Visit Ajaccio

THINGS TO DO IN AJACCIO

Located close to the iconic sites of Southern Corsica, the Imperial City is an ideal base if you plan to explore the rest of the island. But the city itself is well worth a visit. From the narrow streets of the old town to beaches with turquoise waters, from museums to hiking trails, follow our guide to discover what to visit in Ajaccio.

Napoleon Bonaparte and the City of Ajaccio

The most famous resident of Ajaccio is undoubtedly Napoleon. It is impossible not to think of the Little Corporal when strolling through the streets that bear his name, passing his statue in Place du Casone, or entering the Museum of Fine Arts.

Bonaparte, born in Ajaccio in 1769, remained deeply attached to his hometown. Having left for mainland France at the age of nine, he returned during the French Revolution and then one last time in 1769.

Returning from the Egyptian campaign, General Napoleon stayed with his staff at his family's country house in Milelli Park. The building is closed to the public, but you can enjoy a walk through the park in the shade of olive trees. However, it is possible to visit the Bonaparte family home in Ajaccio. There, you can see the room where the future emperor was born and admire some period furniture.

If you really want to get a glimpse into the private life of the First Consul, head to Ajaccio City Hall. The town hall’s reception room displays several family portraits, Napoleon’s birth certificate, his medals, and his death mask.

Just a stone’s throw away stands Ajaccio Cathedral, Santa Maria Assunta. Letizia, Napoleon’s mother, is said to have felt her first contractions there while attending Mass. The marble baptismal font is the same one used to baptize the future emperor in 1771. The building also houses one of Delacroix’s earliest works, entitled The Triumph of Religion, as well as the Bonaparte family’s funerary chapel.

Historic buildings are not the only places that bring the emperor’s memory to life. Napoleon’s Cave immerses you in Bonaparte’s life and Corsican culture. Take a seat at the table for a multisensory experience combining historical discovery and local gastronomy.

WHAT TO VISIT IN AJACCIO: Must-See Places

Make the most of the mild climate around the bay and your holiday in Ajaccio to explore unforgettable natural sites.

Natural Sites

The Imperial City is home to one of Corsica’s treasures: the Sanguinaires Islands. They are undoubtedly at the top of the list of things to do in Ajaccio. This archipelago of four islets marks the entrance to the gulf. Formed from dark red rock known as porphyry, they are home to more than 150 endemic plant species. You can admire them at sunset from the Genoese Tower of La Parata or from the Mediterranean Sea during a boat excursion. Don’t forget your swimsuit! Most boats stop at Mezzu Mare Island, giving you time to swim in the shadow of the lighthouse that inspired Alphonse Daudet.

The Scandola Nature Reserve, meanwhile, can only be explored by sea. Setting foot on the peninsula is prohibited to avoid disturbing the ospreys, gulls, and Cory’s shearwaters. From your seat, you can admire the lighthouse on Gargalu Island, the caves, and the ochre-colored volcanic cliffs. With a little luck, you might even spot a peregrine falcon soaring over the Mediterranean!

In Piana, too, the red cliffs contrast beautifully with the blue sea. Admire the Calanques de Piana and their unusual rock formations during a boat trip, a hike, or a scenic drive.

Many cruises to the Scandola Nature Reserve and the Calanques de Piana include a stop in Girolata, a fishing village listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Accessible only on foot or by sea, this hamlet is ideal for walking and water activities.

Hiking in Southern Corsica, GR20 and GT20

There’s nothing like walking to appreciate Corsica and its landscapes. Whether you’re visiting Ajaccio with your family or you’re an experienced hiker, you’ll find a route that suits you.

Walks

For a leisurely walk or a hike, head to the Grand Site de la Parata. The Customs Officers’ Trail (Sentier des Douaniers) is perfect for those who love walking but dislike steep climbs. This two-and-a-half-hour excursion, between Mediterranean scrubland and the coastline, offers several viewpoints overlooking the Sanguinaires Islands, without ever forcing you to climb. Shorter in length, the walk to the Parata Tower takes you to the tower’s platform in less than 25 minutes. After climbing the steps, you’ll be rewarded with an unobstructed view of the Sanguinaires Islands.

