Name and Location

Phare de Pertusato, also known as Cap Pertusato Lighthouse, is located in Bonifacio, Corse-du-Sud, Corsica, France. The address is Route Sans Nom, 20169 Bonifacio, Corse-du-Sud, Corsica, France. The coordinates are 41°22′03″ N, 9°11′04″ E (decimal 41.3675139, 9.1844276), and the Plus Code is 959M+2Q Bonifacio, France.

2. Construction and History

Phare de Pertusato was constructed in 1844 by the French lighthouse administration (Corps des Ponts et Chaussées). It has been fully automated and unmanned since the late 20th century, operating continuously as part of France’s national network of maritime beacons.

3. Architecture and Materials

The Phare de Pertusato is a mid-19th-century classical masonry lighthouse with a tower height of 23 meters (75 feet) above its base and a focal height of 100 meters (328 feet) above sea level. The materials used are local limestone for the tower and stuccoed white exterior.

4. Light and Navigation

The light characteristic is Group flashing, two white flashes every 10 seconds (Fl (2) W 10s). The sequence detail is flash 0.1 s + dark 2.4 s + flash 0.1 s + dark 7.4 s. The range is 25 nautical miles (46 km), and it covers the approach from Sardinia and western Corsican coast.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

The site access is open to walkers by a short coastal path from the southern ramparts of Bonifacio or by a 4×4 track. However, the tower access is closed to the public (no internal tours). Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Strait of Bonifacio, Lavezzi Islands, Sardinian coast, and dramatic white limestone cliffs.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The Phare de Pertusato offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the Bonifacio old town and citadel to the north, Réserve Naturelle des Bouches de Bonifacio (marine protected area), Îles Lavezzi (boat trips at Bonifacio harbor), and hiking opportunities along the Sentier des Douaniers.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

According to local legend, mariners once spoke of a “phantom red glow” on moonless nights, attributed to a long-ago keeper. Although not verified, this story adds to the lighthouse's mystique and charm.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The Phare de Pertusato is managed by the Service des phares et balises (Ministère de la Transition écologique et solidaire). It is fully automated and monitored remotely. There are no installed AIS/Radar on the tower itself, but standard Navigational Aids are available.

9. Further Information

For more information, please refer to the Ministère de la Transition écologique et solidaire – Service des phares et balises annual bulletin, Saint-Hilaire's Corsican Lighthouses: History & Architecture (speculative title), NGA Light List Volume I, Pub. 113 (2010-10-22), and OpenStreetMap way/97565230.