Ajaccio, as Tino Rossi once said, is always beautiful and time flows like a dream. Let your heart beat to the rhythm of these eight must-see things to do in Ajaccio.
Unique, strong in its history, traditions and identity. Rich in exceptional natural sites and sunshine. Intoxicating in its gastronomy and authentic people. We’re talking about Corsica. This mythical Isle of Beauty, floating like jewels on the Mediterranean, shines all over the world. At the heart of this jewel-like setting lies Ajaccio, an imperial city that’s not to be missed. A visit to Ajaccio should be on your itinerary. After all, it’s Napoleon’s birthplace, a Corsican city of festivities and tradition, mountains and seaside, colorful and gourmet.
So don’t delay in discovering the 10 must-do things to do in Ajaccio.
1. The old town
Photo Credit: Instagram – christiane_b67
Ajaccio may be South Corsica’s most touristic city, with its modern districts and highways, but its town center has retained its authenticity and Mediterranean village feel. One of the first things to do in Ajaccio is to lose yourself in its labyrinthine past. Timeless, full of charm, tangled with alleyways shaded by colorful facades and palm trees, Ajaccio’s old town is as romantic as it gets.
During your stroll, you’ll discover the citadel, the ramparts, Place Foch and Place du Casone, and the imperial chapel. The sites and monuments tell their own stories, and sometimes a secret garden is revealed between the stones of yesteryear.
2. The Maison Bonaparte national museum
Photo Credit: Instagram – thomas.diaries
Napoleon Bonaparte is undoubtedly the emblem of Ajaccio, the town of his birth. Take a stroll through the cobbled streets of the old town and discover his childhood home, now a national museum. When visiting Ajaccio, it’s essential to immerse yourself in the history of this illustrious Emperor. The many statues and street names bearing the effigy of Napoleon will naturally lead you there.
This Napoleonic house, also listed as a historic monument, will delight history buffs. The interior is a treasure trove of period furniture, the history of Napoleon and the family reign, his family tree and a plethora of unsuspected anecdotes.
3. The harbor
Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Evannovostro
The old streets run right down to the port. It’s impossible to visit Ajaccio without strolling along its quays. The hulls of the boats, from the most rustic to the most luxurious, are rocked by the lapping of the waves. The ropes chatter, the sails brush against each other, the alleys come alive from morning till night, young people flock, regulars hang out at the café. At night, the festive, convivial atmosphere sometimes stretches into the early hours.
Taste the festivities of Ajaccio in this most typical of settings. Or, at first light, watch the fishermen returning to port and dancing their nets overflowing with fish.
4. A boat trip
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Evannovostro
After a stroll along the quayside, why not take the opportunity to hire a boat?
In fact, having your own little boat will enable you to set off and discover the wonderful beaches and coves of the Isle of Beauty. In addition to sharing unforgettable moments with your loved ones, this boat trip will let you enjoy the crystal-clear waters away from the crowds of tourists.
After all, what could be better than enjoying the beauty of heavenly beaches from the sea? To discover the most beautiful beaches to explore around Ajaccio, read on!
5. The beach
Photo Credit: Instagram – corsicavivilaadesso.it
There’s no denying it! One of the must-do things to do in Ajaccio is to take it easy on the beach. Among the most emblematic: the beaches of Capo di Feno and their waves perfect for surfers. Accessible on foot from the Parata peninsula, its fine sandbanks plunge into dazzling turquoise water. A few metres behind you, the green mountains of the maquis stretch out in shades of green.
At the foot of the city are the beaches of Saint-Francois, Barbicaja and Trottel. A little further along the coast, you’ll find other heavenly coves such as the famous Plage d’Argent, voted one of Corsica’s most beautiful beaches, or the Terre Sacrée beach, strewn with large boulders. There’s no shortage of heavenly beaches during your stay in Ajaccio.
6. Palais Fesch
Photo Credit: Facebook – Palais Fesch – musée des beaux-arts Ajaccio
Corsica is an island of art and artists. One of the best things to do in Ajaccio is to discover the masterpieces of the Palais Fesch. Situated on the seafront, this fine art museum houses priceless pieces inherited from Italian masters such as Botticelli, Poussin and Titian. But as you’re in Corsica, you’ll also discover a wing dedicated to its painters, draughtsmen and portraits of the Bonaparte family.
7. A Cupulutta Park
Photo Credit: Facebook – A Cupulatta
A veritable turtle sanctuary, the A Cupulatta park(meaning turtle in Corsican) is an exceptional landmark for nature lovers. If you’d like to visit Ajaccio, it’s also a fantastic place to educate young and old alike about preserving our environment.
