Ajaccio has a rich historical heritage . The famous French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, whom you’ve probably heard of, was born on these lands. You’ll have plenty of time to follow in his footsteps as you explore the city. Between the Maison Bonaparte, the Palais Fesch and the Quartier des Étrangers, you’ll find it everywhere!
Ajaccio is also a lively port city. From the port, we had a choice of many excursions, each more magical than the last. Head for the Sanguinaires islands for those who love the great outdoors, and for those who stay on the quayside, the central market is just around the corner! As food lovers, we were delighted to discover local specialities to the delight of our taste buds.
In this article, we give you 12 ideas for the best things to do in Ajaccio that will appeal to young and old alike. Next, you’ll find some bonus activities to keep you busy during a longer stay. So let’s take a plunge into the city…
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices, and paying all our bills in full.
The best things to do in Ajaccio
Before revealing all our ideas for things to do and see in Ajaccio, here’s a short video to give you an initial impression.
1. The Bonaparte House
Why visit the Maison Bonaparte?
The house was classified as a historic monument and became a national museum in 1967.
The Maison Bonaparte museum is a must-see during your stay in Ajaccio. Indeed, the town is deeply marked by its history with the emperor. Napoleon was born here on August 15, 1769, and lived here with his family.
What’s more, the museum is beautiful. From a purely aesthetic point of view, you’ll succumb to the wealth of paintings, sculptures and decorative elements on display in the various rooms.
At last, we discovered a side of Napoleon we didn’t know, one that isn’t told in history textbooks!
What you will see
Our visit to the museum introduced us to the parents and governess of the young Napoleon. The tour begins on the second floor, where paintings, sculptures and other works of art relating to Napoleon’s childhood and youth are on display. With the help of an audio guide, we retraced his youth and his last visit to Ajaccio in 1799.
On the second floor, the rooms are decorated according to the wishes of Letizia, his mother. Here you’ll see some of the finest furniture purchased in 1796. Madame Mère’s drawing room is particularly admirable. Following the direction of the tour, you’ll also pass through the study of Napoleon’s father, the birth room, the dining room, the gallery, etc. Several other rooms are dedicated to the Napoleonic legend, featuring historical objects such as paintings, books and sculptures.
Finally, we ended our visit with a visit to the cellars, which contain a variety of agricultural artefacts linked to the Bonapartes’ past as landowners. Among other things, we discovered a reconstructed oil mill.
How much time to allow
We recommend you allow 1h30 to 2h for the visit to the Maison Bonaparte. If you’re an avid reader, you’ll certainly need to allow 2 hours, as there are plenty of informative panels. If you’ve taken the audioguide, the visit is quicker, but you’ll still need to allow at least 1 hour.
More information on Maison Bonaparte
The museum is open every day except Monday:
- October 1 to March 31: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm (last entry 12 pm) and 1:15 pm to 4:30 pm (last entry 4 pm),
- April 1 to September 30: 10am to 12:30pm (last entry 12pm) and 1:15pm to 5:30pm (last entry 5pm).
As far as ticket prices are concerned, you have to count:
- Full price: €7,
- Reduced rate: €5 (non-EU residents aged 18 to 25, members of large families on presentation of valid proof),
- Free admission for EU residents under 26.
You’ll soon be able to read all about our experience at the Maison Bonaparte in Ajaccio!
2. The Palais Fesch and its imperial chapel
Why visit the Palais Fesch?
As we entered the Palais Fesch, we were taken aback by the grandeur of the monument. The north wing houses Ajaccio’s municipal library, which we’ll mention later in this article, while the south wing houses the imperial chapel.
The Palais Fesch, also known as the Musée des Beaux-Arts d’Ajaccio, is one of the city’s major cultural and artistic landmarks. It houses three major collections: Italian painting from the 14th to 18th centuries, the Napoleonic Empire and Corsican painters. Art lovers will be impressed by the beauty of the Italian paintings: from hunting scenes to still lifes, portraits and more. A real feast for the eyes!
For history buffs, the museum devotes an entire floor to the Cardinal Fesch collection, which includes a plethora of portraits of members of the Bonaparte family. As you can see, the story of Napoleon’s life plays a key role! You’ll also discover the tombs of the principal members of the imperial family in the imperial chapel.
