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Visit Bonifacio
Island discovery
Corsica is a magnificent island located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. It is full of tourist treasures, including the unmissable Bonifacio. Nicknamed the city of cliffs, this iconic Corsican town lies in the south of the island. It offers an idyllic setting, natural charm, and a wide range of activities. Bonifacio is the ideal destination for a dream holiday, whether as a couple, with family, or with friends, at a campsite near Bonifacio. To make the most of your stay in the south of the island, you can also choose to stay at the 4-star Camping Perla di Mare, ideally located for exploring Bonifacio, Porto-Vecchio, and the eastern coast. To complete your discovery, you can also explore other treasures of the Ghisonaccia region.
Why visit Bonifacio?
Major highlights
The town of Bonifacio is located at the southernmost tip of Corsica. Its geographical position gives it a majestic setting and a stunning view over Sardinia, making it a highly sought-after destination for holidaymakers. Moreover, its multicultural history, cobblestone streets, spectacular cliffs, and artisan shops attract thousands of visitors every year. Visitors can also take advantage of their stay to enjoy a short getaway to Italy.
What to do in Bonifacio?
Must-see activities
Bonifacio guarantees an unforgettable stay. Between breathtaking landscapes to discover and fun activities to enjoy, your holiday promises to be full of excitement:
Strolling along the marina
The marina is dominated by the Citadel and surrounded by limestone cliffs, offering a spectacular panorama. It is the main attraction of lower Bonifacio.
During the day, you can admire the pastel-colored houses along the quays, as well as restaurants and cafés. In the evening, the town becomes just as lively, with nights stretching late and sailboats sparkling on the dark waters.
Exploring the Upper Town
The Upper Town offers a breathtaking view over the Mediterranean Sea. From here, you can admire an exceptional natural heritage as far as the eye can see.
Be sure to wander through the charming centuries-old streets of the historic center to discover Bonifacio’s architecture: narrow lanes, aqueducts spanning buildings, and large houses with white façades.
The Lavezzi Islands
A boat trip is one of the must-do experiences in Bonifacio. Just a few hundred meters offshore, you will have the opportunity to admire the city’s natural wonders from the sea.
Take advantage of your outing to visit the Lavezzi Islands, a natural reserve surrounded by crystal-clear waters. Their wild character promises a complete change of scenery.
Bonifacio, an emblematic town of Corsica
Corsican identity
Historic city
Bonifacio is one of the most emblematic towns in Corsica, a true symbol of Mediterranean heritage. As you stroll through the town, you discover an urban landscape shaped over the centuries by Genoese, Pisan, and French influences.
Cobblestone streets, houses seemingly suspended above the void, and former patrician residences bear witness to a rich and eventful past. Bonifacio is often described as an open-air museum, a place where history blends seamlessly with modern life, offering a unique setting for every visitor.
Genoese citadel
The Citadel of Bonifacio majestically overlooks the harbor, having watched over Corsican shores and maritime horizons for centuries. Built during the Genoese period, it once served as a strategic fortress controlling sea routes between Corsica and Sardinia.
Today, visitors can explore a network of ramparts, bastions, monumental gates, and walkways, revealing the military power of the era. Walking through the citadel provides breathtaking panoramas over the coastline, the cliffs, and the lower town — a spectacle whose beauty rivals that of the greatest historic cities in France.
Upper Town
The Upper Town, the medieval heart of Bonifacio, is a true maze of narrow streets, vaulted passageways, and small sunlit squares. Here, you’ll find an intricate mix of ancient dwellings, façades typical of southern Corsica, and architectural remains reflecting Genoese influence.
From its ramparts, you can admire the entire southern coastline, the white cliffs, and the marina below. This area offers an ideal setting for cultural walks, allowing visitors to experience the city from every angle.
Cliffs, panoramas, and natural sites
Grandiose nature
Limestone cliffs
The cliffs of Bonifacio are among the most renowned panoramas in the Mediterranean. These natural walls of white limestone seem to rise directly from the sea, sculpted over time by wind and waves. Their spectacular appearance attracts visitors from all over the world each year, fascinated by the impressive verticality of the cliffs and the striking contrast between the deep blue of the sea and the bright white of the rock. This emblematic landscape is one of the most photographed natural sites in Corsica.
