You want to visit South Corsica and you wonder which city to choose: Bonifacio or Porto-Vecchio?
Here are the results of our battle Bonifacio vs Porto-Vecchio comparing, with photos:
- The charm and ease of exploration,
- The best access to the beaches,
- The best things to do,
- The most beautiful day trips,
- …
Where will you go?
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the area anonymously, making our own choices and paying all our bills in full.
Bonifacio or Porto-Vecchio – Summary of the comparison
Short answer
Both cities have a long history, charm and are close to beautiful beaches. You can’t go wrong staying in one of them. So here is a summary of our personal opinion on the comparisons. In the article, you will find more details about each section (with pictures).
- Access = Porto-Vecchio
Figari airport for both but Porto-Vecchio also has ferries that arrive directly from the mainland. - Charm of the streets = Bonifacio
Bonifacio has more of a village feel while Porto-Vecchio is much more of a city. - Ease of exploration = equality
- Most beautiful beach in the city = none
- Most beautiful beaches around the city= equality
- Cultural attractions = Bonifacio
- Sports and fun attractions = Porto-Vecchio
- Gastronomic scene = equality
- Nightlife = Porto-Vecchio
- Most beautiful excursions in the region = equality
They are both among the best cities to stay in Corsica.
Where are they located? Can I visit both? – Map
The 2 cities are close to each other, in the region of South Corsica.
Here is our map to help you find your way:
It is very easy to move between the two, so even if you stay in one, you can visit the other and enjoy its assets:
- By car, the driving time between the 2 via the main road T10 is 30min
- By bus, there are frequent connections: 2 to 4 shuttles per day. Transfer in 30 minutes.
Need to rent a car in Corsica?
Our advice:
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Accommodations intro
The 2 cities have very nice hotel offers.
We recommend hotels later in this article, but if you have already decided:
City charm / Atmosphere
Explore the streets of Bonifacio
Bonifacio has a lot of charm. It is a unique and fascinating place to explore.
The citadel is located on a small peninsula all in length above vertiginous cliffs.
And this peninsula creates a beautiful protected bay for the port.
Whether you walk around the Marina with a view of the citadel or in the citadel with a view of the sea and the marina, it is always a pleasure.
At times, you really feel like you are traveling through time. It is one of our favorite places in Corsica.
Explore the streets of Porto-Vecchio
In Porto-Vecchio you also have 2 main areas:
- the waterfront with the port
- the citadel and its old streets
Porto-Vecchio Corsica is one of the largest cities on the island and a medium-sized port on the east coast.
The citadel is of Genoese style, built in the 16th century. There are plenty of cafes, stores and restaurants.
Walking around is not as fascinating as in Bonifaico.
Porto-Vecchio is especially appreciated for its restaurants, bars, cafes, ice cream parlors… for its Corsican way of life by the sea.
Our opinion = Bonifacio
For us, the winner is clear: Bonifacio.
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Bathing in the center of Bonifacio vs Porto-Vecchio
Beach in the city of Bonifacio
Bonifacio is not the best place to stay in Corsica if you want to spend your days at the beach…
The city itself has only one beach and there are only 2m2 of rocks at the bottom of a staircase… But the view of the cliffs is beautiful and the steps are much easier than those of the Aragon Stairs.
The descent starts at the bottom of the Bastion trail and goes towards the Grain de Sable.
Beach in the city of Porto-Vecchio
Technically, the beach of Palombaggia is on the commune of Porto-Vecchio but it is 20min by car from the city center (10km) – see the next section.
Here we focus on the beaches right next to the center.
Porto-Vecchio does not have a beach in the center either.
In Porto-Vecchio, the closest is the beach of Cala Verde. But it is still 3km from the center and does not make as much dream.
Our opinion = none
Beaches around Bonifacio vs Porto-Vecchio
There is plenty to do!
Beaches between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio
Between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio are the most famous beaches of South Corsica and Corsica in general.
They are a little closer to Porto-Vecchio but easy to access from both cities.
- The beaches of Palombaggia and Tamaricciu
Driving time from Porto-Vecchio = 20min (without traffic jam)
Driving time from Bonifaico = 40min
The most famous, with several coves with long stretches of white sand lined with umbrella pines. See tips and photos
- The beach of Santa Giulia
Driving time from Porto-Vecchio = 15min
Driving time from Bonifaico = 25min
Beautiful protected bay with clear, shallow waters and all the facilities you could need. This beach is quite large with fine white sand. One of the most popular beaches of South Corsica.
- The beach of Rondinara
Driving time from Porto-Vecchio = 30min
Driving time from Bonifaico = 30min
Rondinara is known as one of the most beautiful bays in Europe and we agree. It offers a variety of landscapes: white sand beach with shallow turquoise water, protected coves, very colorful rocks…
Read more about it.
