Golfe de Girolata
Girolata · Porto Natural Regional Park
42°22.1'N 008°37.0'E
Depth
5–12m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
90m
Holding
Good Holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
90m
90m on sandy patches. DONIA required. Scandola reserve boundary N of bay — strict no-anchor zone. Good overall shelter.
About This Anchorage
Golfe de Girolata is one of the wildest and most remote anchorages in the western Mediterranean — the tiny village of Girolata (population ~5 year-round) is accessible only by sea or a 2-hour mountain hike. The surrounding Scandola Peninsula is a UNESCO World Heritage Marine Reserve since 1983 (strictly no anchoring within the reserve). The red porphyry cliffs, endemic Osprey population, and pristine waters make this one of Corsica's most extraordinary settings. One of the highlights of any Corsica circumnavigation.
Protected From
N · NW · NE · W · E
Exposed To
S · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Scandola UNESCO Reserve (N of Girolata): NO anchoring, no fishing, no diving — strictly enforced year-round. Girolata bay: DONIA required. Mooring buoys may be available in season. Check reserve boundaries on SHOM charts.
Hazards
- !Scandola reserve boundary: strictly no anchoring or fishing N of the bay
- !Libeccio (SW) arrives rapidly on W Corsica coast — leave if SW develops
- !Remote location — nearest fuel/provisions 8nm at Porto
Skipper's Tips
- →One of the most spectacular anchorages in France — the Scandola cliffs from water level are extraordinary.
- →Osprey nest on the reserve cliffs — binoculars essential.
- →The restaurant in Girolata village is only accessible from the anchorage — reserve by VHF.
Facilities
One restaurant in Girolata village — fresh fish, Corsican charcuterie.
Nearest provisions: Porto (8nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, September, October
May–October. Remote and wild. Libeccio is the main hazard on the W Corsica coast.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 90m
When the Libeccio arrives at 03:00 with no warning, Safety Anchor Alarm wakes you before your boat reaches the rocks — critical in Corsica's wild bays.
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