The Sanguinaires Islands

Speculation about the origins of the name

Many speculations circulate about the origin of the term "Sanguinaires" islands. For some, the name is due to the color of the rocks at sunset, for others to the color of the flowers, which turn red as the seasons change.
Two other plausible explanations intensify the mystery:

• "Sagonares insulae" was the name given to the archipelago in the 14th century, literally "the islands that announce Sagone" (Gulf of Sagone with its seaside resorts).
• In the 19th century, coral fishermen were called "Sanguinarie", and before they could reach the mainland, they were quarantined in the lazaretto on the largest island.

Geology

The archipelago of the Sanguinaires Islands is of volcanic origin, composed of dark "diorite" rock and light "monzonitic granite" rock. It's this rich soil that makes for a highly diverse flora.

Fauna and flora

In terms of Corsican fauna on the Sanguinaires Islands, several endemic species can be observed. It is also the breeding ground for many bird species:

• yellow-legged gull
• grey shearwater
• black-headed gull
• Audwin's gull
• cormorant

As for the Corsican flora of the Sanguinaires Islands, over 150 plant species can be found on Mezzu Mare, the largest of the islands.

Must visits on the Sanguinaires Islands

On Mezzu Mare, there are several buildings and relics from the time of the island's occupation:

• The Castelluccio tower, also known as "the square tower". Located at the southernmost tip of the island, it had a defensive function.
• Remains of the Lazaret built in 1807. Located on the central part of the island, this lazaret was used by coral fisherman under rather precarious conditions.
  They stayed there in quarantine for 40 days to make sure they weren't carriers of diseases such as plague or cholera.
• Sanguinaires Lihthouse, also known as the "Alphonse Daudet's Lighthouse", is the first of 5 lighthouses installed on the Corsican coast.
  It was built in the north of the island, on the site of an ancient Genoese tower (the "Sanguinara di Mare"), it housed keepers until it was automated in 1985.
• Mezzu Mare Semaphore, built in 1865, offers a 360° view of the entrance to the Gulf of Ajaccio.

Boat excursions

Many boat excursions are available from Ajaccio and Porticcio for the day. Shuttle buses also run hourly trips from the Parata Peninsula. This allows you to make the crossing in an hour, then stay on the island as long as you like before returning with the shuttle back.

On your boat trip, you'll discover among other things:

• Tino Rossi's Villa.
• The Greek Chapel (made available to the Greek shepherds who had taken refuge in Ajaccio).
• The Genoese Tower of Parata.

Watch the sunset

Finally, whether from the Parata Peninsula or on Mezzu Mare, we highly recommend watching the sunset. The Islands then take on a splendid red color and the spectacle is breathtaking.