14 walks around Ajaccio

Corsica undoubtedly deserves the nickname of Island of Beauty. See for yourself with these 14 walks around Ajaccio that we have selected for you!

Visiting Corsica allows you to discover an incredible natural heritage, shared between the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains. So in just one day, it’s easy to taste the joys of the sea and then take a breath of fresh air at altitude. These are all the advantages of Corsica, in addition to being warm and historically proud. The walks around Ajaccio that we offer you today will allow you to discover the Island of Beauty in a different way.

Between outings at sea or first flights, the promenade has made a name for itself. If it is sometimes an initiatory journey, it is often synonymous with serenity, contemplation and satisfaction.

Read also :The 8 essential things to do in AjaccioThe 14 essential things to do in Corse-du-Sud

1. The Parata Tour (Sanguinaires Islands)

Photo credit: Shutterstock – Samuel Borges Photography

 12.5 kilometers By car: 25 minutes To see / to do: the Genoese Tower of La Parata, the Sanguinaires Archipelago, the Gulf of Ajaccio

Northern entry point of the great Gulf of Ajaccio, the Sanguinaires Islands owe their name to the color covered by the rock when the sun goes down.

Some legends were born there, frightening the sailors of past centuries. The archipelago can be visited by boat but what interests us is the point accessible on foot. The time for a walk, which all ages can perfectly accomplish, go around the tip.

The trail is marked and an observation point has been set up at the foot of the Genoese Tower of La Parata. This tower, you can also approach it, by climbing a small rough path during a hike.

On the spot, you then have the choice, for the return, to retrace your steps, or to make the complete tour of the peninsula.

2. The Calanques of Piana

Photo credit: Shutterstock – beboy

 71 kilometers By car: 1h30 To see / to do: the Gulf of Porto, the Calanques of Piana, Piana village

The reputation of the Calanques de Piana is well established. Indeed, it is one of the essentials of Corsica, so you can imagine that they are among the best walks around Ajaccio.

Located about 1h30 away, they delight, titillate and surprise with their beauty. The porphyry, the red rock from which they are made, the turquoise water and the ash-green maquis then add up to give a colorful result, for lasting memories.

There are several trails on site, some of which approach the sea, for an even more exceptional spectacle. What could be better than a weekend in this magical place?

3. Mount Gozzi

Photo credit: Shutterstock – nexpo

 15 kilometers By car: 24 minutes To see / to do: the breathtaking view of all of Ajaccio and its valley, including the gulfs of Ajaccio, Lava and Sagone

Marking the beginning of the Ajaccio hinterland, Mount Gozzi is visible for miles. Indeed, this huge mass of red granite, stands up to 700 meters above sea level!

Loved by tourists and locals, it is therefore the ideal place for walks around Ajaccio. And for good reason, from its summit, the Gozzi offers a panoramic view of Ajaccio, the Mediterranean, and the Corsican mountains.

Also, note that the ride is accessible to anyone in good enough shape, including children. At its feet are the increasingly popular villages of Appietto and Afa.

4. Propriano

Photo credit: Shutterstock – Evannovostro

 70.5 kilometers By car: 1h20 To see / to do: the beaches (Lido, Baracci, Capu Laurosu), the city center, the Gulf of Valinco

Located 1h20 from Ajaccio, the town of Propriano is perfect for a day trip. Despite its small size, its port regularly welcomes cruise ships as well as ferries from Marseille or Italy.

Rather touristy, Propriano attracts for its very seaside atmosphere. The small marina, the commercial port, the seaside restaurants and the magnificent beaches of the bay give it an undeniable charm.

Whether you are walking in town or by the sea, enjoy the warmth of southern Corsica.

5. The Crest Trail

Photo credit: Shutterstock – John Laidler

 4 kilometers By car: 9 minutes To see / to do: the Gulf of Ajaccio, the western districts of the city and the very dense maquis

Beginning to the west of the city of Ajaccio, the Sentier des Crêtes is a path very well known to the local population. Indeed, it is one of the most famous and recommended walks around Ajaccio.

Very simple and accessible to the whole family, the mid-mountain path is traversed in a very natural way. It also and above all allows you to have a view of the Gulf of Ajaccio as well as the buildings with red roofs.

6. Capo di Muro

Photo credit: Facebook – Corsica Otherwise

 45.5 kilometers By car: 1h15 To see / to do: the view on both sides from the cape and the tower, the village of Acqua Doria

Take the direction of another Genoese tower in Corsica! They are numerous in Corsica, but each of them is unique! And in particular that of Capo di Muro. It has the particularity of having interior access, the only one on the Gulf of Ajaccio!

Magnificent views on both sides and the horizon of the cape await you. Also note that the bravest among you can provide towel and swimsuits because small creeks are accessible.

So why not let yourself be tempted by translucent water?

7.Villanova

Photo credit: Shutterstock – sebastien hovaguimian

 15 kilometers By car: 24 minutes To see / to do: the Gulf of Lava, the Bomba valley, the taffoni (prehistoric shelters)

A small town wedged between Ajaccio and Alata, Villanova is unknown to tourists. However, it is the start for beautiful walks around Ajaccio.