Do you enjoy a challenge? Take on the Sentier des Crêtes. This four-and-a-half-hour hike winds through the Mediterranean scrubland, among rockroses and cacti.

For a change of scenery, head to the Regional Natural Park of Corsica. Here, there are no sea views, but instead you’ll discover centuries-old chestnut and oak trees. The Carbuccia forest trail awaits you for a one-and-a-half-hour walk between Peri and Carbuccia. Along this former mule track, now transformed into an educational trail, you might even come face to face with a few wild boars and wildcats.

GR20

The reputation of the GR20 has long extended beyond hiking enthusiasts and those who enjoy adventurous experiences. An iconic route, the GR20 fascinates and intrigues. However, its length and difficulty discourage many hikers from taking on the challenge. If you want to try the adventure for the first time, why not start with half of the GR20, departing from the Imperial City?

After a short visit to Ajaccio, board the train to Vizzavona, the tenth stage of the route from north to south. Then head towards Conca. Your journey will take you past exceptional sites, such as Monte Renoso and the Aiguilles de Bavella, while allowing you to avoid the most technical stages. Alternatively, you can head towards Calenzana and challenge yourself with the Spasimata suspension bridge and Monte Cinto.
 

GT20

The Island of Beauty can also be explored by bicycle. With the Grande Traversée (GT20), you can cycle from Bastia to Bonifacio in six, eight, or twelve days. Want to focus on the scenery? Opt for an electric bike! Charging stations are available in each of the twelve stopover towns.

From Ajaccio, set off on a six-day, 280-kilometer loop between the sea and the mountains. Highlights include Corte and the Restonica Gorges, the climb up the Col de Verghju, the Gulf of Porto, the Calanques de Piana, and the village of Cargèse.

Many companies specializing in cycle tourism offer bicycle rentals, both electric and traditional. However, by booking your Marseille–Ajaccio ferry crossing with La Méridionale, you can bring your bicycle on board (without a bike bag) and set off as soon as you arrive.

Parks

Didn't spot any dolphins or monk seals during your stay in Ajaccio? Make up for it with a visit to A Cupulatta Park. No fewer than 3,000 turtles and tortoises await you there. In total, 170 species from all corners of the world are spread across 2.5 hectares. Everything here is designed for their well-being. And the reptiles seem to love it! The park, the largest of its kind in Europe, welcomes dozens of newborns every year.

If you have a car, leave Ajaccio for a few hours to visit Galea Park in Taglio-Isolaccio. It is a true open-air museum dedicated to Corsica. Spread over nine hectares, it features exotic gardens, exhibition halls, and a barefoot walking trail. The goal? To showcase the island's historical and natural heritage.

Beaches in the City of Ajaccio

If you've chosen to visit the Imperial City, it may well be for its beaches. Between June and October, the water temperature in Ajaccio is ideal for swimming, ranging from 23°C to 27°C. The more adventurous even take a dip in May or November, when the Mediterranean Sea is around 19°C.

There's no need to venture far from Ajaccio's city center to enjoy a swim. Lay your towel down on Saint-François Beach. This fine sandy beach, overlooked by the palm trees lining Boulevard Rossini, is just a few minutes from the commercial port.

To the west, Terre Sacrée is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Ajaccio. It faces the Sanguinaires Islands and the Pointe de la Parata. The beach takes its name from the monument located there, a memorial containing soil from various First World War battlefields.

Near the Gulf of Ajaccio, Capo di Feno is home to two beaches separated by a field: "Grand Capo," a larger and more tourist-oriented beach, and Sevani Beach, also known as "Petit Capo," which is smaller but very pleasant and relatively unknown.