What you will see
The tour is divided into 5 stages:
- 2nd floor: Italian paintings dating from the 14th to 17th centuries,
- 1st floor: Italian paintings from the 16th to 18th centuries,
- Ground floor: the Napoleonic department,
- Ground floor: Corsican paintings,
- Imperial chapel: imperial tombs.
You’ll discover mostly paintings, but also statues and various historical objects (medallions, clocks, etc.).
How much time to allow
We recommend that you allow between 1h30 and 2h for the visit to the Palais Fesch, which includes the museum and the imperial chapel. It also depends on your level of interest in the various works on display. For lovers of Italian and Corsican painting, or Napoleon worshippers, the visit can easily be extended.
Further information on the Palais Fesch
As mentioned above, the palace comprises three separate buildings: the museum, the library and the chapel. A visit to the Imperial Chapel is included in the price of the museum ticket between May 1 and October 31, 2023. You have to count:
- Full price: €8,
- Reduced rate: €5 (students and over-65s).
Opening hours:
- From November 1 to April 30, the museum is open daily from 9am to 5pm,
- From May 1 to October 31, the museum is open daily from 9:15 am to 6 pm,
- Closed from January 1 to 16, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Coming soon, our complete article with tips and pictures on the Palais Fesch in Ajaccio!
WHERE TO STAY IN Ajaccio
In the city center:
Hotel San Carlu and its panoramic view – see photos and availability
On the western seafront:
Hôtel Les Mouettes and its very pleasant terrace – see photos and availability
Marina side:
Best Western Amirauté Hotel, very practical – see photos and availability
In Porticcio:
Suite Home Hotel near the beach – see photos and availability
See our list of the 12 best hotels in Ajaccio, with our reviews
3. Ajaccio municipal library and heritage room
Why visit the Ajaccio library?
The municipal library is located in the north wing of the Palais Fesch. It’s a superb building, inside and out. It owes its renown to its heritage room, which concentrates 3 types of content: the old stock, the legal deposit and the contemporary study stock. The old stock is very rich, with a total of 20,000 books.
We recommend you stop by. Ajaccio’s library is well worth a visit, as it’s a majestic place that takes us back into the distant past. Come and enjoy the central table and the antique books adorning the walls!
What you will see
The Fesch heritage library contains priceless treasures:
- Among the older collections: 29 incunabula (books printed in the early days of printing before the 15th century), 218 manuscripts written between the 16th and 20th centuries, 67 old books on Corsican history, etc.
- The Bonaparte collection: over 3,000 books dedicated to Napoleon and his family.
- Legal printing deposit: the library is required to keep every book published on the island for preservation and study.
How much time to allow
A visit to the heritage library can be a quick affair if you don’t take the time to wander around the heritage room and consult the books. In this case, you can count on just 20 minutes. On the other hand, if you’re passionate about antiquarian books, you’ll need 45min to 1h.
More information on the Ajaccio library
Ajaccio’s municipal library is currently being renovated. If you’d like to visit, we recommend you consult the official website in advance.
Admission is free.
Find out more about our tips for visiting the Ajaccio library!
4. Ajaccio harbour and citadel
Why visit the port of Ajaccio?
The Tino Rossi marina is very lively. It is home to numerous shops, ice-cream parlours, restaurants and bars. You’ll also find a wide range of sea excursions on offer.
We recommend taking a stroll around the harbor and continuing on to the breakwater. As it is high up, it offers an unobstructed view of the harbor.
Afterwards, you can extend your stroll by walking to the citadel. It has been under renovation since 2021, but is open to the public. Inside the building, you’ll find a summer guinguette, craft stores and art projects.
What you will see
First, we strolled along the quays to enjoy the superb view of the marina.
On our way, we passed bars and restaurants overlooking the harbor, then walked towards the breakwater. We were pleasantly surprised by the restaurant Le Poséidon, which has a special feature. Installed directly on a boat!
To extend our stroll, we went as far as the citadel to discover the interior of the heritage site.
How much time to allow
We recommend you allow 1 hour for this walk, which includes the port, the sea wall and the citadel. If you’re stopping off for a drink along the harbor quays, or at the guinguette in the citadel, you’ll need to budget more.
