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Bonifacio Corsica Guide |
Chic boutiques, bars, restaurants and a harbour teaming with luxury yachts all add to the allure of this highly fashionable, cosmopolitan town.
Directions
Bonifacio is only half an hour's drive (27 km) from Porto-Vecchio, along the straight N198 road. Make sure you arrive early to park, as the town is a magnet for tourists from all over the island. Some visitors arrive by ferry, on day trips from the near-by Italian island of Sardinia. It is also possible to take a boat trip from Porto-Vecchio to Bonifacio. As the Old Town is very compact it is easy to explore it in a day.
Marina
The deep natural harbour is lined with inviting bars, restaurants and shops. From here you can take a one-hour ferry trip to view the splendor of Bonifacio citadel from the sea, and to visit nearby caves and grotto's. Boat trips to the stunning nature reserves of Iles des Lavezzi (Lavezzi islands) are also offered - a paradise for snorkellers and divers due to its rich diversity of marine life. Lavezzi is especially renowned for its large shoals of tame grouper fish.
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Old Town
Bonifacio Old Town (Vieille Ville or Haute Ville - Upper Town) is a short walk up some steep steps from the port. Note this climb can be quite tiring in hot weather - in summer a little tourist train operates (5 Euros). In the Old Town you can wander around the maze of narrow, winding streets, visiting the fascinating historical sites such as the 16th Century Bastion de L'Etendard and 12th Century Eglise Sainte-Marie Majeure. Interspersed among the impressive churches and fortifications are an array of eateries and shops (with a good selection of souvenirs and jewellery).The energetic can visit the Escalier du Roi d'Aragon (King Aragon Steps) - 187 steps carved into the limestone cliff face. Legend has it they were built in a single night by the Aragonese in an attempt to gain the town in 1420 (although actually they existed before this as were used by locals to carry water to the citadel from a well discovered by monks).
Bear in mind that due to Bonifacio's immense popularity and attractiveness to the very wealthy (including A-list French celebrities) prices in Bonifacio can be expensive, and in high season the crowds can be overwhelming. Nonetheless it is a unique, enthralling place you simply have to visit. Try to arrive early to avoid the tourist coaches which arrive around 10am.