1 - Visit Ajaccio

The first thing to do in Ajaccio will be to visit its historic center to discover a heritage of rare historical and cultural wealth.
Thus you can set out to discover the following treasures:

  • The birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte,
  • the Fesch Palace and its Museum of Fine Arts (2nd most important in France after the Louvre),
  • the Imperial Chapel, adjoining the Fesch Palace and burial place of the Bonaparte family
  • Ajaccio Cathedral, facing the sea,

A visit to Ajaccio is also made by wandering through the alleys at random which will lead you to Place de Gaulle (called Place du Diamant by Ajaccians), continuing to Cours Grandval and the Foreigners' district (a place popular for vacation in the 19th century by the first English, German and Swiss tourists).
Place d'Austerlitz also called "Place du Casone" is a must. Sheltered under large rocks behind the Square, Napoleon regularly came to meditate hence the name "Napoleon's Grotto".

Another must for a gourmet visit in the imperial city, Ajaccio market is the ideal place to discover all local specialties; enthusiasts can taste the flavors of both sea and mountain.

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2 - Guided tours of Ajaccio

If some prefer to discover the city on their own, others prefer to be guided.
Several ways to discover Ajaccio:
- guided tours: many tours will be offered to you, such as visits to emblematic places full of art and history, "meeting" visits or "aperitif" visits. Guides will transmit their passion, always with a story to tell and Corsica has many, as do the legends...
- visits with Ajaccio's little train: you don't like walking or have young children, the little train will be an original way to visit Ajaccio. 2 circuits will be possible: the city and old town circuit or the Sanguinary Islands circuit which will take you to Parata Point, this last one includes the city as well. These circuits will be commented in several languages.
- Visits by bus with Ajaccio Vision: At over 4m high, you will benefit from an exceptional 360° viewpoint and set out to discover the imperial city to the Sanguinary Islands. Commentary in several languages.

Our Ajaccio Tourist Office tip.
Do not hesitate to visit Ajaccio's Tourist Office.
It can offer you "good deals" such as the City Pass which will give you access to sites and services at an advantageous price.

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3 - Hiking in Ajaccio

No need to go far to hike in Corsica, Ajaccio and its surroundings are full of itineraries for all levels. Among the sporting activities to discover in Ajaccio, hiking is the simplest and most accessible.
For nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts, many hiking trails are accessible from Ajaccio. With its jagged and wild coastline, you will discover landscapes and panoramas that will take your breath away, a rich and vibrant fauna and flora with the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.

Some unmissable hiking itineraries:

  • Parata: wild peninsula, exceptional site facing the Sanguinary Islands, a trail will allow you to tour the peninsula and climb to the top of the Genoese tower. Superb view of the Sanguinary Islands. The entire site is protected and labeled "Grand Site of France".
  • The customs officer's trail: accessible from Parata point, the trail runs along the coast to Saint Antoine beach, also called Capo di Feno, a very beautiful and wild beach. Magnificent views throughout the walk.
  • The ridge trail: several starting points, including the English Woods on the heights of Ajaccio. Sumptuous panorama, you will admire in a balcony the Gulf of Ajaccio and will have a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains. Throughout your walk, botanical discovery of the natural environment in medium mountain. This course in the maquis offers breathtaking views.
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4 - Enjoy the beaches of the Gulf of Ajaccio

The beach is everywhere in Ajaccio, it is part of the Ajaccian art of living.
There is something for everyone: long sandy beaches, beautiful rocky coves, some sheltered from prying eyes; you can spend a moment relaxing, swimming in the warm waters of the Mediterranean and lunching in the shade of a beach hut and there are plenty of them.

