The island of Cavallo

Cavallo is a small rock, the size of a square kilometer, firmly established at the heart of the natural reserve of the Strait of Bonifacio. A piece of earth, coming straight out from the bowels of Mediterranean Sea. At only two kilometers distance from the coast, this granit piece, whose borders are clear blue water, looking like an atoll in the Pacific Ocean. This confidential destination, between luxury and wild beauty, is part of the archipel of the Lavezzi islands, made of eight islands. It is the remnant of a land corridor which made Corsica and Sardinia a unique island, approximatively 20 000 years ago. Documented by several historians, it seems this narrow passageway, that has now disappeared, was of great importance for exchanges between Corsica and Sardinia, as rock shelters testify of it.

Sébastien Leroy

Later during Antiquity, when Corsica is administrated by Romans, whose empire is expanding at the time, Cavallo will go through a period of intense activity. Searching always for more resources or tradable goods, Romans had then decided to operate the island’s granite by creating quarries. Carved by prisoners, the rock extracted was dedicated to the buildings of several monuments, among them, temples. Successive ground surveys demonstrated that the quarries have been, partly submerged, proof of a constant and regular increase of the sea’s level since this period. On the island, the inhabitants did not only cut stone blocks, but also take care of olive trees, grow cereals’ culture, even if this production was certainly limited. Proof of metal work has been discovered too.

The fall of the Empire will start a long period of inoccupation, that will last until the 19th century, when, according to some stories, a shepherd came to install his cattle. Only inhabited island of the archipel, it is from 1970 that the urbanization will develop it and make it the most wanted jewel of the Mediterranean area. Constructions are then planned on Cavallo, but not despite common sense. Architecture is smartly integrated, in harmony with the environment, as some houses show it, built in the troglodyte way.

Far away from the summer’s rush that occurs in the extreme south of Corsica, the island offers a rare privilege : quietness. In a charming decor, with Sardinia for background, visitors enjoy the happiness of Mare Nostrum. Here, a smooth idleness is embraced, during long and warm summer days. After a relaxed moment on a sunbath, it is enjoyable to get some freshness from the sea, and explore its translucent waters. With 450 mooring rings, the island offers the possibility to dock boats, used to break away and take advantage of sea activities. With hundreds of kilometers of coastline, Corsica and Sardinia are full of heavenly coves, where it is a great pleasure to throw a towel and have a picnic.

Visit to Cavallo - ZERI

Text : Sébastien Leroy