AJACCIO, CAPITAL OF SOUTH CORSICA<\/strong><\/h2>\nA tour of Ajaccio<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"panorama](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Ajaccio-Volotea-1-scaled-1.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\nAjaccio is a city to be visited on foot. This will allow you to explore the narrow, shaded streets, and get a first-hand feel of the Imperial City. <\/p>\n
The city\u2019s most interesting attractions include:<\/p>\n
\n- The daily morning market in the Halles is a place to taste the island\u2019s culinary specialities. Be sure to admire the former Napoleon I quays of the 19th century port on Place Cesare Campinchi<\/strong>. You\u2019ll also find the tourist office<\/strong><\/a> in this square offering a wealth of information and ideas on what to do in Ajaccio and the surrounding area.<\/li>\n
- Place Foch<\/strong>, where Ajaccio town hall stands<\/li>\n
- Tino Rossi fishing port<\/li>\n
- The Citadel<\/strong>, open to the public since 2021<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- The Baroque Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta<\/strong> where Napoleon was baptised in the white marble font on July 2, 1771. It also features a mural by Eug\u00e8ne Delacroix<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
- The Bonaparte House Museum<\/strong> and its 23 rooms. <\/li>\n
- The Naporama museum<\/strong><\/a>, which houses a very original collection. Thanks to enthusiasts, it traces the life of Napoleon with scenes created with Playmobil figures!<\/li>\n
- The Palais Fesch Museum<\/strong> is a must if you love Italian Baroque art. Put together by Cardinal Fesch, this collection is second only to the Louvre with over 400 paintings by Italian artists!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"place](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Ajaccio-Volotea-8-scaled-1.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\nSanguinaires islands<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"iles](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Ajaccio-Volotea-7-scaled-1.jpg?resize=640%2C360&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\nAjaccio extends as far as the Sanguinaires archipelago, which are named after their orange hues at sunset. You can get there by car, small tourist train, on the Imperial tour bus or by taking the No. 5 city bus.<\/p>\n
The seaside road stretches along 15km of turquoise waters, which are sure to tempt you to take a dip! Along the way, you can visit Ajaccio\u2019s cemetery, \u201cU Canicciu<\/strong>\u201d, facing the sea, with the tomb of Tino Rossi, who sang the French classic \u201cPetit Papa No\u00ebl<\/strong>\u201d.<\/p>\nIf you decide to spend the evening in Ajaccio, I recommend dinner in one of the beach restaurants to watch the sunset over the Sanguinaires Islands.<\/p>\n
THE CALANQUES DE PIANA, AN ESSENTIAL STOPOVER IN SOUTHERN CORSICA<\/strong><\/h2>\nOn the way to the Calanques, you should stop at the village of Carg\u00e8se<\/strong>. What makes this village special is that it has two churches across from each other, a Catholic church and a Greek Orthodox church.<\/p>\nThe village of Piana is considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. <\/p>\n
The Calanques de Piana<\/strong> site is listed as UNESCO World Heritage. The pink granite cliffs tower more than 300 metres above the sea.The road follows the sea to Porto, a beautiful little harbour. From Porto, I recommend exploring the calanques by boat<\/strong>. The contrasts are breath-taking.<\/p>\n![\"calanques](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Piana-Volotea-1-scaled-1.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\nLet\u2019s go back to Ajaccio for a second night. I would recommend eating at Porticcio<\/strong> for a superb view of the Gulf of Ajaccio.<\/p>\nTHE ALTA ROCCA AND THE AIGUILLES DE BAVELLA, SUMMITS OF SOUTH CORSICA<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\nWe head south from Ajaccio into the mountainous region of the Alta Rocca<\/strong>. We pass through gorgeous villages where the houses are built from granite blocks: Aullene, Serra di Scopam\u00e8ne, Quenza and then Zonza.<\/p>\nThe col de Bavella<\/strong> pass rises to 1218 metres above sea level, affording spectacular views of the east coast and the Tyrrhenian Sea. The high rocky peaks are called the \u201cAiguilles de Bavella\u201d (Needles of Bavella). The laricio pines, often perched on the rocks, add to this somewhat surreal scenery.\u00a0<\/p>\nWe then descend along the Solenzara river which marks the boundary between the Haute Corse and Corse du Sud regions. You can take a break to swim in the crystal clear waters in one of the beautiful natural pools<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"alta](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Bavella-Volotea-4-scaled-1.jpg?resize=640%2C303&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\nBe careful on the road, cows, goats, pigs roam almost freely!<\/p>\n
From Solenzara to Porto-Vecchio, the road runs along the sea providing a glimpse of southern Corsica\u2019s fine beaches. To get the most out of the next day of relaxation, pick a hotel near Porto-Vecchio, around Saint Cyprien or Cala Rossa.<\/p>\n
SOUTH CORSICA\u2019S LOVELIEST BEACHES<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"palombaggia\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Palombaggia-Volotea-scaled-1-min.jpg?resize=640%2C361&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n