Here are some of the beaches in Ajaccio:

  • Saint François Beach: directly in the heart of the city, the ramparts of Ajaccio's citadel overlook it. Beach very accessible if you are not vehicled.
  • Marinella Beach located on the Sanguinary Islands road. It is a beautiful sandy beach with translucent water, ideal for children, the water is shallow. It borders the home of a certain Tino Rossi.
  • Sacred Earth Beach: located on the Sanguinary Islands road, it is composed of several small coves and sandy beaches.
  • Barbicaja Beach is located on the Sanguinary Islands Road. With its white sand and turquoise sea, the setting is paradisiacal.
  • Ricanto Beach is located south of Ajaccio, it is close to the airport and extends for nearly 3 km, you will always have room to lay your towel.
  • Capo di Feno: It is actually 2 beaches separated by a wild space: Grand Capo and Petit Capo beaches. The site is exceptional and wild; the waves are often present for lovers of surfing in particular.

Of course, the Gulf of Ajaccio has many other beaches, especially going towards the south shore of the gulf and the great seaside resort of Porticcio.

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5 - Sea excursions - Cruises from Ajaccio

If during your stay in Corsica you wish to discover Ajaccio and its region differently, we encourage you to set off during a boat cruise.
Several boat companies offer different programs, from a few hours to a full day, departing from the old port of Ajaccio.
Some excursions like the Sanguinary Islands are done in half a day. For complete escape, opt for a full day boat trip; you can thus discover unforgettable spots, such as the Calanques of Piana, the Scandola Reserve, Bonifacio and the Lavezzi Islands at the far south.
Here are some of the main cruises from Ajaccio:

  • The Sanguinary Islands: Archipelago whose landscapes are the most striking in the Gulf of Ajaccio. The boat ride lasts about 3 hours with a stop on the main island Mezu Mare. This cruise is also offered late in the day so you can discover a magnificent show: the sunset - among Corsica's most beautiful spots
  • The Calanques of Piana and the natural reserve of Scandola: Exceptional site classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is located on the west coast of the island halfway between Ajaccio and Calvi. This unmissable cruise will introduce you to magnificent and unique landscapes: cliffs with original shapes in orange and red tones, cave passages, all on turquoise and crystalline waters. You will continue to the Scandola Nature Reserve, a marine and terrestrial reserve with abundant fauna and flora.
    Unique place in the Mediterranean.
    Depending on your starting point, the cruise will be half a day or full day. You can take a boat from Ajaccio, Porto-Ota, Cargèse and also Calvi.
  • Bonifacio and Lavezzi Islands: full day cruise if you leave from Ajaccio: you will leave to discover the Lavezzi Islands, located between Corsica and Sardinia, this archipelago is composed of 23 islets surrounded by turquoise water, fine sand. You will take a swimming break there with an impression of being in the tropics. You will then continue your cruise to Bonifacio and its white cliffs falling steeply into the sea. A break will be offered to discover the city, stroll through its countless alleys, climb to the citadel perched at the top. The return will be at the end of the day on Ajaccio and certainly at sunset time.

Many other boat tours can be offered to you, contact Ajaccio's Tourist Office which will direct you to one of the many professionals of these boat tours or consult this site which lists all the organizations in Ajaccio and the various excursions offered.

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6 - Scuba diving in Ajaccio

Live a unique and unforgettable experience: discover and explore the seabed in the Gulf of Ajaccio. The fauna there is exceptional, you will discover a large number of aquatic specimens. The environment being protected, it is also conducive to varied flora.
If you are a novice and not too daring but the deep sea attracts you, try snorkeling, underwater hiking, you will slip on a mask, snorkel and fins and explore a few meters deep if you wish the fauna and flora underwater. And why not, perform your diving baptism afterwards?

Adventurer or experienced diver, you hold a diving level, so go exploring diving in the Gulf of Ajaccio. Many spots are renowned for their spectacular drop-offs or for diving on wrecks, always spectacular.

