How to Visit Pointe de la Parata & The Iles Sanguinaires Viewpoint

Clifftops and tower views on Corsica’s wild coast

Just a short drive from Ajaccio, the Pointe de la Parata peninsula offers amazing views of Corsica’s west coast.

From here, you get a clear, uninterrupted view of the picturesque rocky islands called Iles Sanguinaires.

This is a popular spot for walking or hiking with well-marked trails that wind along the coast and up to the old Genoese tower.

We visited Pointe de la Parata on a sunny Wednesday in April with clear skies. Perfect for a hike!

Whether you’re here for a short hike, a peaceful break from the city or simply to take in the sea air and scenery, the Pointe de la Parata is a coastal walk well worth it.

In this travel guide to Pointe de la Parata near Ajaccio, we’ll tell you why you should visit, how to get there and our best tips for walking the coastal trails and catching the view of the Iles Sanguinaires.

Where to stay near Pointe de la Parata:

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• Luxury: Hôtel Restaurant Dolce Vita – 4-star beachfront hotel with air-conditioned sea-view rooms and a swimming pool.
• Value for money: Hotel La Parata – Beachfront hotel just 6 minutes from Pointe de la Parata.
• Value for money: Hôtel La Pinède – 3-star hotel with modern rooms, a pool, beach access and just 10 minutes from Pointe de la Parata.

Search for the best hotels in Ajaccio here.

Why visit Pointe de la Parata

Pointe de la Parata offers one of the best nature experiences near Ajaccio in South Corsica. And it might also be one of the most beautiful places in Corsica.

The dramatic coastline, varied walking trails, stunning views and a hint of history make the peninsula a must-visit in our opinion.

Along the trail, you’ll be treated to beautiful views of the small rocky islands known as the Iles Sanguinaires.

At the top of the hill, the old Genoese tower is not only fascinating to see but also a perfect spot for photos!

Pointe de la Parata is a lovely contrast to the city – and accessible for all ages and fitness levels.

PS: If you’re flying into Napoleon Bonaparte Airport in Ajaccio, you might even catch a glimpse of Pointe de la Parata from the air.

Where is Pointe de la Parata?

Pointe de la Parata is located on the western coast of Corsica, just a short distance from Ajaccio.

It’s part of the beautiful bay Golfe d’Ajaccio.

It sits at the tip of a rugged headland and has great views of the Iles Sanguinaires – a small group of islands that lie about 5 kilometres (~ 3 miles) offshore.

The area is characterised by its wild natural landscape with cliffs, Mediterranean scrub and crystal-clear waters.

What to expect of Pointe de la Parata

From the car park to the coast

You can’t drive all the way to Pointe de la Parata, so your walk will begin at Parking des Iles Sanguinaires.

From there, a nice, paved road stretches along the coast, leading to a restaurant called Brasserie des Sanguinaires.

This easy 10-minute walk is suitable for almost anyone and offers lovely views, making it a worthwhile visit even if you don’t go on any further hikes.

Along the way, you’ll see the Parata Tower and the Iles Sanguinaires in the distance.

Hiking the loop around the tower

If you’re ready for a bit more of a challenge, take the gravelled trail that loops around the tower.

The path is not stroller- or wheelchair-friendly, but it still remains an easy hike for most.

Heading clockwise (left) around the tower, the trail offers great coastal views and leads you towards the Iles Sanguinaires Viewpoint after 5-10 minutes.

The viewpoint provides stunning ocean views, a sign with information about the islands and a place to rest.

Options for the return

From the viewpoint, you can either turn back the way you came – a good option for anyone uneasy with heights or not quite up for more challenging terrain – or continue the loop.

The rest of the trail becomes a bit more exposed, including some stairs and uneven sections.

We think it’s worth continuing for those looking for a bit more adventure!

The Parata Tower

You can’t miss the Parata Tower as you walk along the coast – it stands out as a striking focal point along the trail.

In French, the tower at Pointe de la Parata is called Tour de la Parata or Tour Génoise de la Parata.

Built by the Genoese in the 16th century, it was part of a network of coastal fortifications designed to defend Corsica from pirates.

It’s not in the best condition today, but the Parata Tower remains a fascinating glimpse into the island’s history (and it still looks great in pictures).

As you start your hike, the 12-metre-tall (~ 39 feet) tower is visible in the distance.

You can choose to walk in a loop around it (as described above) or tackle the relatively steep path that leads you to the top.

Sitting at an elevation of 55 metres (~ 180 feet), the tower offers a great vantage point with a panoramic view of the coastline, the Iles Sanguinaires and the Mediterranean.

How accessible is the hike?

The first part of the walk, along the paved road from Parking des Iles Sanguinaires to the Brasserie des Sanguinaires, is accessible for both strollers and wheelchairs, making it an easy and pleasant route for families or those with mobility challenges.

Unfortunately, the trails that follow after the restaurant are not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.

They are unpaved and uneven in places, with some stairs and rocky sections, so they might be challenging for anyone with limited mobility.

