Sanguinaires Islands

SANGUINAIRES ISLANDS

One of the most touristic sites in Corsica is the archipelago of the Sanguinaires Islands, in Southern Corsica, close to Ajaccio. This site has been referenced in Corsica tourist guidebooks since the 19th century and is a source of pride for the city of Ajaccio.

Introduction to the site

4 red porphyry islands sit just 1 km from Ajaccio, facing the Parata Peninsula. The archipelago of the Sanguinaires Islands is Natura 2000-listed as a result of the wealth of its fauna and flora. Among the 4 islands, there is:

• Mezzu Mare: also known as Grande Sanguinaire
• Isolotto: island of the Cormorants
• Cala d’Alga
• Porri

SPECULATION ABOUT THE ORIGINS OF THE NAME

Several assumptions exist about the origin of the word "Sanguinaires". For some, this name is because of the colour the rocks take on at sunset, for others, it's because of the colour of the flowers which become red as the seasons change.
Other plausible explanations deepen this mystery even more:

• "Sagonares insulae" is said to be the name given to the archipelago in the 14th century, i.e. "the islands that herald Sagone" (Gulf of Sagone with its seaside resorts).
• In the 19th century, coral fishermen were called "Sanguinarie", and before they could go back to dry land, they had to quarantine in the lazaretto on the largest island.

GEOLOGY

The archipelago of the Sanguinaires Islands is volcanic, composed of dark "diorite" rock and light-coloured "monzonite granite" rock. Its soil is fertile which means it is home to a wide array of flora.

THE FAUNA AND FLORA

Several endemic species of Corsican fauna are established on the Sanguinaires Islands. The archipelago is also a breeding site for many species of birds:

As regards the Corsican flora on the Sanguinaires Islands, over 150 plant species are found on Mezzu Mare, the largest of the islands.

MUST VISITS ON THE SANGUINAIRES ISLANDS

On Mezzu Mare, several buildings and vestiges remain from the time the island was occupied:

• Castelluccio Tower, also known as the "square tower". It's located at the southern tip of the island and played a defensive role.
• Remains of the lazaretto built in 1807. This lazaretto, located in the centre of the island, was used by coral fisherman under rather precarious conditions.
  They would stay here in quarantine for 40 days to make sure they were not carrying or suffering from diseases such as the plague or cholera.
• Sanguinaires Lighthouse, also known as "Alphonse Daudet's Lighthouse", is the first of 5 lighthouses along Corsica's coasts.
  It was built at the north end of the island, on the site of a former Genoese tower ("Sanguinara di Mare"), and lighthouse keepers lived there until it was automated in 1985.
• Mezzu Mare Semaphore, built in 1865, offers a 360° vista over the entrance to the Gulf of Ajaccio.

Parata Peninsula boasts Parata Tower, also known as the "Genoese Tower". It is one of the 90 Genoese towers that were built to defend Corsica from barbarian invasions.

MUST-DOS ON THE SANGUINAIRES ISLANDS

You can discover the Sanguinaires Islands of Corsica in various ways, such as a guided tour, by hiking or on a bike.

Hiking on the Sanguinaires Islands

The Sanguinaires Islands boast several hiking trails of varying levels of difficulty. To start off, you can go from Ajaccio to Parata Peninsula by car, via the D111 coastal road. Then, take the trail to the headland beside the Genoese tower to admire the islands in the distance.
Here is a list of other hiking trails ranging from easy to more difficult:

• The Promenade around the coastline, 20 min.
• Access to the tower, 12 min. Careful, there's a steep incline.
• The "Grand contournement" (the big alternative), 30 min. The trail is dotted with dizzying sections.

Trips on land and at sea

You can also discover the Sanguinaires Islands in a highly-original way:

• On a bike.
• By jet ski, with a 1h15 diving session on-site.

Boat trips

Spend the day on a boat with one of the many boat trips on offer that leave from Ajaccio and Porticcio. And, every hour, shuttles can take you to the islands from Parata Peninsula. Like this, you can make the crossing in an hour, then stay on the island as much as you wish before taking another shuttle back.
Among the sites you'll discover on your boat trip:

• Tino Rossi's villa.
• The Greek Chapel (made available to the Greek shepherds who had taken refuge in Ajaccio).
• Parata Genoese Tower.

Watch the sun setting.

And, talking about the sun setting, it's a must-do, whether you choose to watch it from Parata Peninsula or on Mezzu Mare Island. The islands take on an incredible red colour and the natural show is just out of this world.