Are you travelling to Corsica and looking for a sea and nature excursion? Sail to the Sanguinaires Islands! This archipelago, just a few boatloads from Ajaccio, is made up of 4 magnificent rocky islands that are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. We were charmed by this wild landscape as much as by the ruins that dot the island. Here you can discover beautiful hiking trails, enjoy a refreshing swim or admire the sunsets over Pointe de la Parata.
Here’s our guide to the Sanguinaires Islands: how to get there by boat, what to see in nature and history, and how to get ready.
Our favorite car rental platform: DiscoverCars
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
What to do on the Sanguinaires Islands: essential places to visit
Close to the magnificent town of Ajaccio, the Îles Sanguinaires are one of the best things to do. If you’re planning a visit, here’s what you need to know:
- The boat trip takes between 30 and 40 minutes.
- Several types of tour are available, including cruises and small-group tours. We advise you to buy your tickets online in advance – see offers and availability.
- The boat approaches the main island, Mezzu Mare, where you can swim and stroll.
- Allow 45min to 1h to walk around the island. Beware of the sometimes rough trails, climbs and descents. Wear good shoes!
- There are no white-sand beaches on the island, but there are some lovely little coves. For swimming, we recommend you take water shoes so you can walk on the rocks without injuring yourself.
- You can also discover the archipelago’s coastline on a jet-ski outing – see program and availability.
1. Enjoy the boat trip
The escape begins as soon as you leave port, even before you reach the archipelago! We enjoyed a crossing full of surprises. The boat trip is relatively short, but the scenery is splendid. The view of Ajaccio, including the Citadel and Notre-Dame de l’Assomption Cathedral, left us breathless.
As you sail into the archipelago and taste the sea air, you may be as lucky as we are. Laughing dolphins followed us to the islands, playing with the eddies of the shuttle! Don’t miss out on such an adventure and book your tickets for the boat trip now.
WHERE TO STAY IN Ajaccio
In the city center:
Hotel San Carlu and its panoramic view – see photos and availability
On the western seafront:
Hôtel Les Mouettes and its very pleasant terrace – see photos and availability
Marina side:
Best Western Amirauté Hotel, very practical – see photos and availability
In Porticcio:
Suite Home Hotel near the beach – see photos and availability
See our list of the 12 best hotels in Ajaccio, with our reviews
2. Admire the Genoese Tower of La Parata
The crossing is also an opportunity to admire the Pointe de la Parata, which marks the end of the Gulf of Ajaccio. We gazed out over this green, undulating landscape criss-crossed by numerous hiking trails. Last tongue of land before the Sanguinaires Islands, which follow one another in a row.
On a hill overlooking the archipelago stands the majestic Genoese Tower. Take time to admire this 16th-century building, which once had a sister on the Îles Sanguinaires. We were overwhelmed by the panorama.
3. Marvel at the transparency of the water and the beauty of the coves
As you approach the islands, the ultramarine blue of the sea gradually becomes crystalline. We marvelled at the transparency of the water, revealing a wealth of underwater life! Fish, shellfish and crustaceans dance among the reddish rocks. Why not bring along a mask and snorkel to observe them?
From the deck of the boat, we admired the pretty coves surrounding the islands of the archipelago. Arriving at the main island of Mezzu Mare, the shuttle bus dropped us off at one of the most beautiful islands, and we happily set off to conquer it!
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Corsica
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
4. Hiking the trails of Mezzu Mare Island
Hiking trails wind through the scrubland of the archipelago’s main island. They lead to the island’s various buildings and allow you to walk around them. We let themselves be guided by their ochre color and strolled around the island, following their winding paths.
Whether paved with stones or beaten earth, the island’s paths are ideal for walking. But beware, the island is all relief. We climbed and descended at our own pace for 1 hour. Fortunately, we’d packed good shoes. Do the same if you want to browse the site!
5. Discover the lighthouse
On a hill, the island’s lighthouse rises into the sky and blends with the clouds. We were able to admire it from the boat as well as on the Mezzu Mare island. In the 19th century, it replaced the Genoese tower that was the twin of the one still standing on Pointe de la Parata.
It can be reached via the trails that criss-cross the island. Automated since the end of the 20th century, it cannot be visited. However, we were able to tour the site and imagine ourselves in the shoes of the old lighthouse keepers. The view of the Gulf of Ajaccio is also remarkable.
6. Climb up to the semaphore
On the other side, further south, stands the semaphore. Also on a promontory, it dominates the island with its presence. We took the steep paths up to the building to enjoy the panorama.