We brought our toddler along, and he enjoyed walking some of the trail on his own.

However, for the steeper sections in the second half of the loop, we felt more comfortable carrying him.

Dogs are welcome on the trails, but they must be kept on a leash at all times.

Our experience at Pointe de la Parata

We visited Pointe de la Parata on a sunny Wednesday in early April just before lunch with Victoria’s mother and our 19-month-old son.

The weather was perfect, and we parked at the free parking spot a little further down the road from Parking des Iles Sanguinaires.

From there, we began our walk, taking the paved road along the coast. The path was easygoing with stunning views of the sea and the Iles Sanguinaires. Once we reached the restaurant, we continued on the gravel loop trail around the tower.

Along the way, we made a detour up to the Parata Tower itself to take in the view from the top. The sight of the rocky islands and the Mediterranean was well worth the climb!

After that, we took a break at the Iles Sanguinaires Viewpoint.

Victoria’s mother found the second part of the loop a bit too exposed for her liking, but we all made it back safe and sound.

With a toddler in tow, the hike took us around 1.5 to 2 hours with plenty of photo stops, time to rest and several moments spent crouching down to let our little one admire the rocks and the lizards.

Without a little one with short legs, the walk could easily be done in 45 minutes to an hour from the parking and back.

Practical information about Pointe de la Parata

Opening times

Pointe de la Parata and its trails are open 24/7.

The nearby information centre Maison du Grand Site, located close to the parking area, is open year-round:

• January, February and March: 8:00 to 17:00
• April: 8:00 to 18:00.
• May and June: 8:00 to 18:30
• July and August: 8:00 to 19:00
• September and October: 8:00 to 18:30
• November and December: 8:00 to 17:00
• Exceptional closure: 25 and 31 December

The free public toilets are accessible during the opening hours of the Maison du Grand Site.

Inside the information centre, you’ll find an exhibition showcasing the local animal and plant species that thrive in the area.

Note: We found the opening hours on their website. It’s a good idea to check in advance if you want to be certain (in case they change).

Price

It’s free to visit Pointe de la Parata!

If you drive, you might have to pay for parking, though. More on that below.

How to get to Pointe de la Parata

It’s relatively easy to reach Pointe de la Parata from Ajaccio. Here are a few options.

By car

To get to Pointe de la Parata from Ajaccio by car, head west out of the city and follow the D111 (also known as Rte des Sanguinaires) along the scenic coastline.

It’s about 11-12 kilometres (around 7 miles) from the city centre, which takes roughly 20 minutes by car.

The drive offers stunning coastal views, and as you approach, you’ll start to spot the dramatic landscape of the Pointe de la Parata and the Iles Sanguinaires in the distance.

An alternative route from Ajaccio is following D11B through the winding valley. It’s hillier, but the final descent towards the coast is stunning.

Parking

When visiting Pointe de la Parata, you’ll find parking at Parking des Iles Sanguinaires, located just a short walk from the start of the trail.

The parking lot has five different-sized spaces (P1 to P5) plus a designated area for buses.

One downside is that you need to pay for parking in advance. The longer the parking period, the cheaper the rate per hour.

It wasn’t entirely clear to us whether the parking was free during the off-season or at certain times of the day, but we’ve heard that it’s free after 19:30 – perfect for catching the sunset in the summer months.

If you’d rather avoid the paid parking altogether, there’s also the option of free parking further down the road. It’s located a bit further back from the main lot.

This is what we opted for during our visit as we couldn’t get the automated pay station to work.

By bus

To get to Pointe de la Parata by public transport, you can take the bus line 5 from Place de Gaulle towards Parata. The trip takes around 40 minutes.

See prices here (in French).

By tourist train

You can also hop on the scenic tourist train, Le Petit Train d’Ajaccio, which runs two different routes departing from Place Foch.

One of them is the Iles Sanguinaires Route (Le Circuit Iles Sanguinaires), which takes you through the city centre, the old town and along the beautiful coastal road to the Iles Sanguinaires.

The full tour lasts around 1 hour and 40 minutes and includes a brief 10-minute stop at the Iles Sanguinaires. It’s not enough time for a proper hike, but it’s a fun and comfortable way to enjoy the views.

You can read more about the tourist train and prices on their website.

On a guided tour

Another option is to see Ajaccio on a guided open-top bus tour.

You’ll pass several highlights in town and enjoy the scenic coastal road before stopping for 20-30 minutes at Pointe de la Parata, where you can take in panoramic views of the Iles Sanguinaires and the Gulf of Ajaccio.

The tour departs from Square Foch. Have a look at the guided tour below.

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Explore the Iles Sanguinaires by sea

If you’d like to visit the Iles Sanguinaires or see them from the sea, several local operators offer boat trips from Ajaccio.

Some tours include a stop at Mezzu Mare (the largest of the islands) where you can go for a short hike or take a dip in the sea.

Sunset cruises are also popular and definitely on our wishlist (perhaps once bedtime for our toddler isn’t right in the middle of it!).

