Things to do in Ajaccio: visit Napoleon’s birthplace and the Palais Fesch, wander through the old town between the cathedral and the citadel, shop at the Place Foch market, swim at Saint-François beach, then follow the Route des Sanguinaires to the Pointe de la Parata at sunset. Allow 2 to 3 days to visit Ajaccio, more if you take a boat trip to Scandola and the Calanques de Piana.
Capital of Corse-du-Sud and of the Corsican regional authority, Ajaccio lies at the head of a gulf on the west coast, the sunniest side of the island. Founded by the Genoese in the late 15th century, the town has a compact centre that is easy to explore on foot. This guide covers the sights, the beaches, itineraries, a budget, where to stay and the month-by-month climate according to Météo-France, with an original comparison of sunshine in Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi and Paris. For the whole island, see our Corsica travel guide.
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Ajaccio at a glance
- Location west coast of Corsica, at the head of the Gulf of Ajaccio
- Airport Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte (AJA), a few kilometres from the centre · detailsMany routes are seasonal; from further afield, most travellers connect via mainland France
- Ferries links with mainland France (Marseille, Toulon, Nice)
- Train the Chemins de fer de la Corse link Ajaccio with Corte and Bastia
- Ideal length 2 days for the town, 3 to 4 with day trips
- Entry Schengen area: no visa for up to 90 days for US and UK citizens · US: travel.state.gov · UK: GOV.UK
- Currency the euro (€) · currenciesestimated budget: roughly €80 to €120 per person per day on a tight budget, €180 to €300 for more comfort
Things to do in Ajaccio: the highlights
Maison Bonaparte
Napoleon was born in Ajaccio in 1769, in the family house on Rue Saint-Charles, now a national museum. The visit covers the history of the Bonaparte family and the daily life of a family of Corsican notables in the 18th century. It takes about an hour; in summer, arrive at opening time.
The Palais Fesch and the Imperial Chapel
The fine arts museum in the Palais Fesch grew out of the collection of Cardinal Fesch, Napoleon’s uncle. It holds one of the largest collections of Italian painting in France, from the 14th to the 19th century. In the neighbouring wing, the Imperial Chapel contains the tombs of several members of the Bonaparte family. It is the best visit for a rainy or very hot day.
The old town and the cathedral
Between the harbour and the citadel, the lanes of old Ajaccio are lined with colourful façades, churches and small squares. The Renaissance-style cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption is where Napoleon was baptised. Further on, Rue Fesch and Cours Napoléon are the main shopping streets, and the church of San Roccu marks the start of the Cours.
Place Foch, the market and the town hall
Place Foch, planted with palm trees and nicknamed Place des Palmiers, slopes down to the harbour. The covered market and the stalls on neighbouring Place Campinchi bring together producers of charcuterie, cheese, honey and vegetables: the best place to taste Corsican produce in the morning. The town hall, on the square, houses a Napoleonic salon.
Place De Gaulle and the Napoleon grotto
The large Place De Gaulle, known as Place du Diamant, opens the town onto the gulf. A little higher up, Place d’Austerlitz, also called Casone, has a monument to Napoleon and the small grotto where, according to tradition, the young Bonaparte came to play.
The citadel and the Tino-Rossi harbour
The Genoese citadel, long used by the military, juts out into the sea next to Saint-François beach. The old Tino-Rossi harbour, with its fishing boats and café terraces, is the starting point for boat trips. The quay is lively in the evening.
Ajaccio’s beaches
Saint-François beach, below the citadel, is the town beach. Following the Route des Sanguinaires westwards, a string of beaches and coves (Marinella, Barbicaja, Ariadne…) gets quieter the further you go. Across the gulf, Porticcio has long sandy beaches, reached by car or, in season, by boat shuttle. Further north, Capo di Feno beach is wilder and exposed to the waves.
The Pointe de la Parata and the Sanguinaires islands
About 12 km (7 mi) from the centre, the road ends at the Pointe de la Parata, topped by a Genoese tower. A path loops around it, facing the Sanguinaires archipelago, whose rocks turn red at sunset. Boats leave the harbour to tour the islands and, on the largest one, visit the area around the lighthouse. The car park fills up quickly on summer evenings.
