20 Best things to do in Ajaccio, Corsica, in 2 days or more

Introduction

Our road trip around Corsica (France) was slowly bringing us south, and so far, we can’t say it disappoints. Everything was amazing, from the Cap Corse to the secluded beaches of Saleccia and Lotu and the Gulf of Porto.

Our next stop was Ajaccio, Corsica’s main and biggest city. As such, we didn’t plan on staying long there, and we were right about that. After having visited the villages of Balagne, Ajaccio felt too big, too crowded, too dirty, too much under construction, well too much of a city.

Yet a small part of the city center was cute, but the best part was the Sanginaire islands, which aren’t exactly in the city but are stunning. Those islands are located at the end of the Gulf of Ajaccio and can be visited by boat or admired from a Genoese tower.

Read: The Ultimate Corsica Road Trip & Travel Guide

Getting there

Ajaccio is the capital of Corsica and is well-connected, making it one the easiest places in Corsica to get to:

• By Plane: Ajaccio Napoléon Bonaparte Airport (AJA) offers direct flights from major French cities like Paris, Marseille, and Nice, as well as some European destinations. The airport is just 7 km from the city center, accessible by bus, taxi, or rental car.
• By Ferry: Regular ferries connect Ajaccio to Marseille, Toulon, and Nice, along with several other Corsican ports such as Porto-Vecchio and Bastia. These ferries are operated by Corsica Linea and La Méridionale. The ferry terminal is conveniently situated in the city centre, ensuring a seamless arrival.
• By Car: If you’re already in Corsica, you can drive to Ajaccio from various locations. We arrived by car from Calvi, and it was a beautiful road trip.
• By Train: Corsica’s narrow-gauge railway connects Ajaccio to Bastia and Calvi via Corte, offering one of the most scenic train rides in France. The Chemins de Fer de la Corse trains depart from Ajaccio’s central station.

Moving Around

The best way to explore Ajaccio is on foot for the city center and by car to get to the end of the Gulf of Ajaccio. In any case, we would strongly advise having a rental car in Corsica.

Parking ain’t that easy in Ajaccio but your best option is to try the Parking du Diamant, that’s where we parked. For the Sangainaire islands, there is a huge parking lot right before the entrance of the site called “Parking des Iles Sanguinaires”

Another easy way to get around is using the Open-Top bus tour.

We recommend to rent a car through Discover Cars with free cancellation. Book your rental car here.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Ajaccio depends on the experience you’re looking for. Each season offers something unique, from mild spring weather to bustling summer beaches and quiet winter charm.

• Spring (March-May): A fantastic time to explore Ajaccio’s historic sites, coastal walks, and markets with mild temperatures (15–22°C / 59–72°F). The surrounding landscapes are in full bloom, and there are fewer tourists, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities like hiking in the nearby mountains.
• Summer (June – August): The best time for beach lovers, with hot temperatures (25–30°C / 77–86°F) and lively coastal vibes. Ajaccio is at its busiest, with festivals, open-air markets, and boat trips to the Sanguinaires Islands. Expect crowds and higher prices, but also the best conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying Corsica’s nightlife.
• Autumn (September – October): A wonderful time to visit Ajaccio with fewer crowds and still-warm temperatures (20–27°C / 68–81°F). The sea remains warm for swimming, and the vineyards and chestnut groves take on beautiful autumn hues. This is the perfect season for a relaxed and authentic Corsican experience, with local festivals celebrating the harvest.
• Winter (November – February): A quiet and peaceful time to explore Ajaccio, with cooler temperatures (10–15°C / 50–59°F). While swimming isn’t ideal, it’s a great season for hiking, cultural visits, and enjoying the city without the tourist crowds. Many restaurants and touristic services may be closed, but it’s perfect for slow travel and discovering Ajaccio’s history and local life.

For the best balance of great weather, fewer crowds, and outdoor activities, spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the ideal times to visit Ajaccio!

We usually travel with Airalo eSIMs, but when we need unlimited data for work, we go with Holafly.

