For the Sanguinaires Islands, three areas stand out. Ajaccio's old town is closest to Tino Rossi harbour, where the boats leave, and to the museums. The Sanguinaires road puts you near the beaches and La Parata (11 km from the centre), handy for sunset. Porticcio, on the gulf's south shore 20 km away, has its own boat departures to the archipelago. Camping is not allowed on the islands.
Key facts
- Old town: walk to Tino Rossi harbour, museums, restaurants.
- Sanguinaires road: beaches and La Parata close by, bus line 5.
- Porticcio: south shore, 20 km and 23 min from Ajaccio, its own boat departures.
- Airport: 11 km from central Ajaccio.
The areas
| Area | To Tino Rossi harbour | To La Parata | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ajaccio old town | on foot | 11.6 km, 19 min | taking the boat and seeing the town |
| Sanguinaires road | depends on the address | depends on the address (the road is 11 km long) | beach and sunset |
| Porticcio | 20 km by road | not calculated | south shore, its own boat departures |
Driving times calculated with OpenStreetMap from Place Foch.
The old town
Staying in the centre lets you walk to Tino Rossi harbour, where the boat trips leave, and to the town’s museums (see things to do in Ajaccio). The airport is 11 km away. In the evening, bus line 5 runs to La Parata from Place de Gaulle.
The Sanguinaires road
Accommodation on the Sanguinaires road sits between the beaches and La Parata: ideal for the sunset without driving back from town.
Porticcio
On the south shore, Porticcio faces Ajaccio across the gulf. Nave Va has a departure point there for its Sanguinaires trips.
Book a trip
Trips to book from where you stay
PopularMagic Sanguinaires Sunset from Ajaccio/Porticcio : Aperitif2.5 - 3 hours★ 4.8 (1646 reviews)from €50Check availability
Ajaccio: Local Food Tour with Tastings3 hours★ 4.9 (188 reviews)from €62Check availability
PopularFrom Ajaccio: Sanguinaires Islands Boat Trip With Aperitif2.5 hours★ 4.7 (885 reviews)from €50Check availability
"From" prices checked on 9 November 2026 and may have changed.
Affiliate links: IlesSanguinaires.com earns a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. "Show live prices" loads the GetYourGuide module, which sets its own cookies (learn more (in French)).
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to stay in central Ajaccio or on the Sanguinaires road?
The centre if you want to take the boat and see the town on foot; the Sanguinaires road if you prefer the beach and sunsets at La Parata.
Can you stay overnight on the Sanguinaires Islands?
No, there is no accommodation on the islands and the site is protected (Natura 2000). Campervans may only park in the daytime at the La Parata car park.
Sources
Information checked against the sources below. Timetables and prices change: confirm before you go.
- OSRM on OpenStreetMap, driving times from Ajaccio, accessed 9 November 2026
- Grand Site of the Sanguinaires Islands, parking: campervans by day (in French), accessed 9 November 2026
- Grand Site, getting there: bus line 5, shuttles (in French), accessed 9 November 2026
- Nave Va, departures from Ajaccio and Porticcio (in French), accessed 9 November 2026
