Ajaccio Corsica, France Travel Guide
Location: Approximately 20-30 minutes drive south of Ajaccio, located directly across the Gulf of Ajaccio.
Description: A popular, family-friendly beach resort town known for its long sandy beaches, clear waters, and abundant water sports activities. Many hotels, restaurants, and shops cater to visitors.
Discover ancient history and unique village life just a short drive from the city.
Location: Approximately 1 hour drive south of Ajaccio.
Description: A highly significant prehistoric site, known for its impressive megalithic statues, menhirs, and ancient ruins dating back thousands of years. It presents a captivating look into Corsica's pre-Roman cultures.
Location: Approximately 1.5 hours drive north of Ajaccio, along the scenic coastal road.
Description: A unique village famed for its two churches, one Latin Catholic and one Greek Orthodox, facing each other across the main square. It has a history of Greek settlement.
Corsica's breathtaking nature is near, with several majestic sites ready for exploration.
North of Ajaccio, these UNESCO World Heritage sites display dramatic red rock formations and towering cliffs.
The Calanques de Piana are famous for their unique geological formations and striking red hues, especially in sunlight.
Scandola is a strict marine and terrestrial reserve, a prime example of Mediterranean biodiversity conservation.
Location: Approximately 30 minutes drive inland from Ajaccio.
Description: A verdant valley presenting many hiking trails through forests, along rivers, and past traditional Corsican villages. It offers a refreshing contrast to the coast.
Location: Approximately 45 minutes drive inland from Ajaccio.
Description: A large artificial lake surrounded by mountains, a popular spot for various water sports. It creates a calm setting for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Deepen your connection to Corsica's history and traditions with a journey into its rich cultural heart.
Location: Approximately 1.5 hours drive south of Ajaccio.
Description: Frequently called "the most Corsican of Corsican towns," Sartène is known for its medieval architecture, narrow granite streets, and deeply rooted traditions. It sits dramatically on a hillside.
Location: South of Ajaccio, inland region.
Description: This region hosts traditional Corsican mountain villages like Levie or Sainte-Lucie-de-Tallano. These villages give insight into Corsican rural life and local produce.
Description: Drive through the interior to see chestnut groves (especially in autumn), olive orchards, and vineyards. Many producers welcome visitors for tastings.
Description: Many local churches and chapels across Corsica possess historical and spiritual significance for islanders. For example, the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Serra near Calvi.
Combine a visit to Filitosa with a stop in Sartène for a day that merges ancient history with authentic Corsican town life.
Explore the remarkable prehistoric megalithic statues.
Enjoy the landscapes connecting the sites.
Wander through the medieval streets of "the most Corsican town."
For longer stays, venturing beyond Ajaccio unveils more of Corsica's distinct regions.
A clifftop town with a stunning medieval citadel on white limestone cliffs. Consider a boat trip to see the cliffs.
A town known for its beautiful beaches and port area.
Reach Bonifacio by car (a scenic coastal drive of approx. 2.5-3 hours). Intercity buses link Ajaccio to Bonifacio.
Utilize train travel for major towns like Ajaccio, Corte, Calvi, and Bastia. This has a scenic and pleasant way to travel between these cities.
Combine train trips with a rental vehicle for discovering smaller villages and natural locations, where public transport options may be less frequent.
Consider a coastal loop covering most major coastal towns, or a mountain and culture focus for the island's interior. A North-to-South journey also works well.
