The 10 most beautiful walks around Ajaccio

Situated in the heart of the Isle of Beauty, Ajaccio offers an exceptional playground for hiking enthusiasts. Between the turquoise sea and the Corsican mountains, the capital of Corse-du-Sud boasts spectacular trails that appeal to beginners and experienced hikers alike. Whether you want to follow the famous sentier des crêtes, climb Monte Gozzi or follow the wild coastline to the Sanguinaires islands, every hike around Ajaccio promises breathtaking panoramas.

Download the audio tour to discover Ajaccio on foot and on your own

Before you hit the hiking trails, discover the treasures of Ajaccio with our guided tour of Ajaccio. This 6km route takes you through the imperial city, from Napoleon’s birthplace to the picturesque streets of the old town. With 19 captivating audio guides, this itinerary will give you a better understanding of the soul of Corsica before you set off to explore the most beautiful paths on the island.

Also read the Ajaccio guide :

• What to do around Ajaccio (Corse-du-Sud)
• Visit the Sanguinaires Islands (Corsica)
• The best hotels to stay in Ajaccio
• Top 10 culinary specialities in Ajaccio
• What are the best things to do in Ajaccio?
• 15 not-to-be-missed excursions around Ajaccio

1. Climbing Monte Gozzi

Dominating the Gravona valley, Monte Gozzi rises to 708 metres and offers one of the most beautiful walks around Ajaccio. This 6.3km ascent, with 391 metres of ascent, will take you to an exceptional panorama of the entire Gulf of Ajaccio. The route starts from the Saint-Cyr chapel in Appietto, just 25 minutes’ drive from Ajaccio. The path follows the ridge through typically Corsican scrubland, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding mountains. This medium-difficulty hike takes around 2 hours to complete, and is ideal for discovering the natural beauty of southern Corsica.

2. The hike to the Tour de la Parata

This 3.9km family hike takes you to the emblematic Tour de la Parata, built by the Genoese in the 16th century. Accessible to all, with a difference in altitude of just 124 metres, this well-maintained trail offers spectacular views of the Sanguinaires Islands. The route, which takes around 1 hour, winds through a landscape of red rocks and fragrant scrubland. The Genoese tower, perched at the tip of the peninsula, is an excellent vantage point from which to admire the sunset over the Mediterranean. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of your stay to visit Ajaccio and discover its historical treasures thanks to our audio-guided itinerary.

3. The famous Crêtes d’Ajaccio trail

A must-do when it comes to hiking around Ajaccio, the sentier des Crêtes is 9.2 km long and has a 357 metre gradient. This 3-hour hike can even start directly from Ajaccio town centre, following the heights that dominate the imperial city. The route offers exceptional views of the Gulf of Ajaccio, the Sanguinaires Islands and the Corsican mountains. The panoramas follow one another at a frenetic pace, revealing all the splendour of the Corsican coastline. This moderately-difficult hike allows you to appreciate the diversity of Corsican landscapes, from the azure sea to the fragrant scrubland, while keeping the town of Ajaccio in your sights.

4. The customs path to Capo di Feno

Departing from Pointe de la Parata, the Customs Officers’ Trail takes you along 8.2 km of Corsican cliffs to the magnificent bay of Capo di Feno. This easy 2-hour hike, with a 210-metre ascent, follows the old customs watchmen’s trail, offering breathtaking views of Ajaccio’s rugged coastline. The path winds its way over secret coves and rocks sculpted by the sea spray, before reaching the superb beach of Petit Capo di Feno. This heavenly beach is an ideal reward after a hard day’s work, with its crystal-clear waters inviting you to take a dip. The return journey along the same path allows you to admire the Sanguinaires Islands from a different angle.

5. The wild Capu du Muru peninsula

This 8.5 km hike, with a 274 metre ascent, takes you to one of the wildest points in the Gulf of Ajaccio. Starting out from the small village of Cascionu, the trail crosses a chaos of granite rocks and thick scrub to reach the Genoese tower of Capu du Muru. This easy 2-hour hike offers exceptional panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and reveals a number of secret coves perfect for swimming. The Genoese tower, accessible by an outside staircase, is a great vantage point from which to observe the south of Ajaccio Bay. Geology buffs will particularly appreciate the spectacular rock formations on this unspoilt peninsula.

