[4] The sheer cliff faces are interrupted by many grottoes and the gulf itself contains numerous sea stacks, islets, and coves.

The littoral zone is dominated by sea lavender, and all 450 species of marine algae known in the Mediterranean have been recorded along the Gulf.

[5] Toward the end of the Middle Ages, the gulf area was under the lordship of the Leca, one of the Cinarchesi [fr] noble houses.

[6] During the second half of the 16th century, Barbary corsairs regularly assaulted the Corsican coast, prompting the construction of a number of coastal defenses collectively referred to as the Genoese towers in Corsica.

During this time, Genoan authorities developed a policy of concessions, leading in particular to the establishment in Cargèse of a Greek colony which caused tension with the surrounding population.

[7] In his travel account Une excursion en Corse, published in 1891, Prince Roland Bonaparte described the area as one of Corsica's most beautiful natural places.