Boat trips: Scandola, Piana, Girolata
Day trips leave Ajaccio for the Gulf of Porto, the Calanques de Piana, the Scandola reserve and the hamlet of Girolata, together a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The crossing is long but avoids the mountain road. Trips depend on sea conditions.
The hinterland and hiking
The hills above the gulf are good for hiking, with views of the town and the Sanguinaires. Within an hour’s drive, you can also reach the Gravona valley and its mountain villages. For the south coast, Porto-Pollo, Propriano and the Valinco beaches make good day trips.
Itinerary: how many days in Ajaccio?
Ajaccio in 1 day
- Morning: Place Campinchi market, Place Foch, Maison Bonaparte
- Lunch: by the Tino-Rossi harbour
- Afternoon: Palais Fesch, then the old town and the cathedral
- Late afternoon: the Route des Sanguinaires and sunset at the Parata
Ajaccio in 3 days
- Day 1: as above
- Day 2: boat trip to Scandola, Girolata and Piana
- Day 3: beach at Porticcio or Capo di Feno in the morning, hiking or the Gravona villages in the afternoon
Ajaccio is a natural stop on a Corsica road trip: to the north, the road leads to Piana, Porto and Calvi; to the south, to Propriano, Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio. The mountain railway links Ajaccio with Corte and Bastia.
When to go to Ajaccio
The best months to visit Ajaccio are June and September: 26 °C (79 °F) in the afternoon, very little rain and a warm sea, without the July-August crowds. May and October are good for sightseeing and hiking. July is the driest month (9 mm, or 0.4 in) and August the hottest (29.2 °C, or 85 °F). The rain returns in autumn: November is the wettest month (112 mm, or 4.4 in). Winter is mild by day (14 °C, or 57 °F) but cool at night.
When to go to Ajaccio: key points
- Best months: June and September
- Sightseeing and hiking: April-May and October
- Hottest month: August, average high of 29.2 °C (85 °F)
- Driest month: July, 9 mm (0.4 in) and barely more than one rainy day
- Wettest month: November, 112 mm (4.4 in)
- Sunshine: about 2,800 hours a year, 374 hours in July
| Month | Max | Min | Rain | Rainy days | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14.0 °C (57 °F) | 4.7 °C (40 °F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 7.0 | Very low | Low | ⚠️ Mild by day, quiet town |
| February | 14.2 °C (58 °F) | 4.3 °C (40 °F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 6.7 | Very low | Low | ⚠️ Quiet, cold sea |
| March | 16.0 °C (61 °F) | 5.9 °C (43 °F) | 50 mm (2.0 in) | 6.3 | Low | Low | ⚠️ Early spring, changeable weather |
| April | 18.5 °C (65 °F) | 8.4 °C (47 °F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 7.2 | Medium (Easter) | Medium | ✅ Sightseeing and walks, maquis in flower |
| May | 22.1 °C (72 °F) | 11.8 °C (53 °F) | 50 mm (2.0 in) | 5.0 | Medium | Medium | ✅ Ideal for sightseeing and walking |
| June | 25.9 °C (79 °F) | 15.4 °C (60 °F) | 26 mm (1.0 in) | 2.8 | High | High | ✅ Warm sea, few people |
| July | 28.6 °C (83 °F) | 17.7 °C (64 °F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 1.2 | Very high | Very high | ⚠️ Very dry, hot, big crowds |
| August | 29.2 °C (85 °F) | 18.1 °C (65 °F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 1.4 | Very high | Very high | ⚠️ Hottest month, 15 August crowds |
| September | 26.1 °C (79 °F) | 15.4 °C (60 °F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 5.1 | High | High | ✅ Warm sea, crowds thinning |
| October | 22.8 °C (73 °F) | 12.6 °C (55 °F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 7.4 | Medium | Medium | ✅ Mild, rain returns |
| November | 18.3 °C (65 °F) | 9.0 °C (48 °F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 9.3 | Very low | Low | ❌ Wettest month |
| December | 15.1 °C (59 °F) | 5.8 °C (42 °F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 8.6 | Low | Low | ⚠️ Mild but damp |
Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi: where is the weather best?
