Things to do in Ajaccio

Things to do in  Ajaccio

Where the Bonaparte is

All roads in Corsica lead to Ajaccio, the island’s coastal capital. Perched on the west shore, the port town is a strategic basecamp with ferries to mainland France and boats to the rocky Sanguinaires islands—but there's plenty of things to do in Ajaccio proper. Driving north, green-cloaked headlands and powder-white beaches stretch along the shore of Capo di Feno, one of Corsica’s top surf spots, while the mountainous hinterlands afford ample options for hikers. However, Ajaccio’s biggest claim to fame is the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte—traces of his legacy can be found throughout the Cité Impériale.

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Top 2 attractions in Ajaccio

#1

A Cupulatta

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Spread out over nearly five acres (two hectares), A Cupulatta is a nature reserve dedicated to studying and caring for turtles, terrapins, and tortoises. Come to see and learn more about about 2,000 hard-shelled residents from around 130 species worldwide.More
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#2

Calanques de Piana

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A series of jagged cliffs and rock formations framing Corsica’s Gulf of Porto, the Calanques de Piana are one of the island’s natural wonders. Part of a UNESCO-listed region on Corsica’s west coast, the rocks draw sightseers for their remarkable red colors and bizarre, weathered shapes.More
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Explore Ajaccio by interest

Top activities in Ajaccio

Corsica A Cupulatta Turtle Park Skip the Line Admission Ticket

Corsica A Cupulatta Turtle Park Skip the Line Admission Ticket

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106
From
$15.37
Corsica Ajaccio Private Tour with Driver and Optional Guide with Hotel Transfer

Corsica Ajaccio Private Tour with Driver and Optional Guide with Hotel Transfer

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1
From
$586.12
The Napoleon Cave - complete package (Corsican meal)

The Napoleon Cave - complete package (Corsican meal)

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47
From
$49.39
Figari Airport & City Private Transfer

Figari Airport & City Private Transfer

From
$197.57
per group
Corsica Dream: 8-Day Shared Group Escorted Package

Corsica Dream: 8-Day Shared Group Escorted Package

From
$3,492.59
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All about Ajaccio

When to visit

Ajaccio’s beaches fill up with sun-seekers in July and August, when temperatures can climb up to 100°F (38°C), and the city is the center of celebrations for Bastille Day (July 14) and Napoleon’s birthday (Aug 15). Beach days can be enjoyed from May through September, but the shoulder months of April-May and September-October are the best time to visit if you want to hike, explore the island, and dodge the crowds.

Getting around

While Ajaccio itself is easily visited on foot, you’ll no doubt want to explore the rest of the island on your trip. Local buses ply the coastal roads in season (May-September), making it easy to hop among Corsica’s main towns, but you’ll need to take a taxi if you want to head into the mountains. For greater flexibility, consider hiring a car or motorbike to zip around the island.

Traveler tips

France is famous for its cheese, and Corsica is no exception—must-taste cheeses include the AOC-labeled brocciu, semi-soft Brin d’Amour, and pungent U Bel Fiuritu. Ajaccio’s covered market is the best place to pick up island cheeses, held daily at the Halle Gourmande. Come on a Saturday or Sunday morning for the best selection, and stick around for lunch at one of the seafood restaurants.

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People Also Ask

How should I spend a day in Ajaccio?

Start at the baroque Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral before heading to the house where Napoleon Bonaparte was born, now transformed into a museum. Eat lunch at a restaurant serving regional specialties. Look for brocciu, a soft sheep cheese used in both savory and sweet dishes. In the afternoon, visit the Musée Fesch, which has a spectacular painted ceiling and a library.

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What is there to do in Ajaccio?

Although Ajaccio is great for art and history, boasting several notable galleries and museums, the best thing to do is to visit one of the beaches just outside the city. You don’t need to travel far: The golden sands of Plage du Ricanto are within the city itself; or for even more peace and tranquility, go to Plage de Barbicaja.

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Is Ajaccio worth visiting?

Ajaccio is certainly worth visiting, and not only because it’s likely to be your port of arrival in Corsica. Wild, mysterious, and with a rare combination of inhospitable mountains and some of the finest beaches in Europe, Corsica is a jewel. Ajaccio has a wealth of accommodations and fantastic beaches within walking distance from the center.

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What is Ajaccio known for?

Ajaccio’s most famous alumnus was Napoleon Bonaparte, who was born here in 1769—the same year that Corsica became French. The house in which he was born has been turned into a museum, and it still contains many of the emperor’s personal affairs. Ajaccio is also the port of arrival for docking ships from the mainland and many domestic and international flights.

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Is Ajaccio in France?

Technically, yes, Ajaccio is in France. It’s the capital of Corsica, which became a part of France in 1769; but Corsica has retained a distinct sense of “otherness,” and many Corsicans resent being described as French. The Corsican language is still spoken by an estimated 200,000 people across the island.

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When is the best time to visit Ajaccio?

High season in Corsica is during the summer, and it can get very busy during the school holidays. Shoulder season (May to June and September to October) is a lovely time to visit Ajaccio and the island as a whole. The Corsican mountains rise to over 2,700 meters (8,858 feet), so it’s possible to get some snow here, even as early as shoulder season.

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