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Ajaccio: A Blend of History and Great Food!

THE ULTIMATE

GUIDE TO

VISITING

Corsica was never on my list of European destinations to visit. My first visit to Ajaccio was because it was a stop on a cruise. I was not that all interested in the port so I did not do much research beforehand.  All I knew about Corsica was that Napolean Bonaparte was born on the island.

I found Ajaccio to be a captivating.  It was nothing short of beautiful. The city offers so much more than just a glimpse into the life of Napoleon.  The area offers dramatic landscapes, beautiful nearby beaches, rich history, and amazing food!

Best Time to Visit Ajaccio

The best time to visit Ajaccio, Corsica is from May to September, when the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for beach activities, sightseeing, and outdoor adventures. Here’s a breakdown by season:

  • May – June: Pleasant temperatures (18-25°C / 64-77°F), fewer tourists, and blooming landscapes.
  • July – August: Peak season with hot weather (25-30°C / 77-86°F), perfect for beaches but crowded.
  • September: Warm sea, fewer crowds, and still great weather (20-27°C / 68-81°F).
  • October – April: Cooler and quieter, good for hiking but less ideal for beachgoers.

For fewer crowds and great weather, late May to early July or September is ideal!

How to Get to Ajaccio

Ajaccio, the capital of Corsica, is accessible by air and sea. Here are your best options to get there:

By Air (Fastest Option)

Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport (AJA) is the main airport, with flights from:

  • France (Paris, Marseille, Nice, Lyon, etc.)
  • Other European cities (seasonal flights from London, Geneva, Brussels, etc.)

From mainland France: Direct flights from Paris (1h30), Marseille (1h), Nice (1h), and more.
From other countries: You may need to connect via a French airport.

By Ferry (Scenic Option)

Ferries to Ajaccio operate from:

  • France (Marseille, Toulon, and Nice)
  • Italy (seasonal routes from Sardinia)

Main Attractions

Start your journey at the Maison Bonaparte, the ancestral home of Napoleon, which has been transformed into a museum. Here, you ca explore the rooms where the future emperor grew up, adorned with period furniture and memorabilia that provide a window into his early life.

Just a stone’s throw away lies the Ajaccio Cathedral, a beautiful Baroque structure built in the 16th century. This serene place of worship is where Napoleon was baptized, and its intricate frescoes and peaceful ambiance make it a must-visit.

For those who appreciate art, the Fesch Museum is a treasure trove of Italian Renaissance paintings, including works by Caravaggio and Botticelli, reflecting the artistic influences that shaped Corsica.

Transportation Options

Ajaccio offers several transportation options, whether you want to explore the city or venture further into Corsica. Here’s what you need to know:

By Foot

Ajaccio’s city center is very walkable, especially for exploring the old town, beaches, and Napoleon-related landmarks.

Public Buses (Muvistrada)

The Muvistrada bus network operates within Ajaccio and nearby areas.  Main routes connect the city center, airport, and beaches like Plage d’Ariadne and Capo di Feno.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis are available but can be expensive and are not always easy to find.  It is best to book in advance.  There’s no Uber or major ride-sharing services in Ajaccio.

Car Rental (Best for Exploring Corsica)

If you are looking to explore Corsica beyond Ajaccio, renting a car is the most convenient option.  There are several rental agencies at Ajaccio Airport and ferry port.  If you chose to rent a car, note that parking in Ajaccio can be tricky.

Train (Corsican Railway)

The Chemins de Fer de la Corse (Corsican Railway) offers a scenic train ride from Ajaccio to Corte, Bastia, and Calvi.  It’s a slow but breathtaking way to see Corsica’s mountains.

Accomodation Types

Ajaccio caters to all types of travelers with a wide range of accommodations.

Luxury seekers can opt for five-star hotels, but there are many options for those seeking more budget-friendly accommodations.

Airbnbs & guesthouses are plentiful in the old town of Ajaccio as well as near the beaches.

For a truly unique stay, try an Agriturismo-style farm stay.

Activities & Attractions

Activities in and around Ajaccio are plentiful

If you are a beach lover, check out Plage de Capo di Feno – A wild and beautiful beach, great for surfing or Plage Saint-François – Right in town, ideal for relaxing with views of the citadel.

For water enthusiasts, you can take a boat trips to the Sanguinaires Islands.  These islands are especially popular at sunset.

For those that enjoy hiking, Sentier des Crêtes is a panoramic coastal trail with amazing views over Ajaccio and the sea.  For an easier trek, the Capo di Feno Hike is a scenic walk leading to a wild, less crowded beach.

Gorges de la Restonica offers stunning mountain scenery with rivers and natural pools for swimming.

Food & Dining

In Ajaccio, the cuisine is a delicious blend of Corsican, French, and Mediterranean influences, featuring fresh seafood, cured meats, cheeses, and hearty mountain dishes.

Corsica is famous for its charcuterie (cured meats), thanks to its free-range black pigs (porcu nustrale). Try Prisuttu, which is dry-cured ham, similar to prosciutto or Coppa & Lonzu, which is cured pork, sliced thin and eaten with cheese.

Seafood and Mediterranean specialties abound in Ajaccio.   Seafood is often freshly caught and is prepared simply to avoid overpowering the flavor of the fish.

For cheese lovers, Corsica offers unique cheese made from either sheep or goat’s milk.  Try Brocciu, a fresh, creamy cheese used in both savory and sweet dishes and Tomme Corse, a strong-flavored aged cheese.

For the sweet lovers, try Canistrelli, crunchy, anise-flavored Corsican biscuits, Fiadone, a cheesecake made with brocciu cheese and lemon zest and Beignets au Brocciu – Deep-fried doughnuts stuffed with fresh cheese.

Itinerary

Day 1

  • Enjoy a coffee and croissants in the Old Town before starting your day
  • Visit Maison Bonaparte, the birthplace of Napoleon, filled with historical artifacts.
  • Stroll through the Old Town – Explore colorful streets, Place Foch, and the Citadel.
  • Sample Corsican cheese, charcuterie and pastries at Marché d’Ajaccio.
  • In the afternoon, relax at Plage Saint-François, a central beach near the Citadel.

Day 2

  • Visit Cathedral of Ajaccio, a small but beautiful catherdral, where Napoleon was baptized.
  • Musee Fesch – A great art museum with works by Italian masters.
  • In the afternoon take a boat Trip to Îles Sanguinaires, rugged islands perfect for snorkeling or photography.
  • Watch the sunset at Place d’Austerlitz, a great viewpoint with a Napoleon monument.

Day 3 

  • After breakfast, try the Sentier des Crêtes Hike,v a moderate hike that offers scenic coastal views.
  • After lunch, reward yourself after the hike by relaxing at the Plage d’Ariadne, a peaceful beach with crystal-clear water. 🏝️

Day 4: Road Trip & Corsican Villages

  • Drive to Les Calanques de Piana – A stunning UNESCO-listed rock formation (~1.5-hour drive).
  • Have lunch in Porto
  • Visit Cargèse, a charming Greek-influenced village.
  • Drive back via Prunelli Gorges – A scenic mountain route with dramatic landscapes. 🚗

Tips

Conclusion

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Dana

Dana is a recent college grad who is the founder of Volumes & Voyages, a blog devoted to books and travel. After studying abroad in Dublin for a semester, she got bit by the travel bug and has been chasing her wanderlust ever since.

i'm Dana

Hi, I’m Dana! I’m a passionate traveler with a love for exploring new cultures – and the food that goes along with it! Come with me as I explore popular tourist spots and unexpected hidden gems.
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