Beaches north of Bonifacio
North of Bonifacio, you can also find very beautiful beaches, much less known, and therefore less frequented such as:
- The beach of Tonnara is its red colors
- The beach of Saint-Jean and its beautiful curves, hidden in the bay of Figari
- The beach of Chevanu far from the crowds
- ….
See our article on the most beautiful beaches of Bonifacio
Beaches north of Porto-Vecchio
North of Porto-Vecchio, you can also find very beautiful beaches, less known. But they are also frequented in summer.
- The beach of Saint-Cyprien in a bay in the shape of a half moon, calm and gentle slope
- The bay of Pinarellu, a long sandy beach of 2km long with rocks.
- The beach of Fautea, quiet, far from the houses with beautiful walks
- ….
See our article on the most beautiful beaches of Porto-Vecchio
Our opinion = equality
Some of the most beautiful beaches of Corsica are located just between the 2 cities with the same easy access.
And the other beaches around have also a lot of charm.
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Getting around – exploring facilities
Getting around by car: Bonifacio vs Porto-Vecchio
If you have a car, the experience of the 2 cities is pretty much the same.
Traffic in the city can be difficult and frustrating. It is not always easy to find a parking space during the day and it is not free.
Once out of the city, the T10 highway connects the two cities and gives you access to many attractions.
The experience is therefore similar.
Getting around without a car: Bonifacio vs Porto-Vecchio
Without a car, both cities have advantages depending on what you want to do.
- If you want a lot of things to do in terms of culture and nature, choose Bonifacio. The town itself offers plenty of things to see and visit, plus you can take the boat to the Lavezzi Islands or just the cliffs, and go straight to the Cape of Pertusato…
- If you want to spend some time at the beach, in season there are buses that connect Porto-Vecchio to the beaches of Palombaggia and Santa Giulia (the Beach buses) and there are buses that connect Bonifaico to the beaches of Sperone and Piantarella.
Our opinion = equality, it depends on your desires
What to do in these cities – visit, activities…
In this section we focus on things to do in the city or very close to it. The following section will discuss field trips.
Best things to do in Bonifacio
Bonifacio offers a wide variety of cultural and natural activities.
Our favorites include
- Take the famous one-hour boat tour to see the cliffs and how the city is suspended above the water.
- Go down the King of Aragon’s staircase that crosses the cliffs (be careful, it is 189 steep steps)
- Walk on the cliffs for great views – there is a beautiful walk from the old town along the cliffs to Capo Pertusato
- Explore the citadel and visit the Bastion
- Discover the marine cemetery
- Admire the view in all directions from the citadel
- Admire the sunset on the cliffs
More ideas and info in our article what to do in Bonifacio.
Best things to do in Porto-Vecchio
In Porto-Vecchio, you can:
- Go up to the citadel and explore the alleys
- Visit the church of St. John the Baptist
- Relax on the terrace along the marina
- See the salt marshes
- The adventure park of Porto-Vecchio with tree climbing
- The Corsica Park, an amusement park
- The Xtrem Sud Park at 30min from Porto-Vecchio with tree climbing
More ideas and info in our article what to do in Porto-Vecchio.
Our opinion = Bonifacio
As we prefer culture and nature, our heart chooses Bonifacio.
But, of course, if you prefer fun activities or have teenagers, Porto-Vecchio may be a better choice.
Plan your trip to Corsica
Discover all our articles to make your trip a success!
- All our practical advice for a trip to Corsica – read
- How to get to Corsica – coming soon
- Which ferry to take to Corsica – read
- Rent a car in Corsica – read
- Where to stay in Corsica – read
- Driving in Corsica – read
- 3 days in Corsica: where to go – read
- 4 or 5 days in Corsica: where to go – read
- The most beautiful destinations in Cose – read
Excursions in South Corsica
From both cities you can enjoy many beautiful places to discover in half a day or a day:
- The forest of the Ospedale
- The most Corsican city of Corsica: Sartene
- The archaeological sites Cucuruzzu, Filotea, Cauria…
- The mountains with the needles of Bavella
- …
But the main and most famous excursion is to the Lavezzi Islands, a preserved area. It is a small archipelago where the islands are covered with huge blocks of different colors, shapes and sizes.
A fascinating world!
See our complete article on the Lavezzi Islands.
These islands are closer to Bonifacio than to Porto-Vecchio.
It is easier to take the SMBP shuttle from Bonifacio, explore it for as long as you want and return by shuttle.
But there are also boat tours from Porto-Vecchio, which will allow you to enjoy beautiful views of the southern coast of Corsica.
See this example.
Sports activities in South Corsica
And from both cities, if you have a car, you can drive a little bit to discover new sensations:
- Introduction to canyoning in Pulischellu – read more and see availability
- Complete canyoning experience in Pulischellu – read more and see availability
- Or sport canyoning in Purcaraccia – read more and see availability
- Sea kayaking near Propriano (west coast) – learn more and see availability
- Mountain bike rental
- Hiking
- …
Need to rent a car in Corsica?
