Did you plan to travel to Corsica? So don’t miss visiting the Sanguinary Islands near Ajaccio!
At the entrance of the Gulf of Ajaccio to the West there is a archipelago of 4 islets classified: the archipelago of the Sanguinaires, or Sanguinarii in Corsica. The four islands are called Mezu Mare (or Grande Sanguinaire), the Cormorans (or Isolotto), Cala d’Alga and Porri (31 metres high only), in addition to the bare rock U Sbiru located between the isola di Porri and the island of Cormorans. Composed of magmatic rocks with dark colours, the name of the islands would come from the bloody reflection of the purple rays of sunset on its rocks or the colour of frankenia, small plants with pink flowers whose leaves veer to bright red in autumn. Today classified as Site Natura 2000, they are real havens of peace for many endemic species in Corsica. They are thus part of the natural and cultural heritage of Ajaccio.
Do you want to discover them during your trip to Corsica? To help you, we devour everything you need to know to visit the Sanguinary Islands near Ajaccio.
History of the Sanguinary Islands
Photo credit: Shutterstock / beboy
Located south of Corsica, the Sanguinary Islands were long uninhabited. In charge of mysteries, the only information about them comes from stories of travelers. The most famous is that of Alphonse Daudet which evoke in "The letters of my mill" traces of life in these wild and fierce islands.
In fact, the most notable human presence dates back to the 16th century when the Genoese build a tower in the current lighthouse. Mezu Mare , the Great Sanguinary, also became a health post in 1806 when a lazaret ( quarantine space to fight the plague) was built for the returning coral fishermen of Africa. Later, in 1865, a semaphore – a combat post – was put into service before being disarmed in 1955.
The current lighthouse was built in 1870 to 80 metres above sea level. Also known as the Gulf of Ajaccio lighthouse, it was automated in 1985, which also marks the departure of the last resident of the island.
Today classified and protected, the islands were purchased by a real estate company in 1959. It planned to lot the islets and open them to tourism. Fortunately for the local species, the Leucophinated Goeland and the Puffin, the archipelago was bought by the General Council of Corsica in 1973, which then protected it. The Sanguinary Islands possess a rich flora: nearly 150 rare and endemic species! Such diversity is usually rare on such a surface.
Travellers who would like to visit the Sanguinary Islands can enjoy pristine spaces and sublime landscapes on the Gulf of Ajaccio, the tip of Parrata, but also admire the particular fauna and flora of the archipelago.
What to see and do in the Sanguinary Islands?
Photo credit: Shutterstock / beboy
The Gulf of Ajaccio
It is not a secret for anyone: the Sanguinary Islands are among the immanquable to do in Corsica and Ajaccio. Fortunately for travellers, many boat companies offer to visit the Sanguinary Islands but also some treasures of the Gulf of Ajaccio. Generally, a tour will take you along the Corsican coast to the west of the city.
You will pass in front of the house Tino Rossi born in the region, as well as in front of the Greek Chapel. Along the coast you arrive near the Pointe de la Parrata and can admire its emblematic Genoese Tower. Built in 1608, it dominates the region since its high observation point. She served, like her former neighbour of the Sanguinary Islands, to prevent the arrival of Barbarian pirates and invaders.
The Great Sanguinary
The tour will then continue with the main attraction: the visit of the Sanguinary Islands. Frequently, you will go to the main island of Mezzu Mare , also named Grande Sanguinaire. Enjoy this moment to visit the lighthouse and climb to its summit, from where you will enjoy an incredible view of the Gulf of Ajaccio, the other islands and the tip of the Parrata far!
You can also explore the surrounding area, discover the ruins of the lazaret or to observe the many endemic marine bird species. Do not hesitate to choose a tour with a guide, which can teach you more about the fauna and flora of the Sanguinary Islands. It will also lead you to the most beautiful places and will be able to learn more about the hidden secrets of the islets.
Wildlife and flora
Before you go back to Ajaccio, don't miss swimming in the crystal clear waters of the Sanguinary Islands and giving you to the snorkeling to discover the fabulous seabed of the archipelago.
The sunsets
We also recommend you choose a tour that leaves the islands at nightfall. You will thus have the opportunity to admire one of the famous sunsets Sanguinary Islands. It is an enchanting moment, with these sunlights lying on the island’s magmatic rocks!
The Genoese Tower of Parrata
To discover the Sanguinary Islands from another angle, you can also choose to walk the Genoa Tower of Parrata. For this, you just need to take the coastal road (D111) to the tip of the same name. A large parking lot awaits you on arrival and you can then follow the short path to the promontory to enjoy incredible views of the Sanguinary Islands.
You can also climb up to the Genoa Tower, however access to the tower has a strong denial ! The best moments for this visit are obviously the end of the day, when the sun sets and ensangling both the sky and the islands, but also the agitated sea days. On these occasions, waves breaking on the rocks of the islands allow spectacular photos!
How to go to the Sanguinary Islands?
By boat
As previously stated, it is easy to visit the Sanguinary Islands near Ajaccio. To observe them from afar, you can opt for one hiking At the tip of the Parrata. To crowd the ground, however, you will have to book a excursion by boat . Tours usually start from port Tino Rossi to Ajaccio , some may also start elsewhere, as in the dock of fishermen to Point of Parrata .
Rent a boat in Ajaccio for the Sanguinary Islands
Note that some excursions, especially guided tours of the islands, include a stop of only One hour on the main island of the Sanguinary Islands. It is however possible to find excursions that offer several crossings throughout the day (often every hour). You can thus visit and discover the Sanguinary Islands as you like before borrowing one of the back crossings, or even the last to enjoy the colors of the sunset.
In jet-ski
You can also choose to visit the Sanguinaires islands in jet ski! If you like strong sensations, a jet ski hike can be an excellent activity.
Rates of excursions to the Sanguinary Islands
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Jacques VANNI
The price of boat trips generally oscillates between 15€ and 60€ depending on the services on board, type of cruise, route and period. Regardless of your choice, it is recommended to book your excursion in advance (online or not) to benefit from the best prices and avoid disappointments on the same day. Also, it is not uncommon, especially in the summer, that excursions are complete some days or that prices rise up.
BON A LEARN
- Many companies do not propose time restriction for the arrest in the Sanguinary Islands. Returns are possible every hour, even if the weather can change these times.
- ♪ pets are not always accepted on boats going to the Sanguinary Islands.
- In case of agitated sea, it is possible that the crossing or excursion is cancelled. In these cases, a new date or a refund is frequently offered.
- Because the Sanguinary Islands are a protected site, it is necessary to respect local fauna and flora.
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