Discover one of the most amazing places in Corsica and France!
Visiting Bonifacio is an unforgettable experience: white cliffs, a citadel that seems to balance on the peninsula, a staircase dug by hand, islands covered with rocks…
Here is our guide to optimize your stay:
- Best things to do in Bonifacio,
- map, access, parking,
- best excursions,
- where to sleep, where to eat…
All our tips based on our visits!
Why visit? Best things to do in Bonifacio, Corsica – summary
Is Bonifacio worth a visit?
Bonifacio is really worth a visit.
It is one of the most unique places to see in Corsica and in France.
The ancient walled city is built on impressive white cliffs, which makes it one of the most unique cities in Corsica!
What to do in Bonifacio – our top 5
We present the 24 best things to do in Bonifacio in more detail later in this article.
Here’s a quick list of the top 5 – no car needed:
- Take the famous one-hour boat tour to see the cliffs and how the city is suspended above the water.
- Go down theAragon staircase cut into the cliffs (be careful, it’s 189 steep steps).
- Walk on the cliffs to get beautiful views: there is a beautiful walk from the old town and these views are among the most beautiful in Corsica.
- Walk to the end of the peninsula to enjoy the view from the fortifications.
- Visit the marine cemetery which looks like a small village.
The 3 best excursions from Bonifacio
And if you want to explore the area, consider :
- Take a boat to explore the Lavezzi Islands
- Walk to Capo Pertusato
- Visit the bay of Rondinara
Visit Bonifacio – Video
Before giving you practical information and tips on the best things to do in Bonifacio Corsica, here is a short video to give you an idea of what your stay could look like:
Do you understand now why it is one of the most beautiful places in Corsica?
More photos and things to do after the planning tips.
1. Explore the Citadel: a must in Bonifacio!
The old town is a great place to explore.
You can take a walk in the old town to go back in time. Here are some of our favorite places.
The Bastion & the Genoa Gate
The official entrance inside the Citadel (coming up from the marina) is quite impressive.
The small door is nestled in the huge and solid walls of the Bastion.
It is still a drawbridge. This one dates from 1830 (and replaced the old one from 1598)
What an impressive way to enter the Citadel, isn’t it?
Church of St. Mary Major
It is the oldest building of Bonifacio, dating from the 12th century.
The interior of the church is not very decorated.
And outside is La Loggia, where the older members of the community met to make important decisions for the city.
Visit of the Bastion of the Standard
Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 7pm and weekends from 10am to 6pm.
Inside, you can discover: Bonifacio through the ages in the vaulted underground rooms and the landscape garden – 20min walk to enjoy incredible views from the fortification.
Simply walking through the streets
The old town is full of bars and restaurants. Take the time to stroll through these streets, find the old architectural elements and enjoy the atmosphere of this unique city.
2. Enjoy the views from the citadel
Around the citadel, don’t miss the best viewpoints to appreciate this unique place.
From the tip of the peninsula
Here is the view from the fortifications at the end of the peninsula, looking towards Capo Pertusato.
What is unique is not only the fact that the citadel is perched high on these cliffs, but also the shape of the 1.5 km long peninsula and the protected harbor it has created.
The sea between Corsica and Sardinia is quite dangerous because the 2 islands were once united but volcanic activity has separated them. This left huge granite rocks hidden in the water in an area where, in addition, the wind is strong.
At the mouth of the harbor
The deep harbor which is accessed through a 250m wide mouth is really a fantastic place to enter.
Above, the view from the fortifications at the end of the peninsula: view towards the entrance of the port, with the lighthouse of La Madonetta.
Along the fortification wall
The most fascinating part is the old town on the promontory.
The foundations date back to the 9th century, but it has been rebuilt and renovated several times.
It takes its name after Boniface II of Tuscany.
The view around the Citadel is exceptional. Even looking inland, you can see hidden beaches and the mountains of southern Corsica in the distance.
We like the contrast between the white limestone and the typical vegetation of the Mediterranean maquis.
Under the bastion
When you leave the fortifications through the bastion, you have a fantastic view of the lower city and the Marina.
The descent is short but quite steep (paved path).
The Governor of Corsica
Bonifacio has 2 impressive staircases.
The most famous is the Aragon staircase (next section).
