Ajaccio, Corsica’s picturesque capital, is a fabulous beach holiday destination for anyone craving crystal-clear turquoise waters, leisurely barefoot walks along sandy shores, and unforgettable golden sunsets.
The scenic coastline is lined with stunning coves, perfect for relaxing with a book or enjoying all kinds of water pursuits. And with convenient access from the town centre, you can easily explore a different location each day.
In this guide, I present the 11 most beautiful Ajaccio beaches, including those within the city and its nearby surroundings- a collection of dreamy seaside retreats that can rival popular exotic hideaways.
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WHAT MAKES AJACCIO A GREAT PLACE FOR BEACH LOVERS?
Ajaccio ranks among the top destinations for a Mediterranean beach escape, alongside Porto-Vecchio and the Balagne resorts, such as Calvi or Ile Rousse. Beautiful sandy coves with clear, azure waters dot Ajaccio Bay’s coastline, offering everything from quiet retreats to sweeping shores bustling with aquatic activities.
BEST BEACH LOCATIONS
The most stunning spots are along the waterfront road known as Route des Sanguinaires, west of the city. Surfers, on the other hand, will love Capo di Feno, north of Iles Sanguinaires and the Parata peninsula, while Plage du Ricanto, near the airport, is perfect for classic seaside family recreation.
For a change of scenery, you can also take a sea shuttle from the Ajaccio port to Rive Sud, the southern shore of the gulf, where Porticio, a popular holiday hotspot, brims with summer fun within its turquoise bays.
CAR-FREE BEACH HOLIDAYS IN AJACCIO
Ajaccio is particularly convenient as a beach vacation destination for those who decide to travel to Corsica without a car. Thanks to its well-developed public transport network, at least in Corsican standards, visitors can easily access many hidden corners of the region without hassle.
VERSATILE GETAWAY
Combined with the city’s fascinating cultural attractions, interesting historic monuments, and delicious local cuisine, Corsica’s capital city guarantees a fulfilling, well-balanced stay that will appeal to virtually everyone.
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USEFUL TIPS FOR YOUR AJACCIO BEACH ESCAPE
- Always bring sun protection.
- Pack an umbrella to ensure shade.
- Reserve sun loungers in advance. Corsican beaches remain largely unspoilt and free of rows of deckchairs, so during peak season, availability is limited.
- Carry cash as some beach huts don’t accept card payments.
- Expect higher prices at beach bars and restaurants, reflecting their waterfront location. An average main course costs around €20, while a spritz is typically priced at €10. Pizzas usually start from €15.
- Check the seawater for jellyfish before swimming.
- Keep in mind that public beach showers are rare in Corsica. They are usually available in beach clubs when renting loungers.
11 BEST AJACCIO BEACHES
1. PLAGE SAINT-FRANCOIS
Overlooked by the Citadel, with sweeping views of the Ajaccio bay, Plage Saint-Francois is the city’s most central beach. This narrow ribbon of golden sand lies just steps away from key attractions, such as the Cathedral and Maison Bonaparte, making it a convenient spot for a quick swim or a refreshing break. Ideal for cruise ship passengers, Plage Saint-Francois also provides the nearest sea access in port’s vicinity.
Despite its urban setting, it is actually a surprisingly scenic place to relax, with soft sand and translucent, gently sloping waters that attract colourful fish. There are no facilities on the beach itself, but bars and restaurants are just across the palm-lined Boulevard Lantivy bordering the cove. Dogs, however, are not permitted.
BOOK AN OPEN-BUS TOUR OF AJACCIO
Discover Ajaccio on a guided, open-top bus tour. Enjoy 360-degree views of the town and coast before stopping at the Parata Peninsula to admire views of the Sanguinaires Islands and Ajaccio Gulf.
ACCESS AND PARKING
Plage Saint-Francois is within easy walking distance of the city centre. From the port, it takes less than 10 minutes to reach the beach via Boulevard Danièle Casanova along the Citadel or Rue Notre Dame by the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. Two flights of stairs provide direct access down to the sand.
If you arrive by car, you may just be lucky enough to find a free space for your vehicle along Bd Pascal Rossini behind the beach. Alternatively, try the paid Parking du Diamant on Av. Eugène Macchini, located only 120 meters from the shores. A more affordable option, though, is the main port car park.
The Ajaccio Muvistrada bus network (https://mobilite.muvitarra.fr/) also serves the area. Line 5 runs along Route des Sanguinaires, and the stops nearest to the beach are Saint François and Place de Gaulle.
