Capo di Feno

Capo di Feno is a wide sandy beach on the coast west of Ajaccio, on the road that leads out of town toward the headland of the Parata and the Îles Sanguinaires, and it is the best-known surf spot on this part of Corsica. The beach faces west, so it is open to the swells of the western Mediterranean and to the wind, and when conditions are right it brings in waves that attract surfers, bodyboarders and kitesurfers from the town and from further afield. It is a wilder and more exposed place than the sheltered beaches in the bay of Ajaccio, and the scenery has a rugged character, with scrubby maquis hills that run down to the shore.

The maquis is the typical vegetation of Corsica, a dense scrub of myrtle, cistus, arbutus and wild herbs, which fills the air with fragrance on warm days. The coastline here is dotted with granite outcrops, and the colours of the sand, rock and water change with the light, which makes the setting popular with photographers. At the end of the day, the sunsets over the sea are among the best on the island, and many visitors stay to watch the sun go down. The Îles Sanguinaires, a small archipelago a few kilometres away, are famous for their red-tinged sunsets.

The conditions require care. The waves, currents and wind change quickly, and the beach may not be supervised outside the summer season, so swimmers should check the local conditions, take care in rough seas and keep near the shore. Surfers should consider their ability, because the beach break can be powerful on days of strong swell, and a surf school in the area may offer lessons. It is wise to ask locally about where it is safe to swim.

The beach can be reached by road, with parking available near the sand, and it is a short drive from the centre of Ajaccio, though it is not served by frequent public transport, so a car or taxi is the practical option. There are restaurants and snack bars in the area, with simple dishes and drinks, though the facilities are limited compared with the main town beaches, so it is useful to bring water and sunscreen.

The place suits surfers and water-sports fans, walkers who like open coastal scenery and anyone who enjoys sunsets. Ajaccio's cultural sights, among them the Maison Bonaparte, the Palais Fesch and the Citadelle d'Ajaccio, are a few kilometres away, and the Sentier des Douaniers, the coastal path, offers walks nearby.