Come and discover the hidden life of terrestrial and aquatic turtles, and pay tribute to this park dedicated to their protection. The only one of its kind in Europe, A Cupulatta is home to 170 species of turtle and offers all the services you need to spend the day here.
8. The Ajaccio hinterland
Photo Credit: Instagram – m__massei
The area around Ajaccio abounds in small stone villages and hiking trails criss-crossing the maquis. Medieval, at the foot of waterfalls, split by the river, dotted with historic ruins, lost in the scented flora and fauna, there’s no shortage of authentic villages.
To visit Ajaccio is to get off the beaten track and discover its grandiose hinterland, full of character. Among the most charming: Bocognano, Villanova, Appietto, Tavaco, Cuttoli Corticchiato.
9. Typical tastings
Photo Credit: Instagram – coudrecelestine
Visit Ajaccio without sampling its culinary specialties? You can’t! The whole of Corsica is an ideal destination for gastronomic tourism. Nevertheless, Ajaccio is brimming with its own specialties.
The Ajaccio region is renowned for its AOC wines and myrtle liqueur. In fact, there’s nothing like a good wine to accompany Corsican cheeses and charcuterie! Another Ajaccio specialty? Fish soup and crab soup, prepared with species endemic to the Île de Beauté. Last but not least, Ajaccians love bastelles: small turnovers filled with vegetables, brocciu or seafood. These doughnuts are the emblem of Ajaccio street food. And for a sweet touch, opt for ambrucciata: a pastry made with Corsican cheese and lemon. Bon appetitu!
10. Hiking
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Samuel Borges Photography
There’s no better way to discover the charm of the Mediterranean than to succumb to its exceptional landscape. The hiking opportunities in Ajaccio offer breathtaking panoramas. The « sentier des Douaniers » runs along the wild, steep, flower-filled coastline. The sea spray and spicy scents of the maquis awaken your senses. The jagged coastline brings you face to face with the colorful flora and fauna that contrast with the turquoise waters. In the distance, the Sanguinaires islands.
Extend your hike to Pointe de Parata and its tower for a closer look at this famous purple sanctuary. Finally, break through the maquis to the beach of Saint-Antoine, in Capo di Feno.
How to get to Ajaccio
From the mainland
By plane
Ajaccio Napoléon Bonaparte airport is one of four on the Île de Beauté. Many travelers wish to visit Ajaccio by air. Allow around an hour and a half from Paris. Numerous international, national and regional airlines serve Ajaccio airport daily. Frequencies and fares vary according to the season. To find your ticket at the best price, take a look at the price comparator provided by our partner Ulysse.
By boat
The port of Ajaccio is one of Corsica’s main ports. Numerous companies serve the island from Marseille, Nice, Toulon and other European cities, particularly in Italy. The crossing takes one day or one night.
⛴️ Book your ferry to Ajaccio*.
From Corsica
By train
The Ajaccio train station provides easy access from Bastia or Calvi, for example. But in reality, you can visit Corsica without a car, thanks to the train.
By bus
The bus station, meanwhile, provides a regular coach service, making it easy to get from one Corsican town to another.
By car
Many people rent a car as soon as they arrive at the airport to explore the Isle of Beauty. Ajaccio is easy to reach by road. In fact, driving along Corsican roads is a fabulous experience in its own right.
Where to stay in Ajaccio
Would you like to visit Ajaccio? The question then arises as to the best place to spend your nights. Depending on your budget and your desires, there are several possibilities open to you. Hotel, Airbnb, campsite, bed and breakfast, seasonal rental – you’re spoilt for choice. A hotel comparator can help you find a room at the best price for your stay in Ajaccio.
Where to stay in Ajaccio? The old town is the most picturesque part of the imperial city. What’s more, many of Ajaccio’s must-do attractions are within easy reach of the city center. So it’s a great place to stay. You’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in Ajaccio life, enjoying evening entertainment, restaurants, sightseeing and all the local services. Look a few districts further afield for cheaper accommodation, without being too far from the historic center.
For your stay in Ajaccio, other accommodations, just a few kilometers from the center, offer a more natural atmosphere. Panoramic views of the rugged cliffs, the scent of pine trees near the scrubland or of iodine near the beaches, don’t hesitate to head for the hinterland or the beaches to spend your nights. That’s where you’ll find campsites and charming bed & breakfasts.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Ajaccio,fr