2. PLAGE TROTTEL
Further west along Route des Sanguinaires lies Plage Trottel, another excellent city beach. This wide stretch of coarse sand is well-equipped with essential facilities needed to enjoy a leisurely day by the sea. Restaurants, sun loungers, and lifeguard supervision are available on-site while the beach is cleaned daily to maintain its charms intact.
Just like other coves dotting Ajaccio’s pretty coastline, Plage Trottel boasts clear turquoise waters with a shallow seabed perfect for families with children. The beach is non-smoking, and dogs are not allowed, but access is adapted for visitors with reduced mobility. Conveniently, across the road is a grocery store where you can pick up supplies in case you prefer to pass on Mules Frites served in the beach huts.
BOOK A BOAT TRIP TO BONIFACIO
Discover Corsica’s south coast dotted with idyllic beaches on a scenic cruise to Bonifacio, the island’s crown jewel, and its white cliffs. The trip includes a 4-hour stop to explore the famous town.
ACCESS AND PARKING
Plage Trottel lies just 1.5 kilometres from the heart of Ajaccio– an enjoyable 20-minute walk along the seaside promenade.
If you arrive by car, park in the designated lot above the waterfront. During the busy months of July and August, remember to arrive early to secure a free spot at this popular destination.
To reach the beach by bus from the city centre, take line 5 and get off at the Trottel stop.
3. PLAGE DE BARBICAJA
Plage de Barbicaja, located 4.5 kilometres west of Ajaccio along Route des Sanguinaires, is a little corner of paradise. This scenic cove with soft sand and an expanse of clear azure waters is quieter than the city beaches, offering a more intimate, close-to-nature experience. Swimming is superb there, with rocky areas great for snorkelling and a gently sloping shoreline safe for the little ones.
A couple of beachfront restaurants serve drinks and meals, and also rent out sun loungers. Other than that, Barbicaja remains unspoit, making it a peaceful retreat for those looking to relax away from the crowds.
BOOK A BOAT TRIP TO SCANDOLA NATURE RESERVE
Enjoy a full-day tour to Capo Rosso and Scandola with a stopover in Girolata. During your trip, you will also enjoy a swimming break and a light snack of local produce and wine.
ACCESS AND PARKING
To reach Plage de Barbicaja on foot, prepare for an approximately one-hour walk covering roughly 4.5 kilometres from Ajaccio’s centre. Be sure to wear a hat and apply sunscreen to protect yourself against the strong Mediterranean sun.
If travelling by car, you can park in one of the roadside bays above the beach. Note that spaces are limited and they tend to fill quickly during peak season. Outside of July and August, you shouldn’t have problems finding a spot for your vehicle.
For those using public transport, bus line 5 runs from Ajaccio’s centre, with a stop at Barbicaja providing easy access to the beach.
4. PLAGE SANTA LIMA
Plages Santa Lima (comprising Ariadne, Neptune, Palm Beach, Girelles and Marinella), just 700 meters west of Barbicaja, is a charming, intimate beach with soft white sand, striking turquoise waters, and beautiful views across the bay. Several inviting bars and restaurants, styled with natural wood that evokes the Greek islands, serve delicious meals and drinks. This relaxed, scenic setting is perfect for putting up your feet and enjoying cocktails in a quintessentially holiday atmosphere.
The bay is framed by rocky outcrops where you can snorkel, while the shallow sea provides excellent conditions for leisurely swims. Restaurants offer sun loungers for rent, though, as is common across Corsica, availability is limited, so bringing your own towel and umbrella is a good idea.
BOOK A SPEEDBOAT TRIP TO CUPABIA BEACH
Embark on an exciting speedboat trip from Porticcio to Cupabia Beach and discover the paradisiacal corners of Ajaccio bay’s south shores. Stop for swims and enjoy appetisers with wine.
ACCESS AND PARKING
To get to Plage Santa Lima on foot from Ajaccio, follow the same instructions as for the previous beach, Barbicaja. From there, continue west along the sea until you reach the next cove.
Car travellers will find ample space for their vehicles in a large parking lot behind the beach.
If you use the bus line 5, running from central Ajaccio, disembark at the Ariadne stop at the beginning of the bay, or the Palm Beach stop to access the westernmost side.
5. PLAGE DU SCUDO
Plage du Scudo enjoys a magnificent natural setting, with secluded coves divided by rocky promontories and sweeping views of the Sanguinaire Islands on the horizon. This picture-perfect succession of intimate bays is ideal for those seeking tranquillity and unspoiled surroundings.