6. The Bomba trail in Villanova

Escape to the picturesque village of Villanova to discover this confidential 4.8 km hike with a 256 metre ascent. Just a 25-minute drive from Ajaccio, this easy 1-hour trail takes you through the Bomba valley in an authentic Corsican setting. The village of Villanova, perched high above the Gulf of Lava, offers magnificent views of the Mediterranean and is an ideal starting point for this peaceful loop. The path winds through fragrant scrubland, revealing panoramic views of the coast and surrounding mountains. This walk is a great way to discover rural Corsica, away from Ajaccio’s busiest trails, while enjoying the peace and quiet of an authentic Corsican village.

7. The expedition to I Pozzi from Bastelica

This exceptional 13.2 km hike with a 555 metre ascent takes you to one of the most emblematic sites in the Corsican mountains. Starting from the village of Bastelica, 50 minutes from Ajaccio, this moderately difficult trail takes 4 hours to reach the famous Pozzi. These natural peat bogs, created by melting snow, form one of the most spectacular landscapes in Corsica. The trail passes through wild forests and scrubland in a typically Corsican mountain setting, offering a refreshing alternative to coastal walks. This technical expedition rewards hardened walkers with the discovery of a unique and preserved ecosystem, a true jewel of Corsican nature.

8. The Genoese tower at Isolella

This short, 3.1km walk with just 44 metres of ascent takes you to the Isolella tower, situated in the south of the Gulf of Ajaccio. An easy 1-hour walk from the Anse de Sainte-Barbe will take you to this Genoese tower with its splendid sea views. The Isolella peninsula closes off the Gulf of Ajaccio to the south and is a great spot from which to admire the sunsets. The many opportunities for swimming in the surrounding creeks make this an ideal family outing. The trail is highly accessible, combining walking and seaside relaxation in an unspoilt setting, perfect for a half-day outing to discover the natural beauty of southern Corsica.

9. The coastal path to Marinella beach

This 7-kilometre coastal walk with a 180-metre gradient takes in one of the most beautiful beaches around Ajaccio. The trail follows the coast from Porticcio, offering breathtaking views of the gulf and Corsican mountains. The 2? hour walk takes in a number of wild coves and offers a chance to admire Corsica’s typical Mediterranean vegetation. The Marinella beach is the reward for this easy walk, with its turquoise waters and fine sand. The return journey along the same route offers a new perspective on the coastal panoramas of this unspoilt part of the Ajaccio coastline. This walk can easily be combined with the discovery of Ajaccio’s heritage thanks to our audio tour of the town.

10. The Prunelli sheepfold loop

This authentic 9.5 km hike, with a 420 metre ascent, takes you on a discovery tour of the ancient sheepfolds of Prunelli. Departing from the village of Bastelica, this 3.5-hour trail passes through typically Corsican landscapes, alternating between pine forests and high-altitude meadows. This moderately-difficult hike allows you to discover traditional pastoral architecture and admire exceptional views over the Prunelli valley. The sheepfolds, testimony to Corsican agropastoral activity, are picturesque stops along this looping route. This immersion in rural Corsica offers a perfect counterpoint to the coastal walks, revealing the diversity of the landscapes of the Isle of Beauty accessible from Ajaccio.

In conclusion, the walks around Ajaccio offer an exceptional diversity of landscapes and levels of difficulty. From the wild coastline to the Corsican peaks, via authentic villages, each trail reveals a unique facet of the island of Beauty. These 10 walks provide an excellent overview of the natural treasures of southern Corsica, within easy reach of the imperial city. To enhance your stay, don’t hesitate to combine these nature escapades with the discovery of Ajaccio’s heritage thanks to our Ajaccio tour itinerary. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, the Corsican trails promise you unforgettable memories in the heart of unspoilt countryside.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to go hiking around Ajaccio?

The best periods are March to May and September to November. Spring offers lush vegetation and pleasant temperatures, while autumn offers ideal conditions with fewer people on the trails. Avoid summer because of the intense heat and lack of shade on many routes.

What equipment do you need for hiking in Corsica?

Make sure you have suitable hiking boots, sun protection (cap, cream, glasses), a large supply of water (at least 1.5 litres), breathable clothing and a first-aid kit. In the mountains, add warm clothing as temperatures can drop rapidly.

Are the walks around Ajaccio accessible to families?

Yes, there are several walks that are ideal for families: the Tour de la Parata, the Isolella, and certain sections of the Douaniers trail. These short, low-tech routes allow children to discover the beauty of Corsica’s landscapes in complete safety.