AjaccioCorsica · France

All About Ajaccio

As an essential port, the birthplace of Napoléon Bonaparte, and as the capital of Corsica, Ajaccio is a pretty iconic destination. The city’s origin dates back to a nearby Roman settlement although it was the Genoese who were responsible for transforming Ajaccio into a proper township. Named after Ajax, the mythological Greek warrior, Ajaccio finally came under French control in 1768, along with the rest of the island.

Ajaccio has been a popular tourist destination since the late 1800s. Located on the west coast of the island, the city is full of character and culture. Avid travelers exploring the city soon realize that Ajaccio is extremely proud of its links with Napoléon. Moreover, the city’s real charm shines brightly through its baroque architecture, friendly locals, and sandy beaches. A holiday in Ajaccio is an occasion to relish its predominantly French aura with a lingering Italian influence.
 

Routes and Ferries to Ajaccio

The demand for ferry tickets to Ajaccio goes up in the summers as many tourists prefer to reach Corsica via the sea. Ferryscanner offers various ferry connections to Ajaccio that help simplify travel, so you can focus on enjoying your vacation. Corsica Ferries and Corsica Linea are the two leading companies sailing regularly to Ajaccio from Mainland France.

Marseille, 10-12 hours away, and Toulon, about 7 hours away, have the best links, with several sailings during the week. There is only one ferry a week covering the seven-hour journey from Nice. Ferry tickets to Ajaccio from Porto Torres in Sardinia are equally popular. However, there is typically only one boat per week between the two islands.

Travelers wishing to fly in can land at Ajaccio Napoléon Bonaparte Airport. Acting as the main airport of Corsica, year-round AirCorsica flights arrive here from Lyon, Paris, Toulouse, Nice, and Marseille. During summers, tourists have more options as low-cost airlines schedule seasonal flights to Ajaccio from around Europe. The airport is only 5km from the port, and it takes roughly 15 minutes to reach the city center by bus or taxi.
 

Port of Ajaccio

The Port of Ajaccio is a medium-sized yet busy harbor, mainly handling passenger ferries and private boats. Nestled in the Gulf of Ajaccio, it is the largest port on the island and also a popular cruise ship destination.

Divided into different sections, the port incorporates the Tino Rossi harbor and separate ferry and cruise terminals. The marina has 300 berths, half of which are for visiting boats. While the ferries and most yachts can dock at the port, some larger cruise ships have to use tenders to transport their passengers.

The port is a convenient arrival point for tourists with ferry tickets to Ajaccio as it is only 300 meters from the city center. Those wishing to travel elsewhere on the island can catch a bus, a train, rent a car, or book a taxi from the ferry terminal.
 

Best Beaches

Like most of Corsica’s spectacular coastline, Ajaccio also offers its visitors access to stunning sandy beaches as well as hard-to-reach idyllic coves.

Plage du Ricanto

A quiet sandy beach near the airport, Ricanto is one of Ajaccio’s best-kept secrets. Popular with the locals, the beach remains uncrowded even during the summer season. The turquoise waters at Ricanto stay calm, especially in the morning. Additionally, the shallow entry into the sea makes it a safe place for children and the elderly. Less than a 15-minute drive from the center, Plage du Ricanto is the place to go for sunbathing, swimming in the Mediterranean, or a late evening walk by the water.

Plage de Saint François

Ajaccio’s central beach, Plage de Saint François, is a thin strip of sand that provides visitors a refreshing escape from the city’s haste without having to leave it. There aren’t any facilities here, but the beach and the water are clean and family-friendly. The lack of shade, however, might only appeal to die-hard sunbathers. Located close to the harbor, the beach is a fun spot to wave at passengers arriving with ferry tickets to Ajaccio in hand.   

Plage de la Terre Sacrée

It takes roughly 15 minutes from the center to reach the most visually stunning beach in Ajaccio. The soft fine sand, crystal clear blue waters, and views of the Sanguinaires Islands make Plage de la Terre Sacrée a popular seaside destination on sunny days. While sunbathers can rent loungers and grab a bite from the beach shack on location, Terre Sacrée is also an excellent spot to go snorkeling. Both locals and tourists visit the beach regularly, making parking a bit of a hassle on holidays.    

Plage de Marinella

Plage de Marinella is an iconic sandy beach in Ajaccio, made famous by singer Tino Rossi, who not only lived nearby but also titled one of his songs after it. About 15 minutes from Ajaccio center, Marinella beach slopes gently into the sea, making it a family favorite. Furthermore, there are plenty of facilities around the strand, including sun lounger rentals, watersports, restaurants, and parking.

