Hiking and Beach Bliss: Conquering the Ridge Path in Ajaccio
Ah, the sweet scent of adventure! Our 17km long hike on the legendary Chemin des Crêtes de Ajaccio (The Ridge Path) was nothing short of thrilling, challenging, and rewarding. With sun protection creams in hand, a thirst for exploration, and “a sprinkle” of humor, we embarked on a super exciting journey through the stunning landscapes of Ajaccio, Corsica.
Ajaccio
Did you know that Ajaccio, the capital of Corsica, is not only the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte but also a gateway to some of the most exhilarating hiking trails? One such trail was the Chemin des Crêtes de Ajaccio. Little did we know that this trek would take us on a rollercoaster ride through stunning landscapes and challenging terrains.
Picking the perfect spot at the beach to lay down in the golden sand
The Steep Beginning
Before tackling the Chemin des Crêtes, we made sure to stock up on sun protection creams because, boy, was it scorching out there! With temperatures hovering over 30 °C, we knew we had to protect ourselves from the relentless sun. Our adventure started close to Place d’Austerlitz, where a steep beginning that seemed to lack any friendly trees or shady spots awaited us. It was so warm already early in the morning that we devoured our water reserves faster than we expected.
Scenic Delights and Rocky Heights
As the hike progressed, our efforts were rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the sea. The more forgiving sections allowed us to catch our breath, take plenty of pictures, and soak in the awe-inspiring beauty surrounding us. Reaching the highest point at approximately 400m above sea level, we found ourselves in the midst of majestic mountains and dramatic rocky terrain. We were in a state of speechless admiration.
You can find the map here!
Ah, the sweet relief of being at Plage de scudo!
Scudo, Beaches, and Finding Paradise
Finally reaching the village of Scudo, we discovered two beaches after our exhilarating trek. The first, a long stretch of soft, sandy paradise, offered everything from umbrellas and lounges to rent, a restaurant, and cafes. However, a friendly local informed us that the water at this beach was contaminated, which explained its rather sparse attendance that day. With a red flag waved by the life guards, we decided to follow the advice of our newfound Corsican friend and headed to the nearby Plage, just five minute walk from there.
Beach Bliss and Refreshment
Oh, the sweet relief! This Plage greeted us with azure and crystal-clear waters and a perfect blend of rocks and fine sand. Quenching our insatiable thirst, we indulged in an entire bottle of ice-cold water like it was the elixir of life itself. As we immersed ourselves in the soothing embrace of the sea, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment and pure relaxation after this long hike. The relaxing music from the nearby bar, the families around us enjoying the beach, and the warm sun made us appreciate the pure beach bliss.
With our bodies refreshed, we bid farewell to the secluded paradise of this Plage and hopped on a bus back to our Airbnb. Exhausted but content, we enjoyed a well-deserved dinner and went to bed early, eager to embrace the next day’s adventures in beautiful Corsica. Chemin des Crêtes de Ajaccio had challenged us, rewarded us with breathtaking views, and taught us to always expect the unexpected. It was a hike we won’t soon forget, and it served as a reminder that even the most daring journeys can lead us to unexpected delights. Ajaccio, you’ve stolen our hearts!
Start
Ajaccio
End
Plage du Scudo
Duration
2.5 hours
Length
7 km
Difficulty
Intermediate
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