A Day in Ajaccio: Discovering the Best of the Island's Capital

• Morning: Start your day exploring the Focea Beach, a stunning sandy beach with crystal clear waters. Take a dip or go for a walk along the coastline. You can start your tour at around 9:00 am.
• Mid-morning: Visit the Maison Bonaparte, the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, located in the heart of the city. The museum showcases the life of Napoleon as well as the history of the city. The museum opens at 10:00 am, and you can spend around 2 hours here.
• Lunch: Enjoy a local Corsican lunch at Le Bistrot du Cours. A perfect place to taste the traditional dishes of Ajaccio like Civets de sanglier and Patate douce gratinee. You can enjoy your meal at around 12:30 pm.
• Afternoon: Visit the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption, one of the most famous attractions in Ajaccio. The stunning cathedral is located in the center of the city and it represents the Island’s rich history. The Cathedral opens at 2:00 pm and a guided tour takes around 1 hour.
• Evening: Enjoy the sunset at the Citadelle, a historic monument overlooking the Bay of Ajaccio. The fortress offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Ajaccio and the city below. The fortress is open from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm and the best time to get the panoramic view is at around 5:30 pm.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Focea Beach: 1.5 hours, free admission
• Maison Bonaparte: 2 hours, 7 euros
• Le Bistrot du Cours: 1 hour, 15-25 euros
• Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption: 1 hour, free admission
• Citadelle: 1 hour, 5 euros
• Total Estimated Costs: around 32-42 euros per person

Transportation

Ajaccio is a compact city, and you can easily explore its attractions on foot. Alternatively, you can take the local public transport such as the bus or hire a taxi to move around the city. The cost of hiring a taxi is about 10-20 euros. Additionally, you can rent a bike or a car to explore more of the city and cover more distance.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, don't miss out on the scenic views at the Capo di Feno beach, located just 5 kilometers west of Ajaccio. For a shorter day trip, visiting the Iles Sanguinaires, a group of small rocky islands off the coast of the city, is a great option. On the other hand, if you have less time, you can cut out the Citadelle visit and spend more time at the beach or exploring the city center.

Airports

Ajaccio's main airport is Aéroport d'Ajaccio Napoléon Bonaparte (AJA), located about 6 kilometers east of the city center. The airport is well-connected to major European destinations such as Paris, Marseille, and Nice. Visitors can find various transportation options such as buses or taxis to reach their accommodation in the city center.