Plage de Porticcio

Having easy access from Ajaccio, Plage de Porticcio and its surrounding areas have a lively resort town-like vibe. Numerous restaurants and bars lined alongside the beach further add to its vibrant atmosphere. About 20 minutes by car or boat from the capital, Porticcio is extremely popular with tourists during summertime. Although the shoreline is more fine gravel than sandy, the beach is spacious and offers numerous watersports possibilities. The sea here tends to get deep pretty quickly, making it less than ideal for younger children but perfect for snorkeling. Moreover, the views of Ajaccio from the beach, especially at sundown, are truly phenomenal.
 

Things To Do

Ajaccio has an all-encompassing character. While Napoléon’s presence looms over the city, Ajaccio still attracts worldwide tourists with its diverse attractions and sociable atmosphere. From excursions for nature enthusiasts and history buffs to gourmet delights and visits to quaint fishing villages, Ajaccio promises a fun-filled vacation for all ages.

Explore the Imperial City

Napoléon remains an integral part of Ajaccio, also known as the Imperial City. Walking around, visiting monuments dedicated to the military leader is a fun way to spend a day here. Cours Napoléon in the capital’s main street. Just off the port, the road welcomes all travelers arriving by boat. Napoléon’s home and place of birth is now a museum and another must-visit attraction in Ajaccio. Then there is a statue of Napoléon and a cave where he would play as a young boy, both located in Casone Quarter. At the end of the day, though, head to Le Grand Café Napoléon for a delectable gourmet meal.

Visit the Sanguinaires Islands

A boat trip to the Sanguinaires islands is among the quintessential things to do in Ajaccio. This tiny archipelago of four islets is famously known as the ‘bloodthirsty islands’ due to porphyry stone that turns deep red during sunset. Although boat tours leave Ajaccio throughout the day, book the evening cruise to witness a striking spectacle. Most tours include snacks and a stop at the largest island of the group. While on Mezu Mare, you can swim, walk up to the Alphonse Daudet lighthouse, or visit the ruins of Lazarette.

Take the Petite Train D ’Ajaccio

The mini tourist train of Ajaccio is an excellent opportunity to see all the city highlights without breaking a sweat. The train is particularly popular with families. It follows two routes. The 45-minute city trip passes the City Hall, Old Town, Palace Fesch, Napoléon Cave, and the 16^th-century Cathedral. The Sanguinaires route is considerably longer and includes all the city stops plus a visit to the Chapel of Greek, Mediterranean Statue, and the Blood Thirsty islands.

Admire Art at the Fesch Palace and Museum

An essential thing to do in Ajaccio for art lovers is to visit the Fesch Palace and Museum. Joseph Fesch, Napoléon’s uncle from his mother’s side, was a true admirer of art. The museum primarily features his collection that includes several baroque paintings. However, his stock of Italian art, second only to the Louvre, is worth a special mention. So, on the museum walls, expect to find masterpieces by the likes of Bellini, Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Perugino, just to name a few. Additionally, Fesch Palace is home to a stunning library of 30,000 books.

Have Fun at the Farmer’s Market

Held opposite the tourist center in the city, Ajaccio’s farmer market is a daily occurrence during the summer months. Locals set up stalls in a partly open space offering a variety of gourmet delights. Local produce commonly found here includes Corsican cheese, honey, cured meats, olives, seasonal fruits, and vegetables, as well as jams and homemade soaps. The prices at the market do vary and are slightly steep during the tourist season, but the money goes directly to the artisans. Open from 7:00 till 13:00, try and reach the market as early as possible to avoid the post-breakfast rush.
 

Transportation Around Ajaccio

Whether arriving by plane or ferry to Ajaccio, the best way to explore the city is on foot. Most tourist attractions are within the central district of the city. Moreover, the many nooks and crannies of Ajaccio’s old town are brimming with hidden treasures, only accessible to pedestrians.

Tourists wishing to explore the rest of the island should hire a car or a moped. Buses are available but can be time-consuming and limited in their coverage. Taxis work best for short distances. However, agree on a price before getting in.

Riding on the U Trinighellu (or Little Train) is among the essential things to do in Corsica. The public train has only two routes, with the Ajaccio to Bastia through Corte being the most popular. Besides the ease of travel, the train ride promises a memorable journey through the island’s beautifully diverse topography.