What are the best things to do in Ajaccio?

Ajaccio is a town in the southern part of Corsica, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Some 72,700 people live in this little corner of paradise, just a few hours from the mountains. During the day, there are plenty of things to do: horse riding, visits to historic monuments, hiking, beach and picnic, river trips, city walks… There’s absolutely everything you need for a great holiday, alone or with the family. If you’re looking for a few things to do, don’t worry, we’ve got it all covered.

What to do in Ajaccio

1. Go to the beach

Category: €€/Sporty/Gastronomic

Description: Yes, we know it’s a bit of a cliché. But let’s face it, if you decide to go to Corsica on holiday, one of your primary motivations is to go to the beach, right? It’s not for nothing that this little jewel, surrounded by water, is called ‘L’île de Beauté’. The beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world, where the temperature is not too cold. Spending an afternoon in this little corner of paradise would be an excellent way to release stress and achieve some inner peace. Not to mention that children love it! On top of that, you can eat in one of the nearby seaside restaurants and sample a local speciality. Or why not bring your own picnic? Among the most beautiful beaches, we recommend Trottel, or Capo Di Feno for slightly stronger waves… if you ever want to try your hand at surfing.

2. Tree climbing

Category: €€/Sporty

Description: Are you in the mood for adventure? If you’re travelling with the family, there’s no activity as interesting and fun for children as tree climbing, in complete safety of course. In the town of Ajaccio, there’s what’s known as the “Grand Parc Aventure de Corse”, which is about forty minutes from “Vero” by car. Here, believe us, you’ll be able to work up a sweat and enjoy the scenery from above. In the middle of a majestic forest, there are several routes to choose from, depending on the level of difficulty. You can try out the famous monkey bridge, the zip lines and even surfing the peaks! You’re sure to come away with stars in your eyes. Corsica’s great adventure park is open from 10am to 7pm.

3. Visit the Ajaccio hinterland

Category: Cultural/Sporting

Description: When you visit Ajaccio, don’t forget to visit the Ajaccio hinterland, where you’ll discover lots of cute little stone villages. What’s more, as well as discovering more about this ‘ancient Corsica’, there are plenty of activities to do that will delight you even more: for example, you’ll find a whole host of hiking trails leading to superb locations, such as waterfalls with turquoise water, where you can sunbathe on a rock. It’s also a great opportunity to get to know the friendly animals at the “a Cupulatta” animal park, a large natural site covering several hectares. What could be better? Perhaps you’d like to spend some time in the Bocognano eco-museum, which gives an authentic account of the history of the people of Bocognano and Gravona. There’s plenty to see and do!

4. Visit the Calanques de Piana and Scandola from Ajaccio by boat

Category: €€/Cultural/ Unusual

Description: Fancy a boat trip? There’s plenty to see around Ajaccio, especially the Calanques de Piana, one of Corsica’s most beautiful natural sites, and the Scandola nature reserve. Both are UNESCO World Heritage sites. There’s no doubt that you and your little family, or friends, will love exploring these immense cliffs made of pink and red granite, as if they had been painted. It makes a perfect contrast with the turquoise blue of the sea, so a photo is a must. This is where you can see how Mother Nature can create beautiful things that rise proudly into the sky with such splendour and grace. An absolutely incredible sight! If you opt for a mini-cruise, you’ll be able to set foot on dry land from time to time, as the boat makes a quick stopover in the village of Girolata for lunch. A picturesque spot, which you’re sure to appreciate.

5. The Bonaparte House National Museum

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: Of course, visiting Ajaccio also means visiting the birthplace of the great Napoleon Bonaparte. You will be lucky enough to be able to enter what was his childhood home, now transformed into a national museum open to all. Classified as a historic monument, you’ll find all the objects, statues, decorations, paintings and other works of art that can tell the story of this emblematic figure in history, who was born in this house on 15 August 1769. During a guided tour, you’ll learn more about Napoleon and come away with a wealth of information that you certainly weren’t taught during your school years! For history buffs, this is the place to be! The Musée National de la Maison Bonaparte is open from 10am to around 5pm, and is located near rue Saint Charles.

6. The Palais Fesch

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: The landscapes and natural sites are not the only beautiful things to admire in Ajaccio. There is also the “Palais Fesch”, located on the seafront, a veritable fine arts museum. It is a precious heritage site, housing one of the largest collections of Italian paintings in any museum in France. A real gem! Among all the works of art to be admired, we strongly advise you to take the time to visit the “cabinet des arts graphiques et de la photographie”, as well as the “collection Napoléonienne”, which represents the Bonaparte family, with engravings, paintings and sculptures. It’s a place of diverse works of art that begs to be explored, to better understand the past. The Palais Fesch is open daily from 9.15am to 6pm, and is located on the “rue Cardinal Fesch”.