24 best things to do in Bonifacio (Corsica, France)

Why visit? Best things to do in Bonifacio, Corsica

Is Bonifacio worth visiting?

Bonifacio is definitely worth visiting.
It is one of the most unique places to see in Corsica and in France.
The old fortified town is built on impressive white cliffs, making it one of the most unique towns in Corsica!

Can you understand now why it is one of the best places to visit in Corsica?

More photos and things to do after the planning tips.

Planning tips & Map - Bonifacio, Corsica, France

Where is Bonifacio - Map

Bonifacio is located at the South tip of the island of Corsica in a protected region called 'les bouches de Bonifacio'. 
It is in the Mediterranean Sea separated from Sardinia (Italy) by the straight of Bonifacio.

• Closest airport is Figari
• Figari airport to Bonifacio: 25min
• Porto-Vecchio to Bonifacio: 40min drive
• Ajaccio to Bonifacio: 2h45 drive

How to get to Bonifacio Corsica

• By car
  Surprisingly, despite being on a narrow peninsula and being an old town, driving up to the end and parking is quite easy.
  There are several (paying) carparks throughout the town (from the marina to the end of the peninsula)
• By shuttle or taxi from Figari airport
  If you have only a weekend to spend in Corsica, you can fly in Figari, take a cab to Bonifacio and enjoy the unique site.
  The shuttle takes you first to Porto-Vecchio, where you have to change for a bus to Bonifacio.
  I recommend a taxi, since it is quite a detour
• By boat from Ajaccio
  Boat tours depart from Ajaccio and take you along the coast all the way to the impressive Bonifacio - see cors
• By bus from Porto Vecchio
  There is a frequent bus line from Porto-Vecchio to Bonifacio.
  And you can reach Porto-Vecchio by bus from Ajaccio and Bastia.

Parking at Bonifacio

You won't be able to find free parking.
There are several (paying) carparks throughout the town from the marina to the top, at the end of the peninsula.
Make sure you choose strategically, depending on the order of your visit. You don't want to end the day climbing to the top!
I recommend visiting early (if it is Summer or a weekend) to avoid touring many places to find a spot.

The carparks for tourists are:

• P1, parking de la Marina (218 spots) - marina access - pay by the hour or over 25 euros for the day
• P2, parking derrière la gendarmerie (131 spots) - marina access  - pay by the hour or over 25 euros for the day
• P3, parking de la Carotola (65 spots) - by the tunnel - pay by the hour or over 25 euros for the day
• P5, Cimetière marin (300 spots) 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, camping-cars can park here, shuttle every 30min from 11am in season
• Parking Valli - 1km from the Marina, 10 euros for the day, camping-cars can park here, no shuttle

Visiting Bonifacio - Map 

Drop by the Tourism desk by the marina to collect a map of Bonifacio. It is not a difficult place to get oriented but it is a nice map.

Best time 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 smaller.
Many french people come to Corsica for their Summer holidays (July and August)

But Bonifacio during the winter months is also a great idea. You can take the time to appreciate the cliffs and old history.

For time of week, avoid the weekends if possible.

How long to plan to visit Bonifacio

Other visit tips

• Exploring the old town and the area requires a lot of walking. Wear proper shoes and bring water
• It get extremely crowded during the Summer months. On those days, come early to find a place to park.
• Don't attempt the staircase if you have knee and vertigo problems
• I recommend you stay at least one night to see the cliffs changing colors are sunset - see the accommodation section next.

Where to stay in Bonifacio - Hotels 

Best parts of Bonifacio to stay

There is a large choice of accommodations in the old town as well as around the marina or a little further away.
Your 3 main options are:

• Around the marina
  This way you have easy access to all the restaurants and shops without climbing stairs and slopes. But it can be noisy and crowded
• At the top of the peninsula
  Here you can find quieter accommodations with stunning views - however, this require a cab or walking up hill to com back from a restaurant
• In the vicinity of Bonifacio
  For cheaper accommodations, check in the countryside around Bonifacio

Best places to stay in Bonifacio - accommodation suggestions

• Where I stayed
  In Bonifacio, I wanted to be within walking distance to everything, and have a carpark. I stayed at Hotel Santateresa. I loved the location at the end of the peninsula with free parking included, modern rooms and fantastic staff! 
  see photos and availability
• By the marina
  Hotel Centre Nautique is located by the water and marina
  see photos and availability
• Old town
  another option inside the old town is Hotel Genovese with a top cliff location and lots of charm
  see photos and availability
• Luxury
  for a 5 star stay not far from the marina, check out the spacious, beautiful design of Hotel Version Maquis Citadelle
  see photos and availability
• Camping
  the closest campsite is L'Araguina - They also rent little lodges
  see photos and availability
• or check out other accommodations in Bonifacio

#1 to 5 - best views around Bonifacio

Let's start with a tour of the town and the area to find the best viewpoints in order to appreciate this unique place.
You can just explore around without a plan and you will find some incredible views!