Where to Stay

While in Ajaccio, we would recommend staying a bit outside of the city center, as it will be much easier to find a hotel with parking:

• (€)Ibis Styles Ajaccio Napoleon: A practical budget stay with modern design and a central location, perfect for a short stop in Ajaccio.
• (€€): Cala Di Sole: A comfortable mid-range hotel by the sea, offering beach access and beautiful views just outside the city.
• (€€€): Le Week-End: A boutique-style hotel with refined rooms and direct access to the beach, ideal for a relaxing and more upscale stay.

Here are all your accommodation options in Ajaccio

What to Eat

If you’re looking for a good place to eat in Ajaccio, try O Mà Cantinetta. It’s a cozy restaurant where you can taste fresh Corsican dishes with a creative twist. The menu changes with the seasons, but you’ll usually find local charcuterie, seafood, and homemade pasta. It has that casual, welcoming vibe that makes you want to linger a little longer over a glass of wine.

For something more local and authentic, stop by Maison Galeani, a bakery loved by the locals. This is the place to pick up fresh bread straight out of the oven, as well as traditional Corsican pastries like canistrelli or fiadone, a light ricotta cheesecake. It’s the kind of spot where everything smells so good you’ll want to take a bag full of treats with you.

And when the sun gets too hot, head to Glacier Neri for ice cream. This is the most famous ice cream shop in Ajaccio, and for a reason—creamy gelato in a wide range of flavors, from classic vanilla and chocolate to seasonal fruits and Corsican specialties. A scoop here is the perfect way to end a day of exploring the city.

Best things to do in Ajaccio

Cathedral Santa Maria Assunta

If like us you parked in the city center, then Ajaccio Cathedral will most probably be your first stop, built in the 16th century, is a beautiful Baroque church best known as the baptismal site of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1771. Inside, you can admire stunning frescoes and the Virgin of the Sacred Heart, a painting by Delacroix.

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

Ajaccio Citadel

The Ajaccio Citadel was built in the 16th century to protect Ajaccio from invasions, and stands by the sea, offering a glimpse into the city’s military past. The citadel has been closed to the public for decades but is now undergoing restoration and you can now visit in inner court. Ther you will find some cute shops and exhibitions.

Here are all your accommodation options in Ajaccio

Maison Bonaparte

Maison Bonaparte is the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte and is now a museum that houses historical artifacts, furniture, and personal items of the Bonaparte family. We believe it is a nice place to see from the outside for its historical value however, we are not too sure about visiting it as we heard guides saying that it isn’t worth it.

From a Corsican point of view, Napoleon Bonaparte isn’t that important. For them, it is all about Pascal Paoli, a Corsican patriot, statesman, and military leader who was at the forefront of resistance movements against the Genoese and later French rule over the island

Tip: We never travel without our DJI Mini 3 PRO drone anymore — it’s totally worth having to capture places from a whole new perspective.

Place Foch

To connect to the main street and city center, you will have to go through Place Foch, a lively square lined with palm trees, and Ajaccio’s local market, where you can sample Corsican specialties.

At its center stands a statue of Napoleon Bonaparte depicted as a Roman emperor. The square also hosts

We recommend to rent a car through Discover Cars with free cancellation. Book your rental car here.

Ajaccio’s Central Market

Ajaccio’s Central Market is located in the heart of the imperial city and offers a wide range of local produce, from fruit and vegetables to charcuterie and flowers.

We weren’t lucky and it was closed when we were there. If you want to visit it, be sure to remember that it is only open every morning from 7.30 am to 1 pm, except Mondays

Here are all your accommodation options in Ajaccio

Ajaccio Port

The port of Ajaccio is a nice waterfront where you can enjoy a leisure walk. It is also the departure point for boat excursions to the Sanguinaires Islands and Scandola Nature Reserve.

Cardinal Fesch Street

At the end of the port, you can come back to the city center using Cardinal Fresch Street, the main street of the city center filled with boutiques, bookshops, and Corsican restaurants.

This is the street we preferred in Ajaccio

Fesch Museum

As you stroll through Cardinal Fesch Street, you will pop by the Fesch Museum. Founded by Napoleon’s uncle, Cardinal Fesch, this museum houses the largest Italian painting collection in France after the Louvre, featuring masterpieces from Renaissance and Baroque artists.

