Bonifacio (Corsica, France)

General Info

Bonifacio is a fascinating city situated at the southern part of the island of Corsica, France on impressive limestone cliffs. Bonifacio is the oldest, lovely medieval town in Corsica. Bonifacio is the star attraction in Corsica, attracting visitors from all over the

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island as well as overseas to admire its prehistoric sites, medieval houses, and amazing landscapes. It’s situated on the limestone peninsula‘s cliffs above a natural harbor on the site of the 9th-century citadel and the blend of medieval town, scenery, resort and nearby beaches make it one of the appealing highlights of a tourist trip to Corsica. It is separated from Sardinia by the Strait of Bonifacio. The city is divided in two parts, the old town, and the upper city. The fortified area, citadel  was built in the 9th century and today is more of a

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museum. Bonifacio likewise boasts a busy harbor filled with excellent yachts as well as lined with elegant bars, hotels, and restaurants, enhancing the vibrancy of Bonifacio coastal resort. Adding to the fact that Bonifacio is close to many idyllic, unspoiled Corsican beaches and staggeringly lovely mountains, and you have a near perfect and varied holiday destination. This wonderful and enchanting town is served by Figari airport, as well as ferryboat service from Sardinia is available several times daily.

What to Visit

King of Aragon’s Steps (Escaliers du Roy d’ Aragon) – the 187 stairs, which lead from the city down to the sea level is a fun self-guided tour. This is a must-see for tourists who visit Bonifacio. For few bucks, you’ll have the access to King of Aragon’s Steps entrance and if you wish, there’s also a pass that gain you entrance to Palauzzu Publicu, Bastion de l’ Etendard – Memorial, Eglise

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St Dominique, Escaliers du Roy d’ Aragon. The Lavezzi islands, a small archipelago of granite islands, that separate Corsica from Sardinia (Italy). There is the only island where one can visit, as the others are mainly a pile of rocks sticking out of the sea. There are few marine cemeteries here filled with the remains of the 750 sailors and soldiers who passed away in the shipwreck of the “Semillante” in 1855. Although all the bodies found are buried here but only the officers are named. The real beauty of this island though lies in the warmth and the color of the turquoise waters, which lap gently against the sands. The real pleasure swimming in these waters with little fishes that come

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nibbling at the ankles. The Belvedere at the Top of Montée St. Roch – when one climb the “montée” (hill) to the citadel, there’s a big lookout at the top where one can rest for a while, and most tourists take their cameras with them because of some stunning views from here. Haute Ville – You can go strolling and shopping in the Haute Ville, it’s an amazing place to stroll around the streets and the back alleys. Whether one’s hobby is photography or shopping, you’ll have a lot to keep you delighted as there are numerous cafes and shops all packed together. International Marine Park, this is a wonderful area to enjoy in hiking as well as bird watching. There is a great view of the Mediterranean sea over here. There are no guard rails, one can walk right to the cliff’s edge, so be careful.

Beaches

Bonifacio is a popular tourist destination, not only for its fascinating old town situated on high cliffs but also for quiet and beautiful

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beaches, surrounded by amazing landscape. The coast around this town is so attractive, with many popular Mediterranean beaches nearby, separated by caves, cliffs, and dramatic coastal scenery, which include the calanches of Fazzio. Among the popular beaches are those in the bays of Rondinara and Sant’Amanza as well as the beach at Petit Sperone, La Tonnara but there’re many others, which one might find they’re likewise very nice – the option depends greatly on whether one prefers a smaller beach or a large sandy beach in a large cove. There are numerous caves near Bonifacio well worth visiting.

Food & Drink

Bonifacio has many restaurants that offer traditional dishes. In Bonifacio, you can taste many locally produced delicacies like sausages, cheese, salami or liquors. Some of the dishes we recommend you to try are sheep’s milk cheese flavored with herbs Brin d’amur, Prisuttu (cured ham), Figatellu (seasoned sausage). Try also Mirtu, a

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liquor made of fruit of myrtus. Dishes in

Photo credit:  Raleene Cabrera

Bonifacio take part of Corsican cuisine with some influence of Sardinian cuisine. Pasta is also very popular in Corsican cuisine which shows the Italian cuisine influence. Don;t forget to try a different kind of traditional Corsican soups like the soup with fresh brocciu. Lamb meat is very popular in Corsica, but if you prefer seafood, then summer is the perfect time to taste some fresh fish dishes in Bonifacio (sardines stuffed with brocciu, baccala fritters). Other than cheese, chestnuts, and walnuts are very popular in Corsican cuisine, they are used to prepare many different dishes, from appetizers, fish dishes to delicious desserts like chestnut flour fritters or Castagnacciu, cake prepared with chestnut flour, raisins, and walnuts or pine nuts.