Ajaccio Beaches

Overview

Ajaccio is an excellent destination for a beach holiday, perfectly blending the vibrant culture of a historic city with a diverse and beautiful coastline. The city offers the unique advantage of having beaches right at its heart, while a short journey reveals a variety of scenic coves and expansive shores. Visitors will discover that the great majority of Ajaccio's beaches are blessed with fine, soft sand, making it an ideal setting for relaxing by the sea.

The coastline provides a remarkable variety of beaches to suit any preference. For ultimate convenience, Plage Saint-François is the city's main beach, located just steps from the historic center. Among the most popular and lively spots is Plage de Marinella, a classic choice for a vibrant day on the sand. For postcard-perfect scenery, many are drawn to Plage de Mare É Sole, celebrated as the 'Silver Beach' for its exceptionally bright, fine sand. Those seeking action and water sports will find ample space at the vast Ricanto and Tahiti Beach, while the renowned surfing spot of Capo di Feno offers a wilder, more natural experience.

While some central beaches are easily accessible on foot, a car is highly recommended to discover the area's most stunning coastal gems. Many of the most celebrated beaches are dotted along the scenic Route des Sanguinaires, a famous coastal road that showcases the beauty of the region. This includes beautiful and convenient coves like Plage de Barbicaghja, which can be reached by a local bus. Whether you are looking for a bustling beach with every amenity or a quiet, hidden cove, our complete guide offers many more options to explore.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Ajaccio a good destination for a beach holiday?

Yes, Ajaccio is an excellent destination for a beach holiday, offering a mix of city life and beautiful coastlines. The city itself has beaches like Plage Saint-François right in the center. For more idyllic and wilder options, the Route des Sanguinaires leads to a series of stunning sandy beaches and coves. Ajaccio is ideal for those who want to combine relaxing on the sand with cultural sightseeing, dining, and easy access to amenities.

Plage Saint-François

Do I need a car to get to the best beaches in Ajaccio?

While some beaches like Plage Saint-François and Plage du Trottel are within walking distance of the city center, a car is highly recommended to explore the best beaches. The most celebrated beaches, including those along the Route des Sanguinaires and the wild Capo di Feno, are best reached by car. While a local bus (line 5) serves the Route des Sanguinaires, a car offers the flexibility to discover more secluded coves and visit beaches on your own schedule.

Plage Saint-François

Plage Trottel

What are the best beaches near Ajaccio for families with children?

For families, Plage de Marinella is a top choice due to its fine sand and very shallow, calm waters, making it safe for young children. Another excellent option is Mare e Sole (also called Silver Beach) on the south shore of the Gulf of Ajaccio; it's protected from the wind and has calm, shallow water ideal for kids. Beaches like Plage du Trottel are also popular with families as they are supervised during the summer and close to city amenities.

Plage de Mare É Sole

Plage Trottel

How do the beaches in Ajaccio compare to those near Porto-Vecchio?

Ajaccio's beaches are known for their variety, from central city beaches to the wild, scenic coves along the Route des Sanguinaires. They are great for a holiday that mixes beach time with city exploration. Porto-Vecchio, in contrast, is famous for its world-renowned, expansive beaches like Palombaggia and Santa Giulia, which often resemble the Caribbean with their fine white sand and turquoise water. While Ajaccio offers a more balanced city-beach experience, Porto-Vecchio is considered a more dedicated, pure beach destination with arguably more spectacular, albeit more crowded, beaches.

Palombaggia

Santa Giulia

Can you swim in Ajaccio in May or October?

Yes, you can swim in Ajaccio in May and October, but the water will be cooler than in the peak summer months. In May, the sea temperature is refreshing, averaging around 18-21°C (64-70°F). By October, the sea retains some of its summer warmth, with average temperatures around 21°C (70°F). These months are great for visiting as the beaches are far less crowded, though the water might be brisk for some.

Which beach is best for surfing near Ajaccio?

Capo di Feno is the most renowned surfing spot near Ajaccio. It's a large, wild beach that picks up more swell than the sheltered beaches in the Gulf of Ajaccio. It's known for having some of the most consistent and impressive waves in the region, attracting local surfers. However, these conditions also mean that swimming can be dangerous when the sea is rough, so it's important to be cautious.

Are there private beaches with sunbeds and restaurants in Ajaccio?

Yes, many beaches along the Route des Sanguinaires have private sections, often called 'paillotes' or beach clubs. Establishments on beaches like Marinella, Barbicaja, and Terre Sacrée offer sunbed and umbrella rentals, waiter service, and have restaurants serving Mediterranean cuisine. These provide a more comfortable and serviced beach experience, though it's recommended to book in advance during the high season.

Plage de Barbicaghja

What's the vibe on the beaches along the Route des Sanguinaires?

The beaches along the Route des Sanguinaires, just west of Ajaccio, offer a chic yet relaxed vibe. They are a string of sandy coves and beaches like Barbicaja and Marinella, dotted with stylish beach clubs ('paillotes') and restaurants. The atmosphere is generally more upscale and lively than the city beaches but less rugged than remote spots like Capo di Feno. They are popular for sunbathing, enjoying a long lunch with a sea view, and watching the sunset over the Sanguinaires Islands.

Plage de Barbicaghja

People Also Ask

How do you get to the wild beach of Capo di Feno?

The easiest way to reach Capo di Feno is by car, a drive of about 20-30 minutes from Ajaccio via the D111 and then the D111B. The road can be narrow and winding. For hikers, a popular alternative is to park at the Grand Site de la Parata and take the 'Chemin des Douaniers' (Customs Path). The scenic walk takes over an hour each way and offers beautiful coastal views before arriving at the beach.

Are there any hidden or less-crowded beaches near Ajaccio?

Yes, for those willing to explore, there are less-crowded options. Petit Capo (or Plage de Sevani), the smaller sister beach to the main Capo di Feno, is often quieter. Another option is Cala di Fica, a secluded cove that requires a 30-minute walk to access but rewards visitors with a truly wild and peaceful setting. On the south shore, exploring the coast around Isolella can also reveal smaller, more intimate coves away from the main crowds.

Plage de Sevani

What is the difference between Grand Capo and Petit Capo?

Grand Capo and Petit Capo are the two beaches that make up Capo di Feno. Grand Capo is the larger, more famous of the two, known for its long stretch of sand and as a popular surfing spot. Petit Capo (also called Plage de Sevani) is smaller, more intimate, and often less crowded. It has a more sheltered feel and is considered a beautiful, unspoiled spot, though both offer a wild, natural setting.

Grand Capo Beach

Are Ajaccio's beaches sandy?

Yes, the vast majority of beaches in and around Ajaccio are sandy beaches. From the city center's Plage Saint-François to the famous beaches along the Route des Sanguinaires like Marinella and the wild expanse of Capo di Feno, you will find fine, golden or white sand. Some smaller, more secluded coves might have pebbles, but sand is the dominant feature of Ajaccio's coastline.

Plage Saint-François