Don’t miss the Sentier de Bomba, which starts in Villanova and goes down to the valley. You will not miss the view of the Gulf of Lava that this valley overlooks, as well as Lava Beach, very popular in summer.

8. Isolella

Photo credit: Shutterstock – Lardy Philippe

 23.5 kilometers By car: 35 minutes To see / to do: the peninsula, the tower and the beach (very famous) as well as the view of the Gulf of Ajaccio

The Isolella peninsula is well known in Corsica, for the beauty of its beach, in particular. If you have the opportunity to go there, do not hesitate for a second. You will be welcomed by the fine sand and turquoise water so specific to Corsica.

There is no shortage of walks around Ajaccio, but Isolella is particularly worth the detour. Thus, appreciate nature at its fair value, and observe what surrounds you: an infinite sea in front, two bays on the sides, and in the back, the mysterious Corsican mountains.

9. Tolla

Photo credit: Shutterstock – U. Eisenlohr

 32 kilometers By car: 50 minutes To see / to do: the lake, the Belvedere of Scaledda, nautical activities (pedal boats, in particular)

Tolla is especially famous for the lake of the same name. As a result, many visitors come each year during the summer period to experience the joys of pedal boating.

But we easily forget that there are lovely walks to do in the area. For example, you can do part of the lakeside on foot. A full turn is not possible, however.

From the Scaledda Belvedere, a little further up the road, you can observe the local as well as the mountain Petra Alta which closes the lake.

10. Porticcio

Photo credit: Shutterstock – Atle Viste

 18 kilometers By car: 24 minutes To see / to do: the beaches including Agosta, scuba diving or jet-skiing, the Capitello Tower

Seaside resort of Corse-du-Sud par excellence, Porticcio is very popular with young people and clubbers once night falls. However, during the day, it is a very family-friendly town with its many restaurants and wide beaches.

Both on the coast and towards the heights, finding a walk in Porticcio is very simple. Feel free to walk along the beaches or climb the hills. Do not miss the Capitello Tower as well.

11. Bastelica

Photo credit: Shutterstock – nexpo

 38 kilometers By car: 48 minutes To see / to do: the Sant’Albertu Waterfall, the village, the Zipitoli Bridge, the Val d’Ese and its pozzines

A small mountain village reigning over the slopes of the maquis, Bastelica is not very recent. However, it is its natural surroundings that appeal the most.

Indeed Bastelica is surrounded by lots of greenery, waterfalls and in particular, the ski resort of Corsica! You read correctly. In winter, the Val d’Ese resort opens its doors and allows adventurers to slide on the few meters of fallen snow.

Because we must not believe that Corsica is only heat and fine sandy beaches. We too often forget that its mountains are white in winter! Who would have thought that one of the walks around Ajaccio could take you to the white peaks?

12. Cargese

Photo credit: Shutterstock – Pawel Kazmierczak

 49 kilometers By car: 1h05 To see / to do: the Punta di Cargèse, the historic center and its buildings, the view of the gulfs of Sagone, Lava and Porto

Cargèse is the ideal place to go for a walk. The ancient Greek city dominates the sea and the horizon on its hill, with its perfectly preserved churches and buildings.

Placed in such a way as to monitor the coast to the right and to the left, Cargèse is located upstream from a point that you are advised to discover. The Punta di Cargèse, easily accessible on foot by the whole family.

From this natural promontory, observe the sea and the mountains as far as the Sanguinaires Islands to the south. However, don’t miss Capo Rosso, north of Cargèse, where you can contemplate the colors of Corsica!

13. Tiuccia

Photo credit: Shutterstock – Ysbrand Cosijn

 29 kilometers By car: 40 minutes To see / to do: the Gulf of Liscia, the Tower of Capigliolo and the point, the long beach of Liamone

Tiuccia is a seaside village that you unfortunately cross more than you visit. However, there are pretty things to see nearby.

For example, the tip of Capigliolo and the Genoese tower, dominating on one side the Gulf of Liscia and on the other, the entire beach of Liamone. This beach is also known for its wind, and its frequently high waves. They are harmless, just remarkable enough to still be reported in the Mediterranean.

Tiuccia is one of the walks around Ajaccio not to be overlooked, for the beauty of its sunsets and for the walks to take there to gain a little height.

14. Chiavari Forest

Photo credit: Facebook – Corsica Otherwise

 36 kilometers By car: 1h05 To see / to do: the old penitentiary, the view

How to evoke the walks around Ajaccio without mentioning the Chiavari Forest? Included in the territory of the municipality of Coti-Chiavari, this forest is soothing. It is easy to get there and walk around.

Also, at the bend of your walk, you can discover the old penitentiary and its esplanade, from which you can observe the sea.

It is possible to explore the forest on foot or by bike, but watch out for other hikers! To the south of the forest, don’t miss the Mare É Sole beach, a beach also very famous for its crystal clear waters.

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