More information on the port of Ajaccio
The port of Ajaccio also welcomes huge ferries. We were struck by the sheer size of these boats! Tourists disembarking from these ferries have a direct impact on port traffic.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Corsica
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
5. Discover the Sanguinaires Islands
Why visit the Sanguinaires Islands?
The archipelago of the Sanguinaires Islands is made up of 4 small islands, the main one being Mezu Mare. It houses a semaphore, which can be accessed once you’ve docked on the island. From the islands, there’s an incredible view of the Pointe de la Parata and its Genoese tower.
In fact, the flora and fauna of the archipelago are unique. The islands are inhabited only by seabirds: gulls, shearwaters, gulls and more. As far as vegetation is concerned, it’s possible to observe up to 150 different species on Mezu Mare. The most famous of these is the arum mange-mouche, also known as the little dragon eater.
The Sanguinaires Islands are also renowned for their mysterious history. In Les lettres de mon moulin, Alphonse Daudet evokes the presence of human life on these wild islands. In the 16th century, men built a Genoese tower on the site of the Mezu Mare lighthouse. In 1806, the island became a sanitary center for coral fishermen returning from Africa.
What you will see
On the archipelago of the Sanguinaires Islands, you’ll be able to observe:
- Local flora and fauna,
- The semaphore at Mezu Mare,
- The view of the Parata site,
- The sea and its transparent water.
How much time to allow
To reach the Sanguinaires islands, we took a sea excursion from Ajaccio. We recommend this activity, which generally lasts between 3 and 4 hours.
Book your tour now to make sure you don’t miss out on this unique experience!
More information on the Sanguinaires Islands
The Sanguinaires islands can be visited at dusk. Several sea excursions offer twilight outings. In fact, the scenery is breathtaking when the sun goes down. We highly recommend this memorable experience!
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6. Go as far as Pointe de la Parata
Why go all the way to the Parata site?
The Pointe de la Parata is a must-see during your stay in Ajaccio. We enjoyed an extraordinary view of the Sanguinaires Islands from the peninsula. Indeed, the Grand Site des îles Sanguinaires et de la pointe de la Parata was awarded the Grand Site de France label in 2017. And we think it’s richly deserved!
Criss-crossed by many hiking trails, the Parata peninsula is an exceptional natural area shaped by wind and sea. The vegetation is lush and the scenery breathtaking. For those who love walking, we climbed up to the Genoese tower of La Parata. We then left the path to get closer to the sea. What a pleasure to hear the lapping of water against rock!
A little tip for sunset lovers: the Pointe de la Parata is an incredible spot where you can take your most beautiful shots at dusk!
What you will see
From the pointe de la Parata, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Sanguinaires islands. You can also enjoy the Genoese tower, the local flora and fauna, and of course the sea!
How much time to allow
We recommend you allow 1 hour for the tour of Parata. Download the full tour on the official Ajaccio Tourist Office website.
More information on Pointe de la Parata
There are 4 ways to reach the Parata site:
- By car: 25 minutes from Ajaccio, easy access paid parking.
- By Muvistrada bus: route n°5 Place de Gaulle / Parata.
- By train from Ajaccio.
- Bus tour.
Enjoy a privileged view of the Grand Site de la Parata from a cruise boat!
7. Tour the Ajaccio market
Why visit the Ajaccio market?
The Ajaccio market is the ideal place to discover Corsican gastronomic specialties. It’s close to the Tino Rossi marina and Place Foch. Gourmets will love this gourmet hall!
We loved wandering among the stalls of local specialities, and smelling the aromas of Corsican charcuterie and cheese. The smell of Corsica permeates the market. Sheltered by the covered market, a number of traders offer quality, handcrafted products. Weather permitting, the market also extends outdoors.
What you will see
Under the gourmet hall:
- The fishmonger’s, which welcomes local fishermen,
- Delicatessens,
- A cheese factory,
- A wine merchant,
- A pastry shop,
- A roaster.
Following on from these stands, you’ll find other Corsican producers outside the hall.
How much time to allow
For those of you with a sweet tooth, a visit to the market can quickly drag on as you stroll past a tempting stall. We recommend you allow 45 minutes to take in the smells from the stalls and taste the local specialities.
Alternatively, a complete tour of the market can be done in just 20 to 25 minutes for the fastest.
More information on the Ajaccio market
If you’d like to visit the Ajaccio market, market days are as follows: Tuesday to Sunday between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m., and Mondays only during the summer months.
