Written by Camille Laurent, Celine Fournier, Marcus Kayode, Sebastien Simon
30/08/2025
arnaud audoin, Pexels
Bonifacio, located on Corsica's southern tip, is a historic medieval town perched dramatically atop white limestone cliffs, offering unparalleled panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and often Sardinia. The destination combines impressive natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage, featuring an ancient citadel, winding cobbled streets, and picturesque squares. It serves as a gateway to stunning beaches and islands, providing a unique blend of historical exploration and coastal allure.
The vibrant harbor area provides a pleasant setting for socializing, with elegant promenades lined by numerous bars, shops, and restaurants where visitors can admire luxurious yachts. Within the old town's charming, narrow streets, smaller cafes and restaurants offer opportunities for relaxed gatherings. Occasional musical events are known to take place in the evenings, contributing to the town's welcoming ambiance for those looking to connect with other travelers.
Top 5 Things to do in Bonifacio
Bonifacio offers a diverse range of experiences, from exploring ancient fortifications and natural wonders to enjoying sea excursions and coastal walks.
1. Explore Bonifacio's Citadel and the Bastion de l'Etendard
Wander through the historic upper town, a captivating maze of narrow, cobbled streets and medieval buildings. Discover the 9th-century fortress, including the imposing 16th-century Bastion de l'Etendard. Inside the Bastion, an exhibition details a thousand years of fortifications, and outside, a 'Landscape Garden' offers ten distinct viewpoints providing sensational panoramic views of the port, the dramatic cliffs, and the distant island of Sardinia.
Cost: Access to the old town is free. Entry to the Bastion de l'Etendard costs €3.50 for adults and €1 for children aged 6-11. Children under 6 enter for free.
Transport: The Citadel is a short uphill walk from the marina area. Alternatively, a tourist trolley, known as 'Le Petit Train de Bonifacio', transports visitors from the marina to the upper town for €6 per person.
2. Descend the King of Aragon's Staircase (Escalier du Roy d'Aragon)
Embark on a memorable journey down and up 189 irregular steps carved directly into the sheer limestone cliff face. Legend states the staircase was dug in a single night in 1420. The descent leads to a path just above the Mediterranean Sea, offering breathtaking 180-degree panoramic views of the turquoise waters, the towering cliffs, and Sardinia. Helmets are provided for visitor safety in certain sections.
Cost: The full adult price is €5. Children aged 6-11 pay €2. Entry is free for children under 6. A combined 'Monuments Pass' for the Staircase and the Bastion de l'Etendard is available for €6.50 for adults.
Transport: This unique attraction is located within easy walking distance from Bonifacio's old town.
3. Take a Boat Trip to See the Cliffs and Sea Caves
Experience Bonifacio's iconic landscape from a breathtaking perspective on the water. These boat tours cruise along the dramatic coastline, offering unparalleled views of the town precariously perched atop the white limestone cliffs. The excursion includes exploration of fascinating sea caves, such as Saint-Antoine and Sdragonato, revealing the natural erosion that has sculpted the unique coastal formations.
Cost: Prices vary depending on the tour duration and specific inclusions. Boat trips specifically focused on exploring natural caves start from approximately €46 per person.
Transport: Boats typically depart from Bonifacio's marina, which is located below the old town and is accessible by foot. Some tours may depart from nearby beaches, potentially requiring a short drive.
4. Enjoy an Excursion to the Lavezzi Islands
Embark on a boat trip to the Lavezzi Archipelago, a designated international marine park renowned for its striking granite islets, secluded beaches, and exceptionally clear turquoise waters. This idyllic destination is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in a pristine natural environment, often drawing comparisons to exotic locales like the Seychelles.
Cost: Boat trips to the Lavezzi Islands vary in price. Catamaran trips with snorkeling start from around €33. More comprehensive full-day trips, potentially including lunch and extended stopovers, can cost approximately €60.
Transport: Boats depart from Bonifacio's marina. Some tours also leave from surrounding areas like Piantarella or Santa Manza beaches, which may require a short drive or taxi journey.
5. Hike to Capo Pertusato
Undertake a picturesque coastal walk from Bonifacio's old town to the Capo Pertusato Lighthouse, marking Corsica's southernmost tip. This invigorating hike offers magnificent viewpoints, providing expansive vistas of Bonifacio's clifftop citadel, the dramatic coastline, and the shimmering Mediterranean Sea. On clear days, the distant shores of Sardinia are visible. The trail also allows for close observation of the unique limestone formations.
Cost: This activity is free of charge.
Transport: The trailhead is easily accessible by walking from Bonifacio's old town.
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