Ajaccio Cruise Port Guide: Top Attractions & Excursions in Corsica

LAST UPDATED July 20, 2025 BY Katarina Komazec

Walking from the Cruise Port 🚶

The cruise terminal sits just a short walk from downtown. After exiting the terminal, turn left and reach the city’s main landmarks, shops, and restaurants within minutes.

The route is flat and suitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.

Transportation Options in Ajaccio 🚌

Taxis

Taxis wait just outside the terminal. Prices can be high, and drivers may not speak English, as French is the official language in Corsica. It’s common to agree on a fare in advance.

Buses

The Ajaccio bus station (Gare Routière d’Ajaccio) stands next to the cruise terminal. Local buses cover city routes, but connections to more remote areas are limited. Check current schedules at the Tourist Information Office or online.

Trains

Ajaccio train station (Gare d’Ajaccio / Gara d’Aiacciu) is 600 meters north of the terminal. It connects Ajaccio to inland towns and villages. For timetables and tickets, visit the official train website.

Tourist Trains & Sightseeing Buses

• Petit Train d’Ajaccio departs from Place Foch and offers two scenic circuits. One explores the old town; the other reaches the Sanguinaires Islands. See routes and prices at petit-train-ajaccio.com.
• Ajaccio Vision offers hop-on-hop-off bus tours with panoramic views. Routes cover the old town, beaches, Grotte Napoléon, and Sanguinaires Islands. Learn more at ajacciovision.fr.

Ajaccio Airport

Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport sits 5 km (3 miles) from the port, about a 10-minute drive. It connects Corsica with mainland France and other European cities.

💡 Practical Tips for Visiting Ajaccio

Currency and Payments

Corsica uses the euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are available throughout the city.

Shopping in Ajaccio

Main shopping streets include Rue Fesch, Rue Bonaparte, and Quai Napoleon. Local specialties include Corsican wines, cheeses, and Napoleon-themed souvenirs.

Most shops open from 8 or 9 am to 7 pm on weekdays. Many close for lunch between 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm. Some may remain closed on Monday mornings.

Tourist Information Office

Located at 3 Boulevard du Roi Jérôme, near Place Foch, the office is just a 5-minute walk from the terminal. Staff can provide maps, advice, and timetables.

🔎 Explore Ajaccio Like a Pro

• 👉 Browse top-rated Ajaccio tours and shore excursions on Viator and Get Your Guide
• 🚗 Book a private transfer to or from Ajaccio cruise port
• 🚙 Compare car rental deals in Ajaccio with Discover Cars – a great option if you want to explore the island on your own.
• 🏨 Find the best hotels near Ajaccio cruise port

Things to Do in Ajaccio from a Cruise Ship 🗺️🌴

With most major sights located close to the cruise port, you can see a lot of Ajaccio in just a few hours on foot. Here are the top places to visit during your stop.

Bonaparte House

Napoleon Bonaparte was born in this house in 1769. Owned by the Bonaparte family for centuries, it now serves as a national museum.

Inside, you’ll see portraits, original furniture, and documents that reveal the family’s history.

Place Foch

This tree-lined square near the waterfront is home to Ajaccio’s Town Hall and the Salon Napoléonien, which displays Napoleonic-era paintings and statues.

At the center stands a statue of Napoleon in Roman attire, above a fountain guarded by four stone lions.

Cafés and restaurants surround the square, perfect for a short break.

Citadel of Ajaccio

Built in 1492 by the Genoese, the Citadel of Ajaccio stands at the edge of the old town. Though the interior is closed to the public, you can walk around its ramparts and enjoy the sea views.

A small beach lies just beneath the fortress walls.

Place d’Austerlitz and Grotte Napoleon

A 20-minute walk from the port takes you to this historic square, home to a statue of Napoleon in military uniform atop a white granite pyramid.

Behind it is the Grotte Napoleon, a rocky area where the young Napoleon reportedly played as a child and dreamed of his future.

⚠️ Don’t confuse this with La Grotte Napoleon, a separate cultural center at 4 Rue Saint-Charles in downtown Ajaccio. The latter offers a multimedia experience with visuals, tastings, and insights into Napoleon’s life.

Fesch Museum (Musée Fesch)

Located across from the cruise terminal, this fine arts museum houses a rich collection of Italian masterpieces. The building once belonged to Cardinal Joseph Fesch, Napoleon’s uncle.

Inside the adjoining Imperial Chapel, you’ll find the tombs of Napoleon’s parents and family members.

Best Beaches Near Ajaccio Cruise Port 🏖️

Saint-François Beach

Saint-François Beach is the closest beach to the cruise port, just a 10-minute walk past the Citadel and Place du Général de Gaulle.

The beach has soft sand and calm water, with a palm-lined promenade along Boulevard Lantivy.

