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Observation deck · Ajaccio, Córsega
Îles Sanguinaires – Pointe de la Parata
Rocky point at the exit of the Gulf of Ajaccio, with a Genoese tower and views of the Sanguinaires archipelago; it is a Grand Site de France.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Îles Sanguinaires – Pointe de la Parata
The Pointe de la Parata is about 15 km west of Ajaccio's center, at the end of the Route des Sanguinaires. In front of it, four small islets of dark red rock form the Îles Sanguinaires archipelago. The site has held the Grand Site de France designation since 2017 and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
At the top of the point stands the Parata tower, a Genoese tower built in 1550–1551 to watch the sea. A short trail leads close to it. Other trails circle the headland and offer views of the gulf and the coast.
On the largest of the islands, the Grande Sanguinaire, there is an 1870 lighthouse at the highest point and an old semaphore station. The writer Alphonse Daudet described the lighthouse in one of the stories of Letters from My Windmill. The islands are visited on boat trips that depart from the port of Ajaccio in season.
The name Sanguinaires has several explanations. The most repeated refers to the color the rocks tend to take on when the sun sets over the sea. At the site's entrance is the Maison du Grand Site, with visitor information.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours, including the walk up to the tower and the headland trails.
Best time
At dusk, when the light often reddens the islands. In summer, early morning is also good for walking without the heat. Bring a jacket: it can be quite windy on the point.
How to get there
By car, follow the Route des Sanguinaires (D111) from the center, about 25 minutes. There are city buses to the point. In season, boats depart from the port of Ajaccio to circle the islands.
Tip
Wear sneakers: the trail to the tower is short but rocky. The shoreline of the Route des Sanguinaires has several beaches and coves to stop at on the way back.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Îles Sanguinaires – Pointe de la Parata
Can you land on the Îles Sanguinaires?
The islands are seen and circled on boat trips that depart from Ajaccio's port in season, which usually runs from April to October. Check whether the tour you choose stops at Grande Sanguinaire.
How do you get from central Ajaccio to the Pointe de la Parata?
By car, via the Route des Sanguinaires, in about 25 minutes. There is also a local bus to the tip.
Is the trail to the Parata tower difficult?
No. It's short and climbs along a stone path up to near the tower. Wear sneakers and bring water.