Sanguinaires Islands

The Iles Sanguinaires are four islands closing the Gulf of Ajaccio, made of dark rock that takes on a deep red in low evening light, which is the usual explanation of the name. Mezzu Mare, the largest, carries a lighthouse and the ruins of a Genoese tower and an old quarantine station where sailors were held before entering the port. Alphonse Daudet spent time in the lighthouse and wrote about it in Lettres de mon moulin. From the mainland, the Pointe de la Parata with its Genoese tower is the standard sunset viewpoint, reached by road and a short walk, and boats run out from Ajaccio in season.

What you actually see

• The sunset colour - dark rock turning red in low evening light.
• The Parata tower - a Genoese watchtower on the mainland point.
• The lighthouse island - Mezzu Mare with its light and quarantine ruins.
• The Daudet connection - the lighthouse of his Lettres de mon moulin.

When to go

April to October for boats; the sunset from Parata works year-round and is the main draw. Boats cancel in wind. Evenings at Parata are crowded in summer.

Honest expectations

Landing is only possible on Mezzu Mare and only on some trips. The Parata point has limited parking and fills before sunset. There is little shade on the walk out.

Nearby

Ajaccio lies east along the gulf; the west coast road runs north.