The 10 things to do in Ajaccio

Ajaccio, as Tino Rossi said, is always beautiful and time goes there as in a dream. Let your heart beat at the rhythm of the eight essential things to do in Ajaccio.

Unique, strong in history, traditions, identity. Rich of its exceptional natural sites and its sun. Intoxicating by its gastronomy and authentic people. We're talking about Corsica. This island of mythical beauty, floating in jewels on the Mediterranean, radiates all over the world. At the heart of this beauty setting, Ajaccio, an unmistakable Imperial City. Visit Ajaccio must be on your road map. After all, it is the birthplace of Napoleon, a Corsican city of the most festive and traditional, mountainous and seaside, colorful and greedy.

So leave without delay to discover the 10 essential things to do in Ajaccio.

1. Old town

If Ajaccio is the most touristic city in South Corsica, with its modern quarters and its main roads, its city centre has preserved its authenticity and air of small Mediterranean village. One of the first things to do in Ajaccio is to get lost in his labyrinth of the past. Out of time, full of charm, entangled with alleys shaded by colorful facades and palm trees, the old town of Ajaccio is romantic to wish.

During your walk you will discover the citadel, the ramparts, the place Foch and that of the Casone, the imperial chapel. The places and monuments content a story and sometimes a secret garden will unfold between the ancient stones.

2. Bonaparte National Museum

Napoleon Bonaparte is undoubtedly the emblem of Ajaccio, his birth town. At the turn of the paved streets of the old town, discover his childhood home, transformed into a National Museum . When you want to visit Ajaccio, immersing yourself in the history of this illustrious Emperor is a mandatory step. Moreover, the numerous statues and street names to the effigy of Napoleon will naturally bring you.

This Napoleonic house, also classified as a historic monument, will make the happiness of the history of the Fears. The interior is a gold mine: antique furniture, Napoleon’s history and the family rule, discovering his family tree and plethora of unsuspected anecdotes.

3. The port

The old streets run to the port. Impossible to visit Ajaccio without strolling on his docks . The hulls of the boats, from the most rustic to the most luxurious, let themselves be rocked by the clapotis of the waves. The ropes chuint, the veils frôlent, the walks alike from morning until evening, the young flock, the accustomed drag to the coffee. At night, the festive and friendly atmospheres sometimes stretch to the dawn.

Taste the Ajaccian parties in this most typical setting. Otherwise, watch the first morning lights, the fishermen returning to the harbour and dancing the overflowing fish nets.

4. A boat ride

After strolling on the harbour docks, why not take advantage of it to rent a boat ?

Indeed, having your own small boat will allow you to discover the wonderful beaches and coves of the island of Beauty. In addition to sharing unforgettable moments with your loved ones, this boat ride will allow you to enjoy the crystal clear waters by walking away from the crowd of tourists.

Finally, what better than enjoying the beauty of the heavenly beaches seen from the sea? To discover the most beautiful beaches around Ajaccio, read more!

5. The beach

This is undeniable! One of the most important things to do in Ajaccio is to gently sink on a beach. Among the most emblematic: beaches Capo di Feno and their perfect waves for surfers. Accessible on foot from the Parata peninsula, its fine sand banks plunge into a dazzling turquoise water. A few meters behind you, stretch the green mountains of the maquis and its shades of green.

At the foot of the city, the beach of Saint-Francois, Barbicaja or Trottel. A little further, the coast offers you other heavenly coves like the famous silver beach , elected among the most beautiful beaches of Corsica, or the beach of the Sacred Land, jagged with big rocks. You will not miss paradise beaches during your stay in Ajaccio.

6. Le Palais Fesch

Corsica is an island of art and artists. One of the most beautiful things to do in Ajaccio is to go to discover the masterpieces of the Fesch Palace . Located by the sea, this fine art museum houses invaluable pieces inherited from Italian masters such as Botticelli, Poussin or Titien. But as you are in Corsica, you will also discover a wing dedicated to its painters, cartoonists and portraits of the Bonaparte family.

7. A Cupulutta Park

A true turtle sanctuary, the A Cupulatta , meaning Corsican turtle, is an exceptional landmark for nature lovers. If you’d like to visit Ajaccio, it’s also a fantastic place to raise awareness about the preservation of our environment.

