10 things not to be missed in Ajaccio
Whether you're staying in Ajaccio for a week, 3 days or 24 hours, we've compiled a list of the 10 things you shouldn't miss!
#1. Discover the collections of the Palais Fesch, Musée des Beaux-Arts
When you think of a museum in Ajaccio, you immediately think of the Maison Bonaparte, Napoleon's birthplace. But that's not the only treasure of the imperial city... Did you know that the Palais Fesch, the Fine Arts Museum, is ranked just behind the Louvre for its collection of Italian primitives?
If you are a lover of pictorial art, a visit to this place is a must! Pierre-André, our guide, offers you a visit of this place full of history(s) ....
#2. Taste the local specialities
The advantage of local specialities is that they are available in every season!
Ajaccio's year-round specialties include finuchjetti. These are dry cakes in the recognizable shape of an eight. Traditionally flavored with aniseed, they have been available in chocolate flavors for several years now. You'll find them in bakeries and at the Ajacciomarket .
#3. Admire the sunset on the Iles Sanguinaires
It's unthinkable (if not impossible) to stay in the Ajaccio region without visiting the Parata peninsula at sunset. With over 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, it's hard to miss THE sunset to Instagram! Want to wow your followers with beautiful photos? We give you our top Instagram spots on our blog.
#4. Criss-crossing the roads of the Ajaccio hinterland
While Ajaccio's historic center is a must-see, its inland hinterland is just as much so!
Just a twenty-minute drive away, you'll discover typical villages. Here you can meet artisans and producers who will be delighted to share their know-how with you. One thing's for sure: you'll know what time you'll leave, but not what time you'll return, because once you've started, the locals can't tell you enough about their region...
#5. Drinks on the terrace
In winter and summer alike, the Mediterranean climate makes it possible to sit on the terrace for a morning coffee, lunch or even an aperitif. And the people of Ajaccio love to meet up with friends and debrief their day over a good glass of wine* and a platter of cheeses and charcuterie (local of course!)
*Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, consume in moderation.
#6. Photographing Marc Petit's submerged statues
The works of sculptor Marc Petit are housed in the gardens and alleys of the Lazaret Ollandini.
Since 2018, the sculpture Gaïa has been installed flush with the water opposite the lazaret, on the Aspretto beach, with the city of Ajaccio....
#7. Attending a patronal festival
Every town and village celebrates its saint. This is the occasion for festivities. If you come to Ajaccio in March, we celebrate the Madunuccia (the town festival); in June it's the fishermen who are honored with St Erasme's day... Nothing beats a patronal feast to get to the heart of tradition.
#8. Learn about the benefits of essential oils
The flora of our territory is varied. Some endemic plants can be distilled to become essential oils or used as the basis for cosmetics made in Corsica... This discovery is an opportunity to meet passionate people...
#9. Finding a St Lucia eye on the beach
A walk by the water with your feet in the sand... that's holidays!
If you take a stroll around the Gulf of Ajaccio, you'll come across some St Lucy's eyes. This is the operculum of a shell found on the shores of the Mediterranean. It's a lucky charm that, according to popular belief, ward off the evil eye.
A little tip: head for the beaches of Capo di Feno and keep your eyes open...
#10. Come and meet us at the Tourist Office
The best for last!
Another good reason to come to Ajaccio is to visit the Tourist Office to meet our team of holiday advisors.
You'll also be able to purchase a City Pass Pays d'AjaccioIt will become your key to visiting all the must-see places in our town...
As you can see, Ajaccio and its hinterland are full of places to explore. We hope you find this (non-exhaustive) list useful. In fact, we're preparing a few more for you...
In the meantime, don't hesitate to browse our other articles and our website for even moreholiday ideas!
