VISIT THE MAGICAL ILES SANGUINAIRES ARCHIPELAGO NEAR AJACCIO

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The beautiful archipelago of Iles Sanguinaires visited at sunset is the best place to be for an opportunity to enjoy nature in all its splendor. Stretching west from the Parata Peninsula at the northern tip of the Gulf of Ajaccio, the volcanic islands form a protected natural site renowned for its magnetic charm.

The scenery is simply outstanding. Four rocky pinnacles rise from the translucent waters marking the magenta-hued western horizon with their solitary presence. Their wild shores are a paradise for wildlife with over 150 endemic species of flora and fauna thriving in the virgin habitats. In springtime, the cover of dense maquis bursts with a profusion of wildflowers bringing colour and fragrance to the austere seascape. With a little luck, you may also have a chance to spot dolphins playing in the transparent Mediterranean waters.

The iconic Corsican landmark of Iles Sanguinaires may be accessed by boat departing from the Tino Rossi port in Ajaccio or admired from the perfect viewing spot at Pointe de la Parata. Either way, this magnificent spectacle of nature should make it to your must-see attraction bucket list when visiting the island.

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ILES SANGUINAIRES – LOCATION AND ACCESS

The Sanguinaires archipelago extends west from Pointe de la Parata on the northern side of the Gulf of Ajaccio. Guarding the entrance to Corsica’s capital city, the spellbinding islands announce the region of remarkable natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and turbulent history.

With its wealth of attractions, Ajaccio Bay offers the perfect holiday experience not only to first-time travellers but also to repeat visitors.

Learn more about Ajaccio and its top attractions.

BY CAR

The Parata Peninsula may be accessed via Route des Sanguinaires (D111) running 11 km west from the centre of Ajaccio. Allow 25 minutes to navigate the journey by car and 40 minutes if you ride a bicycle.

A very spacious car park situated at the end of the D111 road accommodates vehicles charge-free outside the summer months, however, in the tourist season a parking fee is required.

Brasserie I Sanguinari, a friendly restaurant with magnificent views of the islands offers a good selection of tasty meals on its panoramic terrace.

BY BUS

At Place de Gaulle take the bus ligne 5 to Punta de la Parata. On route, it stops at Barbicaja, Scudo, and Terre Sacre. Lines nr. 1 and 2 go only to the Ajaccio cemetery.

ON THE LITTLE TRAIN

Hop aboard Trinichellu, the Little Train of Ajaccio which provides tourist excursions to the archipelago.

The complete tour takes 1 hour 40 minutes with a 15-minute stopover at the Napoleon Cave and the Parata Peninsula. It departs every 45 min between 10 am and 7 pm from Place Foch opposite the Town Hall. An adult ticket costs €12 whereas a child will pay €5. Audio commentary is provided in 8 languages.

IN THE PANORAMIC BUS

View Ajaccio from an open-top bus on a guided tour of the Imperial Town with a 30-minute stop at Pointe de la Parata for a splendid panorama of Iles Sanguinaires. The 1.5-hour excursion departs from Place Foch in the town centre. Tickets start at €12 and may be purchased online.

ILES SANGUINAIRES – FACTFILE

• The Sanguinaires extend westwards from the tip of the Parata Peninsula at the entrance of Ajaccio Bay.
• Two theories compete for the origin of the island’s name. Some assume that the word Sanguinaires points to the red colour of the rock at sunset while others claim that it evokes the seaside resort of Sagone located north of Ajaccio.
• In 2017, the protected Grand Site of the Sanguinaires Islands and Pointe de la Parata obtained the ‘Grand Site de France’ label for its commitment to the preservation and sustainable management of the natural heritage.
• Four islets comprise the archipelago, the largest Mezza Mare, Cormorans, Cala d’Alga, and Porri. A smaller, U Sbiru rock is nestled between the island of Porri and Cormorans.
• The islands are of volcanic origin composed of granite with rich soils suitable to host the endemic flora.
• The Archipelago is a breeding site for various bird species including yellow-legged gull, black-headed gull, Audouin’s gull, crested cormorant, and shearwater.
• A famous 19^th-century French novelist Alphonse Dauded commemorated the Sanguinaires in his lyrical collection of short stories ‘Letters from my Windmill’.

WHAT TO VISIT ON THE SANGUINAIRES ISLANDS

• A 16^th-century Genoese watchtower located in the southern part of the Mezzo Mare islet. It was a part of the coastal defence system built between the 15th and 17th centuries by the Republic of Genoa against notorious pirate raids. A fire lit at the top of the fortress alarmed other towers dotting the 1000 km-long coastline.
• Ruins of the quarantine hospital built on the island for coral fishermen and sailors coming back from West Africa. The centrally-located sanitary post was opened in 1807, however, it operated for only 9 years. The returning seamen were isolated in dire conditions on the island’s rocky shores for 40 days to avoid transmitting infectious illnesses such as cholera or plague.
• A Semaphore with a 360° observation point on maritime traffic equipped for transmitting information to ships entering the gulf. It was constructed on a plot of land acquired by the French Navy in 1865 and was used until 1955.
• The Sanguinaires Lighthouse erected in the north of the island on the site of an old Genoese Tower. It is one of the first 5 lighthouses constructed in Corsica. Before its automation in 1985, the phare accommodated guards.

THE BEST TIME TO VISIT ILES SANGUINAIRES

The afternoon and evening hours of the day are the best time to visit the Sanguinaires Islands. Viewed at sunset, the volcanic rock lights up in a kaleidoscope of red hues with the incandescent sun rays casting an amber glow on the rugged terrain.