Our advice:
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Hotel offer – where to stay
Where to sleep in Bonifacio – accommodation suggestions
- Above the rest
At Hotel Santateresa, you are at the end of the peninsula with free parking included, modern rooms and a fantastic staff! A superb view from above on the citadel and the cliffs!
See photos and availability - Near the marina
The Centre Nautique hotel is located on the waterfront and the marina.
see pictures and availability - Old town
Another option inside the old town is the Hotel Genovese with a cliff top location and lots of charm.
see pictures and availability - Luxury
For a 5-star stay not far from the marina, check out the spacious and beautiful design of the Version Maquis Citadelle hotel.
see pictures and availability - Along the marina
The Solemare hotel with its swimming pool facing the citadel wall.
see prices, pictures and availability
See the best hotel and rental offers
Where to sleep in Porto-Vecchio – accommodation suggestions
Where to sleep in Porto-Vecchio – accommodation suggestions
- Golden Tulip
Modernity and magnificent view on the bay. With everything you may need.
see prices, pictures and availability - Hotel Restaurant Casa Santini, right on the water
see pictures and availability - Luxury
Grand Hotel de la Cala Rossa & Spa Nucca, right on the beach
see pictures and availability - Hotel Restaurant Le Goéland, right on the water
see pictures and availability - Residence with all services
At the Residence U Pirellu, we enjoy spacious villas, beautiful views of the maquis and the sea. There is a heated swimming pool and all activities. It is only 10min from Palombaggia and 10min from Porto-Vecchio.
see pictures and availability - Camping bungalows
For those who are looking for the camping atmosphere but with a little more comfort, consider the Asphodele bungalows.
see pictures and availability
See the best hotel and rental offers
Plan your trip to Corsica!
→ Inspiration destinations
Planning a road trip in Corsica
Itinerary: 3 days – 4 or 5 days
→ Best-of
The most beautiful beaches of Corsica
The most beautiful villages of Corsica
The most beautiful cities of Corsica
The most beautiful destinations in Corsica
→ Practice
Catering offers
Corsica has many delights.
Enjoy the stores and restaurants with : Cookies (canistrellis, courellinis…), cold cuts, cheeses…
Restaurants in Bonifacio
There is a wide selection of restaurants in town, from fast food takeaways to highly rated restaurants.
We recommend:
- L’A Cheda (gastronomic)
Whether by the pool or in the beautiful dining room, enjoy the rich menu concocted by Chef Lionel Lebrun. You can taste carefully selected Corsican products, from the Mediterranean caught sar, to the Corsican organic veal accompanied by an artichoke with the scent of Clementine… The Mediterranean is in your mouth! - Da Pasano (light catering)
This time we are on the port of Bonifacio, with a restaurant that has taken on the mission of inscribing traditional Corsican cuisine in the codes of the moment. You can enjoy tapas and small dishes that revisit the best of Corsican products, from the Zecca soup (spider crab) to the Milk Shake of Bouillabaisse, without forgetting the terrine of rivia (offal of goat and lamb)! Always surprised, never disappointed. - Lan’k (market cuisine)
In the high streets of the city, 2 steps from the church of Sainte Marie Majeure, an authentic and simple cuisine. The fish is available in risotto (gambas and scallops) or grilled with sesame (tuna). Remember to make a reservation to get one of the wonderful tables under the arcades.
Restaurants in Porto-Vecchio
In Porto-Vecchio, we recommend, among others
- The Don Cesar restaurant (gastronomic)
In a 5 star hotel, Corsican specialties and Italian inspiration. All the flavors of the Mediterranean in your plate. - Le Belvédère (Gastronomic)
A romantic decor, feet in the water; a kitchen with seasonal products and aromatic plants of the soil. - Casadelmar brunch (brunch)
for a fresh produce brunch with beautiful views of the bay - Santa Marina (gastronomic)
a gastronomic restaurant with feet in the water with colorful and fresh dishes.
Access – how to get to Bonifacio or Porto-Vecchio
Both cities are easily accessible:
- Figari airport is a 25 minute drive from Bonifaico and also a 25 minute drive from Porto-Vecchio – see flights to Figari.
- In Porto-Vecchio, ferries from Corsica Ferries, Corsica Linea and Méridonionale arrive from Nice, Marseille or Toulon – see available crossings
- Or you can land in Ajaccio or arrive by ferry in Ajaccio.
Driving time between Ajaccio and Bonifacio = 2h30
Driving time between Ajaccio and Porto-Vecchio = 2h30
How to get to Corsica
Option 1: by ferry
Departure from France and Italy – see all options in our article
or directly compare schedules, prices and availability
Advantage: you can take your car
Option 2: by plane
Airports in Bastia, to visit the North, Figari to visit the South, or Ajaccio convenient for all Corsica.
Compare prices and availability ofairline tickets
And then rent a car: see our favorite comparator
If you are traveling in the summer, remember to book early to get the best prices and choices!
Need more help choosing?
See our advice on how to go to Corsica
