Hiking in the Ajaccio area is just what you’d expect from the Isle of Beauty… With the Mediterranean as a backdrop and the Corsican mountains in the background, or vice versa, there’s a whole host of beautiful walks on offer.
To hike in Ajaccio, you don’t even have to go far: around the Gulf of Ajaccio or to the surrounding peaks, trails have long been mapped out through fantastic Corsican landscapes. The Mediterranean Sea is never far away, providing plenty of opportunities to take to the water during a hike, or to round off a great outing: the ideal remedy for tired legs!
Most of Ajaccio ‘s most beautiful hikes are accessible to as many people as possible. The best season for hiking in Ajaccio starts in spring, when the weather is clear, and continues into the off-season, when the sun is waning and there are fewer people on the trails.
In between, take care in summer, when the sun heats up in Corsica and the mercury rises, while shade is often scarce… Always set off with good shoes, something to cover your head and, above all, a solid supply of water!
1. Climb Monte Gozzi
- Duration: approx. 2 hours
- Distance: 6.3 km
- Ascent: 391 m
- Difficulty: Medium
- See hike itinerary
We get right to the heart of the matter with this superb hike around Ajaccio, also one of the most beautiful in Corsica. From the summit of Monte Gozzi, you overlook the entire Gulf of Ajaccio, a memorable panorama that more than justifies the 25-minute drive to the starting point.
It’s an easy out-and-back hike, with no major difficulties, provided you take your time and avoid the hottest hours, as there’s little shade along the way… Set off early in the morning!
2. The Parata Tower
- Duration: approx. 1 hour
- Distance: 3.9 km
- Ascent: 124 m
- Difficulty: easy
- See hike itinerary
This short hike around Ajaccio is ideal for the whole family, as it’s accessible to all: no difficulties, well-maintained path, and even a few explanatory signs along the way!
The itinerary takes you to the Pointe de la Parata and the Tour de la Parata, built by the Genoese, who already enjoyed a splendid view of the Sanguinaires islands. Take your time to follow all the paths, as the setting is exceptional… a walk to be enjoyed at the end of the day, with the sun setting in the background.
3. The Chemin des Crêtes
- Duration: approx. 3 hours
- Distance: 9.2 km
- Ascent: 357 m
- Difficulty: Medium
- See hike itinerary
One of Ajaccio’s must-do hikes, the Chemin des Crêtes climbs to the heights overlooking the town: the Gulf of Ajaccio, the Sanguinaires islands, the Corsican mountains – wherever you turn your head, beautiful views follow one another at a frenetic pace!
You can take the Chemin des Crêtes directly from the center of Ajaccio: a beautiful loop for a half-day’s walk with more than 300 m of elevation gain. The trail is not difficult, but take your poles and beware of the heat.
4. The Douaniers trail to Capo di Feno
- Duration: approx. 2 hrs.
- Distance: 8.2 km
- Ascent: 210 m
- Difficulty: Easy
- See hike itinerary
Another beautiful hike around Ajaccio begins at the Pointe de la Parata: you can easily combine these two walks to increase the difficulty. Here, you continue along the coast on the old Douaniers trail, which winds its way up the cliffs through a magnificent landscape to the bay of Capo di Feno: the Petit Capo beach awaits you.
A long swim later, we turn back to enjoy the scenery in the opposite direction, heading for the Sanguinaires islands, back to the starting point.
5. Capu du Muru peninsula
- Duration: approx. 2 hrs.
- Distance: 8.5 km
- Ascent: 274 m
- Difficulty: Easy
- See hike itinerary
Hiking in Ajaccio is often synonymous with beautiful views of the Mediterranean, but it’s hard to find a better place to admire the deep blue sea than the Capu du Muru peninsula. Starting from the small village of Cascionu, the path along this wild point leads to the Capu du Muru tower, offering a breathtaking view of the southern Gulf of Ajaccio.
Don’t hesitate to go down to the coves for a swim! The remainder of the itinerary, a loop with no significant difficulties, passes through a landscape of dense scrubland, ending with steep rocks just above the water’s edge: a superb sight.
6. The Bomba trail in Villanova
- Duration: approx. 1 hour
- Distance: 4.8 km
- Ascent: 256 m
- Difficulty: Easy
- See hike itinerary
This hike around Ajaccio will give you the opportunity to discover the charming village of Villanova, quietly established on the heights of the Gulf of Lava. Just a 25-minute drive from Ajaccio, you can already enjoy the peace and quiet of a true Corsican village.
This is where the Bomba trail begins, a pretty loop through the maquis via the Bomba valley, offering some very fine views of the Mediterranean. An easy hike, away from Ajaccio’s busiest trails.
>> Also Read: How to get to Corsica from Marseille by ferry?
7. I Pozzi from Basticela
- Duration: approx. 4 hrs.
- Distance: 13.2 km
- Ascent: 555 m
- Difficulty: Medium
- See hike itinerary
With a 50-minute drive to reach the village of Basticela, this hike around Ajaccio takes place on the mountain side: but be warned, it’s well worth the detour!
For this beautiful trail through forests and wild scrubland, which is quite technical in places, set off equipped and plan a day trip to reach the famous “Pozzi”: these natural peat bogs, created by melting snow, make up one of the most emblematic landscapes in the Corsican mountains.
8. The Isolella tower
- Duration: approx. 1 hour
- Distance: 3.1 km
- Ascent: 44 m
- Difficulty: easy
- See hike itinerary
The program for this hike around Ajaccio includes beaches and walks. The starting point is at the very southern end of the Gulf of Ajaccio, to explore the Isolella peninsula which closes it off.
From the Anse de Sainte-Barbe, the aim of this hike is to reach the Isolella tower, also built by the Genoese to watch over the coast. The result: a splendid view!
As the walk is fairly short, take the time to swim: there are plenty of opportunities at l’Isolella…
