As popular as France may be, it can feel like all the so-called “hidden gems” have already been discovered.
Not so fast…
While just about every swath of Paris has been revealed, there’s still the “Pink City,” untouched beaches, and in this case, pastel dreamscapes off most travelers’ radars.
As we all know, summer is prime time to go full France from top to bottom.
In other seasons, an island getaway may not always align with the weather, but there’s no better time to plan a trip to Corsica, especially its capital, Ajaccio.
This colorful waterfront charmer is the perfect spot to slow down on the Med without defaulting to the same overrun getaways, all while indulging in every French delight you’ve ever dreamt of.
Think flowing local wine, savory bakery goodies, and unmatched scenery without the bustle as other vacationers deal with hordes of crowds in Spain, Italy, and Greece.
France’s Seamless Beach Base
Marseille has a rougher reputation, while the rest of the French Riviera, like Nice, has crowds from all walks of life, and Ajaccio has neither.
That’s a selling point if we’ve ever heard one.
Ajaccio has urbano delights, but best of all, easy beach access. You don’t have to rent a car, pack half your hotel room, and turn a nice swim into a full-day expedition.
Travelers can dip into the Med right from the city center at Saint-François Beach below the unmissable Miollis Citadel, head to Trottel Beach for more elbow room and watersport thrills, or chase the real postcard photo ops along the Sanguinaires road.
According to TripAdvisor, these are Ajaccio’s 3 must-visit beaches:
- Capo di Feno Beach
- Marinella Beach
- Saint-François Beach 👆
Summer weather is truly splendid for a full-fledged beach day too. Expect temps hovering around the mid 80s from July – August, but note it’s still sunny in fall if you can’t swing it the next few months.
Ajaccio’s beaches are not all full-service beach clubs with loungers at the ready, but you can find chairs at some beaches, especially around the coastal restaurants.
Your best bet is aforementioned Marinella Beach, otherwise you may want to do your morning stretches to prepare for a day sprawled out on a beach towel.
But the good news is Ajaccio’s shoreline isn’t short on soft white sand, especially at Capo di Feno.
Set on the outskirts of town, this wild Corsican beach is equal parts surfer haven and relaxing escape — perfect for spreading out, taking in the rugged coast, or shredding waves if that’s your jam.
You Won’t Find These Views In Paris
Sure, Paris has the Eiffel Tower and numerous magical landmarks hard to fathom when they’re right in front you, but Ajaccio has the kind of views you can’t squeeze between city blocks.
Here, the vibrant landscape comes with turquoise water, rugged cliffs, pastel buildings, and fiery sunsets over the Sanguinaires Islands.
Even better, we suggest leveling up with Corsican wine, freshly-caught seafood, local sinfully delicious cheese, and pastries that make you wonder why you ever settled for a sidewalk cafe with traffic fumes and the click-clacking of pedestrians.
Ajaccio is still undeniably France, just with salty air, low-key island vibes, and a whole lot more room to breathe and recharge, which is what summer is all about, right?
If you need a rec, top-rated A Terrazza is away from the “action”. It’s on the high-end budget-wise, but consider it a sunset tax if you score a patio seat.
You Won’t Be Any Extra Jet-Lagged Getting Here
Getting to Ajaccio is easier than its dreamy remote setting might suggest. Most travelers will want to fly into Ajaccio Napoléon Bonaparte Airport (AJA) — that’s right, this town was the birthplace to the famous Napoléon Bonaparte.
There are many direct flights from Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and Nice.
For Americans, Paris obviously offers the simplest transition as it’s so well-connected to U.S. cities, although there are new flights to Nice too if you care to double-dip your epic beach trip.
There’s also an extensive ferry schedule, including departures from Marseille, and even cross-country in Sardinia, if you really want to maximize your Mediterranean odyssey and arrive in Ajaccio the old-school way.