It’s easy to reach on foot and offers a great spot to relax between sightseeing stops.

Other Nearby Beaches

If you’re planning a full beach day, here are a few great options within a short distance of the port:

• Trottel Beach – About 5 minutes by taxi; smaller but popular with locals.
• Ricanto Beach – Around 10 minutes by taxi, close to the airport. It’s long, sandy, and more open than the city beaches.
• Marinella Beach – 15 minutes away by taxi or rental car. A spacious beach with nearby restaurants and bars.
• Porticcio Beach – Located across the bay, about 15 minutes away. You can get there by taxi or hop on the water shuttle that departs from the marina area near the cruise terminal.

🚍 Public transportation is available to some of these beaches. Local buses stop near Trottel and Ricanto beaches, but schedules may vary, especially on weekends. Check with the Tourist Info Office for current routes and timetables.

📝 Some cruise lines offer transfers or excursions to these beaches. You can also book beach transfers and tours through Viator or GetYourGuide.

Best Shore Excursions from Ajaccio 🏞️

Some of Corsica’s most breathtaking landscapes lie just outside Ajaccio. These day trips offer a mix of nature, history, and dramatic coastal views, ideal if you want to see more of the island beyond the city center.

Sanguinaires Islands & Pointe de la Parata

The Îles Sanguinaires (or Sanguinaires Islands) are a group of four rocky islets just off the coast of Ajaccio, at the entrance to the Gulf.

Composed of dark volcanic rock, the islands are home to over 150 species of seabirds and feature a 19th-century lighthouse on the main island, Mezu Mare.

You can admire stunning coastal views from nearby Pointe de la Parata, home to a 16th-century Genoese watchtower (Tour de la Parata). The islands’ name translates to “The Bloody Islands,” a reference to their dramatic, storied past.

A guided tour or boat excursion from the Ajaccio marina is the best way to reach the archipelago. Many tours include time to walk around the tower, enjoy the panoramic viewpoints, and learn about the area’s unique geology and history.

🧭 Book a Sanguinaires Islands guided tour

Prunelli Gorges & Lake Tolla

For a taste of Corsica’s rugged interior, consider a half-day trip to Gorges du Prunelli. This scenic valley cuts through pine and beech forests northeast of Ajaccio and leads to Lake Tolla, a peaceful mountain lake surrounded by cliffs and traditional villages.

The route includes small Corsican towns and panoramic viewpoints, offering insight into rural life and the island’s wild natural beauty. The drive from the port takes around 40 minutes.

🚐 This tour is usually offered by cruise lines or can be arranged through local operators. You’ll visit authentic villages, pass the Prunelli River, and stop for photo opportunities along the way.

Calanques de Piana (Gulf of Porto)

The Calanques de Piana are one of Corsica’s most impressive natural wonders. Located about 90 minutes north of Ajaccio, these jagged red cliffs rise sharply above the sea, forming narrow inlets and surreal rock formations along the Gulf of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The views along the way are breathtaking, and the cliffs glow especially bright at sunset. The road to Piana is winding but scenic, with plenty of photo stops.

This full-day trip is best suited for visitors who don’t mind longer drives. Some tours combine the Calanques with stops in Cargèse or Porto village.

🌄 Look for full-day excursions to the Calanques, often combined with coastal or mountain stops.

❓ Ajaccio Cruise Port FAQ

How far is the cruise port from Ajaccio’s old town?

The port is just a short walk from the heart of Ajaccio. After you exit the terminal, it takes about 5 minutes to reach the main square, shops, and historical landmarks. No transport is needed unless you’re heading farther out.

Can I explore Ajaccio on my own, or should I book a tour?

You can easily explore on your own. Most major attractions, like Maison Bonaparte, Ajaccio Cathedral, and the local market, are within walking distance of the port. If you’re planning to visit beaches or go into the mountains, a tour or taxi is a better choice.

Is there luggage storage at the port?

No, there are no luggage lockers at the cruise terminal. If you’re disembarking and spending more time in Corsica, check with your hotel or rental service for storage options.

How do I get to the beaches from the port?

Saint-François Beach is a 10-minute walk from the terminal. Other beaches like Trottel and Ricanto are accessible by local bus, taxi, or shore transfer. You can also catch a water shuttle across the bay to Porticcio Beach. For updated bus schedules, stop by the Tourist Information Office near Place Foch.

Is it better to book excursions in advance or wait until I arrive?

Booking in advance gives you peace of mind, especially for popular boat tours and full-day trips. That said, the Tourist Office near the port also offers same-day options for local tours, taxis, and activities if you decide to be more spontaneous.

🧭 Helpful Resources for Your Mediterranean Cruise

Useful Websites for Visiting Ajaccio