Giraglia

Island Small Corsican islet with historic lighthouse

Small islet off northern Corsica with a lighthouse and rocky shoreline; sailors know the area for the Giraglia regatta and for coastal navigation marks.

Giraglia is a small rocky islet off the northern tip of Cap Corse in northern Corsica, France, known for its lighthouse and maritime location.

The islet functions as a navigational marker and is associated with offshore sailing routes and yacht racing in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

It is uninhabited and visited primarily by passing vessels rather than as a regular tourist landing.

Giraglia lies a short distance offshore from Cap Corse in the Haute-Corse department of Corsica, north of the main island’s headland.

Nautical use: Serves as a navigational marker off Cap Corse and is a waypoint for offshore sailing events.
Sailing event: Often cited as the turning or navigational point associated with the Giraglia Rolex Cup yacht race.

What to See #

Lighthouse: A small maritime lighthouse installed on the rock to aid navigation off the northern tip of Cap Corse.

How to Get to Giraglia #

Giraglia is visible from northern Corsican ports such as Saint-Florent and Bastia. The islet is reached only by private boat; tours rarely land owing to protected status and navigation hazards. Sailors participating in regional regattas include it as a course marker.

Tips for Visiting Giraglia #

Boat trips past the islet are short; check captains' schedules in Bastia or Saint-Florent.
The lighthouse on Giraglia is automated-landings are generally not permitted without authorization.
Photographers should favor late afternoon for warm light on the rock.