14 walks around Ajaccio

Corsica has earned its nickname, the Isle of Beauty. See for yourself with these 14 walks around Ajaccio that we’ve selected for you!

Visiting Corsica means discovering an incredible natural heritage, divided between the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains. So in just one day, it’s easy to sample the joys of the sea and then take a breath of fresh air at altitude. These are all advantages of Corsica, in addition to its warmth and historical pride. The walks around Ajaccio that we are proposing today will enable you to discover the Isle of Beauty in a different way.

Between outings to the seaside and first flights, walking has taken pride of place. While sometimes an initiatory journey, it is often synonymous with serenity, contemplation and satisfaction.

1. Tour de la Parata(Iles Sanguinaires)

📍 12.5 kilometers

🚗 By car: 25 minutes

📷Sightseeing / activities: the Genoese Tower of La Parata, the Sanguinaires Archipelago, the Gulf of Ajaccio

The northern gateway to the large Gulf of Ajaccio, the Sanguinaires Islands owe their name to the color of the rock as the sun sets.

Some legends were born here, frightening the sailors of past centuries. The archipelago can be visited by boat, but what interests us most is the headland, which is accessible on foot. Take a walk around the headland, which is perfect for all ages.

The trail is signposted and an observation point has been set up at the foot of the Tour Génoise de la Parata. You can also get close to the tower by climbing a short, rough path during a hike.

On the way back, you have the choice of retracing your steps or making a complete tour of the peninsula.

2. Calanques de Piana

📍 71 kilometers

🚗 By car: 1h30

📷 Things to see and do: Gulf of Porto, Calanques de Piana, Piana village

The reputation of the Calanques de Piana is well established. Indeed, they’re one of Corsica’s must-sees, so you can imagine that they’re one of the best walks around Ajaccio.

Located around 1h30 away, their beauty delights, excites and surprises. Porphyry, the red rock they’re made of, turquoise water and ash-green scrub all combine to create a colorful backdrop for unforgettable memories.

There are several trails on site, some of which approach the sea, for an even more exceptional spectacle. What could be better than a weekend in this magical place?

3. Mount Gozzi

📍 15 kilometers

🚗 By car: 24 minutes

📷 What to see / What to do: breathtaking views over the whole of Ajaccio and its valley, including the gulfs of Ajaccio, Lava and Sagone

Marking the beginning of the Ajaccio hinterland, Mont Gozzi can be seen from miles away. This enormous mass of red granite rises to an altitude of 700 metres!

Loved by tourists and locals alike, it’s the ideal spot for walks around Ajaccio. And with good reason: from its summit, the Gozzi offers panoramic views of Ajaccio, the Mediterranean and the Corsican mountains.

Also, note that the walk is accessible to anyone fit enough, including children. At its foot lie the increasingly popular villages of Appietto and Afa.

4. Propriano

📍 70.5 kilometers

🚗 By car: 1h20

📷Sightseeing / Activities: beaches (Lido, Baracci, Capu Laurosu), town center, Gulf of Valinco

Situated 1h20 from Ajaccio, the town of Propriano is perfect for a day trip. Despite its small size, its port regularly welcomes cruise ships and ferries from Marseille andItaly.

Propriano attracts tourists for its seaside atmosphere. The small marina, the commercial port, the seaside restaurants and the magnificent beaches of the bay give it an undeniable charm.

Whether you’re strolling through town or by the sea, enjoy the warmth of southern Corsica.

5. Le Sentier des Crêtes

📍 4 kilometers

🚗 By car: 9 minutes

📷 What to see / What to do: the Gulf of Ajaccio, the city’s western districts and the dense scrubland

Starting to the west of the town of Ajaccio, the Sentier des Crêtes is a well-known path for the local population. Indeed, it is one of the most popular and recommended walks around Ajaccio.

Very simple and accessible to the whole family, the mid-mountain trail is very natural. Above all, it offers views of the Gulf of Ajaccio and the red-roofed buildings.

6. Capo di Muro

📍 45.5 kilometers

🚗 By car: 1h15

📷Sightseeing / things to do: views on both sides from the cape and tower, the village of Acqua Doria

Head for another of Corsica’s Genoese towers! There are plenty of them in Corsica, but each one is unique! Capo di Muro is one of them. It is the only one on the Gulf of Ajaccio to have an interior access!

Magnificent views of both sides and the cape’s horizon await you. And if you’re feeling brave, bring your towel and swimsuit, as there are a number of small coves within easy reach.

So why not let yourself be tempted by the translucent water?

7. Villanova

📍 15 kilometers

🚗 By car: 24 minutes

📷 Things to see/do: Gulf of Lava, Bomba valley, taffoni (prehistoric shelters)

A small commune wedged between Ajaccio and Alata, Villanova is little-known to tourists. And yet it’s the perfect starting point for beautiful walks around Ajaccio.