But you can also walk down the cliff to a viewpoint at the entrance of the harbor. It is necessary to go down 168 steps to reach a monitoring post called “Gouvernail de la Corse”. 5attention this name is also given to the islet at the end of Cape Pertusato.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Corsica
- 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.
3. Going down the Aragon staircase (and back up!)
However, the most famous activity of Bonifacio is to descend the King of Aragon’s staircase.
If your knees allow it and you are not afraid of heights, we recommend it. It’s a pretty unique experience!
It is a staircase cut into the cliff to access a footpath above the sea along the cliffs. It was established from a natural cut in the rock.
The steps are carved in the limestone and allow you to go down 65m.
In this way, the inhabitants could reach a place where fresh water could be collected.
There are 189 steps (187 original and 2 extra to help).
You descend 65m inside a cliff, the steps are really steep, uneven and sometimes the path is quite narrow.
So no, it’s not easy, but it’s worth the effort.
Once at the bottom, a short path allows you to walk just above the water.
4. Admire Bonifacio from a boat + sea caves
Another must-see in Bonifacio is to take a boat ride out of the harbor and along the beautiful cliffs.
This is one of the best ways to appreciate the city’s unique location and to see the erosion work that makes the houses look like they are going to fall into the water.
Small boats take you on a one-hour cruise around the area. A part of the boat is covered.
First you enjoy the view of the fortifications and the sea arm between the land and the promontory.
Once out of the sheltered harbor, you can admire the city from the sea with the layers of limestone sculpted by the elements.
It is very impressive and at the same time a little bit scary for the people who live in these houses…
On each side of the mouth, there are formations to examine. At the end of the promontory is a giant cave called “Napoleon’s hat”.
Above you can see the fortifications with people admiring the views we showed you earlier.
And on the other side, the lighthouse of La Madonetta
Then you head west. If the sea is calm, you might be lucky like me and enter a cave with a hole at the top that would be shaped like Corsica.
Hume…Maybe…
The main company that manages these tours is SPMB. But there are others.
You can buy your ticket in one of the cabanas of the marina.
USE OUR GUIDE TO PLAN A
DREAM TRIP TO Corsica
All the information you need for your trip:
- 7 maps that make planning easier
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5. Visit the Marine Cemetery
This cemetery, at the end of the peninsula of Bonifacio, is quite impressive. It is known as the second most beautiful cemetery around the Mediterranean (according to the tourist office, but we can’t find the source to tell you which is the first one…).
When you walk in, it’s not like a burial ground. It looks more like a village with streets and rows of small houses.
6. Hike to Cape Pertusato
Bonifacio is one of the most beautiful places we had the chance to see during our travels.
Imagine: The old medieval town is perched on 70m high white limestone cliffs!
Below is a photo taken during the walk along the cliffs in the direction of Capo Pertusato. This is the best place to see the city and how it was built on this unique landscape.
On the way, you will have a magnificent view of the city on the cliffs.
And once at the parking lot, you can enjoy a walk on a paved path to the lighthouse.
Along the way you enjoy up-close views of the limestone and how it has been sculpted by the elements.
Be careful and don’t get too close to the edge, it is not the most stable rock…
Once at the lighthouse, walk behind it on a small path to see the beach of Saint Antoine from above with its wreck-like rock formation.
If you have children, be really careful because there is no protection and you are at the edge of the cliffs.
Discover our complete experience of Cape Pertusato.
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7. Going to the moon at Saint-Antoine beach
From the trail to the lighthouse, you can also turn onto another smaller trail.
It’s a 15min descent (not easy) to reach the beautiful beach of Saint-Antoine. It is not a typical dream beach but it was still one of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica, in our opinion.
The place really looks like another planet with only the sculpted cliffs. There is a giant open sea cave, called Orca Cave.
See our guide to Saint-Antoine beach.
8. Admire the sunset on the cliffs – where to sleep in Bonifacio
We strongly recommend spending at least one night in Bonifacio.
The atmosphere in the evening is very pleasant.
And the sunset can be unforgettable. As the sun approaches the horizon, the cliffs turn orange-yellow. Wonderful!
The best places to stay in Bonifacio
There is a large choice of accommodation in the old town and around the marina or further afield.
