The 10 things to do in Bonifacio

Corsica is an amazing and sublime rock in the middle of the Mediterranean. Among his invaluable treasures, the incontournable Bonifacio. Focus on the Cité des Cliffs!

The town of Bonifacio was built in the extreme south of Corsica. It is divided into two: its low city and its high city. Natural site, carved by Mother Nature, this ancient fortress dominates the sea from its limestone promontory. Hence his nickname of Cité des Cliffs. Vigie has been able to cross time and trials, wars and epidemics. Today, it is proud, perched and unshakeable, as an emblematic city of Corsica. Moreover, the inhabitants are Bonifacians first, Corsicas second! Those who wish to visit Bonifacio will not lack occupation and folklore.

Unheardly raying of light, dazzling historical heritage, rocky faces rode by the sea, dry landscapes not far from the maquis, secret calanques, Bonifacio is THE picturesque destination of the island of Beauty. Discover our 10 essential things to do in Bonifacio without further delay.

1. Spread on the marina

Dominated by the Citadel and surrounded by limestone cliffs, the marina of Bonifacio offers a spectacular view. This is the major attraction of the low city of Bonifacio. Pastel and slender houses border lively docks and bathed with volupt. Smoked with cafés and restaurants, the Marine de Bonifacio invites you to relax and stroll.

In the evening, life beats. The yatch, the sailboats and the boats scintillate on the dark waters as long as the evenings went out in the night. To enjoy this enchanting walk to Bonifacio, don’t hesitate to go along the port of day and night.

2. Gravir Saint-Roch

Visiting Bonifacio can require some physical form. In any case, for the rise of the climbing Saint-Roch , your muscles will be well sought. But what a reward awaits you! Along the harbour you find a staircase: the starting point. It slaloms from a pass to the chapel of Saint-Roch. Upstairs, the show is breathtaking. You overlook the sea, the city, the ochre walls, the port and the Citadel. In the distance, Sardinia.

It is also one of the best walks to take in Bonifacio to contemplate the limestone cliffs. These works born from wind and erosion, sapée by salt, are unique natural phenomena. Rest assured, in reality, you can also climb by car or via the small train.

3. Hiking on the literals

Are you looking for a hike to Bonifacio? Here for you the best trails with panoramic views accessible from the old town. To overlook limestone formations, spectacular and mysterious, go to Campu Rumanilu Trail. From the chapel of Saint-Roch, this paved path leads you to the cliffside. Eighty meters down, the waves crash on the granite and resonate to your cloved balcony.

Continue and pass on the path of Pertusato. The dizzy points multiply, while the smells of the maquis tickle the nostrils. The path leads you to the Pertusato lighthouse and, below, to the lunar beach of Saint-Antoine. To visit Bonifacio from impressive angles, these two hikes are immanquable.

4. Explore the Haute Ville

Yes, the Haute Ville offers a breathtaking viewpoint on the Mediterranean. Loss of sight: white cliffs with burinated strata and an exceptional natural heritage. However, don’t miss discovering the medieval heritage inside Bonifacio itself.

Swipe the little streets in the city centre. There, impossible to resist the millennial charm of narrow alleys, aqueducts embracing buildings, from high houses to white facades. Visiting Bonifacio is also lost in this paved labyrinth and discover the Bonifacian architecture. Finally, when you walk to the Citadel, do not miss borrowing the climb of Rastello .

5. The Lavezzi Islands

One of the must-sees in Bonifacio is undoubtedly a boat ride. In the hollow of the waves, hundreds of meters offshore, observe the houses stapled in the void, the huge cliffs, the caves carved by the waters, the old imperial city.

Why not couple an exit at sea to a visit of the Lavezzi Islands ? Archipelago composed of granite islets, this natural reserve bathes in crystal clear waters. Its wild nature welcomes you for a day. The program? Farniente, picnic, dip in the azure, wind Corsica in the hair and burning sun.

6. A boat ride

Did you appreciate the idea of the sea trip to visit the Lavezzi Islands? Know that the boat rides are numerous from Bonifacio.

So, rent a boat You will also discover the limestone cliffs, marine caves such as Sraganota or Saint-Antoine and some of the most beautiful calanques on the island of Beauty.

