Ajaccio Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Locality

Facts and practical information

Ajaccio, the capital city of Corsica, is a charming and vibrant destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and Mediterranean charm. Located on the western coast of the island, Ajaccio boasts a stunning coastline, picturesque beaches, and a rich cultural heritage that attracts visitors from all over the world.

One of the main highlights of Ajaccio is its beautiful beaches. With crystal-clear turquoise waters and soft golden sands, the beaches here are perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sun. Plage Saint-François and Plage du Trottel are popular choices among locals and tourists alike, offering a tranquil atmosphere and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Beyond its beaches, Ajaccio is also renowned for its historical sites. The birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, the city is steeped in history and offers fascinating insights into the life of this iconic figure. Visitors can explore the Maison Bonaparte, the ancestral home of the Bonaparte family, which has been transformed into a museum showcasing Napoleon's life and legacy.

For those seeking a taste of Corsican culture, a visit to the Fesch Museum is a must. This fine arts museum houses an impressive collection of European paintings, including works by renowned artists such as Titian, Botticelli, and Veronese. The museum also features a significant collection of Corsican art, providing a unique opportunity to explore the island's artistic heritage.

Food lovers will be delighted by the culinary offerings of Ajaccio. The city is known for its fresh seafood, locally produced charcuterie, and flavorful Corsican wines. Visitors can indulge in a gastronomic journey by sampling traditional Corsican dishes such as wild boar stew, figatellu (a type of sausage), and fiadone (a delicious Corsican cheesecake).

In addition to its cultural and gastronomic attractions, Ajaccio also offers a wide range of outdoor activities. From hiking in the nearby mountains to water sports such as sailing and snorkeling, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Nature enthusiasts can explore the stunning landscapes of the Scandola Nature Reserve or take a boat trip to the idyllic Îles Sanguinaires, known for their breathtaking sunsets.

Alternative names: Population: 54.4 thous. (2019)Area: 31.67 mi²Elevation: 49 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 41°55'5"N, 8°44'16"E

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CorsicaFrance

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Ajaccio Top Attractions

Ajaccio Attractions - What to See and Explore

Ajaccio offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Musée Fesch, Maison Bonaparte, Ajaccio Cathedral, Torra di a Parata. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Palace art museum with old masters
Musée Fesch
The musée Fesch is the central museum of fine arts in Ajaccio on Corsica. Located within the gated Palais Fesch, it is in the town's Borgu d'Ajaccio quarter. It was established by Napoleon I's uncle, cardinal Joseph Fesch, in Fesch's birthplace.
Museum in the Bonaparte ancestral home
Maison Bonaparte
Maison Bonaparte is the ancestral home of the Bonaparte family. It is located on the Rue Saint-Charles in Ajaccio on the French island of Corsica. The house was almost continuously owned by members of the family from 1682 to 1923.
Historic church with a baroque interior
Ajaccio Cathedral
Ajaccio Cathedral, officially the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption of Ajaccio and also known as the Cathedral of the Assumption of Saint Mary, is a Roman Catholic church located in Ajaccio, Corsica.

View point • Tower
Torra di a Parata
The Parata Tower is a ruined Genoese tower located in the commune of Ajaccio, Corse-du-Sud, on the west coast of the Corsica. The tower sits at an elevation of 55 metres on a rocky promontory, the Pointe de la Parata, to the north-east of the Îles Sanguinaires archipelago. The tower was built in 1550–1551 by Giacomo Lombardo.
Library
Bibliothèque Fesch
The Bibliothèque Fesch is the municipal library of Ajaccio, in Corsica. It is named after the Musée Fesch, of which it occupies the north wing. Inaugurated on May 14, 1850, it was founded by Lucien Bonaparte in 1801 with an endowment of 12,310 books.
Historical place • Forts and castles
Citadelle d'Ajaccio
Citadelle d'Ajaccio is a fortress in Corse-du-Sud, France. It was built in 1492.
41°56'14"N • 8°37'21"E
Capo di Feno
Beach • Outdoor activities • Park
Park
Arboretum des Milelli
The Arboretum des Milelli is an arboretum located on the 12-hectare grounds of Les Milelli, outside Ajaccio, Corse-du-Sud, Corsica, France.
Tower
Torra di Cantonu Grossu
The Tower of Cantonu Grossu was a Genoese tower located in the commune of Ajaccio on the west coast of the Corsica. The tower was on the north coast of the Golfe d'Ajaccio between the city and the Pointe de la Parata. No trace of the tower survives.
41°54'60"N • 8°43'28"E
Théatre de verdure du Casone
Park
41°54'59"N • 8°43'25"E
Monument commémoratif de Napoléon Ier
Memorial
41°55'8"N • 8°44'18"E
Statue de Napoléon Empereur Romain
Memorial

Day trips

Ajaccio – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Ajaccio, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Filitosa, Calvi Cathedral (Calvi), Lac de Melo (Parc naturel régional de Corse).

14 milesSE
Archaeological site, Historical place, Mysterious site
Filitosa
Filitosa, a prehistoric site nestled in the heart of Corsica, France, stands as a captivating testament to human history and ingenuity. This archaeological gem is renowned for its collection of megalithic monuments, including the iconic statue-menhir – towering stone...
45 milesN
Church
Calvi Cathedral, Calvi
Calvi Cathedral is a former Roman Catholic church located in Calvi on the island of Corsica, France. It was the episcopal seat of the Bishop of Sagona, which in 1801 was succeeded by the Bishopric of Ajaccio. The cathedral is a national monument.
25 milesNE
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Lac de Melo, Parc naturel régional de Corse
Lac de Melu is a lake in Corsica, France. At an elevation of 1,710 metres, its surface area is 0.065 square kilometres. The lake is the source of the Restonica River. It is close to Lac de Capitellu, in the commune of Corte.
25 milesNE
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Lac de Nino, Parc naturel régional de Corse
Lac de Nino is a lake in Haute-Corse, France. At an elevation of 1743 m, its surface area is 0.065 km². The lake is on the Tavignano river near to its source below the 1,883 metres Bocca a Reta.
43 milesSE
13th-century Romanesque Catholic church
Église Sainte-Marie-Majeure de Bonifacio, Bonifacio
Église Sainte-Marie-Majeure de Bonifacio is a Roman Catholic church in Bonifacio, Corse-du-Sud, southeastern Corsica. The building was classified as a Historic Monument in 1982. It was built in the 12-13th century.

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Best Time To Visit Ajaccio

Learn when is the best time to travel to Ajaccio weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in May, June and September.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January, February, March and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in July. Most of it rains in October and November.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Ajaccio?

The top attractions to visit in Ajaccio are:

What is the best time to visit Ajaccio?

July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in May, June and September. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January, February, March and December.