Your 3 main options are:
- Around the marina
This way, you have easy access to all the restaurants and stores without having to climb stairs and slopes. But it can be noisy and crowded - At the top of the peninsula
Here you can find quieter accommodations with great views – however, this requires taking a cab or walking up the hill from a restaurant. - In the surroundings of Bonifacio
For cheaper accommodations, check out the countryside around Bonifacio
Where to sleep in Bonifacio – accommodation suggestions
There is a wide choice of accommodation in Bonifacio.
Here are our recommendations:
- Hotel Santateresa – we loved the location at the end of the peninsula with free parking included, modern rooms and fantastic staff!
– see prices, pictures and availability - The Solemare Hotel, at the foot of the citadel. His pool has a great view!
– see prices, pictures and availability - The Centre Nautique Hotel – luxury on the waterfront and marina.
– see prices, pictures and availability - The hotel Version Maquis Citadelle – a little more out of town, luxury in the heart of the Corsican maquis.
– see prices, pictures and availability - Camping – the nearest camping is L’Araguina – they also rent small lodges
– see pictures and availability - or See the best rated accommodations in Bonifacio
HOW TO GET TO Corsica
Option 1: by ferry
Departure from France and Italy
- See all ferry options in our article
- Compare schedules, prices and availability directly
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 flights!
9. Relaxing around the port of Bonifacio
At the foot of the citadel, protected by the peninsula is the marina of Bonifacio.
It offers a breathtaking view of the Bastion and the fortifications as well as a wide choice of restaurants and stores.
This is where the boats leave for the tour of the cliffs and the Lavezzi islands.
It is a very pleasant place to walk around.
Thanks to its location, the port is sheltered from all winds.
If you are arriving by boat, you can learn more about port services here.
10. Test the best 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 sar fished in the Mediterranean to the organic Corsican veal accompanied by an artichoke with the scent of Clementine… Mediterranean food for your taste buds! - Da Pasano (light catering)
We are this time 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.
We look forward to returning to Bonifacio to take pictures of our dishes.
11. Find the very small beach of Bonifacio and the grain of sand
Bonifacio is not the best place to stay in Corsica if you want to spend your days at the beach…
The town 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 begins at the bottom of the Bastion trail.
12 – Boat trip to the Lavezzi Islands
Another excellent activity in Bonifacio is an excursion to the archipelago of the Lavezzi Islands.
The boat tour leaves from the marina of Bonifacio.
There are several departures each day and several returns. So you can choose how long you spend on the island.
The Lavezzi islands are a protected area. A small archipelago where the islands are covered with huge blocks of different colors, shapes and sizes.
It’s a fascinating world!
See our complete article on the Lavezzi Islands.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Corsica
Inspiration destinations
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
- The museums of Corsica
- Hidden gems in Corsica
- The most beautiful natural pools
- What to do in North Corsica
- Best things to do in South Corsica
- Canyoning in Corsica
Where to stay
13 to 17 – Discover the beautiful beaches around Bonifacio
Even if Bonifacio doesn’t really have a beach, the region (one of our favorites) is rich in beautiful beaches. Some are easily accessible, others require a bit of walking.
Here is a small selection. Find all our favorites in our article on the beaches of Bonifacio.
13. Beach of Saint-Jean / San Giovanni (Figari bay)
Driving time from Bonifacio = 30min
Very little known, it is one of our favorites in the region.
Hidden in the bay of Figari, this beach has beautiful smooth rocks spread along the beach. They have different shades of gray and shapes rounded by the elements.
It even has a Genoese tower and ruins.
Read more about it.
14. Beach of Tonnara
Driving time from Bonifacio = 20min
Here the rocks are red and the sand slightly colored by the dust of rocks.
With the transparent water, the combination is perfect.
And the beach faces the Tonnara Islands which are only 100m away and are covered with giant rocks. This situation creates a small protected lagoon, very pleasant for swimming.
Read more about it.
15. Bay of Rondinara
Halfway between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio: 35min drive from Bonifacio
Rondinara is known as one of the most beautiful bays in Europe and we agree.
We loved the combination of sandy beach, lagoon and fascinating rocks. Especially if you go to the right, after 5min walk you discover very, very colored rocks.
Very busy in summer.
