The sunny city of Ajaccio has long been a tourist favorite thanks to its scenic bay, welcoming cafés and restaurants and riot of color. You’ll find plenty to see here, but there are lots of other sights to explore on this beautiful island, from Genoese architecture to prehistoric ruins.
Exploring Ajaccio
The sheltered location of Ajaccio means it has a mild climate all year round. This former Roman port town was rebuilt by the Genoese in the 15th century and its center is based around a medieval citadel, which is still in use by the military today.
In the old town, you’ll find the birthplace of Napoleon, now a museum dedicated to his life, as well as Place Marechal Foch, a popular spot lined with shady trees. Close by is the Fesch museum, opened by Napoleon’s uncle and boasting an impressive collection of art including paintings by Veronese, Botticelli and Titian.
Aside from sightseeing, other popular activities in Ajaccio include boat trips to the Iles Sanguinaires, just a few kilometers off the coast. A small group is islands, you can disembark and take a guided tour of the largest, Mezzomare.
A town of art and history
Bastia, a port on the north-east coast, has an impressive old town with buildings dating back to the 18th century, plus the imposing twin-towered Church of St-Jean Baptiste.
Bastia has both an older traditional port and a newer area where ferries regularly arrive from Italy and French cities such as Nice. The old harbor comes to life in the evenings, with bars and restaurants staying open late, affording excellent views of the church in the background. There is also a lovely walk to be had along the waterfront, with the Quai des Martyrs de la Liberation offering one of the best views of the harbor.
Bastia is not far from Cap Corse, a stretch of the island with miles of scenic coastline and many picturesque fishing villages surrounded by mountains. By car you can follow a route around the coast, taking occasional excursions inland to visit the villages in the hills.
A taste of Italy
Just a couple of hours from Ajaccio Airport via the T40 is the fortress of Bonifacio, a town rich in history perched on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean. It’s just seven miles from Sardinia, and you’ll notice it has a more Italian feel than most other areas on the island.
The town is home to an elegant quay, with excellent views of the sea and some lovely cafés where you can relax and enjoy the view. It’s also possible to organize a boat trip along the coast, or even a ferry south to visit Sardinia.
Bonifacio is a popular center for activities such as yachting and diving and it’s possible to drive or walk up the steep route to the old town and citadel, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding coast. This area is also home to some spectacular beaches, many flanked by pine trees. Renting a car for your trip makes it possible to see all the pleasures that Ajaccio to offer and to explore the rest of Corsica.