#1 - Viewpoint on the way to Capo Pertusato

Bonifacio is one of the most magnificent places I have had the chance to see on my travels. The whole area is undergoing Unesco Heritage classification.
Imagine: The old medieval town is perched on 70m high white limestone cliffs!
Below is a picture taken on the walk along the cliffs towards Capo Pertusato. This is the best place to see the town and how it was built on this unique landscape:

#2 - From the end of the peninsula

Below is the view from the fortifications at the end of the peninsula, looking towards Capo Pertusato.

What is unique about the place is not only the fact that the citadel is perched high on those cliffs, but shape of the 1.5km long peninsula and the protected harbour it has created.
The Sea between Corsica and Sardinia is quite dangerous as the 2 islands once were joined but volcanic activity separated them. This left huge granite rocks hidden in the water in an area that gets strong wind.

#3 - At the mouth of the harbor

The deep harbour entered by a 250m wide mouth is really a fantastic place to enter.
Below is the view from the fortifications at the end of the peninsula looking towards the port entrance, with the La Madonetta Lighthouse:

#4 - 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 many times.
It takes its name after Boniface II of Tuscany.

The views all around the Citadel are exceptional. Even looking inland you see hidden beaches and the mountains of South Corsica in the distance.
I love the contrast of the white limestone with the typical Mediterranean maquis vegetation:

#5 - Below the Bastion

As you walk out of the fortifications via the Bastion, you get a fantastic view of the lower Bonifacio and the Marina.
The walk down is short but quite steep (paved path).

#6 to 10 - places to visit in the old town of Bonifacio

#6 - Sainte-Marie-Majeure Church

This is the oldest building in Bonifacio, dating back to the 12th century.
Inside the church is not heavily decorated. 
And outside is the area called La Loggia where the 'older' member of the community used to meet to take important decisions for the town.

#7 - Maritime Cemetery

I am normally not much interested in visiting cemetery.
But the one at the end of the promontory in Bonifacio is quite impressive. It is known as the second most beautiful cemetery around the Mediterranean Sea (according to the tourism office, but I can't find the source to tell you which one is first...)
Anyway.
When you enter it is does not feel like a burial place. It looks more like a village with streets and rows of tiny houses.

#8 - The Bastion & Porte de Gênes

The official entrance inside the Citadel (when walking up from the marina) is quite impressive.
The small door is nestled in the huge strong walls of the Bastion.
It is still a drawbridge. This one dates back to 1830 when it replaces an older one from 1598.
What an impressive way to enter the Citadel, don't you think?

#9 - Visit the Bastion de l'Etendard

Opened Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm and Weekends from 10 am to 6pm.
Inside you can discover:

• Bonifacio through the ages in the vaulted underground rooms
• The garden "Jardin des pysages" - 20min walk around to enjoy incredible views from the fortification

#10 - Wandering the streets

The old town is full of pubs and restaurant. Take the time to wander those streets, find the old architectural elements and enjoy the vibe of this unique town.

#11 - What to do in Bonifacio - The famous Aragon Staircase

What is the Aragon staircase?

In french it is called "l'escalier du Roi d'Aragon".
It is a staircase cut in the cliff to reach a walking path above seawater along the cliffs. It was established from a natural cut in the rock.
There are 189 steps (187 original ones plus 2 to help).
Steps are cut into the limestone and allow you to go down 65m.
This way the locals can reach a place where fresh water can be collected.

About walking the Bonifacio staircase

Since you go down 65m inside a cliff, the steps are really really steep, uneven and sometimes the path is quite narrow.

It is very hard on the knees plus going down is not that easy for people with vertigo.
And at the end of the visit you still have to walk up those stairs!!!

I recommend visiting early morning or at the end of the day to have more space  and cross path with less people.

