A break in Aiaccio: what can you visit combining culture and nature? New

Visitez l’une des quatre villes d’art et d’histoire : Ajaccio* Visitez l’une des quatre villes d’art et d’histoire : Ajaccio*
Take a winter city break and discover the photogenic city of Aiaccio head-on, wishing you'd considered it sooner...
The imperial city of Aiaccio nestles between the sea and the mountains, offering an exceptional setting all year round. In a single day, you can switch from the mildness of the seaside to the snowy thrills of the mountains. With its historical heritage, local gastronomy and beautiful scenery, Aiaccio promises to be a most memorable destination. Discover the sights and sounds of Aiaccio and make the most of this town's unique charm.

Seaside resort and city of art and history 

Take a stroll around Ajaccio to discover its cultural treasures ©ATC S.ALESSANDRI Take a stroll around Ajaccio to discover its cultural treasures ©ATC S.ALESSANDRI

 

Would you call Aiaccio a sleepy town in winter? By no means! At nightfall, the town's narrow streets are alive with festivities, hiding a wealth of cultural treasures and offering the promise of a holiday far removed from the hustle and bustle of Europe's big cities, albeit with a touch of blue skies. Visitors can combine unique experiences with local produce, gastronomy and crafts, as well as art, history and culture.

A counterpoint to the languid summer afternoons spent basking in the sun on the beach. But then again! What you're forgetting is that the sun, which is particularly mild in these latitudes, makes it ideal for a winter swim! You'll feel less guilty about sampling the generous Corsican cuisine, which, during the colder months, is particularly intense with figatellu grilled over an open fire, chestnut polenta or wild boar stew. A real feast!

 

Once you've had your fill of good food, enjoy some culture and history with a visit to the birthplace of the local king Napoleon Bonaparte.  The Casa Bonaparte  (Bonaparte House) is open all year round, as is the Palais Fesch - Musée des Beaux-Arts, with its extensive collection of paintings and sculptures from the Renaissance to the 20th century.

 

Enjoy sports, gastronomy and the great outdoors

From the epicurean to the inveterate sportsman, everyone has their ideal weekend getaway, and the Aiaccio region has plenty to offer. In February, the Gulf of Aiaccio reveals itself to be more intimate and authentic, far from the hordes of summer tourists.

 

On horseback or on foot, take the opportunity to get away from the city 

Take a horse ride and get away from it all ©ATC S.ALESSANDRI Take a horse ride and get away from it all ©ATC S.ALESSANDRI

                               

Aiaccio Tourist Office  organises exclusive sensory experiences throughout the year.

Walkers can take to the deserted paths of the Gulf and enjoy the mild winter sunshine. A classic? Follow the Chemin des Crêtes to the Parata peninsula and its Genoese tower. The path from the town centre to the Iles Sanguinaires is accessible to all - and takes just three hours. In the late afternoon, it's highly recommended that you catch the gorgeous sunset.

Wherever you go, the walks are punctuated by idyllic coves perfect for a picnic. An hour's drive away, horse-lovers can book a ride along the mule tracks and finish off with exhilarating gallops along the deserted beaches.

 

Typical Corsican activity: l'oursinade

Discover the typical activity of the winter months: the oursinade ©ATC S.ALESSANDRI Discover the typical activity of the winter months: the oursinade ©ATC S.ALESSANDRI

                                          

Don't forget to book a gastronomic experience at a winery. Market aficionados won't want to miss the Aiaccio market. From Tuesday to Sunday, you can stock up on canistrelli, cheeses and charcuterie and sample chestnuts in all their flour and beer varieties.

 

I zini, or sea urchins in Corsican, is another typical winter activity. There are several ways to enjoy sea urchins: in a seaside restaurant or ‘faire les oursins’, i.e. catch them and eat them right on the beach, accompanied by bread, butter and a glass of delicious white wine. Please note that sea urchin fishing is now governed by regulations, and the government departments in Corse-du-Sud will tell you when it is permitted .

 

 

Take a stroll in the Corsican countryside

 

Sea sparkles, deserted beaches beckon, but don't overlook the mountains. In just an hour's drive, you can reach the snow-covered peaks for a snowshoe hike or ski down the slopes in the resorts (when snow conditions allow), from Ese, an hour's drive from Aiaccio, or further north in Corsica at  Ghisoni Capanelle  or Asco in Haute Corse. Benefit from a picturesque alpine panorama with laricio pines, blue skies and sunshine guaranteed! Not to mention that, from the slopes, you can still see the Mediterranean. For hikers, head for the Prunelli valley or Monte Gozzi, with its breathtaking views over the Gulf of Aiaccio. And in the evening, on returning to Aiaccio, the mild climate means you can enjoy a drink on the terrace, accompanied by a platter of cheeses and charcuterie. Ajaccians love it!

 

 

A weekend in Corsica to relax and unwind

 

Even if there is less on offer than in the summer season, Aiaccio and its Gulf offers a collection of accommodation ranging from boutique hotels to five-star hotels.

Why not celebrate Valentine's Day in Corsica or enjoy a weekend with friends? We've selected two establishments that are reopening their doors in February.

A gem,  Le Week End, a 4-star hotel with its feet in the water , on the route des Sanguinaires, offers 12 suites perfectly suited for couples. On the other side of the Gulf, in Porticcio, the  Sofitel Golfe d'Aiaccio  and its stunning spa offer the chance to pamper yourself for a weekend.

 

 

*Visit one of the four towns of art and history: Aiaccio

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