Read more about it.
16. Beaches of Palombaggia (easy access) and Tamaricciu
Between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio: 45min drive from Bonifacio
Palombaggia is the most famous of all the beaches in Corsica as it has often been ranked among the best beaches in the world.
It has several coves with long stretches of white sand lined with umbrella pines.
In addition, there are fantastic red rocks to explore between them. And at the junction with Tamaricciu, there is a beautiful cove with big grey rocks and a parasol pine.
Very busy in summer.
Read more about it.
17. Santa Giulia
Between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio: 35min drive from Bonifacio
Beautiful protected bay with clear, shallow waters and all the facilities you may need.
Easy access with large parking lot.
Restaurants and facilities – water sports equipment rental
Very busy in summer.
18 to 21 – What to do around Bonifacio: other ideas
18. Feel the Corsican spirit in Sartene
Driving time from Bonifacio: 1h
Another city to visit in South Corsica is Sartene, one of the most beautiful cities in Corsica. It is halfway between Porto-Vecchio and Ajaccio.
It is not as impressive as Bonifacio but it is really typical of Corsica (whereas Bonifacio seems more Italian).
Sartene is currently considered as “the most Corsican of the Corsican cities”.
It has tall buildings packed together. Its atmosphere is unique.
We recommend spending at least a few hours to explore it.
19. Porto-Vecchio
Driving time from Bonifacio: 35min
Porto-Vecchio is the main city of the South with its stores, its marina, its citadel…
Read more
20. Megalithic site of Cauria
Driving time from Bonifacio: 1H20
One of the best historical walks in Corsica is the loop of Cauria which leads you to 3 different sites with the alignment of the Megaliths and a huge dolmen:
- First stop – Stantari alignments with some stones
- Second stop – Renaghju with many stones in a field
- Third stop – the impressive dolmen of Funtanaccia
21. Rocappina
North of Bonifacio: 35min drive from Bonifacio
Visit for the view of the beach and the rock formations, including the famous pile that looks like a lion guarding the bay.
White sand, turquoise water and beautiful granite rocks.
In the evening you can stop at the beautiful views or go down to the beach, but the road is not paved.
Quite frequented in summer despite the limited access.
Tips + Map – Bonifacio, Corsica, France
Where is Bonifacio – Map
Bonifacio is located at the southern end of the island of Corsica, in a protected area called “the mouths of Bonifacio”.
It is located in the Mediterranean Sea, separated from Sardinia (Italy) by the Strait of Bonifacio.
- The nearest airport is Figari
- Airport from Figari to Bonifacio: 25min
- Porto-Vecchio to Bonifacio : 40min drive
- Ajaccio to Bonifacio : 2h45 driving time
- Here is a map to help you find your way
- and see all our tips for planning a dream trip to Corsica here
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Corsica
- 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.
How to get to Bonifacio ?
By car
Surprisingly, despite the fact that the city is on a narrow peninsula and is an old town, it is quite easy to drive to the end and park.
There are several (paid) parking lots throughout the city (from the marina to the end of the peninsula).
By shuttle or cab from the airport of Figari
If you only have a weekend to spend in Corsica, you can fly to Figari, take a cab to Bonifacio and enjoy this unique site.
The shuttle will take you first to Porto-Vecchio, where you will have to change for a bus to Bonifacio.
I recommend you take a cab, because it’s quite a detour.
By boat from Ajaccio
Boat trips depart from Ajaccio and take you along the coast to the impressive Bonifacio – see options
By bus from Porto Vecchio
There is a frequent bus line between Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio.
And you can reach Porto-Vecchio by bus from Ajaccio and Bastia.
Parking in Bonifacio – Parking lots
You will not be able to find free parking.
There are several (paid) parking lots throughout the city, from the marina to the top of the peninsula.
Be sure to choose strategically, based on the order of your visit. You don’t want to end the day by climbing to the top!
I recommend visiting early (if it’s summer or a weekend) to avoid circling many places to find a spot.