In the golden hour, the magnificent archipelago takes on an eerie appearance transforming into a mesmerizing, luminous spectacle painted by the elements. A truly unmissable experience not just for couples but anyone willing to witness nature’s hidden wonders.

If you decide to visit the Sanguinaires by day you will not be disappointed either. On a clear sunny day, you can indulge in the quintessentially Mediterranean pleasures of Corsica’s sublime coastal scenery. Perfectly translucent water reveals vivid maritime life with a diversity of endemic species whereas the untamed corners of the islets offer a great opportunity for leisurely summer strolls.

HOW TO VISIT ILES SANGUINAIRES

SHUTTLE SERVICE TO ILES SANGUINAIRES FROM AJACCIO

Several operators run sea shuttle services to Iles Sanguinaires from the ports of Ajaccio and Porticcio.

During your crossing, you will have an opportunity to admire the Citadel of Ajaccio and the 18^th-century Chapel of the Greeks. The vessel will then pass next to the Parata Peninsula with its emblematic Genoese watchtower before docking at Mezza Mare, the biggest island of the archipelago.

The 1-hour long stopover may be used to visit the Lighthouse, the Semaphore, and the ruins of the quarantine hospital once open to the coral fishermen. Remember to bring appropriate hiking footwear to wander around the untainted rocky trails.

Alternatively, you may choose to explore the fascinating seabed of the Sanguinaires. Swimming and snorkelling in the waters around the archipelago gives an immersive view of Corsica’s rich marine life. Rocky access to the sea is best manoeuvred in the protective water shoes.

BOAT TOURS TO ILES SANGUINAIRES

Various maritime operators propose exciting boat tours to Iles Sanguinaires from the port of Ajaccio or Porticcio. The excursions last from 2 to 4 hours and depart at different times of the day.

The offer includes a stopover at the largest Mezza Mare Island, a swimming break, or even a delicious Corsican aperitif accompanied by local wine. Some companies assure live music aboard the vessel as well as a multi-language commentary. 

Depending on the chosen formula and period, the prices of the boat tours oscillate between €35- €65. Tickets may be purchased in advance online with a free 24-hour cancellation and full-refund policy.

Experienced at sunset, a boat trip to the Sanguinaires Islands is an unforgettable entrancing adventure that will allow you to immerse yourself fully in Corsica’s enchanting nature and culture. A great opportunity to create some of the most memorable moments of your vacation.

IMP TIP : small speedboats are not recommended for pregnant women, people with back problems, heart problems, or other serious medical conditions. In case of any of the above, choose a larger craft when booking your sea excursion.

VISITING ILES SANGUINAIRES IN A KAYAK

If you enjoy a sea adventure you may rent a kayak in Ajaccio to paddle to the sublime Sanguinaire Islands. With appropriate adaptations and safety measures in place, this fun activity is accessible to people of different ages and abilities, providing a gentle way to explore the coastline.

According to your preferred timeframe, you can create a custom itinerary including secluded beaches of the shoreline or head straight to the archipelago. Before setting out, check the weather forecast to ensure the waters are calm, bring a hat, swimwear, sunscreen, water and snacks, and comfortable clothing.

Prices start at €20/1h for a double kayak, going up to €90 for a 4-hour use. Participants must be able to swim while children under 3 are not allowed.

ILES SANGUINAIRES ON FOOT – HIKE TO THE MESMERIZING VIEWS OF THE ARCHIPELAGO

Enjoy easy hiking excursions along the scenic trails of the Parata Peninsula with five-star views of Iles Sanguinaires. To witness the sunset, set out in the evening hours but early enough to find your perfect place on the panoramic headland. Remember to bring comfortable shoes to tackle the rocky paths.

Tour de la Parata, a scenic loop of the peninsula is a relaxing 2.7 km long walk that takes around 50 min. It starts on the coastal road by the Parata car park.

As you approach, you will find three options with different difficulty levels to suit everyone’s needs.

• The Coastal Promenade – a 20-minute easy walk along the shores.

• Trail to the Tower – a 12-minute ascent to the best viewing point of the Archipelago where you may stop for a picnic break.

• The Grand Bypass – a sporty 30-minute-long hike along the coastline with some dizzying passages

OTHER ATTRACTIONS IN THE REGION

• Explore Corsica’s capital and the largest town on the island- Ajaccio. Lively and elegant, the birthplace of Napoleon will charm you with numerous historical sites as well as chic café terraces, stylish restaurants, and quirky shops.
• Enjoy a relaxing day at some of the best beaches on the island at Cupabia, Mare E Sole, and Cala d’Orzu.
• Visit ‘A Cupulatta’ one of Europe’s leading centers for turtle research with 170 different species from 5 continents.
• Enjoy a boat trip to the Nature Reserve of Scandola, a scenic highlight of the West Coast and a global benchmark for biodiversity protection. Find and book your perfect sea adventure here.
• Explore the UNESCO-protected dramatic rock formations of Calanches de Piana. One of Corsica’s top natural landmarks may be viewed by car, on foot, or by boat. You may book your ideal boat cruise to the Calanches here.
• Climb the striking Capo d’Orto (1294m) dominating the Gulf of Porto for some of the best views in Corsica.
• Hike the glorious red granite cliffs of the Capu Rossu summit for awe-inspiring panoramas of the emblematic west coast.
• Get away from the hustle and bustle of the coast and enjoy a kayak excursion at the peaceful spot of Tolla Lake at an altitude of 552m.

If you only have one day in Ajaccio – find the best things to do and see.

HELPFUL TRAVEL RESOURCES

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