The food market is complemented by a fairground market on Saturday and Sunday mornings. You’ll find clothes and costume jewelry.
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8. Town Hall and statue of Napoleon
Why go to Place Foch?
Place Foch is at the heart of life in Ajaccio. Located close to the marina, it is home to Ajaccio Town Hall and the statue of Napoleon. The esplanade is lined with palm trees, and serves as the departure point for the little train we’ll be talking about later in this article. If you take the time to observe the buildings that frame the square, you’ll get a taste of the local architecture.
In the upper part of the square, the white marble statue of Napoleon stands proudly, facing the sea. At its feet, you’ll find a fountain with four granite lions guarding the surrounding area.
Now head back down towards the harbour, where you’ll come across a large pink-toned building. This is the Hôtel de Ville, in which the Napoleonic salon (which is unfortunately rarely accessible to the public) is hidden.
What you will see
Take a look at the Place Foch:
- The statue of Napoleon as a Roman consul, by Italian sculptor Massimiliano Laboureur, stands on a pedestal adorned with allegorical figures.
- Ajaccio Town Hall and its colorful touch.
- Opening onto the marina and its dynamic neighborhood.
- The departure of the little train from Ajaccio.
- Restaurants and shops, including the Palmiers bookshop.
How much time to allow
We recommend that you allow 20min for a tour of the square and its points of interest. City Hall is not easily accessible, but if you have the opportunity to enter it, you’ll need to allow more time.
More information on the Napoleon statue
The statue atop Place Foch was unveiled on May 5, 1850. It pays tribute to the famous Napoleon Bonaparte. It was part of the collection of Cardinal Fesch, who bequeathed it to his native town in his will. This sculpture, dedicated to the emperor, is a must-see when visiting Ajaccio!
9. The foreigners’ quarter
Why visit the Quartier des Étrangers?
The Quartier des Étrangers was built in the 19th century to welcome the first tourists to Ajaccio. Along the way, we came across some beautiful period buildings and former luxury hotels. Today, these monuments are used for housing or offices. No worries for the historians among you, you’re bound to meet the famous Corsican emperor several times along the way!
Direction Place du Diamant, also known as Place de Gaulle, which is the starting point for the walk. A statue of Napoleon on horseback stands proudly. Take the time to walk around the esplanade, where a view of Ajaccio Bay can be seen. As you stroll along, you’ll never cease to be amazed by the architecture of the Ajaccio period, so keep your eyes peeled!
We recommend downloading the itinerary directly from the official Ajaccio tourist office website . The tour is great for families, couples or even individuals!
What you will see
Along the way, the Foreigners’ Quarter offers many surprises:
- The statue of Napoleon in Place de Gaulle,
- The Lycée Fesch,
- Cours Grandval,
- Le Grand Hôtel,
- Château Conti,
- The Cyrnos palace,
- The Anglican Church,
- The great monument to Napoleon.
How much time to allow
We recommend you allow 1h to 1h30 to visit the Foreigners’ Quarter in its entirety. There are several benches along the way, so it’s possible to take frequent breaks. Note, however, that the circuit is gently sloping at the start and steeper towards the end. There’s also a staircase at Place d’Austerlitz to climb to the top of the monument to Napoleon.
More information on the Foreigners district
The Foreigners’ Quarter is best visited in fine weather. There’s no possibility of covering up in the rain, but the walk is well worth it! During your walk, you’ll have the chance to soak up Ajaccio’s atmosphere and discover the two main historic arteries in the city center.
THINGS TO DO AROUND ajaccio
Discover all our articles on the region:
10. Ajaccio Cathedral
Why visit Ajaccio Cathedral?
Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Cathedral is located in the old town. This religious building, whose architecture forms a Latin cross, faces the sea. The cathedral, the highest point of the Piazza Maria Teresa, stands out for its ochre color and Baroque character.
Classified as a historic monument since October 30, 1906, it now belongs to the Collectivité Territoriale de Corse. From the outside, the church appears relatively sober, without too much decoration. And yet, when we entered the building, we discovered a baroque universe in stark contrast to the exterior.
Once inside, a multitude of details are waiting to be discovered. We recommend that you enter the cathedral – it’s inside that the magic happens!