The legend of the Aragon staircase

The legend says that in 1420, Alphonse V (King of Aragon master of Sardinia) wants to take over Corsica.
Bonifacio was still not under his power and he decided to besiege the town.
Facing strong resistance, the soldiers decided to build overnight a staircase in the cliffs. But as women were patrolling, they heard noises, rang the alarm and the attack failed. Alphonse went after other targets.

The true story

Actually the rift in the cliffs has been there from time immemorial. And it has been shaped and improved overtime to become a real staircase.
The Aragonais never used the staircase. But is was often used by the locals during sieges to collect fresh water.

One of the best ways to realise how the staircase is set up is to see it from a boat tour around the cliffs.

All my favorite places are included (with GPS coordinates and practical tips) in my travel Guide eBook that helps you easily plan your Corsica road trip:

#12 - The Bonifacio Marina

At the bottom of the citadel, protected by the promontory is the marina of Bonifacio.
It offers great views of the Bastion and fortifications are well as a large choice of restaurants and shops.
This is where the boats for the cliff tour and the Lavezzi islands depart.
It is a very enjoyable place just to walk around.

Thanks to its location it is sheltered from all winds.

If you are arriving by boat your can learn more about the boat services here.

#13 - Boat tours around Bonifacio

Once out of the sheltered harbour you get to admire the town from the sea with the layers of limestone sculpted by the elements.
This is very impressive and at the same time a little bit scary for the people living in those houses...

On each side of the mouth there are features to look at. At the end of the promontory is a giant cave called the 'chapeau de Napoleon' which means Napoleon's hat.
Above you can see the fortifications with people admiring the views I showed you earlier.

On the other side the the Lighthouse of La Madonetta. I love the shapes of the rocks around it.

Then you head West. If the sea is quiet you might get lucky like I was and enter a cave with a hole at the top that they say has the shape of Corsica. 
HUmmmm.....Maybe...

Then you enter little bays along the coast where you can find hidden beaches such as Plage du Fazzio. It those area the color of the water is splendid.

The last point is the bay of Paraguan which is the limit between the white limestone cliffs and the granite plateau.
From there, you will sail back to the harbor.

The main company running those tours is SPMB. But there are a few others.
You can purchase your ticket in one of the booths at the marina.

#14 - Cliffs & Capo Pertusato - What to see in Bonifacio

On the way you can get really up-close views of the limestone and how it was sculpted by the elements.
Just be careful and don't get too close to the edge, this is not the most stable rock there is...

Once at the lighthouse, walk behind it on a small track to see the beach of Saint Antoine from above with its wreckage-looking rock formation.
IF you have kids, be really careful as there are no protection and you are at the edge of cliffs.

From the path to the lighthouse you can also make a turn on another path.
It is a 15min climb down (not easy) to reach the magnificent beach of Saint Antoine. It is not your typical dreamy looking beach but it was still one of my favorite beaches in Corsica.
The place really looks like another planet with only the sculpted cliffs. There are caves and giant holes to walk around.

GPS coordinates of the carpark + practical info on my eBooks - The road trip guide Corsica and the South Corsica version.

#15 to 17 - Relax a the Bonifacio beaches...

#15 - The tiny Bonifacio beach

#16 - L'Arinella beach

Across the promontory are also secluded beaches.
They can only be reached on foot or by boat.
The most famous is L'Arinella beach that you can see in the picture below (not to be mixed up with the one in Bastia that has the same name). 

#17 - Saint-Antoine Beach

At Capo Pertusato, as we saw in the section before.

And more...

However with 1h drive from Bonifacio you can find some great options such as:

• Saint-Antoine which we saw in the section above
• The Bay of Rondinara (easy access)
• Tonnara and Stagnolu  (easy access)
• Little Sperone (hiking required)
• The famous Palombaggia beach (see my article) and its neighbor Tamaricciu
• Santa Giulia
• ....

See some examples in the excursion section. 

