Advice

We'd like to take a quick break from your visit to tell you about other points of interest in the surrounding area. One of the highlights around Ajaccio is, of course, Les Iles sanguinaires, translating to Bloody Islands in english. This famous archipelago, which has been awarded the Grand Site de France label along with the Pointe de la Parata across from it, takes its name from the red color of its rock, which becomes more vibrant at sunset. Don't miss a trip there during your stay in Ajaccio. Numerous excursions are available. You'll be able to observe large colonies of seabirds, such as Leucophée gulls, black-headed gulls and Audouin's gulls. Surrounded by mystery, they are best known to adventurers, notably Alphonse Daudet, who cites them in his "Lettres de mon moulin". The classic tour usually includes a swimming break in the Gulf of Ajaccio, a visit to the lighthouse, built on the site of the old Genoese tower, and the ruins of the Lazaret, an establishment built in 1806 to serve as a quarantine facility for passengers arriving from the port during the Black Plague. If you don't want to go all the way to the islands, you can also enjoy the sunset from the Parata peninsula. Corsica is also all about beaches. Near Ajaccio, you can visit Arinella beach, just a few hundred metres from Miot Square. Barbicaghja beach, a little further away, is also very pleasant. And if you want a less crowded beach, head for Ricanto beach, halfway between the town center and the airport. Finally, on the way to the "Pointe de la Parata", don't miss the beautiful Terre Sacrée beach, with its magnificent sandy coves. If you enjoy hiking, you're probably well aware that Corsica is a true hikers’ paradise. The 8km-long "sentier des douaniers" or Customs officer’s path is one of Ajaccio's great classics. It starts at the La Parata parking lot and heads north along the coast to the Saint-Antoine Beach at Capo di Feno. A round trip of just over 2 hours, surrounded by splendid scenery, with panoramic views of the Bloody Islands and hypnotic turquoise beaches. Another of the region's highlights is the "sentier des crêtes". Over a distance of almost 12 km, and with a difference in altitude of almost 600 m, you'll follow a circuit of paths overlooking the sea. An oxygenated hike to discover the flora and fauna of Corsica's mid-range mountains. Thedeparture of this hike is from Verdin Avenue in the "Bois des Anglais". Last but not least, don’t miss out on exploring the Scandola nature reserve, and the calanques of Piana. These respectivly marine and terrestrial nature reserve, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and one of France's marine protected areas. Formed by a series of volcanoes that have collapsed into the sea, the reserve's unique landscapes make it one of the most beautiful excursions on the island. If you are fond of turtles, don't miss out on a visit to the "A Cupulatta park", a 2.5-hectare natural site unique in Europe, where you can discover everything you've always wanted to know about this charming shell reptile. Well, with all this, you've got plenty of things to do if you feel like staying in the area for a while.