Explore the most beautiful villages around Ajaccio

A roadtrip through the Corsican mountains to Zicavo

Leaving Ajaccio, it will take you 1h20 to reach the village of Zicavo via mountain roads. Zicavo is a small village in what is known as the "territory of life" or "Taravu - Bastelica" in Corsica. It's part of the Corsican Regional Nature Park. This represents 51% of the island of beauty, and it goes without saying that the natural environment around Zicavo is marvellous. Along the way, fans of Corsican crafts will want to stop off at Coutellerie Costa in Ogliastro. It offers a wide range of knives, some of them unique. Next stop is the mountain village at around 700 metres altitude, on the western flank of Monte Occhjatu, whose mountain range divides the island in two. After visiting the village and the church at its centre, you can have lunch at Pacific Sud, a small restaurant high up in the mountains serving local dishes on its stone terrace overlooking the plain.

Descent to the Tolla lake to relax under the Corsican sun

From Zicavo, it takes around 1h30 to reach Lac de Tolla. Don't forget to stop off at the old village of the same name on the way. It is absolutely magnificent. You can park your car in the village and walk down to the lake. If it's a sunny day, cooling off in the mountain lake for a while is very pleasant. You can also hire sports equipment at the water sports centre.

The stone village of Bastelica

Just 25 minutes from the lake lies the village of Bastelica. It lies in the Prunelli valley, close to Monte Renosu, which overlooks the stone village. The village, at an altitude of 800 metres, has a stream running through it. Take a stroll through the village and you'll discover ancient sheepfolds and washhouses. A typical and charming place. In any case, this is where you'll spend the night. The Val d'Ese ski resort, or "Stazioe di Schì di Val d'Ese" in Corsica, is just a few kilometres above Bastelica. There's plenty to do there, in winter and summer alike.

Afa, a traditional village and hiking trails

After a good night's sleep in the Bastelica mountains, a 45-minute drive towards Ajaccio will take you to Afa, a small village at the foot of Punta Pastinaca. Its church, Saint-Antoine de Padoue, is famous throughout the country and is located near the Gozzi rocks, which are very popular with hikers. This is a typically Corsican village, where traditions seem to have been naturally preserved. Fans of Corsican cuisine will find themselves at the biscuit factory in Afa, which sells Corsican delicacies such as canistrellis.

Villanoova, an artists' village

Another 30 minutes' drive will take you to Villanova, a beautiful little village close to the wild beach of Capo di Feno. Many footpaths lead from Villanova to beautiful coves, so you can leave your car and set off on foot. It remains an artists' village. The streets are cobbled to the ground and the bell tower proudly preserves Corsican history.

Relaxation and surfing on the beach at Capo di Feno

The wild beach of Capo di Feno is just a few kilometres from Villanova. You can spend the afternoon swimming, hiking or sipping fresh juices by the beach. For the more sporty, surfing lessons and surfboard, paddle and kayak hire are available at the Capo Surf Club water sports centre. We recommend lunch at Casa Nostra, a small beach hut serving delicious dishes with your feet in the sand, facing the sea.

Back to Ajaccio

The return journey to Ajaccio from Capo di Feno beach takes 40 minutes. On the way, you can stop to see the Bloody Islands from the Parata tower. The view is impressive, especially when there are waves or sunsets.