To swim and snorkel comfortably in the sea abounding in diverse marine life, bring water shoes. If you prefer sandy shores, the largest cove to the west offers a rock-free seabed and transparent azure waters. At lunchtime, or even better, at sunset when the sky glows gold, you can enjoy local specialities at a charming beachfront restaurant, attractively designed with wooden décor. A few deckchairs are also offered for rent.
BOOK A BOAT TOUR OF ILES SANGUINAIRES
Join a morning or afternoon 3-hour sea excursion to the Sanguinaires archipelago with a stopover on the biggest island. Swim or explore the local attractions.
ACCESS AND PARKING
Plage du Scudo coves are situated around 6 kilometres west of Ajaccio on the coastal Route des Sanguinaires. Walking there takes over one hour, while by car it’s less than a 15-minute drive. A spacious parking lot is available at the back of the beach.
To access Scudo via public transport, take bus line 5 and get off at the Scudo stop.
6. PLAGE TERRRE SACREE
Plage Terre Sacrée is a paradisiacal retreat with just the right balance of pristine nature and facilities to make your seaside escape truly relaxing. Only 2.5 kilometres from the Parata peninsula, its series of small bays offers breathtaking views of Iles Sanguinaires. The clear aquamarine water, dotted with pink granite rocks, makes it an excellent spot for snorkelling.
In the centre of the cove’s widest part stands a monument built in 1933 to honour Corsican soldiers who fell in World War I, containing an urn with their ashes. A couple of beachfront restaurants provide meals, drinks, and reasonably priced sun loungers, but the rest of the surroundings remain unspoiled and peaceful.
BOOK A CRUISE TO ILES SANGUINAIRES
Discover the Sanguinaires Islands on a popular 4-hour sunset cruise departing from Ajaccio. Enjoy wine tasting, live music, and Corsican dishes aboard a comfortable vessel with a vivid Mediterranean sunset as a backdrop.
ACCESS AND PARKING
To reach Plage Terre Sacrée by car from central Ajaccio, follow Route des Sanguinaires westwards for 8.5 kilometres. In about 15 minutes, you will reach the beach. Leave your vehicle at a spacious parking lot above the waterfront.
If arriving by a line 5 bus from the city, disembark at the Terre Sacrée stop.
7. PLAGE MOOREA
Plage Moorea is a small, picture-perfect cove with clear, turquoise water, easy-to-clean coarse sand and a beach restaurant where you can top up on the refreshing summer spritz. Far less crowded than beaches near the city, it’s just a short distance from the magnificent Parata peninsula and Iles Sanguinaires.
The water is excellent for swimming, with colourful fish hiding among the rocks that frame the bay. The relaxed, peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal spot to unwind in nature with your preferred vacation read, watching the sunset paint the sky in vibrant tones of gold and magenta.
BOOK A SUNSET BOAT TRIP TO ILES SANGUINAIRES
Enjoy a 3-hour sea excursion to Iles Sanguinaires from Ajaccio at sunset with a stop for swimming. Indulge in local wines and Corsican gastronomic specialities.
ACCESS AND PARKING
Located nearly 10 kilometres west of Ajaccio, before La Parata on Route des Sanguinaires, the Moorea beach may be reached by car in less than 20 minutes. A free parking lot is directly above the cove.
Passengers travelling from the city centre on bus line 5 should disembark at the Moorea Plage stop, which is two stops before the final one at the Parata peninsula.
8. PLAGE DE SEVANI
Plage de Sevani, also known as Petit Capo, is a wild 300-meter bay located just north of Iles Sanguinaires and La Parata. Like its neighbour, Grand Capo, further up the coast, it attracts local surfers thanks to its impressive waves on windy days and an exposed westerly position. With no significant development and only seasonal lifeguard supervision in July and August, it also appeals to those who appreciate untouched nature.
As this sandy cove faces an open sea, swimming can be hazardous compared to the sheltered beaches of Ajaccio Bay. While it is best to avoid entering the water in rough conditions, on calm days, Sevani provides a peaceful oasis of unspoiled Mediterranean beauty.
BOOK A CULINARY TOUR OF AJACCIO
Taste mouthwatering Corsican specialities during an exciting culinary tour of the town. A local guide will introduce you to artisanal products and dishes away from the tourist traps. Tastings last for up to 3 hours. Vegetarians are welcome.
ACCESS AND PARKING
Sevani is situated 13 kilometres west of Ajaccio, a scenic drive that takes around 20 minutes. From the city, continue along Routes des Sanguinaires for 8.7 kilometres. Once you get to Plage Terre Sacrée, turn right onto D111B. Past Bocca di Canareccia, turn left onto a road descending directly to the beach. Free parking is available behind the bay.