Keep in mind that schedules can be more limited in the winter months, so it’s a good idea to check availability ahead of time. We’ve listed a few options below.

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When to visit Pointe de la Parata

Time of day

Mornings and late afternoons are ideal times to visit Pointe de la Parata if you’re hoping to take great photos.

The mornings are usually quieter with fewer people and cooler temperatures. In summer, it’s also a good way to avoid the harsh midday sun. During the rest of the year, it’s comfortable to visit throughout the day.

We were there just before lunchtime, and if we may say so ourselves, our photos turned out pretty good despite it not being the absolute best time to visit Pointe de la Parata.

Since the peninsula faces west, it’s also a fantastic spot to watch the sunset – we can only imagine how magical the landscape and the islands must look in that light. If you stay out late and walk back after sunset, it’s a good idea to bring a torch.

Seasons

Pointe de la Parata is a destination that can be enjoyed year-round. There are some differences to the seasons, though.

Spring (April to May)

Spring brings mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers, creating a picturesque setting for hikes. The trails are less crowded. We visited in early April and had perfect weather for hiking.​

Summer (June to August)

The summer months are the warmest and attract the most visitors (like the rest of Corsica). Early morning or late afternoon visits are advisable to avoid the midday heat and crowds. Remember to stay hydrated and wear sun protection.​

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn offers cooler temperatures and fewer tourists, making it an excellent time for hiking.

Winter (December to March)

Winter is the quietest season in Corsica, with cooler temperatures and occasional rain. The natural beauty of the area remains and still offers a quiet spot for anyone looking to get away from the city and enjoy nature.

Where to stay near Pointe de la Parata

Most visitors to South Corsica tend to stay in Ajaccio (the island’s capital) or along the stunning coastline.

If you’re looking to stay near Pointe de la Parata, you’ll be pleased to find a variety of excellent accommodation options nearby.

Search for the best hotels in Ajaccio here (adlink).

Luxury: Hôtel Restaurant Dolce Vita

Hôtel Restaurant Dolce Vita is a 4-star beachfront hotel located along the scenic Route des Sanguinaires in Ajaccio, offering panoramic views of the Iles Sanguinaires and the Gulf of Ajaccio.

Guests can enjoy a private beach just 200 metres from the hotel, a heated swimming pool, wifi, air-conditioned rooms and terraces or balconies with sea views.

Their on-site restaurant has received excellent reviews (and so has the hotel).

Check prices and availability at Hôtel Restaurant Dolce Vita (adlink).

Value for money: Hotel La Parata

One of the closest hotels to Pointe de la Parata is Hotel La Parata, just a 6-minute drive away.

The hotel offers simple yet comfortable rooms, each with a private balcony overlooking the sea.

Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a private beach area, a swimming pool, wifi and complimentary parking.

Check prices and availability at Hotel La Parata (adlink).

Value for money: Hôtel La Pinède

Located between the sea and the mountains, Hôtel La Pinède is a 3-star hotel just a 10-minute drive from Pointe de la Parata.

The hotel offers modern rooms with air conditioning, wifi and private terraces.

After a hike, you can relax by the shared swimming pool, enjoy the garden and have direct access to the beach. There’s even a small gym.

Though the hotel doesn’t have an on-site restaurant, there are several beachside dining options nearby. Free parking is available.

Check prices and availability at Hôtel La Pinède (adlink).

What to bring to Pointe de la Parata

• A good camera – here’s a guide to the gear we use.
• Sun protection if you hike during the day. Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses are great as there’s little shade.
• Comfortable shoes like hiking shoes, sneakers or sturdy sandals. The main path is paved, but the loop around the tower has gravel.
• Layers. The wind can make it feel cooler, especially in late autumn, winter and early spring.
• Water and snacks. Especially if you’re visiting in warmer months. There’s no water available along the trail.
• Torch or headlamp if you plan to stay until after sunset.
• Travel insurance. Never travel without it!

You might be interested in:What’s in Our Camera Bag? Lightweight Photography Gear for High-Quality Travel Content What camera, drone and accessories we use to capture life on the road Read more

Sustainable travel tips

To minimise your impact on Pointe de la Parata, follow these guidelines:

• Bring your own drinking water in a refillable bottle.
• Avoid single-use plastics.
• Dispose of waste properly or take it back with you.
• Stick to marked trails. Protect the local vegetation and prevent erosion by staying on the paths.
• Take only photos, leave only footprints.
• Respect wildlife. If you’re lucky enough to spot lizards, birds or other animals, observe them quietly and don’t feed them.

Thanks for reading

Thanks for reading our travel guide to Pointe de la Parata. We hope it has been helpful!

What do you think about the coastal views and the Iles Sanguinaires Viewpoint?

If you’ve been to Pointe de la Parata in Corsica, it would be awesome to hear your best tips and tricks.

If you haven’t been yet, please don’t hesitate to ask us anything in the comments. We’re happy to help.