Ajaccio is known for its coastal charm, striking Mediterranean landscapes and as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. Located on the west coast of Corsica, this French island capital offers a blend of history, beachside beauty and laid-back island living. With its pastel buildings, seaside promenades and strong sense of Corsican identity, Ajaccio is a place where culture and coast come together effortlessly.
Whether you’re soaking up the sun, diving into history or wandering through local markets, here are 10 unforgettable experiences that show exactly what Ajaccio is known for.
1. Napoleon Bonaparte
Ajaccio is most famously known as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, and his legacy is everywhere — from statues and street names to museums and monuments. Born here in 1769, Napoleon’s childhood home, Maison Bonaparte, has been turned into a museum that explores his early life, military rise and deep Corsican roots.
Visitors can tour rooms furnished with 18th-century decor, browse personal artifacts and see portraits of the Bonaparte family. It’s one of the most historically significant things to do in Ajaccio, and a must-visit for anyone interested in French or European history.
2. Old Town & Harbor
Ajaccio’s Old Town is a maze of narrow, cobbled streets filled with pastel-colored buildings, charming cafés and open-air markets. Centered around the Place Foch, the neighborhood is perfect for a morning stroll or an afternoon espresso.
Down by the harbor, fishing boats bob in the water alongside luxury yachts and waterfront restaurants serve up fresh seafood with a view. With its relaxed pace and postcard views, the old town is the perfect place to experience the daily rhythms of Corsican life.
3. Local Markets
Ajaccio is known for its markets where Corsican flavors come to life. The Marché Central d’Ajaccio, held in Place Campinchi, is packed with stalls offering cheeses, cured meats, olives, honey and local wines. Many of the products here are made in the mountains or small villages just outside the city.
Try brocciu (a soft sheep’s cheese), wild boar sausage or jams made from local chestnuts and figs. Markets are also a great place to interact with local producers and pick up authentic souvenirs or picnic supplies.
4. Ajaccio Cathedral
Just steps from Napoleon’s birthplace is the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, a striking coral-hued church with a warm, intimate atmosphere. It’s the cathedral where Napoleon was baptized in 1771, and its understated beauty makes it one of the more peaceful things to do in Ajaccio.
Inside, you’ll find baroque details, religious artwork and a famous painting by Delacroix. While it may not be the largest church in France, it holds deep historical and cultural significance for Corsicans.
5. Beaches
Ajaccio is well-known for its stunning beaches, many of which are just minutes from the city center. Plage Saint-François is a small beach near the harbor, perfect for a quick dip or sunset view. A little farther out, Plage du Ricanto offers a long stretch of golden sand and shallow, turquoise waters.
For something more secluded, head to Capo di Feno, a wild and windswept beach loved by surfers and nature lovers. Whether you’re lounging with a book or snorkeling along rocky coves, Ajaccio’s coastline is ideal for unwinding in the Mediterranean sun.
6. Musée Fesch
Art lovers will appreciate the Musée Fesch, one of France’s top fine arts museums outside of Paris. Founded by Napoleon’s uncle, Cardinal Joseph Fesch, the museum holds an impressive collection of Italian Renaissance paintings, including works by Botticelli, Titian and Bellini.
The museum also includes Napoleonic memorabilia and Corsican artists, offering a well-rounded cultural experience. Its elegant setting in a former palace, complete with a tranquil courtyard, makes it one of the most enriching things to do in Ajaccio.
7. Sanguinaires Islands
Just off the coast of Ajaccio, the Îles Sanguinaires (Sanguinaires Islands) are a small, rocky archipelago known for their vivid red hues at sunset. These uninhabited islands are part of a protected nature reserve, and can be visited by boat or viewed from the scenic Route des Sanguinaires.
Boat excursions offer swimming stops and wildlife sightings, while the Pointe de la Parata lookout on the mainland provides dramatic views of the islands silhouetted against the horizon. It’s a magical spot for a sunset hike or photo session.
8. Coastal Drives & Lookouts
The drive along the Route des Sanguinaires is one of the most scenic in Corsica. This coastal road winds west from Ajaccio, offering spectacular views of cliffs, coves and glittering sea. Pull-offs and parking spots allow you to stop for photos, picnics or a swim.
One of the highlights is the Genoese Tower at Pointe de la Parata, perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the Sanguinaires. With well-marked trails and panoramic benches, it’s a great place to stretch your legs and soak in the scenery.
9. Corsican Cuisine
Ajaccio’s culinary scene reflects Corsica’s island heritage — blending French, Italian and mountain flavors. Traditional dishes include civet de sanglier (wild boar stew), fiadone (a lemony cheesecake made with brocciu) and fresh fish grilled with herbs.
Many restaurants focus on local sourcing, from foraged herbs to village-made cheese. Try a glass of Corsican rosé or a bold red from the island’s mountainous vineyards. Dining al fresco with a sea breeze and a plate of charcuterie corse is one of the simplest pleasures in Ajaccio.
10. Laid-Back Island Vibes
Ajaccio is known not just for its sights, but for its ambiance. It’s a city that invites you to slow down, sip a café noisette and watch the boats drift in. Locals linger in shaded squares, greet each other warmly and live life with a relaxed rhythm that’s contagious.
Whether you're browsing a gallery, renting a paddleboard or sitting on a rock at golden hour, Ajaccio’s laid-back spirit stays with you long after you leave. It’s not just a place to visit — it’s a way of living that invites you to pause and enjoy the moment.
What is Ajaccio Known For?
Ajaccio is known for its Napoleonic heritage, Mediterranean charm and easygoing Corsican lifestyle. From walking in the footsteps of Napoleon to relaxing on golden beaches or watching the sun set over the Sanguinaires Islands, the best things to do in Ajaccio celebrate the island’s proud past and its natural beauty.
It’s a city of warm light, strong identity and unforgettable views — where history, sea and soul all meet on the edge of the Mediterranean.
Explore these Ajaccio shore excursions to make the most of your visit.