Here is our exclusive figure: average sunshine per day in the three main towns on the Corsican coast, compared with Paris. Destination de Voyage calculation based on Météo-France 1991-2020 normals (Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi, Paris-Orly): monthly sunshine hours divided by the number of days in the month. The monthly totals are official; the daily average is our calculation.
| Month | Ajaccio (h/day) | Bastia (h/day) | Calvi (h/day) | Paris (h/day) | Ajaccio vs Paris (month) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 1.8 | +80 h |
| February | 5.5 | 5.6 | 5.3 | 3.1 | +68 h |
| March | 6.8 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 4.2 | +81 h |
| April | 7.7 | 7.3 | 7.9 | 5.8 | +58 h |
| May | 9.3 | 8.7 | 9.6 | 6.5 | +87 h |
| June | 11.1 | 10.2 | 11.0 | 7.3 | +114 h |
| July | 12.1 | 11.2 | 12.0 | 7.7 | +135 h |
| August | 11.1 | 10.1 | 10.7 | 7.1 | +122 h |
| September | 8.7 | 7.9 | 8.2 | 5.7 | +88 h |
| October | 6.7 | 5.9 | 6.1 | 4.1 | +81 h |
| November | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 2.5 | +65 h |
| December | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 1.6 | +73 h |
| Year | 2,802 h | 2,645 h | 2,746 h | 1,750 h | +1,052 h |
- Ajaccio is the sunniest of the three over the year, with about 2,800 hours, 60% more than Paris.
- From May to October, Ajaccio beats Bastia by 0.6 to 1 hour of sunshine a day; the gap is widest from June to August.
- In winter, the gap is reversed: in December, Bastia (4.5 hours a day) is slightly sunnier than Ajaccio (4.0 hours).
- In January, Ajaccio gets 2.4 times more sunshine than Paris (4.4 against 1.8 hours a day): a good argument for a winter weekend.
For the whole island and other regions, see our page on the best time to visit Corsica, or our selections of where to go in June and in September.
The seasons in Ajaccio
- Spring: 18 to 22 °C (64 to 72 °F) in April-May, maquis in flower, sea still cool. Ideal for sightseeing and hiking.
- Summer: 26 to 29 °C (79 to 84 °F), almost no rain. Beaches and boats are full from mid-July to late August, around the Napoleonic festivities of 15 August.
- Autumn: September extends the summer; October stays mild, but thunderstorms become more frequent.
- Winter: 14 to 15 °C (57 to 59 °F) in the afternoon, a lively town (it is an administrative capital), but some tourist businesses close.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 18 March | Feast of the Madonuccia, the town’s patron saint |
| Around 15 August | Napoleonic festivities and the Assumption |
| July-August | Summer concerts and events |
Budget for visiting Ajaccio
| Item (per person per day) | Tight budget | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (based on a shared double room) | roughly €40 to €70 | roughly €100 to €180 |
| Meals | roughly €25 to €35 | roughly €50 to €80 |
| Transport (bus, shared car hire) | roughly €5 to €20 | roughly €25 to €40 |
| Activities (museums, boat) | roughly €10 to €20 | roughly €30 to €70 |
| Total | roughly €80 to €120 | roughly €180 to €300 |
Getting to Ajaccio and getting around
- By air: Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte airport has links with mainland France, many of them seasonal; check current routes with the airport and the airlines.
- By ferry: Ajaccio harbour has crossings to mainland France (Marseille, Toulon, Nice), overnight or by day.
- By train: the Chemins de fer de la Corse line links Ajaccio with Corte and Bastia through the mountains.
- In town: the centre is best explored on foot; urban buses serve the airport and the Route des Sanguinaires. For day trips, a car is still essential.
