles. Flip-flops are slippery on the rocks, and this is not a developed coastal trail.
- Plenty of water. There are no places to refill between Bonifacio and the beach.
- Sun protection and a hat. There is no shade at all.
- A charged phone with the GPS track downloaded in advance, as the signs along the route are not always reliable.
Access may also be restricted at certain times under temporary agreements with local shepherds who use the land along the route. These restrictions vary from season to season and year to year.
Reaching Trois Pointes Beach by sea: what boat trips really offer
Boat trips departing from Bonifacio follow the cliffs, sea caves and coves along the southern coast. Some pass offshore from Trois Pointes, offering spectacular views of the beach from the turquoise water.
Whether you can land directly on the beach depends on the type of boat, the weather and sea conditions. Not all operators guarantee a landing. Before booking a boat trip in the hope of setting foot on the sand, check with the operator specifically to see whether a swimming stop at Trois Pointes is included.
Going by sea is a useful extra, not a substitute for walking. It lets you see the beach and its surroundings, but walking from Saint-Roch Chapel or Piantarella remains the surest way to reach it and spend time there.