The parking lots for tourists are:
- P1, Marina parking (218 spaces) – access to the marina – pay by the hour or more than 25 euros for the day
- P2, parking behind the police station (131 places) – access to the marina – pay by the hour or more than 25 euros for the day
- P3, Carotola parking lot (65 spaces) – near the tunnel – pay by the hour or more than 25 euros for the day
- P5, Marine Cemetery (300 spaces) at the end of the peninsula – pay by the hour or over 25 euros for the day
- Parking Monte Leone – 1km from the Marina, 10 euros for the day, motorhomes can park here, shuttle every 30min from 11am in season
- Parking Valli – 1km from the Marina, 10 euros for the day, motorhomes can park here, no shuttle.
Visit Bonifacio – Map
Stop by the tourist office near the marina to pick up a map of Bonifacio. It is not difficult to find your way around, but it is a practical map
When to visit Bonifacio?
The best time to visit Bonifacio is between April and May and September and October, when the weather is warm but not too hot, and the crowds are smaller.
Many French people come to Corsica for their summer vacations (July and August)
But Bonifacio during the winter months is also an excellent idea. You can take time to enjoy the cliffs and the old history.
For the time of the week, avoid weekends if possible.
How much time to plan to visit Bonifacio
- Bonifacio is an ideal place to visit during a long weekend. It deserves at least 2 nights.
- If Bonifacio is a stage of your road trip in Corsica, plan at least 1 full day, but 2 full days are preferable to fully appreciate the place.
- It is possible to spend a whole vacation exploring South Corsica, but to sleep in the Citadel, because the traffic difficulties every day can be annoying.
Other tips for visiting
- Exploring the old town and the region requires a lot of walking. Wear appropriate footwear and bring water.
- It is very crowded during the summer months. On those days, arrive early to find a place to park.
- Do not attempt the stairs if you have knee problems and vertigo.
- I recommend staying at least one night to see the cliffs change colors at sunset – see the following accommodation section.
1, 2 or 3 days in Bonifacio – itineraries
1 day in Bonifacio
If you have only one day in Bonifacio, I recommend you :
- Explore the old town on foot and enjoy the views in the morning (maybe take the stairs if you have stamina).
- Eating around the marina
- Take a one-hour boat tour in the afternoon
- Drive to Cape Pertusatu to enjoy the views before leaving
2 days in Bonifacio
Day 1
- Explore the old town on foot and enjoy the views in the morning
- Go down the Aragon staircase
- Take the one-hour boat tour in the afternoon
- Enjoy the sunset
Day 2
- Morning walk to Cape Pertusatu to enjoy the views before leaving for Saint Anthony beach
- Visit the Bastion, if you want to know more about its history
- Alternative: drive to one of the famous beaches listed in my “excursions” section, for example Palombaggia, Rondinara…
3 days in Bonifacio
Day 1
- Explore the old town on foot and enjoy the views in the morning
- Go down the Aragon staircase
- Take the one-hour boat tour in the afternoon
- Enjoy the sunset
Day 2
Take a day trip to Lavezzi Island
Day 3
- Morning walk to Cape Pertusatu to enjoy the view before leaving for Saint Anthony beach
- Visit the Bastion, if you want to know more about its history
- Alternative: drive to one of the famous beaches listed in my “excursions” section, for example Palombaggia, Rondinara…
Frequently asked questions
What is Bonifacio famous for?
The cliffs and the reserve of the Bouches de Bonifacio
The white cliffs are very different from the other landscapes of Corsica. They are made of white limestone deposited during the rise of the sea level, 20 million years ago, when the plate forming Corsica and Sardinia separated from Europe.
They are 70m high and straight.
They change color throughout the day depending on the light.
The old city
Bonifacio has had a long and tumultuous history. The city has kept much of its charm.
The Aragon staircase
One of the most unique things to do in Bonifacio is to descend the staircase cut directly into the cliffs; more details later.
What does Bonifacio mean in French?
The name of the city has nothing to do with the terms that designate a premium / bonus.
It owes its name to Boniface, marquis of Tuscany, who is supposed to have founded it in 828.
What is the best day to visit Bonifacio?
If you can’t plan your itinerary and choose a day to visit Bonifacio, I recommend Tuesday to Thursday, to avoid weekends.
However, if you can, Bonifacio deserves 2 or 3 days.
Caves of Bonifacio
In the cliffs of this place, the sea is slowly eating away the rock.
It creates sea caves.
You will see many of them during the boat tours around Bonifacio.
