Ajaccio holidays

How to reach Ajaccio

• Flight time: Flights to Ajaccio from London and other major UK airports take approximately two hours 15 minutes.

• Transfer time: Ajaccio Napoléon Bonaparte Airport is just 8km from the city centre. Shuttle buses, or navettes (hourly 6 am–10.45 pm), provide the main link with the centre, reaching the train station in just 15 minutes. Alternatively, a taxi ride will get you to the city in 10 minutes.

• Price: The shuttle bus costs €8.50 if booked online in advance or €10 when purchased on board. Taxis are priced between €15 and €25 for the short trip into town.

Best time to visit Ajaccio

Choosing the best time for your holidays to Ajaccio depends on your preferences, but each season offers its own unique delights.

• March to June: Spring is an excellent time to visit, with the weather warming up nicely (15°C to 25°C), and around 8–10 hours of sunshine daily. Rainfall is minimal, and the area’s famous beaches are far less crowded than in summer. An ideal time to explore Ajaccio’s historic sites or the coastal trails without the summer heat.

• July to August: Summer is peak season, meaning far more crowds and extreme heat: temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C and there are about 11–13 hours of sunshine daily. Be prepared for higher prices and book well in advance. Early morning visits to attractions like Maison Bonaparte are advised.

• September to November: Autumn offers far more pleasant, though still hot, weather with temperatures between 20°C and 30°C; the water is still warm enough to swim in and it’s a good time to explore the nearby Alta Rocca mountains.

• December to February: Winters are short and not very cold at all, with temperatures still a relatively balmy 10°C to 15°C. Rainfall is higher, averaging 60–100mm per month, and there are around 5–7 hours of sunshine daily. Very definitely off-season, which makes it a good time to explore the historical sites without the crowds.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: French is the official language, but you will also hear Corsican spoken. English is not as widely understood, so learning a few basic French phrases can be helpful.

• Local habits and customs: Corsicans value their traditions and a relaxed pace of life; for example, siestas are common, and many shops close in the early afternoon.

• Health and safety: Whilst Corsica does have a reputation for crime, this is generally confined to local gangs. But still be wary in busy tourist areas. Emergency services can be reached by dialling 112.

• Currency: The Euro is used in Corsica. ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in most places.

• Getting around: The city is walkable, with attractions like Maison Bonaparte and the cathedral within easy reach. Public buses cost €1.50 per trip, and multi-day passes are available at local ticket offices. Line 5, which crisscrosses the city, runs a few times hourly from place de Gaulle to Parata, for the Îles Sanguinaires. There are regular buses to Bonifacio and Porto Vecchio, and the regional train service runs to Bastia and Calvi, but renting a car is the best way to explore off the beaten track.

• Electricity and plug types: Corsica uses the standard European 220V supply with two-pin plugs. UK travellers need a plug adaptor.

• Time zone: Corsica is in the Central European Time zone (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of GMT. Daylight Saving Time is observed.

• Required travel documentation: UK travellers need a valid passport to enter France. No visa is required for stays under 90 days within a 180-day period.

Best things to do in Ajaccio

A relaxed and good-looking place, Ajaccio is memorable for the things that have long made it attractive– its battered old town, a wealth of smart cafés, restaurants and shops, and the encompassing view of its glorious bay.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Pointe de la Parata: This striking headland offers breathtaking views of the Îles Sanguinaires, especially at sunset.

• Place d’Austerlitz: Known locally as Napoleon’s Grotto, this handsome plaza stars a grand statue of Napoleon whilst simultaneously providing fine views over the city and sea.

The best districts

• Place Foch: A delightfully shady square sloping down to the sea, and once the site of the town’s medieval gate, place Foch lies at the heart of old Ajaccio.

• Rue Bonaparte: Built on the promontory rising to the citadelle, the secluded streets in this part of town–with their dusty buildings and hole-in-the-wall restaurants lit by flashes of sea or sky at the end of the alleys–retain more of a sense of the old Ajaccio than anywhere else.

Museums

• Maison Bonaparte: Napoleon’s birthplace–a colossal building–now houses a fascinating, if endless, display of portraits, miniatures, weapons, letters and documents.

• Salon Napoléonien: Museum containing a replica of the ex-emperor’s death mask along with a solemn array of Bonaparte family portraits and busts. A smaller medal room has a fragment from Napoleon’s coffin and part of his dressing-case, plus a model of the ship that brought his body back from St Helena.

Historical monuments

• Ajaccio Cathedral: This modest yet beautiful cathedral is where Napoleon was baptised in 1771. Take a look in the chapel to the left of the altar, which houses a fine Delacroix painting of the Virgin.

• Citadel of Ajaccio: While access is limited, the exterior of this 15th-century fortress is an impressive sight, standing sentry over the coastline.

• Tour de la Parata: A 12m-tall watchtower built in 1608, this is one of the last of its kind erected by the Genoese to guard the coast against Barbary pirates; it sports the rusting remains of Corsica’s first aerial telegraph, installed in the latter half of the 18th century.

Day trips in the area

• Corte: A nationalist stronghold, with loads of 18th-century charm and a rugged mountain setting.

• Filitosa menhirs: A short hop over the west coast, these are among the western Mediterranean’s greatest archaeological treasures, unique for their carved faces.

• Îles Sanguinaires: Tufts of gorse, a square watchtower and crashing surf give these islets a dramatic air. To get there, join the daily boat excursion from Porticcio and Ajaccio run by Nave Va.

Activities for families in Ajaccio

Families won't be short of things to do on their Ajaccio holidays, thanks to a plethora of fantastic, mostly water-bound activities.