What you will see
Once inside Ajaccio Cathedral, you’ll be able to take in the sights:
- The impressive view of the nave,
- The marble baptistery on which Napoleon was baptized,
- The organ built by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll in 1846,
- The high altar was donated in 1811 by Princess Elisa Bacchiochi, Grand Duchess of Tuscany,
- The little chapel of the Madonna del Pianto,
- Eugène Delacroix’s painting Triomphe de la religion ou Vierge au Sacré-Cœur,
- The side chapel dedicated to the Virgin of Mercy,
- Notre-Dame du Rosaire chapel, etc.
How much time to allow
We recommend setting aside around 30 minutes to visit the cathedral. The visit can be extended if you have a particular interest in religious buildings.
More about Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Cathedral
Ajaccio Cathedral is open every day from 8.30am to 11.30am and 2.30pm to 5.45pm, except Sunday afternoons. Please note that visits are not possible during religious services.
11. Sea excursions from Ajaccio
Why take a sea excursion from Ajaccio?
The Tino Rossi marina offers a wide range of sea excursions. They are among Ajaccio’s top attractions. Indeed, Ajaccio and Porticcio are two ideal departure points for sea outings.
Take advantage of this unique experience to appreciate the richness of Corsica’s landscapes! From the sea, the view of the land is incredible, and the water quality is top-notch whatever excursion you choose. You’ll also have the chance to stop off at some exceptional swimming spots!
What you will see
There are different types of excursions from Ajaccio, depending on your tastes. Here is our selection:
- Cruises to the Scandola reserve and the calanques de Piana – see photos, details and availability,
- Sea excursions to Bonifacio – see photos, details and availability.
Book your tickets here quickly to avoid missing out on the excursion of your dreams!
How much time to allow
It all depends on the excursion you choose, so plan accordingly. It can be the whole day, or between 2h30 and 4h.
More information on excursions
Sea excursions from Ajaccio are very popular. We particularly enjoyed our experience, which combined land and sea. Day trips often include a 1 or 2-hour stopover on land.
12. Visit Ajaccio’s beaches
Why visit Ajaccio’s beaches?
Ajaccio is a very popular seaside resort, especially during the summer season. Indeed, the quality of the water makes the town a great place to swim, not to mention the Corsican weather. What’s more, sea temperatures can reach 23.7°C in midsummer!
Located mostly outside the city center, Ajaccio’s beaches are particularly popular with tourists. Whether you’re more interested in wild beaches or not, you’ll find what you’re looking for in the surrounding area!
What you will see
There are several beaches within easy reach of Ajaccio town center:
- Plage Saint-François: a small beach right in the center of town, ideal for sunbathing without taking the car.
- Trottel Beach: 2nd closest beach to the city center, perfect for relaxing for a few hours.
- Barbicaghja beach: small, pleasant beach easily accessible by car, parking spaces along the road.
- Terre Sacrée beach: beautiful beach topped by the Terre Sacrée milestone, with views of the Sanguinaires islands.
- Capo di Feno beach: large sandy beach with crystal-clear water, renowned surfing spot.
- Porticcio beach: large beach accessible by sea shuttle from Ajaccio harbor.
Look out for our dedicated articles on each of Ajaccio’s beaches!
How much time to allow
Depending on your aspirations, you can easily spend a few hours, half a day or even a whole day on one of Ajaccio’s beaches.
More information on Ajaccio beaches
With the exception of the small Plage Saint-François and Plage Trottel in downtown Ajaccio, we recommend that you have a car for easier access to the beaches. Most of them are quite far from the Ajaccio conurbation.
If you opt for a sea excursion departing from Ajaccio, it’s very common for the program to include stopovers in secret coves or beaches!
Don’t wait any longer and book your cruise from Ajaccio!
There are a number of hikes that provide access to unspoilt beaches, including the “sentier des douaniers” from La Parata, which leads to Capo di Feno beach. Once again, we recommend that you have a car at your disposal, as you must first drive to La Parata (25 minutes from downtown Ajaccio) to access this circuit.
HOW TO GET TO Corsica
Option 1: by ferry
Departure from France and Italy
- See all ferry options in our article
- Compare schedules, prices and availability directly
Advantage: you can take your car!
Option 2: by plane
Airports in Bastia, to visit the North, Figari to visit the South, or Ajaccio convenient for all Corsica.
