BonifacioCorsica · France

All About Bonifacio

On the southern tip of Corsica, across Santa Teresa Gallura in Sardinia is the picturesque town of Bonifacio. A bastion first constructed in 828 CE as a defense against pirates, Bonifacio was conquered by the Genoese in the 12th-century. Because of this, the city displays a stronger bond with Genoese culture today than with Corsican traditions. Bonifacio’s population of 3000, excluding the several feline beauties that lounge around every nook, is a hearty bunch that welcomes tourists with open arms every year. Adding to the warmth one instantly senses upon arrival is the town’s snug location among limestone cliffs and its many alcoves that lead wanderers to intimate spots by the sea. Taking a ferry to Bonifacio is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.
 

Routes and Ferries to Bonifacio

Due to Bonifacio being only 12km away from Santa Teresa Gallura, there is heavy ferry traffic between the two cities. Moby Lines and Blue Navy have frequent boats throughout the day, with ticket prices starting at €35 for a round trip.  The journey takes one hour, offering tourists a chance to visit Sardinia for a quick break. Use Ferryscanner to find the ferry tickets that best suit your needs. Some travelers, instead of buying ferry tickets to Bonifacio, book vessels sailing to Bastia from mainland France and Italy. It is then possible to drive from Bastia to Bonifacio in two hours.

Travelers from abroad can fly to Bonifacio, landing at Figari-Sud Corse Airport, situated 20 minutes from the port. Air Corsica, British Airways, Swiss Air, Air France, and other European airlines cover this route. Taxis from the airport cost €50.

Those already holidaying in Corsica can reach Bonifacio by road. Two well-laid-out highways connect the city with the rest of the island. The capital Ajaccio is a little over 2 hours away by car. The bus from Ajaccio takes four hours to reach Bonifacio and costs €20.
 

Port of Bonifacio

Tourists arriving with ferry tickets to Bonifacio are a testament to the city’s striking beauty the moment they sail through the fjord to reach the stunning marina. Located in the very heart of Bonifacio, some believe the harbor is mentioned in the tenth chapter of Homer’s Odyssey. As the third busiest port in Corsica, it is alive with activity from early morning until late at night. Pastel-colored houses, hotels, restaurants, shops, and cafes edge along the four quays and over 400 berths that accommodate yachts, ferries, and sailboats. Those planning to stay in Bonifacio can get off the boat and walk straight to their hotel or take the little train to visit the citadel above.
 

Best Beaches

Some of the beaches in Bonifacio hide among its rural landscapes, rewarding adventurous sunbathers with gorgeous views and access to pristine waters. Others take prime locations along the coast, welcoming everyone to enjoy a spot in the sun, next to the refreshing sea.

Plage de Paraguan

An unconventional choice for a beach day, Plage de Paraguan is a lovely cove easily accessible by car. Although only 10 minutes from the port, many people avoid the beach due to a large amount of seaweed washing up on the coast. Nevertheless, the water here is clear and calm. An alternative is taking a boat to the beach but staying offshore and swimming in the bay.

Plage du Fazzio

A beach for offbeat travelers, Plage du Fazzio can either be reached by boat or a 30-minute hike from Plage de Paraguan. An intimate sheltered cove, it has an idyllic atmosphere to make any lazy summer day all the more special. The water here is ideal for snorkeling, and the surrounding cliffs, ripe for dives into the blue-green sea.

Plage de Saint-Antonie

On the southern tip of Corsica, near Pertusato Lighthouse, is Plage de Saint-Antonie, a beach with a hypnotic rural charm. Confined, without facilities or shade, and surrounded by a craggy landscape, those in the knowhow are forever eager to brave the 20-minute walk from the car park to reach this beach. Why you may wonder? The views from Plage de Sant-Antonie are beyond breathtaking, especially at sunset. The water is warm and brimming with colorful fish. The caves nearby call for exploration into another of Bonifacio’s natural wonders.

