Car Rental Ajaccio - Exploring Ajaccio

Touring the magnificent Ajaccio area by car is a great experience. The region has fine beaches and a breathtaking mountainous interior, as well as lively and historic towns and villages.

To the south of Ajaccio, Porticcio is famed for its long and beautiful beaches, with excellent swimming and plenty of water activities. The stretch of coastline to the north known as the Cinarca, between Ajaccio and Cargese, makes for a wonderful drive, featuring quaint villages and spectacular vistas. The view from the Sarcoggio Pass is awe-inspiring.

The Gibraltar-like Bonifacio looks out over the turquoise waters to Sardinia. The town consists of two main sections: a marina and a Genoese-built citadel. The citadel's ancient walls and buildings sit 70m above the sea, and were built to look like a continuation of the cliffs. The town's fine natural harbour is home to a buzzing marina.

The citadel and Upper Town (Ville Haute) make up an historic area that has sweeping panoramic views towards the sea. There are also walking tracks, and the route to the Pertusato lighthouse is particularly exceptional. Pointe de Spérone has one of the most celebrated golf courses in Europe, while the nearby Plage de Piantarella is a water sports haven.

To the northeast of Ajaccio and into the mountains lies the island’s youngest, liveliest and least touristy destination, Corte. The town is dominated by a partly derelict citadel which towers above it from a rocky promontory. Also of note is the Genoese-built National Palace, the Musée de la Corse and, of course, the Università di Corsica Pasquale Paoli.

Corte is an excellent base for walking. Some of the choicest trails begin about 16kms southwest of Corte at Bergeries de Grotelle and lead to a number of glacial lakes. The Valée de la Restonica is the highlight of the area and features a series of natural gorges and basins offering beautiful swimming spots.