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

Imperial Chapel

And within the Museum, is the Imperial Chapel. Built in 1857, it serves as the burial site of Napoleon’s parents and relatives. This solemn and beautifully decorated chapel is a significant landmark in Ajaccio’s imperial history.

To enter it, you must visit the Fesch Museum

Tip: We never travel without our DJI Mini 3 PRO drone anymore — it’s totally worth having to capture places from a whole new perspective.

Place de Gaulle

Place de Gaulle is where we parked our car, it is Ajaccio’s main square, known for its equestrian statue of Napoleon and its central role in the city’s festivals and events. Unfortunately for us, the square was under heavy construction at the time of our visit.

Here are all your accommodation options in Ajaccio

Pointe de la Parata

Now we are getting into our favorite things to do in Ajaccio, the Pointe de la Parata is a stunning coastal viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Sanguinaires Islands. This viewpoint is located on the hill before the Genoese tower and can easily be accessed by hiking 20min.

Parata Genoese tower

If you want to avoid hiking, you can simply walk from the parking lot to the Parata Genoese tower, it is a nice pedestrian walk along the coast. Once at the Parata Genoese Tower, you can walk around it to admire the Sanguinaires Islands

Here are all your accommodation options in Ajaccio

Sanguinaires Islands

And finally, during the peak season, you can take a boat tour to visit the Sanguinaires Islands. We would recommend checking this highly-rated tour or that one for the sunset tour.

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

Napoleon I Memorial Monument

If you want to visit more things in Ajaccio, then you should consider the Napoleon I Memorial Monument, a monument dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte, paying tribute to Ajaccio’s most famous figure. The impressive statue stands in a strategic spot overlooking the city.

Sentier des crêtes

But also consider the Sentier des Crêtes, a scenic hiking trail offering breathtaking views of Ajaccio and the Mediterranean. The trail is particularly beautiful at sunrise or sunset. The trailhead is at the Bois des Anglais.

Things to do around Ajaccio

Scandola Nature reserve

If you don’t have the time to go North of Corsica, you can consider visiting the Scandola Nature Reserve as a day trip from Ajaccio. This will allow you to discover the remarkable rock formations of the Calanche de Piana. Enjoy a 2-hour stopover in the secluded coastal village of Girolata for lunch.

If you want to know more about the Scandola Nature Reserve, you will find more information in our article about the Gulf of Porto.

Read: Best things to do in the Gulf of Porto

Bonifacio

Bonifacio is our favorite place in Corsica. This beautiful city is perched on limestone cliffs making it super impressive. If you have time for only one place in Corsica, then it should be Bonifacio. But we will be making an article about this city later.

We would recommend going there road-tripping and stopping along the way at Cupabia Beach, Filitosa Megalithic site, and Sartène.

But if you prefer a more relaxed option, there is also a day Trip to Bonifacio possible by Boat.

Read: Best things to do in Bonifacio

Cupabia Beach

Cupabia Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica, nestled between Propriano and Ajaccio, it was our first stop while road-tripping from Ajaccio to Bonifacio.

Cupabia Beach is a hidden gem known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, fine golden sand, and unspoiled natural surroundings.

The shallow waters make it ideal for families, while the remote setting provides a tranquil escape from the crowds.

Filitosa

Filisota is one of Corsica’s most important prehistoric sites, it dates back over 8,000 years and features mysterious carved menhirs (standing stones). It was our second stop after Cupabia Beach toward Bonifacio.

These ancient statues, shaped into human-like figures, are believed to have religious or protective significance.

But for most of the site, we are still only guessing its purpose. The archaeological site is nice to see and offers circular stone structures, caves, huge trees, and a museum displaying artifacts found on-site

Sartène

Sartène was our final stop before Bonifacio and it is most probably ou favorite small village of Corsica. Often called “the most Corsican of Corsican towns,” Sartène is a picturesque hilltop village with narrow medieval streets, stone houses, and a strong cultural identity.

This historic town was once a hub of Corsican vendettas (family feuds) and has retained its authentic charm.

It is also there, that we found an amazing family restaurant (Le Palace) with delicious and fresh meals

Read: The Ultimate Corsica Road Trip & Travel Guide