Otherwise, go aboard a sailboat where a catamaran, for an experience at sea that will mark your stay. For those who want to enjoy themselves with a luxurious little day, choose to rent a yacht!

7. Bronzer on idyllic beaches

What in common are the beaches of Rondinara, Petit and Grand Sperone and Balistra? Well, they're pieces of paradise that have failed on Earth. If you want to visit Bonifacio on the side of its beaches, this is where you have to unfold your towel. The immaculate sand banks stretch under the lead sun, while the crystalline rollers fail at your feet.

Sometimes the Corsica Mountain comes to keep you company, bringing with it its lot of greenery, fauna and endemic flora. At nightfall, enjoy entertainment, beach restaurants and cultural activities, feet in the sand.

8. Follow the stairs Roy d’Aragon

L’ Stairs of Roy Aragon is a must-have sport ride in Bonifacio. This masterly work cuts the limestone promontory of the City. The eighty-seven steps carved in the cliff lead you to the sea.

The wide air and the sea clutch whip your face, the Sardinia detaches from the horizon, you perceive the iconic rock of Bonifacio. Keep going. Always in a path dug in the rock, walk along the sea to the shore.

9. Tasting the delicious cuisine

Corsica is an ideal destination to combine the pleasures of the table and the journey. If all of its gastronomy is typical and well-known, some cities still have their own speciality. To visit Bonifacio and sharpen your taste buds to its authentic flavors, taste the eggplants at Bonifacienne. This typical dish based on eggplant flesh, bread, garlic and gratined corses cheeses, initiates all your senses to this terroir.

Another culinary speciality to discover during your stay in Bonifacio: the bread of the dead. Bonifacians and travellers delight in this pastry filled with grapes and nuts. An ancient traditional recipe for all lovers of sweet.

10. Getting involved in sports activities

Whether you love water sports or land sports, Bonifacio is an ideal setting for a sporting holiday. Visit Bonifacio on horseback, on the saddle of a bike, from a kayak or a sailboat, at a junction on a jet ski or from the seabed. In short, the sports activities to be done in Bonifacio are not missing. An opportunity to vary the pleasures and give way to the strong sensations.

How do I get to Bonifacio?

Want to visit Bonifacio? First, how do you get there?

By plane

This fortified city in the extreme south of Corsica and the straits of wild land is actually very accessible. The island of Beauty has many international airports. Those of Bastia and Ajaccio are located about 2:15 am from Bonifacio. Nearest, twenty minutes, is in Figari. To find tickets at the best price for your stay in Corsica, help for example our partner Ulysses which lists the most accessible offers of the market.

By boat

Another way to win Bonifacio? By the sea, of course! The shipping companies, from France as Toulon or Marseille , do not directly serve the port of Bonifacio. Nevertheless, the port of Porto-Vecchio is only 30 minutes away and that of Propriano is one hour and a quarter.

By car from Corsica

By car, Bonifacio is accessible by both sides of the island. Count 2:30 from the center of Bastia or Ajaccio. On a trip to Corsica, rent a car as soon as you arrive at the airport is legion to enjoy your trip to the sandstones of the panoramic roads while maintaining great freedom.

Where to stay in Bonifacio?

That you were looking for rentals AirBnB , unusual accommodation on cliffs, guest houses, family campsites or hotels, Bonifacio has a wide range of accommodations. All types of travellers and all budgets can be found there. For a little boost, go to this Compare hotels which will select for you the best housing offers available according to your departure dates and other selection criteria.

The medieval centre of Bonifacio is a great place to spend your nights. In the heart of the ancient monuments, walk through the streets with its charm and spend the night in a picturesque setting. Enjoy restaurants and cafés punctuating each paved alley and Mediterranean nightlife.

Down there, the port. With its marvellous boats and crust atmospheres, it is also a lovely and immersive place to sleep in Bonifacio.

In any case, the Navy and the Citadel are interesting places to be close to the unmissable things to do in Bonifacio.

For more calm and nature, two options. Stay near the maquis, in the green mountain, or by the sea, feet in the water.

Would you like to stay in Bonifacio? Visit our article « In which quarter house in Bonifacio? » to find your ideal ground foot!