With its warm climate, picturesque marina and what feels like a special place in the sun, Ajaccio is a popular destination for visitors to Corsica. Perhaps its biggest claim to fame is being the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, and you’ll find many monuments to the former emperor around its streets. From this small town he was a man whose presence was felt around the world.
Near to Napoleon
Many visitors to Ajaccio start their trip at the citadel, an impressive military fort that’s still used today. It’s not open to the public but is a striking sight from outside, and you might even spot mules or goats grazing peacefully around its walls. Not far away you’ll find the beach, Plage Saint-Francois, and the harbor that is dotted with charming cafés where you can relax and admire the view.
In Ajaccio old town, you’ll find La Maison Bonaparte, the birthplace of Napoleon and now the National Bonaparte Museum. Here you can learn all about his life, from his early days in Ajaccio to his exile on Saint Helena. Close by, at the Hotel de Ville, you’ll find the Salon Napoleonien where you can see his medals and eerie death mask.
To round off the full Napoleon experience, head for the Cathedrae Ste-Marie which contains the font where he was baptized, in addition to art by Delacroix.
Calvi and the Cape
There’s plenty to see in Ajaccio but, if you want to head out of the city, Corsica’s delights – French in flavor but with an Italian influence - await. Taking the T20 inland leads you on a scenic route, with mountains and forests illuminating the way. Follow the road to the north of the island and you’ll arrive in Calvi, a beautiful old town with an impressive citadel perched high on a hill.
Yacht owners love to sail here from the harbors of Cannes and Nice, and it’s easy to see why. You can take a stroll around the cobbled streets, sunbathe on the beach or admire the mountains in the distance. There are also a number of cafes where you can sample traditional French soups, stews and cured meats.
From Calvi you can also take a boat trip to Scandola Nature Reserve on the Cape Girolata peninsula. This area is home to many species of sea bird, and you might even spot some of its resident seal and dolphin colonies.
Southern sophistication
Head south out of Ajaccio, taking the T40 to the southeast of the island, to reach Porto-Vecchio. This winningly handsome town is home to a lively harbor filled with bustling bars, restaurants, and boutique stores.
It’s a stylish and fashionable resort that wouldn’t be out of place sitting between Cannes and Nice on the mainland. July and August are the peak tourist months, but it’s still possible to escape the crowds by heading out into its coves or mountain paths, where you’ll find a more peaceful atmosphere.
See Ajaccio and Corsica by rental car and you’ll tick off all the main attractions of this serene nook of Europe.