The Corsican capital, Ajaccio, is renowned for its Mediterranean-style Old Town, popular with tourists and filled with unique architecture, cafés and restaurants within close proximity to the city’s best beaches. The city is also known for being the birthplace of iconic French leader, Napoleon Bonaparte. Across Ajaccio, insight into the man’s life can be found at Napoleon’s Cave, Maison Bonaparte and Place d’Austerlitz – the location of a commemorative statue.
Ajaccio’s small size means you’ll be able to cover a lot of ground and experience all its landmarks in one day. Once you’ve explored the Ajaccio Cathedral, head to Foch Square – a local market selling cheese, wine and jams every morning between April and October. Alternatively, the ‘Foreigners District’, once built for English and French tourists in the 19th century, offers you the chance to see the former palaces of Corsica’s aristocracy.
Ajaccio boasts many of France’s best beaches, with Cupabia Beach offering tranquillity, white sands and turquoise waters. Near the Old Town, Saint-François Beach can be found at the foot of the medieval citadel and is popular with locals, while Ariadne Beach is the location of one of Ajaccio’s oldest restaurants. Alternatively, take the short trip to Golfe de Porto, located in the Scandola Nature Reserve, to see some of Corsica’s natural scenery or visit Parata point and the Sanguinaires Islands.