Port guide · France
The capital of Corsica and the birthplace of Napoleon. Ships berth next to the centre and a few minutes' walk takes you into the old town: Napoleon's birthplace, the cathedral where he was baptised and the seaside squares are all close; in the afternoon, take a bus to Pointe de la Parata, facing the Sanguinaires Islands.
Ships berth at Ajaccio's cruise terminal, next to the old town. From the exit, a 5–10 minute walk along the water brings you to the centre and Place Foch; all the main sights are walkable.
Time: 5–10 minApprox. price: Free
The old town, Napoleon's house and the squares, all on foot
Time: 20–30 min to La ParataApprox. price: Cheap; ticket on the bus
Leaves from Place de Gaulle
Time: Approx. 1 hApprox. price: As advertised
Tours the centre and the seafront without walking
Buses aren't frequent: check the return times before you go and allow at least 45 minutes to get back to the ship.
Route 1
Place Foch
With a statue of Napoleon and the morning market next door
Maison Bonaparte
Napoleon's birthplace, now a museum; paid entry
Ajaccio Cathedral
Where Napoleon was baptised
Walk past the citadel
Place de Gaulle
With the equestrian monument to Napoleon and his four brothers
Route 2
A headland about 12 km to the west, facing a string of reddish rocky islets that glow red at sunset, hence the name. Bus 5 from Place de Gaulle takes 20–30 minutes; from the stop, a coastal path climbs to the Genoese tower. In summer, boats also leave from the port.
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Transport and ticket prices are approximate, checked in November 2026, and may change. The latest all-aboard time is the one announced on board.
Cover photo: Mike McBey / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0