Official Language:
French
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Currency:
EUR
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Population:
Approximately 250,000 people call Ajacio home
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Ajaccio Corsica:
The weather in Corsica is comfortable year-round. Temperatures in the summer are generally around 70°-80°F (21°C-27°), though they have soared into the 90°F/32°C on more than one occasion. May and June are the best times of year to visit.
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Corsica may be French territory, but its wild, adventurous spirit is its own. French vacationers come here to get away from France without actually getting away from France. The rugged beauty of this island attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Cruise ships dock at the Port of Ajaccio, an area controlled by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Ajaccio and South Corsica. There is road access available immediately outside of the port to the rest of Ajaccio. Ferries leave daily from Ajaccio to Marseille, on France's mainland. In Ajaccio itself, taxis are the preferred method of transportation, and you should have no trouble spotting one right outside of the port. Buses (tel. 04/9551-4323) and trains (tel. 04/9523-1103) run hourly.
Corsica is not that big, measuring only 133 miles long and fifty miles wide. But the sheer diversity of both the terrain and the people make it seem much larger than it is. The Greeks called it Kalliste, or the most beautiful, but it was its advantageous geographical location that made republics battle over the small island. Located just one hundred miles south of France and fifty miles west of Italy, Corsica has seen its share of rulers over the years. Genoa made a huge impact on the island during its two centuries in power, with watchtowers still standing from Corsica's days as a military outpost. Pisa momentarily ruled Corsica, before eventually ceding the island to the French. Corsica's language did not cede, instead becoming an intricate mix of French, Italian, and Latin.
Corsica derives its greatest fame from Napoleon Bonaparte. The French emperor was born in Ajaccio in 1769, and his birthday is celebrated nationwide with a full day of festivals, parades, and celebration. Museums and art galleries all over Ajaccio are devoted to Napoleon, even though the man himself never returned to his homeland after he came to power.
On this stop during your cruise vacation, you will discover Ajaccio is Corsica's administrative capital. Greeks were the first to discover the area that is now Ajaccio, the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. Set on a bay surrounded by citrus groves, olive trees, and vineyards, Ajaccio is full of history and cultural diversity. Located just over 100 miles from the coast of Southern France, it is only 56 miles from Italy. Ajaccio's rugged coastline and beautiful beaches enclose a gorgeous strip of land with ancient hill towns. Ajaccio is Corsica's administrative capital, with French government offices housed here. The city is on Corsica's west coast, in Corse du Sud, the southernmost of the two Corsican regions (Haute Corse is to the north). The confluence of Mediterranean water, Riviera sunshine, and a cheerful population have led to Corsica becoming one of the more sought-after vacation spots in Europe.
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Attractions |
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Corsica is known as a Meditteranean Mountain island. It is located southeast of mainland France, near Italy. Both French and Italian influences can be felt throughout the island of Corsica, which boasts incredible scenery. Boat tours are offered, which provide stunning views of rocky cliffs, sandy white beaches, and otherwise inaccessible places on the Corsica coastline. Ajaccio is home to the Fesch Museum, which features over one thousand pieces of artwork, many from the Napoleonic era. Bouches de Bonifacio is a large nature reserve in the city of Bonifacio that features unique flora and fauna. Corsica island’s three major towns: Ajaccio, Bastia and Bonifacio. These three towns make up the major population centers and do in fact offer the majority of Corsica’s sights and attractions. The most famous natural sight in Corsica is Les Calanche, a mountain landscape of multi-colored granite forms that actually look like people, animals, and buildings. Here are some of the other popular attractions:
Musee Fesch
The construction of the building that houses Musee Fesch was requested by Cardinal Fesch. When he died in Rome in 1839, he left more than 1, 000 works of art to his home town of Ajaccio. There are several collections both temporary and permanent. You will see, among the permanent collection, pieces from the Neopolitan and Roman Baroque periods, as well as Napoleonic and early Italian pieces. Everywhere you turn, there’s something about Corsica’s most revered resident, Napolean. In addition to Napoleon lore, the French Mediterranean architecture and narrow streets of Old Town make it a perfect place for afternoon strolls.
Maison Bonaparte
This is the site where it all began back in 1769: Napoleon Bonaparte’s birthplace. He lived and played here until the age of nine. It’s now a museum with beautiful Louis XV and Louis XVI interiors and furnishings. The Bonaparte family tree (200 years of it) are on display here.
Chapelle Imperial
Napoleon III, the nephew of Napoleon, built the chapel in 1857 to house the tombs of the Napoleon family. (Napoleon, himself, is entombed in Paris.)
Cathedral
Here is where Napoleon Bonaparte was baptized. The ornate 16th century cathedral features interesting trompe l’oeil frescoes.
Foch Square
This, along with nearby De Gaulle Square, is one of the city’s main gathering places. It’s a beauty, bordered by double rows of palm trees and facing the waterfront. As the main square it contains (naturally) a statue of Napoleon. This one has him sporting a toga and surrounded by lions.
City Market
Try to schedule your visit in the morning when produce, cheeses, and sausages. Stop and pick up some beignets during your visit.
The Pointe de la Parata
A black granite promontory, offers sweeping views of the Mediterranean, and the beaches just outside town are among the best in the area.
BASTIA
It’s a modern port city (the largest on the island) on the northeastern coast with Neapolitan undertones. Bastia was founded in the 14th century by the Genoese who built a fortification at the site. It’s old and simple and built around a harbor that exports cigarettes, cigars and wines manufactured on the island. Bastia’s old town is a network of alleys connected by dark passages.
The Citadel
Dating from the 16th-17th centuries is the prime attraction in the town.
Place St. Nicholas
The center of town. Sit down at one of the cafés that line the square, order a glass of wine or coffee, and take in the 18th century buildings and 21st century life.
Corsican Ethnography Museum
The museum opened in 1952 in the building that was once the Genovese Governor’s Palace. Displays featuring exhibits of the everyday lives of Corsicans – how they earned their livings, what they ate, their homes – are here, as well as early jails, and ceremonial rooms.
Sports &Activities
Water Sports
Wind surfing, Jet-Skis, & parasailing are popular here and widely available.
Beaches
Not all of the island’s coastline is rugged. Pockets of beaches can be found almost everywhere, but don’t expect the white sand beaches of the Caribbean.
Biking
This is France. Bikes are to be seen everywhere there’s a road or path. Just consider the mountains and your abilities. Rentals are available for downtown use or countryside excursions.
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More Information |
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Useful Links About Ajaccio Corsica:
Ajaccio Travel and Tourism Guide
Ajaccio Corsica Travel and Tourism Guide (Site is French)
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