<\/figure>\nAjaccio is a city to be visited on foot. This will allow you to explore the narrow, shaded streets, and get a first-hand feel of the Imperial City. <\/p>\n
The city\u2019s most interesting attractions include:<\/p>\n
- \n
- The daily morning market in the Halles is a place to taste the island\u2019s culinary specialities. Be sure to admire the former Napoleon I quays of the 19th century port on Place Cesare Campinchi<\/strong>. You\u2019ll also find the tourist office<\/strong><\/a> in this square offering a wealth of information and ideas on what to do in Ajaccio and the surrounding area.<\/li>\n
- Place Foch<\/strong>, where Ajaccio town hall stands<\/li>\n
- Tino Rossi fishing port<\/li>\n
- The Citadel<\/strong>, open to the public since 2021<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- The Baroque Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta<\/strong> where Napoleon was baptised in the white marble font on July 2, 1771. It also features a mural by Eug\u00e8ne Delacroix<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
- The Bonaparte House Museum<\/strong> and its 23 rooms. <\/li>\n
- The Naporama museum<\/strong><\/a>, which houses a very original collection. Thanks to enthusiasts, it traces the life of Napoleon with scenes created with Playmobil figures!<\/li>\n
- The Palais Fesch Museum<\/strong> is a must if you love Italian Baroque art. Put together by Cardinal Fesch, this collection is second only to the Louvre with over 400 paintings by Italian artists!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/figure>\nSanguinaires islands<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/figure>\nAjaccio extends as far as the Sanguinaires archipelago, which are named after their orange hues at sunset. You can get there by car, small tourist train, on the Imperial tour bus or by taking the No. 5 city bus.<\/p>\n
The seaside road stretches along 15km of turquoise waters, which are sure to tempt you to take a dip! Along the way, you can visit Ajaccio\u2019s cemetery, \u201cU Canicciu<\/strong>\u201d, facing the sea, with the tomb of Tino Rossi, who sang the French classic \u201cPetit Papa No\u00ebl<\/strong>\u201d.<\/p>\n
If you decide to spend the evening in Ajaccio, I recommend dinner in one of the beach restaurants to watch the sunset over the Sanguinaires Islands.<\/p>\n
THE CALANQUES DE PIANA, AN ESSENTIAL STOPOVER IN SOUTHERN CORSICA<\/strong><\/h2>\n
On the way to the Calanques, you should stop at the village of Carg\u00e8se<\/strong>. What makes this village special is that it has two churches across from each other, a Catholic church and a Greek Orthodox church.<\/p>\n
The village of Piana is considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. <\/p>\n
The Calanques de Piana<\/strong> site is listed as UNESCO World Heritage. The pink granite cliffs tower more than 300 metres above the sea.The road follows the sea to Porto, a beautiful little harbour. From Porto, I recommend exploring the calanques by boat<\/strong>. The contrasts are breath-taking.<\/p>\n
<\/figure>\nLet\u2019s go back to Ajaccio for a second night. I would recommend eating at Porticcio<\/strong> for a superb view of the Gulf of Ajaccio.<\/p>\n
THE ALTA ROCCA AND THE AIGUILLES DE BAVELLA, SUMMITS OF SOUTH CORSICA<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n
We head south from Ajaccio into the mountainous region of the Alta Rocca<\/strong>. We pass through gorgeous villages where the houses are built from granite blocks: Aullene, Serra di Scopam\u00e8ne, Quenza and then Zonza.<\/p>\n
The col de Bavella<\/strong> pass rises to 1218 metres above sea level, affording spectacular views of the east coast and the Tyrrhenian Sea. The high rocky peaks are called the \u201cAiguilles de Bavella\u201d (Needles of Bavella). The laricio pines, often perched on the rocks, add to this somewhat surreal scenery.\u00a0<\/p>\n
We then descend along the Solenzara river which marks the boundary between the Haute Corse and Corse du Sud regions. You can take a break to swim in the crystal clear waters in one of the beautiful natural pools<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n
<\/figure>\nBe careful on the road, cows, goats, pigs roam almost freely!<\/p>\n
From Solenzara to Porto-Vecchio, the road runs along the sea providing a glimpse of southern Corsica\u2019s fine beaches. To get the most out of the next day of relaxation, pick a hotel near Porto-Vecchio, around Saint Cyprien or Cala Rossa.<\/p>\n
SOUTH CORSICA\u2019S LOVELIEST BEACHES<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/figure>\n - The Bonaparte House Museum<\/strong> and its 23 rooms. <\/li>\n
- Place Foch<\/strong>, where Ajaccio town hall stands<\/li>\n
![\"bonifacio](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Bonifacio-Volotea-1-scaled-1.jpg?resize=640%2C360&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n![\"bonifacio](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Bonifacio-Volotea-3-scaled-1.jpg?resize=640%2C960&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n![\"sartene](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Sartene-Volotea-2-scaled-min.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n![\"coti](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Coti-Chiavari-Volotea-scaled-2.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n