If you like hiking, you may follow a coastal trail running to Plage de Sevani from the car park culminating Route des Sanguinaires at La Parata. This 4.5-kilometre walk takes around 1hour.
9. PLAGE GRAND CAPO
Plage Grand Capo, or Capo di Feno, lies just beyond the headland from Plage de Sevani. This sweeping, kilometre-long bay is surrounded by untouched wilderness and remains free of construction, giving it a rugged charm. Known as a surfing hotspot, it offers some of the best wave conditions in Corsica, with powerful swells rolling in from the open sea.
During the season, the beach is supervised, and a centrally located restaurant, along with a few beach huts, provides delights for the palate. The cove’s southernmost part is designated for naturists and is generally the quietest area. Beloved by nature lovers, especially at sunset, Grand Capo is truly stunning, but it can also be dangerous for swimming in unstable weather.
BOOK A CULINARY/CULTURAL EXPERIENCE IN AJACCIO
Enjoy a Corsican meal while learning fascinating facts about the life of Napoleon Bonaparte at the Napoleon Cave. This comprehensive cultural experience may be booked in advance.
ACCESS AND PARKING
Grand Capo enjoys an isolated position, about 13 kilometres west of Ajaccio. To get there by car, follow the same instructions as for Plage de Sevani, but instead of turning left past Bocca di Canareccia, continue along D111B. The final part leading to the car park is a well-maintained, wide dirt track.
Alternatively, you can follow the slightly shorter Chem. de Saint Antoine – D11B – D111B route from Ajaccio, running north of Route des Sanguinaires.
10. PLAGE D’ASPRETTO
Plage d’Aspretto, also called Plage du Lazaret, nestled in Ajaccio’s northeastern outskirts, is a hidden gem frequented by the locals for a post-work dip. Easily accessible from the city centre, it offers a surprisingly peaceful environment despite its proximity to busy residential quarters. In fact, it rarely gets crowded, whereas the sweeping views of Corsica’s capital make for a picturesque backdrop.
This intimate 200-meter cove boasts coarse golden sand and perfectly clear waters, great for swimming, snorkelling, or simply enjoying a relaxing family picnic. The sunsets here are especially atmospheric, with Ajaccio’s silhouette set against the burning sky. The sea becomes deep quite quickly, though, but it is rich with colourful marine life.
EXPLORE AJACCIO ON AN E-BIKE
Explore Napoleonic sites and the natural attractions of Ajaccio on an electric bike. A self-guided e-bike tour is available for children and adults above the height of 155 cm. Closed-toe shoes are required.
ACCESS AND PARKING
Plage d’Aspretto is located 3 kilometres from the city centre, just off the Aspretto roundabout on Route du Lazaret. You can get there by car in 10 minutes, but parking spaces available on the road behind the beach are limited.
You may also travel on public transport from Ajaccio’s centre. Bus lines 1 and 8 (the airport shuttle) stop near the beach at Saint Joseph or Aspretto. Here https://ajaccio-aeroport.cci.corsica/navettes/ you will find the city bus routes.
11. PLAGE DU RICANTO
Plage du Ricanto, stretching for 3 kilometres, is Ajaccio’s largest beach. Set to the southeast of the city near the airport, it offers a wide range of facilities in the section closest to town, including restaurants, bars, a sports centre, lifeguard supervision, and seasonal access for people with reduced mobility. The southern end of the beach is designated for naturists.
Spacious enough to accommodate even the largest crowds, Ricanto is popular among both locals and visitors, either for swimming or for evening walks along the shore with sweeping views across Ajaccio Bay. The water becomes deep fairly quickly, so it may not be ideal for families with very young children. Dogs are not allowed.
BOOK A BOAT TRIP TO BONIFACIO AND ILES LAVEZZI
Enjoy a boat tour to some of Corsica’s most arresting locations. Visit Bonifacio, swim in the pristine waters of Iles Lavezzi, sample local wines and meats, and admire magnificent views of southern Corsica. During this full-day trip from Ajaccio, you will also stop at the exquisite cove of Roccapina.
ACCESS AND PARKING
Reaching Plage du Ricanto by car is straightforward. The beach lies less than 5 kilometres from Ajaccio’s port on the way to the airport- just take the turn toward the seafront at the roundabout before it. Ample free parking is available right behind the beach.
Bus travellers using line 8 can get off at the Ricanto stop.
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All outdoor activities are carried out at your own risk. Always plan ahead and be cautious when preparing for your hikes. The author of this blog cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident, death, loss, personal injury, or any other inconvenience or damage that may be sustained by anyone as a result of the use of any information contained on this website.