Where to stay in Ajaccio
| Area | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Old town and harbour | First stay on foot | Lively, parking difficult |
| Cours Napoléon and the station | Small budgets, travelling by train | Convenient, less charm |
| Route des Sanguinaires | Beach and sunsets | Car recommended |
| Porticcio (across the gulf) | Families, long beaches | Boat shuttle in season, otherwise by road |
Entry requirements, health and safety
- US citizens: you may enter the Schengen area, including France, for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa. Your passport should be valid at least three months beyond your stay (six months recommended), and immigration officers may ask for proof of sufficient funds and a return ticket (U.S. Department of State, travel.state.gov, last updated August 11, 2025).
- UK citizens: no visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period as a tourist; your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before you arrive and be valid at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area. Under the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), fingerprints and a photo may be taken at your first entry, free of charge (UK FCDO, GOV.UK, updated 22 October 2026).
- Health: UK travellers need a GHIC or a valid EHIC for medically necessary state healthcare; whatever your nationality, take out travel insurance that covers medical costs. Emergency number: 112 (GOV.UK).
- Wildfires: according to GOV.UK, the wildfire risk is highest in summer along the Mediterranean coast and in Corsica; access to forests and tourist sites may be restricted at short notice, and causing a fire, even by accident, is illegal.
- Sea: west-facing beaches such as Capo di Feno can have waves and currents; follow the flags.
- Sun: bring a hat and water for the walk around the Parata, which has little shade.
- See our travel insurance guide.
For hiking and boat trips, check what your travel insurance or usual insurance covers.
Practical tips for Ajaccio
- Parking: the centre fills up quickly in summer; use the car parks and walk.
- Market: come in the morning, the stalls empty out by lunchtime.
- Specialities: charcuterie (coppa, lonzu, figatellu in winter), brocciu, fiadone (cheesecake), Ajaccio wines.
- Language: French is spoken everywhere; signs are often bilingual French-Corsican.
- Mobile data: good coverage in town, patchier in the hinterland; check your home carrier’s roaming charges.
Frequently asked questions
What to do in Ajaccio in one day?
Shop at the Place Campinchi market, visit the Maison Bonaparte and the Palais Fesch, wander through the old town and end with the sunset at the Pointe de la Parata, facing the Sanguinaires islands.
How many days do you need to visit Ajaccio?
Two days are enough for the town and the Route des Sanguinaires. Allow three to four days with a boat trip to Scandola and Piana and a day at the beach.
What is the best time to visit Ajaccio?
June and September: about 26 °C (79 °F) in the afternoon, very little rain and a warm sea according to Météo-France 1991-2020 normals, with fewer people than in July and August.
Is Ajaccio sunnier than Bastia?
Yes, over the year: about 2,800 hours of sunshine in Ajaccio against 2,645 in Bastia according to Météo-France. By our calculation, the gap reaches nearly an hour a day in summer, but Bastia is slightly sunnier in December.
Which beach should you choose in Ajaccio?
Saint-François to stay in town, the coves along the Route des Sanguinaires for more peace, Porticcio for long family beaches and Capo di Feno for a wilder setting.
How do you get to Ajaccio?
By air to Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte airport, usually connecting via mainland France, or by ferry from Marseille, Toulon or Nice.
Our sources
- Météo-France: 1991-2020 normals, Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte airport station; 1991-2020 normals for Bastia, Calvi and Paris-Orly (sunshine), as reproduced in the corresponding Wikipedia articles
- Destination de Voyage calculation: average sunshine per day (monthly total / number of days)
- Wikipedia: « Ajaccio » article (harbour, ferry links), consulted on 14 October 2026
- Visit Corsica (Corsican tourism agency): « 12 must-see places in Ajaccio », consulted on 14 October 2026
- Entry requirements, health and safety checked on 26 October 2026: U.S. Department of State, France country information (last updated August 11, 2025) and UK FCDO, GOV.UK foreign travel advice for France (updated 22 October 2026).
- Our methodology
Updated October 2026.
To continue your trip, see our guides to Calvi and Porto-Vecchio, our Corsica or Sardinia comparison, our France travel guide and our destinations in Europe.