Compare flights!
Best things to do in Ajaccio: other ideas
Ajaccio’s little train
For those of you who want to visit the town without walking too much, we recommend the little Ajaccio train. It’s a fun way to discover the city without getting too tired. There are two different itineraries: the Imperial City tour and the Sanguinaires Islands tour. For more information, visit the official website.
You can also take the little train from Grosseto-Prugna overlooking the Bay of Ajaccio. During this 2-hour tour, you’ll discover the Corsican coastline with the help of an audioguide, and finish your tour with a wine tasting.
Don’t waste any time and book your train ride here!
Ajaccio bus tour
There’s another option for getting around walking: the Ajaccio Vision bus tour. If you love heights, you’ll love this experience! The bus is double-decker, with a sunroof offering a 360° view of the imperial city. It’s a fun and enjoyable way to discover Ajaccio. Two tours are available, lasting either 55min or 1h30.
Book your bus tour before it sells out!
Visit a cutlery factory
During your stay in Ajaccio, we recommend a visit to a cutlery factory. Knives are part of the know-how of Corsican craftsmen and enjoy a solid reputation.
L’Atelier du Couteau is located near Place Foch and offers unique knives with a lifetime guarantee, as well as other handcrafted items. Famous cutlery makers such as Alexandre Missouri, Bertrand Filhol and Jean François Deak, among others, are represented in the store.
Discover the Naporama Museum
Looking for something to do with your children in Ajaccio? Look no further, we’ve got the answer! The little ones will fall under the spell of the Naporama playmobil museum, which tells the story of Napoleon’s life. Games have been set up for children, and famous playmobils such as Scoobydoo and Maléfique are hidden in certain scenes. Adults too will enjoy this entertaining and enriching experience. We highly recommend it!
The museum is really small, as it’s run by an association. Admission costs €4 in cash only. The receptionist also takes care of giving guided tours, depending on the number of visitors at any given time. We recommend that you come at quieter times of the year to take full advantage of its explanations. For more information, visit their official website.
Going to a soccer match
For soccer fans, what could be better than attending an ACA match? AC Ajaccio frequently plays at the Stade François Coty outside Ajaccio city center. Don’t miss the chance to witness a unique sporting event in Corsica! Check out their official website in advance to plan your visit and watch a match live.
What to do near Ajaccio
Visit the city of turtles: A Cupulatta
Why not take a family turtle-watching trip? A Cupulatta, also known as the City of Turtles, is a 2.5-hectare natural site home to 170 species and over 3,000 animals. The park aims to protect and safeguard the turtles, offering them optimal conditions for reproduction and a peaceful life. We loved exploring the reserve and discovering the unique specimens!
Reserve your ticket to avoid queuing!
Canyoning
If you’re a thrill-seeker, we recommend canyoning during your stay in Ajaccio. Throughout southern Corsica, you have access to several canyoning spots more or less secluded inland. Our canyoning trip had a profound effect on our trip to Corsica. There’s nothing like a bit of adrenaline in an exceptional setting!
Depending on the time of year you come, canyoning trips are more or less frequent. We went in low season, so it was harder to book a slot. However, the canyon was full of water! During the summer months, water can be scarce.
- Canyoning initiation in Pulischellu – see pictures, details and availability
- Complete canyoning experience in Pulischellu – see details and availability
- Or sport canyoning in Purcaraccia – see details and availability
- Via Ferrata near Porto_Vecchio – see photos, details and availability
- Sea kayaking near Propriano (west coast) – see pictures, details and availability
- Sea kayaking under the cliffs of Bonifacio – see pictures, details and availability
Discover Capo di Feno: a wild natural area
Capo di Feno is a vast natural area on the outskirts of the Ajaccio conurbation. Comprising a cape and a beach, the site has been Natura 2000 protected since 2011. We loved discovering this wild place! From the Grand Site de la Parata parking lot, it’s a 2h30 round-trip walk along the customs path.
