The ports of L’Ile Rousse located on the island of the same name, is an important hub for French passenger shipping equipped with a marina that can accommodate 250 vessels, 85 of them for transit. A wide pier about 200 meters long breaks off from the island’s coast in a southeasterly direction, and ferries and cruise ships dock inside. The area reserved for pleasure craft is located southwest of the pier near the area reserved for fishing boats. Larger draft vessels moor on deadbodies inside the pier. In summer when the harbor fills up, mooring is allowed on the outer side of the pier with a depth of 4 meters.
The dock has a fuel station, water and power outlets, 2 slips, slipway, and a 15-ton mobile crane. The town which is about 1 km away offers technical and mechanical assistance, grocery stores, restaurants and hotels.
Landmark in approach is L’Ile Pietra red ochre in colorjoined to the mainland by a dikeOn which stands a lighthouse. In rough sea conditions pass off the islets of Brucciu and Piana located north of the island, paying attention to an unmarked rock located southeast of Piana Island. At night the lighthouse on Ile Pietra shows the course to follow through its white sector.
To enter the port keep to the east of the lighthouse and then aim for the green light at the head of the breakwater and then head for the green light at the marina. During entry maneuvers be careful not to get in the way of merchant vessels maneuvering in the harbor and the transit of incoming and outgoing fishing vessels. The port is sheltered from all winds and is accessible in all weather conditions. Strong Tramontana winds can disturb moorings and the approach to the port. The port is occupied by many sedentary units so maneuvering space is limited. Contact the harbormaster for mooring assignments.
Ile Rousse is a tourist and seaside resort located in the Balagne region. The old town sits on the edge of a wide bay bordered on one side by a white sandy beach lined with a pedestrian promenade and on the other by the red granite peninsula to which it owes its name. The town is also a base from which to explore the region’s hinterland.
In summer in Ile Rousse there is a sea urchin day, a typical local product.