Don’t miss the Sentier de Bomba, which starts in Villanova and leads down into the valley. You won’t want to miss the view of the Gulf of Lava, which this valley overlooks, as well as the Plage de Lava, very popular in summer.

8. Isolella

📍 23.5 kilometers

🚗 By car: 35 minutes

📷Sightseeing / activities: the peninsula, the tower and the beach (very famous) as well as the view of the Gulf of Ajaccio

The Isolella peninsula is very well known in Corsica, not least for the beauty of its beach. If you have the opportunity to go there, don’t hesitate for a second. You’ll be greeted by the fine sand and turquoise water so typical of Corsica.

There’s no shortage of walks around Ajaccio, but Isolella is particularly worth a detour. Enjoy nature at its best, and observe your surroundings: an endless sea at the front, two bays at the sides, and the mysterious Corsican mountains at the back.

9. Tolla

📍 32 kilometers

🚗 By car: 50 minutes

📷 Things to see/do: the lake, Scaledda Belvedere, water sports (pedal boats, in particular).

Tolla is most famous for the lake of the same name. As a result, many visitors come here every year in the summer to enjoy the pleasures of pedal boating.

But it’s easy to forget that there are many lovely walks to be had in the area. For example, you can walk part of the lakeshore. A full tour is not possible, however.

From the Scaledda Lookout, a little further up the road, you can observe the local area and the Petra Alta mountain that closes off the lake.

10. Porticcio

📍 18 kilometers

🚗 By car: 24 minutes

📷Sightseeing and activities: beaches including Agosta, scuba diving and jet-skiing, Capitello Tower

A seaside resort par excellence in Corse-du-Sud, Porticcio is very popular with young people and clubbers after dark. During the day, however, it’s a very family-friendly town, with its many restaurants and wide beaches.

It’s easy to find a walk in Porticcio, whether along the coast or in the hills. Feel free to walk along the beaches or climb the hills. And don’t miss the Capitello Tower.

11. Bastelica

📍 38 kilometers

🚗 By car: 48 minutes

📷 What to see / What to do: Sant’Albertu waterfall, the village, Zipitoli bridge, Val d’Ese and its pozzines

Bastelica is a small mountain village on the slopes of the maquis. However, it’s its natural surroundings that are most appealing.

Indeed, Bastelica is surrounded by greenery, waterfalls and, not least, Corsica’s ski resort! That’s right. In winter, the Val d’Ese ski resort opens its doors and lets adventurers glide over the few meters of snow that have fallen.

Corsica is not all warmth and sandy beaches. We all too often forget that its mountains turn white in winter! Who would have thought that one of the walks around Ajaccio could lead you to the white peaks?

12. Cargèse

📍 49 kilometers

🚗 By car: 1h05

📷Sightseeing / activities: the Punta di Cargèse, the historic center and its buildings, views of the gulfs of Sagone, Lava and Porto

Cargèse is the ideal place to take a stroll. The ancient Greek city dominates the sea and the horizon from its hilltop, with its perfectly preserved churches and buildings.

Positioned so as to watch over the coastline to the right and to the left, Cargèse lies upstream from a point that we recommend you discover. The Punta di Cargèse is easily accessible on foot for the whole family.

From this natural promontory, look out over the sea and mountains as far south as the Sanguinaires Islands. But don’t miss Capo Rosso, north of Cargèse, where you can admire the colors of Corsica!

13. Tiuccia

📍 29 kilometers

🚗 By car: 40 minutes

📷 Things to see/do: Gulf of Liscia, Capigliolo Tower and headland, long Liamone beach

Tiuccia is a seaside village that, unfortunately, is passed through more than it is visited. And yet, there’s a lot to see nearby.

For example, the Capigliolo headland and Genoese tower, overlooking the Gulf of Liscia on one side and the entire Liamone beach on the other. This beach is famous for its wind and frequently high waves. They’re harmless, but remarkable enough to be of note in the Mediterranean.

Tiuccia is one of the walks around Ajaccio not to be overlooked, for the beauty of its sunsets and for the walks you can take to get some height.

14. Chiavari Forest

📍 36 kilometers

🚗 By car: 1h05

📷Sightseeing: the old penitentiary, the view

It’s hard to imagine a walk around Ajaccio without mentioning the Forêt de Chiavari. Part of the municipality of Coti-Chiavari, this forest is very soothing. It’s easy to get to and easy to walk around.

As you stroll along, you’ll discover the former penitentiary and its esplanade, from which you can watch the sea.

You can explore the forest on foot or by bike, but watch out for other hikers! To the south of the forest, don’t miss the Mare É Sole beach, also renowned for its crystal-clear waters.