Capo di Feno beach is particularly renowned as a great surfing spot. It is very extensive, with white sand and translucent water. But in reality, there are two beaches separated by a field: the more touristy Grand Capo and the lesser-known Petit Capo. From the beach, we had a breathtaking view of the Sanguinaires Islands! However, the only downside is that this natural beach can sometimes be laden with algae.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Corsica
Inspiration destinations
Best of
- The most beautiful beaches of Corsica
- The most beautiful villages of Corsica
- The most beautiful cities of Corsica
- The most beautiful destinations in Corsica
- The museums of Corsica
- Hidden gems in Corsica
- The most beautiful natural pools
- What to do in North Corsica
- Best things to do in South Corsica
- Canyoning in Corsica
Where to stay
Practical tips and map: Ajaccio, Corsica, France
Where is Ajaccio?
Ajaccio is located in southern Corsica between Grosseto-Prugna and Sarrola-Carpopino.
How to get there
Ajaccio is easily accessible by plane, as the city has its own airport located about 15 minutes from the center. We recommend that you bring your own vehicle to visit Corsica. It’s easy to rent a car from the airport.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Corsica
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
You can also opt for the ferry, which allows you to bring your own car. However, we have to bear in mind that round-trip travel times will be drastically lengthened. There are several ferry companies landing at Ajaccio, the best known of which is Corsica Linea.
Tips for visiting Ajaccio?
To visit the vibrant heart of Ajaccio, i.e. the city center, it’s best to get around on foot or by bus. The whole area is easily accessible on foot, as most points of interest are grouped close together.
However, it’s best to have a car if you want to get out of the center. Ajaccio’s most interesting beaches are further from the town. Ajaccio is very spread out. For reference, the Capi Di Feno nature reserve is a 30-minute drive from the urban area.
Generally speaking, we’d tend to recommend the car as the preferred means of transport for getting around Corsica.
Ajaccio in 1 day
What if you only had 1 day on site?
- In the morning: take a tour of the harbor, cross the citadel, then Saint-François beach, and finish with a visit to Ajaccio Cathedral.
- Lunch break: picnic on the beach, or take advantage of the excellent on-site catering. Among our selection: restaurant Le Saint Pierre, restaurant Le petit restaurant and restaurant A Nepita.
- In the afternoon: visit the Palais Fesch and choose between the Maison Bonaparte or the Quartier des Étrangers, while taking time to stroll through Ajaccio’s colorful alleyways.
Ajaccio in 2 days
What if you had 2 days on site? For the first day, we recommend the same program as for Visit Ajaccio in 1 day.
But where to sleep? We have tested several of the city’s hotels for you. Our selection includes Hôtel Palazzu, Hôtel Kalliste and Hôtel Napoléon.
Don’t forget to book your hotel room soon!
What to do on the second day After a restful night, it’s time for a breath of fresh air! In the port of Ajaccio, you’ll discover all the sea excursions on offer. However, we advise you to book your tour online in advance to secure your place. These sea outings are very popular, especially during the summer season!
Don’t wait any longer to book your sea excursion!
Ajaccio in 3 days
What if you had 3 days on site? For the first two days, please refer to Visit Ajaccio in 1 day and Visit Ajaccio in 2 days.
Once you’ve had time to visit the town and take a sea excursion, there are plenty of options to complete your stay. From our selection of activities, we recommend the following:
- Half-day canyoning trip near Ajaccio,
- Hike to Capo di Feno,
- Hike along the customs path leading to Pointe de la Parata,
- The city of turtles A Cupulatta.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Ajaccio famous?
Ajaccio is renowned for its history, and particularly for its special relationship with Napoleon Bonaparte. Strolling through the city means following in Napoleon’s footsteps, whether you like it or not! Between the statue of Napoleon dominating the Place Foch, the Palais Fesch and its floor dedicated to the emperor and his family, the Maison Bonaparte in which the young man was born, and more. The town of Ajaccio invariably brings us back to him.
Beyond its history, Ajaccio is also Corsica’s number one cruise stopover. Tourists flock to the port from ferries and cruise ships. In fact, we listed it in our article on Corsica’s most beautiful towns.
Finally, this seaside resort attracts many visitors thanks to its beaches, sea excursions and wild natural sites. Ajaccio is a lively, cheerful town with a solid reputation worldwide!
Ajaccio or Bastia: where to go
If you’re still not sure whether to go to Ajaccio or Bastia, we’ve prepared a dedicated article to help you make your choice. We’d tend to recommend a road trip through Corsica, with one night in each of the two destinations. Depending on your personal aspirations, one city will certainly stand out more than another!
All our tips in this article were put into words with the help of Elisa.
