Ajaccio

Ajaccio (Corsican: Aiacciu) is the capital of the French Mediterranean island of Corsica, home to 71,000 people (2019). It is a sun-kissed tourist town with frequent visits by cruise ships. It has a boardwalk along its attractive coastline, with excellent restaurants and lots of Napoleon-related sites.

Understand
Although the coastline of Ajaccio and its natural harbour was almost certainly visited many times in antiquity, the development of a proper city did not happen until the late 1400s when the Genoese built a citadel that still stands to this day and serves as a military installation for the French army.

After most of Corsica was conquered by the French in the 1700s, Ajaccio remained a Genoese territory until the late 1760s.

Napoleon Bonaparte (Napoleone di Buonaparte) was born in Ajaccio in 1769 just after the city became the capital of Corsica. Although from mostly Italian-Corsican heritage, Napoleon rose through the ranks of the French military to become the leader of France and then Emperor. For a time he also ruled most of Europe.

Ajaccio was one of the last cities to become French in Europe, but it was the first French city to be liberated in 1943 following the fall of the Third Republic in 1940.

By plane


Ajaccio International Airport is 20 minutes by bus of public transport from city center. Expect a taxi to cost €25-30 (Nov 2023). Muvitarra Bus 8 serves the airport and one-way fare is. A cheaper way to go to the city is Bus 12 last stop Capitello (summer 2012) which is 250 m from the airport (continue straight from the airport bus stop of number 8 as if the bus was going straight between the rent-a-car garages, and not turning left to pass between the rent-a-car offices and parking) which runs to the Gare d'Ajaccio (train station), and costs, however it is not advertised by Tourist Information at all.

By ferry
There are direct ferry routes to Ajaccio from Marseille, Nice, Toulon, and Ciutadella. Companies operating ferry boats are Corsica Ferries, La Meridionale. Summer seasons are generally busy, and thus it is advisable to book in advance.

By train
A single railway line connects Ajaccio with Bastia (3½ hours and around ) on the island's east coast via Corte. The main railway station,

By bus
There are frequent bus routes from various destinations in Corsica. Most arrive at the bus station directly adjacent to the main cruise ship and ferry terminal at Quai L'Herminier. Many city bus lines stop in front of the bus station, and it is easily walkable from the main train station.

Do

 * Football: AC Ajaccio were relegated in 2023 so they now play soccer in Ligue 2, the second tier in France. Their home ground (capacity 10,400) is 2 km east of town centre.

Consulates

 * 🇬🇷 Greece
 * 🇵🇹 Portugal
 * 🇨🇭 Switzerland

Connect
As of June 2022, Ajaccio has 5G from all French carriers.

Go next
Either head south towards Porto Vecchio or Bonifacio, or inland via Corte to points north.