South Corsica offers a wealth of attractions to discover during your stay. Beyond the spectacular beaches that promise unforgettable moments with family or friends, this region boasts remarkable monuments worthy of exploration, including the Senetosa lighthouse. While visiting Sartène, you'll be invited to embark on immersive hikes around this lighthouse, walking along a wild coast far from the beaten path.

A brief history of the lighthouse

The construction of Senetosa lighthouse came later compared to Corsica's broader lighthouse program. The building's architecture was designed by Zevaco, an engineer of the period, and work began in 1889. Lit for the first time on May 15, 1892, the lighthouse featured a white light flashing every five seconds. The light was originally powered by mineral oil, then from 1906 onwards, petroleum vapor was used instead. Electrification and automation only began in 1988. Since spring 2008, the Senetosa lighthouse has been unmanned. It should be noted that this was the first lighthouse to come under the responsibility of the Coastal Conservancy at the end of 2011, during the transfer of management of some sixty lighthouses from the State to the conservancy, decided that same year.

The current Senetosa lighthouse

Renovation work has been undertaken by the Coastal Conservancy to achieve the current form of the Senetosa lighthouse. It has thus found a second life. Beyond its primary function of marking the wild shores of the area, the structure has also been converted into a guesthouse capable of accommodating, in incredibly comfortable conditions, more than twenty people not counting tents. To enjoy this accommodation, a reservation is of course necessary.

The Senetosa lighthouse is recognizable by its distinctive form, marked by two cylindrical towers flanking the technical building and the keepers' quarters. Each has its respective function. Indeed, one is designed to support the lantern that produces the white flashing light, while the other features red screens at its summit that project a red sector towards dangerous areas, including Latoniccia point and the Monks' rocks. For reference, a stone tower housing the Monks' light was erected in 1911 on an islet to better ensure the safety of ships passing through the area. This lighthouse is a must-pass for hikers traveling between Tizzano and Cala di Conca or Campomoro. It is one of the last Corsican lighthouses built near the Genoese tower of Senetosa, in a wild and uninhabited region.

What to do while visiting Senetosa lighthouse?

Hiking from Tizzano to Senetosa

Among the popular activities during a stay around Senetosa lighthouse is the beautiful hike from Tizzano. The trails are generally flat, taking only about 4 hours. You can easily reach Senetosa or return to Tizzano, with a swimming stop at the magnificent Cala di Tivedda.

A few years ago, the hike often began near Cala di Tromba. But nowadays, it's preferable to drive to the MurtaSpana parking area to avoid some eroded paths and to stay fairly continuously along the coast. You'll find throughout the route, sometimes marked with blue arrows, beautiful coves, dense maquis, rocky boulders…

Enjoying a panoramic view from Senetosa tower

The Senetosa tower dominates the lighthouse, indeed the entire region from its granite peak. Also undergoing restoration, it offers an exceptional vantage point. You'll take an easily walkable and well-marked trail for approximately 20 minutes. A metal ladder allows you to access inside the structure. Be careful, as some rungs are rusty. Once in the main room, you can take the narrow staircase built into the wall to reach the terrace, where another small staircase leads to the watchtower platform. To reach the top, a stone staircase awaits, opening onto a platform offering superb views. For those prone to vertigo, this is absolutely not recommended.

Learning how the lighthouse operates

During your visit to Senetosa lighthouse, you have the opportunity to learn how the structure functions and explore the grounds. This is possible with guidance from the keepers of the Elisa intercommunal syndicate who can explain the history of this impressive monument. These keepers are sure to remind you of the attitude necessary to preserve the site. Waste produced on the grounds is sorted and removed by the Syndicate, but you take your trash with you if it doesn't go in the composter. Water tanks are available to store water, for energy management purposes. You'll find dry toilets there. Solar panels provide the electricity needed for the refuge.

Venturing to Cala di Tivedda

Whether as part of a hike or not, you can always venture to Cala di Tivedda. This is a superb beach distinguished by an enormous rock situated in the middle of the water. It serves as an excellent refuge for seagulls. Diving enthusiasts will be delighted by its seabeds rich with sea urchins, sea bream, octopus, wrasse and much more. If you head to the back of the beach, you'll be amazed to discover freshwater turtles and dragonflies sheltered by a dead arm of the stream.

Visiting the Genoese tower

You have the opportunity to access the Genoese tower from Senetosa lighthouse by turning right. It only requires a 30-minute walk. This site also contains a refuge, but it is open only during the summer season. Picnic tables are available there.

Practical information to know

Senetosa lighthouse is open from mid-April to mid-October, notably for educational trips. Outside this period, keepers can accommodate reserved groups of visitors of 10 people or more.