Ajaccio
Ajaccio
The tranquil bay on the west coat of Corsica is home the island's capital of Ajaccio, which is backed by lush hills and woodlands. It is a relaxed rather than lively town and visitors come here to enjoy its wealth of cafés, restaurants and shops. The sights here mainly revolve around Napoleon, who was born here. The town's main sights are; the magnificent cathedral where Napoleon was christened, the Bonaparte residence and numerous statues and street names related to his family. Corsicans themselves are not particularly proud of the island having spawned Napoleon and many consider him deridingly as a jumped-up Frenchman. Locals in Ajaccio are, however, willing to boast about the Musée Fesch, which contains the art collection of Napoleon's maternal uncle, Cardinal Fesch. The collection of Italian paintings is considered to rate second only to that of the Louvre.
Filitosa
Filitosa is a prehistoric site, and the most famous one in Corsica, offering some fascinating megalithic menhir statues, carved in the forms of human faces ro armed figures. The purpose of these granite structures is still unclear, and many mysteries surround the many ancient structures on the site. Filitosa V, with its sword and dagger, the face of Filitosa IX, and the five-menhir statues around the foot of a 1,200-year old olive tree, are the most important structures of the prehistoric site of Filitosa. A small museum offers further menhirs, as well as some ancient tools and pottery found in the caves, dating back to 3,300 BC.
Address: The site lies 11 miles (17km) north of Propriano, and about 25 miles (40km) south of Ajaccio; Telephone: (04) 9574 0091; Opening time: Daily 9am to sunset between April and October; Admission: €5
Iles Sanguinaires
Excursions to the tiny islands in the Gulf of Ajaccio are a popular activity for visitors, with enchanting natural features and colourful red rocks offering secluded bays in the jagged coastline. They are a sanctuary for birds, rare fauna and flora, and offer secluded swimming spots and good walking. The islands lie just off Pointe de la Parata, where there are some walks and beautiful coastal scenery.
