Isola delle Bisce Lighthouse

Isola delle Bisce Lighthouse is an active navigational lighthouse standing on a tiny rocky islet in the Strait of Bonifacio, within the La Maddalena archipelago off the coast of Sardinia. It sits just 590 metres from the Capo Ferro Lighthouse and falls administratively under the municipality of Arzachena. Its job is strictly nautical: guiding vessels through the narrow, tricky Canale delle Bisce, one of the trickier stretches of water between Sardinia and Corsica.

How do you get there?

The islet is uninhabited and has no ferry service — this isn't a destination you walk onto, it's a landmark seen from the water. The easiest way to spot the lighthouse is by joining a sailing trip or renting a boat out of Palau, Porto Cervo, or La Maddalena town itself. Several local operators run boat excursions around the archipelago and the Strait of Bonifacio that pass near the Canale delle Bisce, so it's worth asking whether a given tour covers this stretch. Because of strong currents and rocky shallows around the channel, approaching by small boat on your own requires real experience and up-to-date nautical charts.

What will you see?

The lighthouse itself is a modest, functional structure typical of maritime channel markers — its appeal isn't architectural, it's the surroundings. Around it stretches the classic Strait of Bonifacio scenery: wind-smoothed granite rocks, clear turquoise water, and open views toward Corsica on one side and the Sardinian coast on the other. This is a spot where the sea visibly narrows and picks up speed, especially noticeable in stronger winds. For sailors, it's one of those points that sticks in memory more for the character of the water than for the building itself.

What is the Canale delle Bisce, and why does it matter to sailors?

The Canale delle Bisce is the narrow strait between the lighthouse islet and the rest of the archipelago, regarded as one of the more demanding stretches of navigation in this part of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Isola delle Bisce Lighthouse works together with the Capo Ferro Lighthouse as a pair of reference points, helping captains steer clear of submerged rocks and shoals. Experienced sailors and divers value the area for its strong currents and clear water, though it demands caution and respect for local sea conditions.

When should you visit?

The best window for sailing around the Strait of Bonifacio runs from late spring to early autumn (May–October), when weather is stable and the water is warmer and clearer — also good conditions for diving. Summer brings heavier yacht traffic through the archipelago, while spring and autumn tend to be quieter, although wind through this particular channel can be stronger than in the sheltered bays around La Maddalena.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you land on the islet with the lighthouse? The islet is small and uninhabited, and the lighthouse is a purely functional navigational structure — it isn't set up for visitors. The best way to experience it is from the water, on a sailing trip or boat excursion.

How far apart are Isola delle Bisce and Capo Ferro? The two lighthouses stand only about 590 metres apart, which gives a good sense of just how narrow the Canale delle Bisce channel between them really is.

Is diving possible in this area? The Strait of Bonifacio and the waters around the La Maddalena archipelago are popular with divers thanks to clear water and rocky seabeds, but the strong currents in the channel call for experience — it's best to go with local dive schools or guides.

Where's the best place to set off from to see the lighthouse? The closest departure points are Palau and Porto Cervo on the Sardinian mainland, plus La Maddalena town itself, where boat rentals and archipelago cruises are widely available.