King of Aragon’s Stairway
Carved directly into the rock, the King of Aragon’s Stairway is an architectural feat that plunges visitors into the heart of the cliffs. Its 187 steep steps lead down to a coastal path where the sea crashes against the rock face. Surrounded by legends, this mythical descent above all offers a unique viewpoint over the strait separating Corsica from Sardinia. This must-see site combines physical effort, emotion, and immersion in a striking natural setting.
Coastal trails
Around Bonifacio, several coastal trails allow visitors to explore a wild environment where fragrant maquis shrubland meets the sea. These paths wind along the tops of the cliffs, follow hidden coves, and lead to natural viewpoints offering ever-changing scenery.
Hikers can admire the richness of the local flora, identify plants typical of the maquis, and enjoy the play of light on the rocks. These trails pay tribute to the town’s natural heritage, highly appreciated by lovers of photography and hiking in Corsica.
Port of Bonifacio and maritime life
Marine atmosphere
Marina
The marina of Bonifacio is a true hub of activity, lively from morning until evening. Framed by the citadel and the cliffs, it welcomes yachts, sailboats, and small fishing boats that reflect the local maritime culture. Visitors will find terraces, restaurants, and artisan shops, creating a friendly, typically Mediterranean setting. It is a place where the soul of lower Bonifacio can be fully felt, blending heritage, modern life, and a warm atmosphere.
Excursions and the Lavezzi Islands
The port is also the departure point for numerous excursions to sea caves, erosion-sculpted cliffs, and the magnificent Lavezzi Islands Natural Reserve. This archipelago, famous for its brilliant blue waters and monumental granite formations, is one of the jewels of southern Corsica. Visitors discover exceptional marine life, wild beaches, and an ideal environment for swimming or hiking. It is one of the most popular experiences during a stay in Bonifacio.
Water sports
Around Bonifacio, the crystal-clear waters offer a wide range of water sports. Scuba diving to explore fish- and coral-rich seabeds, kayaking along the base of the cliffs, or paddleboarding through peaceful coves—each activity reveals the landscape from a different perspective.
Bonifacio’s marine environment is among the most attractive in Corsica for travelers seeking adventure and spectacular scenery.
Staying in Bonifacio and the local way of life
Local style
A wide range of accommodation
Bonifacio offers a wide variety of accommodation options, ranging from charming hotels to tourist residences, including properties located in the heart of the maquis shrubland or close to the coastline. This diversity allows every visitor to find an option that suits both their budget and preferences. Accommodation in the region focuses on comfort, authenticity, and proximity to must-see sites.
Local gastronomy
Bonifacio’s gastronomy is a flavorful blend of Corsican traditions and seafood products. In the port’s restaurants or those nestled within the citadel, visitors can enjoy fresh fish, local cheeses, Corsican cured meats, and wines from the island’s vineyards. The aromas of the maquis enhance local cuisine, elevating each dish. It is a true culinary journey that perfectly complements the travel experience.
Atmosphere and entertainment
Bonifacio is a lively town where culture, music, and conviviality come together. During the summer, concerts, cultural events, and entertainment on the port bring evenings to life.
The narrow streets of the Upper Town take on a special charm, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere. This typically Corsican art of living appeals to visitors in search of authenticity, encounters, and discovery.
Transport and getting around in Bonifacio
Easy access
Bonifacio charms visitors with its wild character while remaining easy to access. Several options are available to reach the city of cliffs. Flying is one of the most convenient solutions: Corsica has several international airports, including Bastia and Ajaccio, located about 2 hours and 15 minutes from Bonifacio. Just 20 minutes away, Figari Airport is also an ideal gateway for travelers. It is also possible to arrive by sea, although ferry companies do not serve the port of Bonifacio directly. The port of Porto-Vecchio, about 30 minutes away, is an excellent arrival point before continuing the journey by road. Once on the island, having a car remains the most practical way to reach Bonifacio and explore southern Corsica freely. When it comes to accommodation, visitors have many options. For a stay combining comfort, nature, and proximity to the sea, you can choose a holiday village in Corsica, opt for a mobile home rental in Corsica, or prefer a villa in Corsica—ideal for discovering Bonifacio and its surroundings.