Bonifacio
Bonifacio is the most incredible, the most mythical and the most beautiful city in Corsica. Climbing the very edge of a cliff in the south of the island, Bonifacio has been welcoming travelers for many hundreds of years, among whom, according to legend, was Odysseus.
You will find incredibly beautiful nature, cozy streets of the old town, wonderful Corsican wines and “eggplant a la Bonifacio“, as well as numerous cruises to the neighboring islands. By the way, it is in the vicinity of Bonifacio that some of the most beautiful beaches of Corsica are located, which, perhaps, can also be called some of the most beautiful in the world! Turquoise water, white sand, picturesque cliffs – yes, paradise looks something like this.
Weather in Bonifacio
Bonifacio Travel Guide:
If you limit yourself to just the city, you need to set aside about three hours for sightseeing. But it is best to ride around the area on cruise ships to see the fortress city from the outside, as well as the neighboring islands. Such an excursion takes about 3 hours. In this case, it is better to spend the whole day in Bonifacio.
Getting to Bonifacio:
You can basically only get to the town by car, or by boat from neighboring Sardinia. The nearest airport is in Figari.
But parking in the old town can be quite tight, so it’s better to look for a hotel with its own parking, otherwise you’ll have to leave your car quite far away, outside the citadel. There is a free parking: you can only enter it from the N198 road.
- Getting there: by boat
- Getting there: by plane
- Getting there: by bus
- By car
- Transportation in Corsica
History of Bonifacio
A former pirate hideout, the city’s origins date back to 828 AD. Was it founded by Boniface, Marquis of Tuscany? Or does its name come from the “Italianization” of the phrase “bona factio” as suggested by historian Pierre Antonetti? In medieval Latin, “bona factio” had taken on, among other things, the meaning of “construction”. In any case, the city’s patron saint is Saint Boniface, whose bones are contained in a silver reliquary.
What to see in Bonifacio?
Bonifacio is definitely the most beautiful city in Corsica and one of the most impressive cities in France. This is the case when the city should be seen not only from the inside, but also from the outside: these houses hanging on a steep cliff, right above the sea, look fantastic from the water. Be sure to take some kind of cruise excursion, for example, to the Lavezzi Islands (the southernmost territory of European France and a nature reserve with beautiful beaches).
Bonifacio itself is essentially divided into the Lower Town with the harbor, from where excursions depart and where there are many restaurants on the embankment, and the Upper Town, with its bastion and narrow picturesque streets. This Upper Town is surrounded by a medieval wall and is quite small in size (about 200 * 200 m), so it is easy to walk around it. From the Pass of St. Roca, which can be reached by stairs from the harbor, you can walk to Cape Pertusato, admiring the picturesque jagged coastline and turquoise sea.
Beach lovers will find some of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica not far from the city.
Moniment Pass – 6.50€ (web)
What to eat in Bonifacio:
Be sure to try the signature dish of Bonifacio – aubergines à la Bonifacienne (eggplants stuffed with a mixture of breadcrumbs, egg, cheese, garlic and basil – in the photo below) – sooooo delicious, even for those who do not like any vegetables. Such eggplants can probably be found in most restaurants in the city.
And, of course, do not forget to taste the Corsican wines: the vineyards of Sartène are located nearby, which produce some of the best Corsican wines.
Dining in Bonifacio
Many restaurants are located along the waterfront in the harbor, but there are also many nice and cozy places on the streets of the Upper Town. In the low season, restaurants are open only for lunch (12-14 pm) and dinner (19-22 pm), and during the break it can be difficult to find something tasty. In the high season, July-August, many restaurants are open all day.
Shopping in Bonifacio
Halle de l’Arsenal
From April to October, every Tuesday and Friday morning, come and discover local and regional products at the Halle de l’Arsenal in the Haute-Ville (Upper Town). It’s the perfect time to try new flavours, get closer to the local gastronomic culture and meet local producers who will be happy to let you taste their products and tell you all about the know-how they put into making them.
Farmers’ Market
The Friday market is a farmers’ market. Here you will find a warm welcome and a wide range of local agricultural products, organic farming and Corsican crafts. You will find cold meats, cheese, jam, bread, fruit and vegetables and other culinary delights from Bonifacio and the surrounding area.
Tuesday Market
Looking for a souvenir to bring home? Under the vaulted ceilings of the former Loggia dell’Arsenale you will also find local producers, as well as clothing, jewellery, objects and seasonal items… Don’t hesitate to ask for advice to find that little gift or souvenir from your trip that you can bring back with you in your suitcases.
Around Bonifacio
Bonifacio serves as a gateway to nearby natural wonders. Visitors can take day trips to the Lavezzi Islands or relax on beautiful beaches such as Rondinara. The surrounding area is perfect for outdoor activities, making Bonifacio not only a historical gem but also an ideal base for exploring Corsica’s natural beauty.
Bonifacio on Corsica map:
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