• Boat trips: Nave Va operates popular gulf cruises from Ajaccio’s Marina Tino Rossi. The same firm also runs longer day trips north as far as Scandola, and south around the coast to Bonifacio.

• Aquariums and zoos: Europe’s leading centre for turtle and tortoise research, breeding and conservation, A Cupulatta near Ajaccio is home to over 170 species, including terrapins, alligator and cherry turtles, giant Galapagos and Seychelles tortoises.

• Beaches: Head to Plage Saint-François, just a short walk from the city centre, for a family-friendly beach with calm waters. Alternatively, Porticcio offers shallow, sandy shores perfect for kids.

Free things to do in Ajaccio

Exploring Ajaccio on a budget? There are plenty of free activities to enjoy.

• Free events: Both the Ajaccio Jazz Festival in June and Les Journées Napoléoniennes in August feature free performances and historical reenactments.

• Beach days: Spend the day at one of Ajaccio’s public beaches, such as Plage Saint-François, which offers stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere.

• City markets: Each weekday and Saturday morning (and on Sundays during the summer), the square directly behind the hôtel de ville hosts a small fresh produce market where you can browse and buy top-quality fresh produce from around the island, including myrtle liqueur, wild-boar sauces and ewe’s cheese from the Niolo valley.

Nature and outdoor activities

The hinterland of Ajaccio holds some of the island’s most stupendous mountains (for hiking and cycling) while the coastline affords opportunities aplenty for different kinds of watersports.

• Hiking: The Sentier des Crêtes offers a fantastically scenic coastal hike with views of the Îles Sanguinaires; it’s a moderate trail and takes around three hours to complete.

• Snorkelling and diving: Explore the underwater world around the Îles Sanguinaires, where you’ll find vibrant marine life and fascinating rock formations. Equipment can be rented locally.

• Kayaking: Paddle along Ajaccio’s coastline to discover hidden coves and crystal-clear waters. Guided tours are available for beginners.

• Cycling: Rent a bike and ride along the Route des Sanguinaires, a picturesque road that hugs the coastline and offers breathtaking views.

The best beaches for your Ajaccio holidays

Ajaccio, the sun-drenched capital of Corsica, is home to some of the island’s most beautiful beaches. With a mix of golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and scenic coastal backdrops, there’s a perfect beach for every type of traveller—whether you’re after a lively atmosphere, a quiet escape, or the best spot for a sunset swim.

• Plage de Capo di Feno – wild and beautiful

  If you prefer untouched, natural beaches, Capo di Feno is a must-visit. Just a short drive from Ajaccio, this beach is known for its wilder setting, with rolling waves and a more rugged coastline. It’s a favourite for surfers, but even if you’re not catching waves, the scenery alone is worth the trip.

• Plage Saint-François – central and convenient

  Right in the heart of Ajaccio, this beach is perfect for those who want to stay close to the city while enjoying some time by the sea. It’s a lively spot with golden sand and calm waters, ideal for a quick dip before heading back to explore Ajaccio’s charming streets.

• Plage de Marinella – family-friendly vibes

  Located along the Route des Sanguinaires, Plage de Marinella offers soft sand, shallow waters, and plenty of nearby restaurants and cafés. It’s an excellent choice for families or anyone looking for a relaxed beach with easy access to facilities.

• Plage d’Argent – a little slice of paradise

  One of the most famous beaches near Ajaccio, Plage d’Argent is known for its shimmering white sand and turquoise waters. The gentle waves make it a great swimming spot, and there’s a beachfront restaurant where you can enjoy fresh seafood with a view.

• Iles Sanguinaires beaches – breathtaking sunset spots

  For a more unique beach experience, take a trip to the Iles Sanguinaires, a group of rugged islands off the coast of Ajaccio. These beaches are more secluded, with dramatic coastal landscapes, making them perfect for those looking for a peaceful escape.

With its mix of city beaches, family-friendly shores, and hidden gems, Ajaccio offers a beach for every mood—whether you want to soak up the sun, take a scenic coastal walk, or enjoy a sunset swim in the Mediterranean.

Local dishes in Ajaccio

It’s the herbs of the maquis that lend the island’s cuisine its distinctive aromas, and it’s a fair bet that you’ll spend a lot of time on your holidays to Ajaccio eating very well indeed.

Some typical dishes

• Brocciu: A soft mozzarella-like cheese made with ewe’s milk, this is found everywhere on the island, forming the basis for many dishes, including omelettes and cannelloni.

• Civet de Sanglier: The island’s signature dish is a scrumptious wild boar stew slow-cooked with carrots, chestnuts, fennel and lots of red wine.

Meat dishes

• Figatellu: A traditional Corsican sausage made from pork liver and flavoured with garlic and spices, and typically cooked over an open flame.

• Agneau Corse: Corsican lamb, much prized for its tenderness, roasted with rosemary and garlic.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Stufatu di Pezzu: A scrummy fish stew packed with a variety of fish, to which is added tomatoes, onions and herbs.

• Trout: Freshwater trout from Corsica’s rivers, grilled or baked and served with potatoes and fresh vegetables.

Sweets and desserts

Canistrelli are Corsican biscuits made with flour, sugar and white wine, and come in various flavours, such as lemon, almond and anise. Fiadone is a local cheesecake made with brocciu cheese, lemon zest and eggs.

Local drinks

• Corsican wine: The local wine is mostly from indigenous vine stocks that yield distinctive, herb-tinged aromas. Names to look out for include Domaine Torraccia and Domaine Fiumicicoli.

• Cap Corse: A popular aperitif is the drink known as Cap Corse, a fortified wine flavoured with quinine and herbs.

• Pietra beer: Corsican beer brewed with chestnut flour, giving it a distinct flavour probably unlike anything else you've ever tasted before.