Making the most of Ajaccio Corsica
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise ships berth only a 5-minute walk from downtown.
The small cruise terminal provides basic facilities, including telephones, restrooms and a taxi rank.
Corsica’s capital, Ajaccio, occupies a calm bay on the island’s west coast against wooded hills. It is relaxed rather than lively, with plentiful cafés, restaurants and shops. Its sights largely relate to Napoleon, who was born here: the magnificent cathedral where he was christened, the Bonaparte residence, and numerous statues and street names linked to his family.
The citadel occupies the peninsula and ends at the Citadel jetty. South-west lies Place Bonaparte, a quarter mainly visited in winter for the town’s mild climate. Aside from one or two fine thoroughfares converging there, the streets are narrow and poor, giving the town a deserted feel.
Napoleon Bonaparte’s birthplace, where he was born in 1769, is preserved. Street names and statues throughout the town emphasise his links with Ajaccio.
Musée Fesch contains the art collection of Cardinal Fesch, Napoleon’s maternal uncle. Its Italian paintings are considered second only to the Louvre’s collection.
The Tourist Information Center is at 3, boulevard du Roi Jérôme.
Getting around
Most Ajaccio attractions are in the old town, a 5-minute walk from the cruise terminal. They sit close together, making the area very easy to explore.
Small tourist trains, with a site in French only, tour the town.
Open double-decker tours also follow several routes in and around Ajaccio.
Nearby places
There are many nearby beaches.
Money
The Euro.
Staying connected
In an emergency, use local number 112.
Opening Hours and
Most French shops, businesses, information services, museums and banks stay open all day. Smaller shops and enterprises may close for lunch between 12.30pm and 2pm. Big shops normally open 8 or 9am–6.30 or 7.30pm Monday to Saturday; smaller shops generally open Tuesday to Saturday, though some open on Monday afternoon. Boulangeries and food shops can always be found open when other businesses close, usually until noon on Sunday.