Anchorage

Tour de la Giraglia

Shelter: E
Seabed: sand
Anchoring: Allowed

Sand-bottom anchorage off the islet of Giraglia at the northern tip of Cap Corse, 1.2 NM north of Barcaggio.

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Only usable in settled westerly weather, sheltered from the east alone. Open to the prevailing libeccio and to the swell wrapping round the cape. Strong tidal stream runs through the Bouches de la Giraglia between the islet and the cape. Leave at the first sign of wind shift.

Practical

No facilities on the islet. Barcaggio, a small pebble cove with seasonal moorings, lies 1.2 NM south. Centuri, a small fishing harbour, 4.3 NM SW on the west coast.

Ashore

Landing on Giraglia is restricted: the islet belongs to the Conservatoire du littoral and hosts a Natura 2000 site for seabirds, including Cory's shearwater colonies.

History

The Genoese tower of Giraglia dates from 1584 and the lighthouse from 1848. The Rolex Giraglia offshore race, run since 1953, rounds the islet as its course mark.