The Sanguinaires Islands in Ajaccio
The Sanguinaires Islands
The Sanguinaires Islands form an archipelago that appears to extend the Ajaccian coast. The main islet (Mezu Mare) is crowned by the Sanguinaires Lighthouse and a semaphore. The Parata Point - a quasi-island topped by its eponymous tower - at the end of Ajaccio, offers the best vantage point to observe the Sanguinaires Islands, which are themselves inaccessible and protected under the Natura 2000 zone.
Origin of the Name
There are several hypotheses attempting to explain the adjective "sanguinaires". It is attributed to the blood-red color of the rocks at sunset reflected by the waves on this western facade, or to the reddish covering given by the flora on the islets. However, it could just as well derive from the name given by the Bishopric of Sagone, isule sagonarie, close to the expression Sagonares insulae found on a 1595 map of Corsica, which means: "the islands that announce Sagone", an imposing city of the time.
Watching the Sunset
As soon as dusk sets in, the charm operates through a play of lights between the sky and the sea, with colors differing each day. The Parata Point offers a unique viewpoint, yet you can be close to the waves' sound breaking on the rocks, or gain height by taking the staircase that leads to the Parata Tower. which is situated approximately 60 meters above the waters.
No matter the season, the point where the sun sets always flirts with the Sanguinaires Islands, offering a splendid landscape. A moment conducive to escape, imagination, and romance, it gives the impression of leaving one world for another, a feeling amplified by being at the end of the Isle of Beauty on this unique road that does not loop, through which one arrives and departs, a rarity in Corsica worth noting.
Stroll at the Parata
The Parata Point - atop which stands its Genoese tower - is frequented year-round, visited by families, couples, and friends. The road is paved and pedestrian-friendly, thus closed to vehicular traffic, allowing visitors to walk leisurely, run, walk their dogs, bike, or skate, with ample space available.
Parking - Little Train
Its large parking lot can accommodate several hundred cars in addition to the bus parking area and roadside parking on peak days.
A little train operates in season, enabling groups of elderly people to travel without fatigue, leading to the Parata restaurant, which is open only in the summer.
From the parking lot to the small square preceding the peninsula, it takes about 10 minutes to walk, and an additional 5 minutes to cover the last 400 meters that will take you to the tip of the Parata Point where tourist signage is found.
Easy to access and located 20 minutes from the Ajaccio maritime station in the late afternoon, the Sanguinaires often constitute the final destination for vacationers who find a last source of inspiration here a few hours before boarding the boat. A site frequented by both travelers and locals, in summer and winter alike.
The Four Islets of the Sanguinaires
The Sanguinaires Islands are rather four islets, currently classified from the farthest to the closest to the coastline:
| Islet | Length | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mezu Mare | 1.34 km | The Sanguinaires Islands would not exist without this islet on which the lighthouse and the semaphore are built; it is the largest and the furthest offshore of the four islets. |
| Cala d'Alga | 165 m | This islet is separated by only a few meters from Mezu Mare. |
| Isolotto | 135 m | The smallest of the four islets, it is barely larger than a football field. |
| Porri | 171 m | This islet is the closest to the coastline. |
Storm at the Sanguinaires Islands
Video and photos of a storm in Ajaccio on October 28, 2012, taken at the Sanguinaires Islands.
The Customs Officers' Path
This hiking trail requires water and hiking boots, allowing one to connect the Parata to the beach of Capo di Feno by following the coast in about an hour, offering very beautiful viewpoints. The Customs Officers' Path was once used to warn of danger and monitor the coast. A beach hut at the very beginning of the route provides refreshment in the summer, culminating at the beach of Capo. Learn more about the Customs Officers' Path in Ajaccio.
