- Shelter
- NW, N, NE, W, E, SE
- Seabed
- sand, algae
- Anchoring
- Allowed
Anchorage in the bay of Girolata on the west coast of Corsica, within the Scandola nature reserve, classified as UNESCO World Heritage since 1983.
- Mooring buoys
- Visitor buoys
- Pontoon
- Beach
Guide
Approach and anchoring
Approach from the SW, rounding the Punta Rossa. Sand and posidonia patches on the bottom, hold the anchor clear of seagrass beds which are protected. Bay open to the SW, where swell can enter in strong westerlies. VHF 9.
Practical
About 30 mooring places on sand and algae, managed by the Parc naturel régional de Corse. The hamlet of Girolata has no road access. Nearest shelters: Port de Girolata 0.1 NM NW and Galéria 4.2 NM N.
Ashore
Sentier du Facteur footpath links Girolata to the Col de la Croix in about 2 hours, the only land access used by the postman until recently. The Scandola reserve, accessible by boat only, hosts ospreys and Mediterranean red coral colonies.
History
The Genoese watchtower overlooking the bay was built in 1551 to guard against Barbary raids and is still standing on its rocky promontory.
Story
Girolata is one of the very few inhabited villages in France that cannot be reached by car, only by boat or by footpath.
Key facts
- Type
- Anchorage
- Coordinates
- 42.34819, 8.61511 (42°20.89'N 8°36.91'E)
- Country
- France
- Shelter
- Sheltered from north-west, north, north-east, west, east, south-east winds
- Seabed
- sand, algae
- Anchoring
- Allowed
- Maximum length
- 20 m
- Fees
- Paid
- VHF channel
- 9
- Phone
- +33495500252
- Services
- Mooring buoys, Visitor buoys, Pontoon, Beach
- Boaters' rating
- 4.5/5
- Updated
- July 7, 2026
Getting there
Girolata lies at 42°20.89'N 8°36.91'E, that is 42.34819, 8.61511 in decimal degrees. Call the harbour on VHF channel 9 before entering.
Boaters' reviews
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Write a reviewFrequently asked questions
Which winds is Girolata sheltered from?
Girolata is sheltered from north-west, north, north-east, west, east, south-east winds.
Can you anchor at Girolata?
Yes, anchoring is allowed at Girolata.
What boat length does Girolata accept?
Girolata accepts boats up to 20 m.
Which VHF channel for Girolata?
Girolata answers on VHF channel 9.
How do boaters rate Girolata?
Girolata is rated 4.5/5 by boaters on BoatMap.
Explore the region
- France
- Corsica
- North Brittany
- South Brittany
- Normandy
- Atlantic coast
- Languedoc-Roussillon
- Provence and Côte d'Azur
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