The 8 most beautiful hikes to do around Ajaccio

The hikes around Ajaccio are at the height of what one can expect from the island of Beauty... With the Mediterranean as a backdrop and the Corsican mountains in the background, or the opposite, it is a multitude of beautiful walks that offer you.

To hike to Ajaccio, you don’t even need to go far: around the Gulf of Ajaccio or to the surrounding summits, trails have long been traced through fantastic Corsica landscapes. The Mediterranean Sea is never far away, which provides many opportunities to get to the water, in the process of rando, or to close a beautiful exit: the ideal remedy for tired legs!

The most beautiful hikes in Ajaccio are accessible to the largest number. The best season to hike to Ajaccio begins in spring, in clear weather, and continues on the back-season, when the sun declines and there is less world on the trails.

Between the two, be careful in the summer, the sun warms in Corsica and mercury climbs, while the shadow is often rare... Always go with good shoes, what to cover your head and above all, a solid water supply!

1. Ascension of Monte Gozzi

We enter the lively subject with this superb hike around Ajaccio, also among the most beautiful walks of all Corsica. From the summit of Monte Gozzi, you dominate the entire Gulf of Ajaccio, a memorable panorama, which largely justifies driving 25 minutes to the starting point.

The hike is easily on the way back, without major difficulty, provided you take your time, and avoid the hottest hours because there is little shadow on the way... Leave early in the morning!

2. La Tour de la Parata

This small hike around Ajaccio is made with family, because it is accessible to all: no difficulty, well-appointed trail, and even some explanatory panels on the way!

The route leads you to the point and the Tour de la Parata, built by the Génois, which already enjoyed a splendid view of the Sanguinary Islands. Take the time to go through all the trails, as the setting is exceptional... a journey to be made especially at the end of the day, on the sunset background.

3. Le Chemin des Crêtes

Incontournable hike from Ajaccio, the Chemin des Crêtes climbs on the heights that dominate the city: the Gulf of Ajaccio, the Sanguinary Islands, the Corsican mountains, wherever you turn your head, the beautiful views follow one another at a faint pace!

You can take the Chemin des Crêtes directly from the center of Ajaccio: a beautiful loop for a beautiful half-day walk with more than 300 m of positive denivelé, the path is not difficult but take the sticks and beware of the heat.

4. The Douaniers Trail to Capo di Feno

Another beautiful hike around Ajaccio starts at the point of the Parata: you can easily combine these two steps to increase the difficulty. Here it is to continue along the coast on the old path of the Douaniers, which winds from the top of its cliffs through a beautiful decor to the bay of Capo di Feno: the beach of the Petit Capo awaits you.

A long bathing break later, you rewind the way to enjoy the landscape in the opposite direction, on the Sanguinary Islands, to find the starting point.

5. The peninsula of Capu du Muru

Hiking in Ajaccio is often synonymous with very beautiful views of the Mediterranean, but difficult to find better than the Capu peninsula of Muru to admire the deep blue of the sea. At the start of the small village of Cascionu and along this wild tip, the trail leads to the Capu du Muru tower, offering a breathtaking view from the south of the Gulf of Ajaccio.

Do not hesitate to descend into the coves for swimming! The rest of the itinerary, in a loop and without any notable difficulty, crosses a landscape of tufty maquis that ends with steep rocks with water-flowered: a superb spectacle.

6. The Bomba Trail in Villanova

This hike around Ajaccio will be the opportunity to discover the charming village of Villanova, quietly established on the heights of the Gulf of Lava. Just 25 minutes’ drive from Ajaccio, you already enjoy the calm and tranquillity of a true Corsican village.

Here begins the path of Bomba, pretty loop through the maquis via the Bomba valley, offering some very beautiful views of the Mediterranean. An easy level hike away from the most popular trails in Ajaccio.

7. I Pozzi since Basticela

With 50 minutes’ drive to the village of Basticela, you get a little further away for this hike around Ajaccio which takes place on the mountains: but be careful, the ride is worth a visit!

For this beautiful trail through forests and wild maquis, quite technical by location, go equipped and plan a day out to join the famous “Pozzi”: these natural peatlands, created by the snow melt, make up one of the most emblematic landscapes of all Corsica mountains.

8. The tower of Isolella

On the programme of this hike around Ajaccio: beach and walk. The starting point is south of the Gulf of Ajaccio, to explore the Isolella peninsula that closes it.

From the Anse de Sainte-Barbe, the purpose of this rando will be to reach the tower of Isolella, also built by the Genoese in the prospect of monitoring the coast. The result: the view is splendid!

The ride is short enough, take the time to bathe: the possibilities are indeed numerous at the Isolella...