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7 - Visit the hinterland of Ajaccio

During a stay in Ajaccio, visiting the historic center is of course unavoidable but do not hesitate to explore the Ajaccian hinterland, it really is worth the detour and will allow you to discover the Isle of Beauty differently.
Set out to discover picturesque villages where you can meet craftsmen and producers or hike in surprising and particularly exotic landscapes.
Among all these places to visit, here are some suggestions:

  • Prunelli Valley about 30 minutes from Ajaccio, abounds with treasures in preserved nature with its many chestnut groves, its maquis in bloom. Depending on the season: Bastelica, a village perched high near Val d'Ese and its ski resort; Ocana renowned for its production of essential oils and honey; Tolla and its lake where you can take a refreshing break at the nautical base.
  • Gravona Valley, close to Ajaccio is also conducive to visits to its villages such as Carbuccia, Tavera, Ucciani, Véro, Bocognano. Many hiking routes are proposed to discover the hinterland, unforgettable excursions such as the Bride's Veil in Bocognano, Waterfall of the English ... or you can also practice canyoning in Ajaccio. Even closer to Ajaccio, you can swim in Gravona river and do a water hike.
  • The seaside resort of Porticcio: located on the south shore of the Gulf of Ajaccio, opposite the imperial city only 30 minutes away. It is very popular with vacationers. On the coast side, you will discover many sandy beaches with turquoise waters; the seaside will also allow you to practice water sports and activities. On the land side, its hills covered with maquis are conducive to beautiful walks in Coti forest for example.
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8 - Discover whitewater sports near Ajaccio

Canyoning in Corsica is a sporting activity accessible to all.
The Island, very mountainous with natural gorges that take your breath away and many rivers, is an ideal playground for you to practice canyoning or water hiking. You will discover wild and preserved corners.
Different courses will be proposed to you, whether you are an adventurer looking for thrills, want an introduction course or want to discover this activity as a family, you will always find your happiness.
We present 2 descents as an example and close to Ajaccio:

  • Gravona water hike: just 20 minutes from Ajaccio - beginner canyon also adapted to children from age 6, provided they can swim. The course is dotted with jumps, swimming, cave passages with introduction to rappelling. A zip-line and monkey bridge will enhance your course. Beautiful introduction to experience the joys of canyoning.
  • Richiusa Canyon in Bocognano: located just 45 minutes from Ajaccio. It is one of the most famous canyons in Corsica. Unique spot with its succession of natural pools with crystalline and turquoise waters. The course is both sporting and fun. You will discover all the canyoning ingredients: jumps (never mandatory), natural slides, rappels and zip-line. 2 courses are proposed for this descent: the classic course and the sport course.

If you continue your stay outside Ajaccio, Canyon Corse offers you many other routes in different regions of Corsica, such as for example in the Corte region, the Calvi region in Balagne and of course in Propriano in the Valinco Gulf

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9 - Take a horseback ride

Equestrian tourism is booming in Corsica, thanks to particularly adapted territory and professionals offering quality rides.
A mountainous island, with its rivers, its mountain meadows, its coastline dotted with trails, Corsica offers very numerous possibilities for horseback riding.
There are many ranches in most regions of Corsica that offer services ranging from half a day to a real circuit over several days (dedicated to the more experienced).
In the Gulf of Ajaccio, 3 equestrian centers are present: in Porticcio, Bastelicaccia and Ajaccio. Through them, you will set out to discover authentic landscapes. Hike through nature on trails inaccessible by car, horse ride on the beach, crossing Corsican maquis with unforgettable scents. Half-day circuits will be offered to you.
Equestrian sports is an enjoyable sport for both adults and children. Whether you are a beginner or advanced, horses are chosen based on your level.

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10 - Engage in water sports

Corsica, with its many beaches with crystal clear and turquoise waters, is ideal for practicing many water sports.
Ajaccio is no exception! On most beaches, you will always find a provider to offer you the activity that best suits you, whether you are alone, with family or with friends.

  • A very trendy water sport has emerged: flyboard and hoverboard: you will be equipped with thrusters that allow you to "fly" over the water and surf.
  • An essential activity, jet skiing in Ajaccio is possible in different forms. You can discover the beauty of the Gulf of Ajaccio in complete autonomy during a jet ski rental or go on an excursion with a certified instructor to discover the coasts of South Corsica, hike to the Calanques of Piana or discover the Sanguinary Islands and why not do this excursion at sunset. Extraordinary spot, you will be amazed.
  • With your children, you can do pedalo, test your balance on a paddle, or even for a moment of genuine fun, test a towed buoy.
  • Do you have no fear of heights? Then do a parasail session. Unique panorama over the entire Gulf but seen from above.
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