Îles Sanguinaires (Ajaccio)
Les Sanguinaires · Ajaccio island anchorage
41°52.1'N 008°32.3'E
Depth
5–12m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
90m
Holding
Good Holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
90m
90m on sandy patches. Good Maestrale shelter. Open to S/SW (Libeccio). Rock hazards in approach — use chart carefully.
About This Anchorage
The Îles Sanguinaires (Bloodstone Islands) at the mouth of the Gulf of Ajaccio are among the most dramatic offshore anchoring spots in Corsica — dramatic red porphyry rock formations that turn deep crimson at sunset (giving them their name). The main island has a lighthouse and ruins. The anchorage E of the island group gives good Maestrale shelter. Alphonse Daudet wrote his Letters from My Mill here. Napoleon was born in Ajaccio, 8nm E.
Protected From
N · NW · NE · W
Exposed To
S · SW · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Protected natural site — no landing on the islands outside the lighthouse area. DONIA required. Rock hazards in approach — use SHOM charts carefully.
Hazards
- !Rock hazards in approach — careful pilotage required; use SHOM chart
- !Libeccio (SW) arrives with little warning on W Corsica coast — leave if SW forecast
- !Open to S/SW — summer-only overnight
Skipper's Tips
- →The sunset view from the anchorage, with the islands turning blood-red, is one of Corsica's most memorable spectacles.
- →Ajaccio (8nm E) is Corsica's capital — excellent provisioning, Napoleon's birthplace, and fine museums.
Facilities
Nearest provisions: Ajaccio (8nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, September, October
May–October. Daytime anchorage primarily. Leave before Libeccio develops.
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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