Canettu Beach

Somewhat of a hidden gem, you’ll find Canettu Beach without any crowds, even during the peak summer season. This sandy strip, wrapped around white cliffs, borders the Tyrrhenian Sea and is 20 minutes from Bonifacio‘s harbor. Canettu is an excellent choice for families. It offers clear swimmable water, horse riding possibilities, and open spaces ideal for carefree running and splashing. The beach is reachable by car. However, the last stretch is a dirt road that requires some maneuvering.

Plage du Petite Sperone

Plage du Petite Sperno is a narrow sandy beach on the south-east coast of Corsica, 15 minutes from Bonifacio port. Reach here early as it is a favorite with residents and gets crowded post noon. A lack of facilities at the beach sometimes deters tourists. However, the water’s clarity and turquoise color make the beach’s tricky access, and the 10-minute walk from the parking worth the trouble. Those who prefer a livelier seaside atmosphere should check out Piantarella Beach, a short distance away.
 

Things To Do

From historical sites and attractive locales to gourmet dining and adventures in the wild, there is plenty to see and do in Bonifacio all year round, no matter your age.

Tour the Citadel

The citadel of Bonifacio is a treasure that amuses and fascinates every type of visitor. Its cramped streets might now have souvenir shops and cafés catering to international tourists. Still, history reveals itself around every corner, enticing visitors to ask questions about the fortified city’s past. Ardent travelers are quick to observe the loveliness of everyday life here. Clothes hang off balconies and wires, church bells provide the perfect background music for sultry summer days, and antique doors hide the simplicity of Corsican life behind their elemental exquisiteness. Simultaneously, endless sea views from the top leave everyone in a mesmerizing state of mind.

Dine at the Marina

Almost the entire city congregates at the marina past sunset. A burst of excitement is seen in restaurants and cafés as tourists chitter-chatter animatedly, discussing their daytime adventures. Here, gourmands get to savor Corsican cuisine featuring fresh seafood and ingredients from around the island. L’An Faim, near the steps going to the citadel, is a popular restaurant serving a seasonal menu with several fish dishes. L’A Cheda is a retro-hipster terraced café that plates food made using locally-sourced meats and vegetables. And if it is a contemporary setting you are after, head to the Michelin recommended Da Passano, famous for its wine bar, al fresco dining, and live music.

Take a Boat Tour

A fun thing to do when arriving with ferry tickets to Bonifacio is to take a boat around the coastline. Known as the ‘city of cliffs’, Bonifacio, when viewed from the vantage point of the sea below, makes for a dramatic sight. Shorter tours include a casual sail with visits to open caves. Those desiring more can book a full-day catamaran that sails to the nearby Lavezzi Islands, where it is possible to get off and lounge on the beach.

Walk Down the Argon Staircase

Legend has it that King Argon’s Staircase was cut into the limestone cliff overnight by his troops in 1420. A more plausible explanation is that the 187 steps were made by the inhabitants, over time, to gain direct access to the water. Presently, the stairs are one of Corsica’s most beloved attractions. Tourists arriving on the island using ferry tickets to Bonifacio get a glimpse of stairs from their boat. A climb up and down the staircase that borders the sea costs €2.50 for adults. Children under 11 receive a special certificate upon completion of the path.

Hike to Pertusato Lighthouse

Sailors have found the Strait of Bonifacio challenging to navigate for years. The 19^th-century Pertusato Lighthouse has thus been instrumental in helping vessels sail through this treacherous route with ease. The hike to Pertusato from Bonifacio is a moderate-level, well-marked trail that takes an hour and a half to complete. Along the way are incredible panoramas, glorifying the rustic splendor of Corsica. There are no amenities here, so carry a backpack with snacks, water, sunscreen, and a hat.
 

Transportation Around Bonifacio

To best appreciate the scenic setting of Bonifacio, go for a walk. However, be prepared to hike if the plan is to saunter between the marina and the citadel repeatedly. Or else, you can ride the ‘Le Petit Train’ that scurries between the two points multiple times during the day. Tourists typically go up using the train and walk back down to the harbor. A return trip costs €5 irrespective of whether you use it both ways or not.

Several travelers arriving in the city, using ferry tickets to Bonifacio, planning to stay for a few days, prefer to rent a car. While the bus service is apt for travel to different towns, having a vehicle often leads to fascinating discoveries of Corsica’s hidden treasures.