Top 10 things to do in Ajaccio
No matter for what reason you are coming to Corsica for, such as its beaches, gastronomy, architecture, mountains, history or leisure activities, you can find everything that you are looking for in a 30 km radius from Ajaccio.
1/ The îles Sanguinaires
The îles Sanguinaires are known worldwide for their unforgettable sunsets, so it comes as no surprise that these islands are in our top 10. The islands are situated 12 kilometres from Ajaccio city centre. There is a pleasant walking trail along the coastline where you can visit the Parata Tower, which was built to survey the arrival of invaders who came to the golf of Ajaccio. This tower dates back to 1550, a period where Corsica was taken over by the Genoese.
2/ The Genoese neighborhood of Ajaccio
When you are in Ajaccio, it is impossible not to visit the Genoese neighborhood. People from Ajaccio call it the “ancient city”, which is the most beautiful area of the imperial city, founded by the Genoese in 1492. At the time the city of Adjacium was rampant from diseases caused by contaminated water and it was exposed to barbarian invasions.
The Genoise area is filled with charming Mediterranean cafés and the best restaurants of the city. The ancient Genoise city is the soul of Ajaccio and an inevitable part of Corsica!
3/ Cretan trail
The Cretan trail starts in Ajaccio city centre and stretches across the coastline until the Iles Sanguinaires (the famous islands mentioned earlier). The estimated time of the trail is 3 hours and is accessible for all ages. All along the Cretan trail you will have an amazing view of the sea and of the golf of Ajaccio. During the summer season, it is better to walk across this trail early in the morning, because it gets very hot during the day. A friendly advice: don’t forget to bring a bottle of water with you!
4/ Casone Square
The official name of this square is called “Place d’Austerlitz”, but try to ask an Ajaccien where is the “Austerlitz” square, there is a strong chance that they would not know that it even existed. It is commonly known as “Place du Casone” because before the statute’s construction, a big building was in its place.
Here, you will see a replica statue of Napoleon. This monument traces back the big victories and conquests of the Emperor. A definite must see during your holidays in Paese di Lava Ajaccio!
5/ Vero adventure course
How would you like try out an adventure park located in the middle of a pine forest with a landscape that overlooks the golf of Ajaccio?
Vero adventure park is open from April until November and it is only 30 minutes away from Ajaccio, direction Bastia. There are 14 different variety of elements and 72 workshops that suit the whole family. There are long zip lines, rope bridges and lianas to test your courage! During the peak season the adventure park is open at night under reservation. Enjoy!
6/ A Cupulatta, Europe’s biggest turtle park
On the way back from Vero towards Ajaccio, you will stumble upon Europe’s biggest turtle park called A Cupulatta, which means “turtle” in Corsican. The park gathered together turtles from all around the world, from the Mediterranean, America, Asia and Africa.
A Cupulatta is open from April until October. Estimated time of visit is 2 hours. This park is aperfect family friendly destination!
7/ Getting a tan
One of the most beautiful beaches in the Ajaccio region is 20 minutes away from the city centre. For all of you folks who chose Paese di Lava as your holiday destination, the beach is only 200 metres from your apartments.
During the summer months, this beach is the center of water sports and outdoor activities: games for children, windsurfing, jetski and boat rental without license. A beach highly cherished by the Ajacciens!
8/ Corsican markets
The Corsican market takes place at Place Foch every Wednesday from 7am until 1pm. With a wide range of seasonal Corsican products, there are no doubts that you will find what you are looking for!
The market will give you the opportunity to enjoy the charming Foch square as well as the old fishing port Tino Rossi, which is two steps away from the square.
To top it all, the resort Paese di Lava also organises a market with the local Corsican producers once a week followed by a royal Spuntinu dinner on a panoramic terrace with some Corsican specialities.
9/ Shopping by night
Every Friday in July and August, Ajaccio’s shops are open from 8pm until late at night. The streets are filled with musicians who play in the bars and on the streets of Ajaccio creating a magical atmosphere.
10/ Punta castle
The Punta castle (1886-1891) is situated between Ajaccio and Paese di Lava. It was built by the Pozzo di Borgo family and the stones were brought from the Tuileries Palace in Paris.
This castle overlooks the golf of Ajaccio and it is in the middle of the nature, 600 metres above sea level. The Pozzo di Borgo family was Napoleon’s friend at first and that is why they built the castle. The castle is built on the Milelli property which belongs to the Bonaparte family. However, later on they became worst enemies.
Noël Pinzuti said that “the castle was a meeting point of Corsican history. In the living room there were portraits of Charles-André Pozzo di Borgo, Napoleon Bonaparte and Pascal Paoli.”
It comes as no coincidence that the director of cultural affairs of southern Corsica spoke in past tense. Since the fire in 1978, the castle was abandoned and its condition worstened day by day. It is impossible to enter into the castle today. There is a high chance that the castle will soon collapse. A perfect reason for you to go and visit it before it is too late.