The first thing you notice when you arrive in Bonifacio is the swath of magnificent limestone cliffs, with houses perched so close to the edge that they seem part of the rock itself. This stunning, completely unexpected view leaves you wondering how the old town and its citadel still hold together. Then there’s the sea. The stunning blue Mediterranean stretches toward the horizon, embracing the island’s large harbor. Dramatic, historic, and exciting, Bonifacio, at the southern tip of Corsica, France’s Île de Beauté, is the perfect destination for a Mediterranean holiday. Here are the best things to do in Bonifacio, Corsica.
Things to Do in Bonifacio, Corsica
Explore Bonifacio’s Medieval Town
Bonifacio’s medieval old town is best explored early in the morning. It’s a bit of an uphill climb from the harbor, but worth it. Take your time to peer into the narrow lanes as you make your way up.
Once you reach the top, you’ll be able to take in the views from the limestone cliff paths: look back at the old town, then towards the sea, with the Sardinian coast in the distance.
Visiting the medieval citadel is like stepping back in time. This was the original city: the Genoese stronghold where countless battles and sieges took place.
Visit the old town using maps from the Office Municipal de Tourisme de Bonifacio (OMT), or join one of their guided tours.
One of the most amazing sites in the medieval city is the enormous fortress, the Bastion de l’Étendard, a fortified structure built to defend the town. It stands 25 meters (82 feet) tall, making it the highest point in the town, and overlooks the port. Built in the 13th century and rebuilt over the centuries, it offers insight into the city’s military defensive system, including its underground chambers carved into the rock. Further exploration reveals where grain and gunpowder were stored for survival. Entry is €3,50 and reservations can be booked online.
Another must-do is the historic monument, L’Escalier du Roi d’Aragon, a staircase with 189 steps carved into the cliffs, the last of which leads directly into the sea. According to legend, the spiral staircase was built to access a freshwater well and a cove, though it is no longer in use.
You need to book online ahead of time, go early, and be fit enough to climb the stairs, especially since the upward climb is more difficult. The Tourist Office also asks tourists to read the safety instructions and to avoid wearing sandals. Entry is €5, but you can purchase a ticket for both L’Escalier du Roi d’Aragon and the Bastion de l’Étendard for €6,50.
Another favorite site in the old town worth checking out, especially at sunset, is the Marine cemetery at the very tip of the island. The contrast of the whitewashed tombs against the blue Mediterranean is beautiful. The sun’s last rays complete the picture, making it peaceful, a time to admire and reflect. The Marine Cemetery, the southernmost cemetery in Corsica and in all of France, is particularly peaceful in the evening.
Shopping in Bonifacio, Corsica
While getting lost among the narrow streets in the old town, take some time to shop for handmade Corsican crafts such as soap, perfume, and leather. Also very tempting is red coral jewellery. Although diving for red coral is heavily regulated today, craftsmen are particularly skilled at cutting and designing fragile coral into necklaces, bracelets, and other pieces.
Look out for Corsican knives, both traditional and folding: they are renowned for their quality and sturdiness, the skills to make them having been passed down from generation to generation.
Drink and Dine Along the Bonifacio Marina
The Bonifacio Marina is a modern port, lined with some of the most magnificent yachts, cruise vessels, elegant shops, and rows of cafes. It has a much younger feel than the old town, with a lively and fun atmosphere.
Indulge in a late breakfast to capture the mid-morning mood. The cruise vessels start revving up their engines, while day-trippers booked for cruises are busy lining up to make sure they board the right vessel.
The port becomes more romantic in the early evening, animated but no longer rushed, a complete contrast to the morning scene. Some of the cruise vessels have returned, and passengers sip drinks at the cafes while excitedly chatting about the trip they just took. Others have already gotten ready for an early dinner.
Go for a leisurely walk along the pier after dinner, which is one of the best times to admire the marina’s luxury vessels. Some yacht owners and crew members prefer to stay on their decks watching the world go by. They have a front-row seat for people-watching while strollers marvel at the boats. And because there’s not much walking space between the yachts and the cafes, people-watching at Bonifacio Marina is quite intimate.
Take a Cruise Around Bonifacio
You should definitely include a boat trip, no matter how short your visit to Bonifacio. It provides a different view of the island, as you can see parts of the town from the sea that you cannot see from land.
The choices offered by the Société Des Promenades en Mer de Bonifacio (SPMB) are vast, with 17 vessels and various daytime circuits, and can be booked in advance by phone (04 95 10 97 50). There’s also a Sunset Cruise, which costs €48 per person, lasts 1.5 hours, and includes an apéritif on board.
On the one-hour circuit, the most basic, you sail along the cliffs, approach the Aragon staircase, and get a close look at the impressive Grain de Sable, detached from the nearby cliff. Known as U Diu Grossu (“The Big Finger”) in the local dialect, this structure gets its name from the way it sticks out of the water, visible even from the town center.
For a longer tour (2 hours, €34 per person), head out to the Lavezzi Islands, to the Réserve naturelle des Bouches de Bonifacio, 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) or so southeast of the city. The 23 granite islands, islets, and reefs, covering an area of 200 hectares form a nature reserve established in 1982. Lavezzu Island is uninhabited, with no bars, restaurants, or restrooms. Remember to bring water, sunscreen, and a parasol or hat for shade.
However, as it’s a reserve, there’s plenty of fish around. Snorkeling in the clear, shallow, turquoise waters and relaxing on the fine white sand at Lavezzi Island offers one of the most beautiful outings of your trip to Bonifacio. As Stéphanie from the Tourism Office suggests, “We prefer to invite summer visitors to come early in the morning or late in the day to make the visit smoother and more enjoyable, whether they are cruise passengers or day-trippers.”
Tips for Visiting Bonifacio, Corsica
A trip to Bonifacio is not to be rushed. To explore the history, the marina, and the sea of this remote French island, you need time.
Avoid August; it’s hot and also the peak of the French holiday season. Good times to visit are May, June, or September, when there are fewer crowds and lower temperatures.
Have a look at the different holidays in France before you book yours. If you like music, France celebrates Fête de la Musique on June 21 this year. It’s a good time to enjoy free, open-air music at the citadel and the marina, with Corsican songs, French, jazz and gospel.
If walking up to the old town is a problem, there’s Le Petit Train, a shuttle service between the port and the citadel, which offers a sightseeing ride with commentary along the way.
Alice Alech writes about travel and culture from Provence, France.