#18 - Boat tour to the Lavezzi islands

The Lavezzi islands are a preserved area. A small archipelago where the islands are covered by boulders of different colors, shape and size.
This is a fascinating world!
Many more pictures to see on my article about Lavezzu

#19 to 24 - Excursions from Bonifacio France

#19 - Rondinara Bay

Mid-way between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio
35min drive from Bonifacio

Rondinara is known as one of the most beautiful bays in Europe and I agree.
The beach itself was not my favorite (although it is very nice with shallow turquoise water and a protected coves) but I fell in love with the rocks on the right side (when facing the sea). 5min walk to very very very colorful rocks.
See more

#20 - Santa Giulia

Between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio
35min drive from Bonifacio

Nice protected bay with clear shallow waters and all the facilities you may need.
Easy access with Large carpark.
Restaurants and facilities - watersports equipment rentals
Very crowded in Summer

#21 - Palombaggia

Between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio
45min drive from Bonifacio

Palombaggia is the most famous of all the beaches in Corsica because it has often been listed as one of the best beaches in the world.
It has several coves with long stretches of white sand bordered by stone pines.
Plus there are fantastic red rocks to explore between them: fun on land and great for snorkeling.
See more

#22 - Rocappina

North of Bonifacio
35min drive from Bonifacio

For the viewpoint over the beach and rock formations including the famous stack that looks like a lion guarding the bay
White sand, turquoise water and beautiful granit boulders
Not so good unpaved track down to the beach.
Quite crowded in Summer despite the limited access

#23 - Porto-Vecchio

East of Bonifacio
35min drive from Bonifacio

Porto-Vecchio is the main town in the South with shops, marina, citadel...

See more

#24... - and further away

And of course if you are ready to drive you can go to:

• Sartène for some more Corsican vibes
• the mountains, towards Zonza (under 2 hours)
• the gorge of Sari-Solenzara (under 2 hours)
• ...

1, 2 or 3 days in Bonifacio - itinerary

1 day in Bonifacio

If you have only 1 day in Bonifacio, I recommend:

• Exploring the old town on foot and enjoying the views in the morning (maybe doing the staircase if you have the stamina)
• Eating around the marina
• Taing the 1h boat tour in the afternoon
• Driving towards Cape Pertusatu to enjoy the views before leaving

2 days in Bonifacio

Day 1

• Explore the old town on foot and enjoying the views in the morning
• Get down the Aragon staircase
• Take the 1h boat tour in the afternoon
• Enjoy the sunset

Day 2

• Morning walk at Cape Pertusatu to enjoy the views before leaving and reach Saint Antoine beach
• Visit the Bastion, if you want to learn more about the history
• Alternative: drive to one of the famous beaches listed in my section "excursions" e.g. Palombaggia, Rondinara...

Head back to my section about where to stay in Bonifacio.

3 days in Bonifacio

Day 1

• Explore the old town on foot and enjoying the views in the morning
• Get down the Aragon staircase
• Take the 1h boat tour in the afternoon
• Enjoy the sunset

Day 2

• Go on a day trip to the Lavezzi island

Day 3

• Morning walk at Cape Pertusatu to enjoy the views before leaving and reach Saint Antoine beach
• Visit the Bastion, if you want to learn more about the history
• Alternative: drive to one of the famous beaches listed in my section "excursions" e.g. Palombaggia, Rondinara...

Head back to my section about where to stay in Bonifacio.

FAQs

What does Bonifacio mean in French?

The name of the town has nothing to do with the terms that refers to a bonus.
It is named after Boniface, marquis of Tuscany, who is supposed to have founded it in 828.

Best restaurants in Bonifacio

There is large choice of restaurants in town from quick to grab food to highly rated restaurants.
Some of the most famous include:

• Aria Nova (Corsica)
• Da Rocca (Corsican)
• L'an faim (modern)
• L'a Cheda (modern)
• Le Voilier (seafood)
• ...

Which day is best to visit Bonifacio?

If you can't organize your itinerary and choose a day to visit Bonifacio, I recommend Tuesday to Thursday, to avoid the weekenders.
However, if you can, Bonifacio deserves 2 or 3 days.

Caves of Bonifacio

In the cliffs there, the sea is slowly eating at the rock.
It is creating sea caves.
You will see several on the boat tours around Bonifacio.

Want to see more of the best Corsica has to offer?

• 35 best places to visit in Corsica - read article
• 21 best beaches in Corsica - read article
• 9 best things to do in Corsica - read article
• 35 of the most beautiful Corsica landscapes in photos - read article
• How to plan a road trip in Corsica - read article
• Tips to drive in Corsica - read article
• Beaches of Palombaggia (read the article), Tamaricciu (read the article) and Rondinara (read the article)
• The famous Calanques de Piana - read the article
• The tour of the Cap Corse - read the article

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