We walked around the semaphore and admired the view of the green seascape. Like us, you’ll appreciate the superb natural setting of sea and nature.
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7. Stroll through the ruins of the lazaretto
In the middle of Mezzu Mare island, old stone ruins litter the scrubland. As we rounded a bend in the road, we saw the remains of the old lazaretto. In the past, this building was used to accommodate fishermen when they had to make a quarantine before reaching Corsica.
Today, vegetation is gradually reclaiming its rights. We wandered around the ochre foundations and tried to travel into the island’s past, imagining what the building would have looked like originally.
THINGS TO DO AROUND ajaccio
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8. Pay attention to flora and fauna
The Îles Sanguinaires are a protected natural site, home to a wealth of flora and fauna. Along with Pointe de la Parata, the site is part of the Grands Sites de France network, which protects and enhances natural sites.
The archipelago is home to numerous seabird colonies and over 150 plant species. As you explore the island, you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the rare grey shearwater, herring gull or black-headed gull. We also paid close attention to the vegetation and tried to spot the amazing fly-eating arum!
9. Enjoy a refreshing swim and sunbathe
Finally, why not enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the rocky and pebbly beaches that surround the island? Let yourself be tempted by a refreshing swim after exploring the area. We found the water delicious!
Complement your swim with a moment of idleness. We stretched out on the sun-warmed rocks before rejoining the boat and heading back to Corsica with our heads full of beautiful images.
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Frequently asked questions and practical advice
Is a visit to the Sanguinaires Islands worthwhile?
Yes, without a doubt! In the heart of the Gulf ofAjaccio, one of Corsica’s most beautiful towns, the Sanguinaires islands are well worth a visit. These green jewels are brimming with treasures. We enjoyed the sea crossing, the beauty of the scenery and the walks through the maquis.
The archipelago is also steeped in mystery, as evoked by the ruins dotting Mezzu Mare, the main island. The latter was depicted by the famous writer from the south of France, Alphonse Daudet, in his famous Lettres de mon moulin. Let yourself be transported by the poetry of this archipelago, which has all the attractions of the most beautiful Corsican landscapes!
Why are they called the Sanguinaires Islands?
This fierce French word for blood, which is associated with the islands, has several origins. Could it be due to the crimson color of the rocks at sunset, or the bright red hues of the frankenias, the little flowers that carpet the 4 islands in autumn? Another reason seems possible. The archipelago was named after the coral fishermen known as “sanguinari”, who were quarantined in the Mezzu Mare lazaretto before being allowed to reach Corsica. So many mysteries!
Where are the Sanguinaires Islands?
The Sanguinaires Islands are located in France, next to the Mediterranean island of Corsica.
- In the Gulf of Ajaccio
- Opposite Pointe de la Parata
- 30min boat ride from Ajaccio
- 40min boat ride from Porticcio
How to get there?
To get to the Sanguinaires Archipelago, you’ll need to take a boat. Numerous private shuttles are available to explore the islands and dock at Mezzu Mare, the main island. For example, you can choose between:
- A tasting cruise that allows you to admire the sunset near the islands.
- A small-group escapade via a more exclusive boat trip.
- A more effervescent option with this jet-ski excursion.
Find other offers here.
Best time to visit
We advise you to visit the Îles Sanguinaires outside the summer season if possible. This way, you can avoid the crowds of tourists. In summer, the archipelago is a popular destination. It is therefore particularly busy, especially in the afternoon. The boats are quickly snapped up. We strongly recommend that you book your tickets early!
How long and how difficult is the hike?
Allow 30 to 40 minutes for the boat trip. Once you’ve arrived on Mezzu Mare Island, you can set off on a voyage of discovery. It took us about 1 hour to explore the island. Lovely trails wind through the hilly landscape. Expect some slopes and rocky ground. Remember to bring comfortable walking shoes.
Is there a hotel or restaurant?
There are no restaurants or hotels on the islands, which are uninhabited. But there are plenty of good places to eat in Ajaccio.
- Get in the spirit of the crossing and feast on fish and seafood at Le Poséïdon restaurant-boat!
- Let yourself be tempted by the Restaurant Le Week-end and continue to enjoy the sea view while tasting typical dishes and why not the famous Corsican charcuterie!
As for hotels, here’s a list of the best-rated near the islands. You can also get inspired by our selection of choice hotels in Ajaccio here!
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Corsica
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Where to stay
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