The Vellutini Guide to Ajaccio, Corsica

 

While small Italian islands like Ischia and Filicudi are having their moment online, Corsica remains lesser talked about. Our homeland however has nothing to envy other Mediterranean landmarks tourists like to explore come the summer months. Corsica is an island of contrasts and character, both rugged and precious, much like Vellutini Lingerie. It is a land of discreet artisans, of tradition woven by hand, of heritage passed from women to women. Here is our guide to discovering the beauty of our home city, Ajaccio, and enjoying it as locals would...

 

 

We might be a little biased, but we honestly believe there is no greater place to watch a sunset than the coast of Corsica. Best enjoyed after a short drive to one of the beaches or viewpoints along the Sanguinaires, dusk is truly a sight you won't want to miss on the island. We recommend bringing a beach towel and whatever your hearts desire for an unforgettable aperitivo on the sand!

📍 Route des Sanguinaires, Ajaccio

 

 

The streets of Ajaccio are filled with amazing restaurants and our team has pretty much tried all of them by now... These are our absolute must when visiting the city!

Whatever you do, we recommend trying a "beignet au brocciu" from Boulangerie Galeani as soon as you step foot in the city! Made with a soft traditional Corsican cheese, these fried dough balls are everyone in town's favourite. 

Corsica is a fishermen island and the seafood found in the city's restaurants is delicious and extremely fresh. From February to March, locals eat urchins as much as they can. In the summer, fish and other shellfish are available in great quantity. We recommend having dinner at Neptune Plage for some of the freshest in the area. Bookings are highly recommended, even in the low season on a sunny day.


 

Speaking of fishermen, many of them can be found attending to their nets and catching up after the morning's work is done on the pier close to Ajaccio's Citadelle. If you are visiting this other city landmark, we recommend to take the time to walk down the path leading to the harbour and take the first right after a few meters. There fishermen can be found, and they are always happy to have a chat!

📍 Jetée de la Citadelle, Port Tino Rossi Ajaccio

 

 

 

It is no secret we recommend shopping from small, local boutiques and artisans. On an island as small as Corsica, the choices tourists make truly have an impact on the towns' economy and the opportunities to support small local businesses are many. 

Corsican cosmetics and beauty products, local fashion labels or boutiques selling souvenirs and trinkets can be found all over the city center. Here are a few of our personal favourite spots for shopping...

If you are looking for a unique souvenir, our lingerie can be delivered within 24 hours in Ajaccio and its surroundings. Simply select the "Local Delivery" option at check out and we will make sure your order gets to you before your plane leaves!

(Available for both local clients and visitors staying in the region. Delivered directly to your home, villa, hotel or yacht upon request within 24 hours. Available in Ajaccio and within a 25km radius. Complementary)

 

 

Corsica has many traditional pastries you simply cannot miss out on if you are visiting the island. Bastelle, anciulatte, migliacci, beignets... the daily market in Ajaccio is filled with delicious traditional foods to try. 

📍 Marcatu d'Aiacciu, 7 Bd du Roi Jérôme, Ajaccio

 

 

 

Corsican wine is characterful and the island is packed with wonderful vineyards which you can visit. The region has been producing wine since around 570 BC, a tradition worth discovering during your trip. In the late afternoon in Ajaccio, we recommend stopping by La Cave du Cardinal to try as many as you can while enjoying a local charcuterie board!

Don't miss out on the delicious french pastries available at Le Grand Café Napoléon for tea time or rush to Patisserie Pantalacci in the morning to try and snatch one of the cakes local fight over every day.

 

 

 

Finally, make sure you enjoy the beaches and cultural scene of the city. Home to the Bonaparte family, Ajaccio is lucky to have inherited a vast array of Italian paintings (one of the most impressive in all of France). Between Musée Fesch and Maison Bonaparte, tourists have no excuse not to slow down for a cultural visit on their way to the beach!

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