Come and discover the hidden life of the terrestrial and aquatic turtles and honor this park dedicated to their protection. Unique in Europe, A Cupulatta, houses a hundred and sixty ten species of turtles and offers all the services that allow you to spend the day on site.

8. The back Ajaccian country

The surroundings of Ajaccio are full of small villages of stone and hiking trails that cross the maquis. Medieval, at the foot of the waterfalls, slit by the river, punctuated with historical ruins, lost in embalming fauna and flora, authentic villages do not miss.

Visiting Ajaccio is a good way to get away from the beaten paths, discovering its great back country and full of character. Among the most charming: Bocognano , Villanova, Appietto, Tavaco, Cuttoli Corticchiato .

9. Typical tastings

Visit Ajaccio without tasting culinary specialties? No way! Corsica is an ideal destination for gourmet tourism. Nevertheless Ajaccio is full of specialties.

The region of Ajaccio is first recognized for its AOC wines and myrtle liqueur. Moreover, nothing better than a good wine to accompany the Corsican cheeses and charcuterie! Another Ajaccian specialty? Fish soup and crab soup, prepared with endemic species on the Island of Beauty. Finally, the Ajaccians are rafting basts: small slippers with vegetables, brocciu or seafood. These doughnuts are the emblem of Ajaccio’s street food. And for a sweet touch, opt for ambrucciata: a patisserie with Corsican cheese and lemon. Good appetitu!

10. Hiking

Nothing better to discover the Mediterranean charm than to succumb to its exceptional landscape. This falls well, the hikes to Ajaccio offer breathtaking views. The Trail of the Douaniers along the coast, wild, steep and flowery. The clutches of the sea and the spicy smells of the maquis awaken your senses. The serrated coastline brings you to the encounter of a colorful and contrasting fauna and flora with turquoise waters. In the distance, Sanguinary Islands .

Extend the hike to the tip of Parata and its tour to observe the famous purple sanctuary as close as possible. Finally, split the maquis at the beach of Saint-Antoine in Capo di Feno.

How to get to Ajaccio?

From the continent

By plane

Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport is one of the four airports on the Island of Beauty. Many travellers want to visit Ajaccio when arriving by the air. Count about an hour and a half from Paris. Many international, national and regional companies serve the Ajaccio airport on a daily basis. Frequencies and rates vary depending on the seasons. To find your ticket at the best price, don’t hesitate to take a look at our partner’s price comparison Ulysses .

By boat

The port of Ajaccio is one of the main ports of Corsica. Many companies serve the island from Marseille, Nice, Toulon and other European cities, including Italian. A day or night is necessary to make the crossing.

From Corsica

By train

The Ajaccio railway station provides easy access from Bastia or Calvi for example. But in reality, you can quite visit Corsica without a car thanks to the train.

By bus

The bus station, for its part, provides a regular bus service, which is very convenient to move from one city to another.

By car

Question of freedom and breathtaking places accessible by car, many people rent a car upon arrival at the airport to explore the Island of Beauty. It is easy to reach Ajaccio by the roads. Moreover, walking around Corsican roads is a unique and fabulous experience.

Where to stay in Ajaccio?

Would you like to visit Ajaccio? So asks the question of the best place to spend your nights. Depending on your budget and your desires, there are several possibilities for you. Hotel, Airbnb , camping, guest room, seasonal rental, you have the embarrassment of choice. Rightly, one Compare hotels can help you find a room at the best price for your stay in Ajaccian.

In which area house in Ajaccio ? The old town is the most picturesque neighborhood of the imperial city. In addition, many must-have things to do in Ajaccio are accessible from the city centre. It is therefore a place to sleep. You can fully immerse yourself in Ajaccian life, enjoy evenings, restaurants, visits and all nearby services. Ride a few neighborhoods further to find cheaper accommodation, without being too far from the historic centre.

For your stay in Ajaccio, other accommodations, a few kilometers from the centre, offer more nature atmospheres. Panoramas on the broken cliffs, odor of pines near the maquis or iodine near the beaches, don’t hesitate to head to the back country or beaches to spend your nights. This is where you will find the campsites and guest rooms full of charm.