Unassailable Bonifacio

White limestone cliffs, crystal-clear water, and breathtaking beauty - Bonifacio rises sixty meters above the sea, offering the most spectacular view of Corsica. If you are looking for the best photo opportunity on the island, you shouldn't miss this small town at the southern tip.

The paths between the attractions are short; the peninsula on which Bonifacio sits measures just about 1,600 meters. On one side, the white cliffs face the open sea, while on the other, the natural harbor has carved itself into the tip of Corsica. Comparisons to a Scandinavian fjord are quite fitting. Even Odysseus is said to have docked here during his adventures. Bonifacio has been impressive since antiquity. It's high time the enthusiasm for this town reaches you here and now. Because Bonifacio is a must-see when visiting Corsica.

The town of Bonifacio in southern Corsica impresses with not only its Mediterranean charm compared to other towns on the French island; its intriguing history, spectacular sights, and unique view of the fortress make it truly special.

Close to the edge lies Bonifacio's old town, Ville Haute. Those who take a peek from the windows of the shops on Rue Doria, the southernmost street of the town, might have their hearts skip a beat. The houses seem to hover above the abyss. They crowd together in the narrow streets of the upper town. Between them wind narrow alleys and steep stairs. Since its founding in 828, Bonifacio has been a fortified city. While the buildings effortlessly soar five or six stories high, they are often only one room wide. The most famous attraction, the Escalier du Roi d'Aragon, the Stairs of the King of Aragon, testifies to this past. If you are persistent, fearless of heights, and want to experience a breathtaking view, you shouldn't miss the 187 steps! The spray-splashed staircase descends almost to sea level. The view is uniquely spectacular, and the effort is worth it, as there is unfortunately no lift to come back up. So, anyone who makes it down must also climb back up the 45° steep steps.

The best panoramic view over the Bay of Bonifacio can be found either from the Bastion de l'Étendard or from the Chapel of Saint Roche. On clear days, the outlines of Sardinia can be spotted on the horizon! Only twelve kilometers separate the Italian island from the southernmost city of France. Otherwise, you can best experience the old town in a relaxed manner. So, just pack away the city map and forget about meticulous travel planning - wandering around is highly encouraged. Small shops and restaurants serving typical Corsican dishes can be found at every corner. But to keep you from being completely lost, I have summarized my favorite sights for you.

You can gain fascinating historical insights in Ville Haute. The Sainte-Marie-Majeure Church is the oldest building in Bonifacio. Here lies the central water cistern that ensures the supply of drinking water. Rainwater from the surrounding roofs is channeled through arches and collected. The church also features a loggia where the city's council once met. Fascination and tranquility radiate from the Cimetière Marin de Bonifacio. Impressive mausoleums, dark crypts, and shining white graves alternate here. A walk through the rows of graves is the perfect break from the hustle and bustle of the old town. Just take a downstairs stroll among the weathered gravestones, tracing the footsteps of days long past. Tender care and slow decay form a perfect symbiosis here. Plus, the cemetery offers a rewarding panoramic view that gives a new perspective on the city.

The market square in the southeast of the city also impresses with its view. From here, it's especially clear that some houses are built on overhanging rocks, thus floating freely above the sea. But you surely don't just want to be spoiled with views; you also want to immerse yourself in Corsican culture.

I recommend the weekly farmers' market every Tuesday, which enriches your day with fresh fruits and vegetables, the tastiest cheese, as well as local sweets and beautiful flowers. Just allow yourself to get carried away by the bustle of the Corsicans and grab some fresh local products. From here, you can also get a good view of the Grain de Sable, the largest grain of sand in the world. If heights still bother you, it's a good idea to observe the Boule players in the square - alternatively, you can also just bring your own game.

If you want to view the impressive rock formations from the sea, you should walk down from the upper town through the Porte de Gênes to the harbor.

There, numerous boats await to take you on shorter or longer tours around Bonifacio. A tour to the Îles Lavazzi is definitely worth it. Snorkelers can barely contain their joy here, for the reserve is one of the best diving spots in Corsica. No underwater walk here resembles the next. On land, the uninhabited islands of the archipelago fascinate with their wildlife and unique rock formations. Bringing your camera is a must - however, making fires, fishing, or leaving the paths is prohibited. If you can't tear yourself away from the beauty of the view or the natural power of the Îles Lavezzi, just take a later boat back to the mainland. Day trips to Porto Vecchio are also possible.

In the harbor itself, the terraces of the restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops extend right up to the harbor basin. Here, a lively comings and goings take place. The most extravagant yachts could very well come from the nearby island of Cavallo, known as the 'Island of Millionaires' - because visitors are not welcome here. However, with a bit of luck, you might catch a glimpse of a celebrity vacationer in the harbor. But even if no star makes an appearance, the fish dishes on the menus of the various establishments will certainly not disappoint. You couldn't get any closer to the term 'fresh catch.' My tip: Treat yourself to the fish soup at Restaurant Les Quatre Vents with a local wine of your choice, while enjoying the view of the harbor. If you haven't already fallen in love with this harbor town, you certainly will now.

Craving a beach vacation? Due to its location on a cliff, most beaches in Bonifacio aren't ideal for lounging for hours. However, nearby, you can find some of Corsica's most beautiful and noteworthy beaches - famously, the island where sunbathers get their money's worth.

Plage Rondinara in the northeast of the city impresses with its perfect shape, crystal-clear water, and snow-white sandy beach. Even anxious swimmers can enjoy a dip in the sea here. On calm days, not a wave ripples the sea, while the beach gently slopes down, making it especially easy to enter the water. If you don't want to just sunbathe but need some action, La Tonnara Beach is the right spot. You can not only race over the waves on a jet ski, but also excel in kite surfing, as the wind brings wave after wave of dream-worthy swells to the beach. At the nearby Plage Spérone, you can also dive in. The beach offers wonderful snorkeling opportunities, and the smaller of the two Spérone beaches is truly enchanting - without the towel battle for every square inch of space. No matter which beach you choose as your favorite, you can run your toes through the finest sand, enjoy the wonderful Mediterranean sun, and let yourself drift in the pleasantly warm water. So, it's up to you which beach becomes your favorite!

While there are no direct flights to southern Corsica, you can book flights with just one stop for under $150 to Ajaccio or Figaro. If you want to avoid missing out on a direct flight, you could take a small road trip: fly for under $100 in two hours to Bastia or Calvi in northern Corsica, rent a cheap rental car, and drive down the coast to Bonifacio. The enchanting views and the opportunity to stop wherever you like make the 3-4 hour drive to Bonifacio a spectacular experience. In my hotel search, you can also find the perfect hotel for you, perhaps with a view of the steep coastline and the sea.

I don't know about you, but Bonifacio is definitely on my list for the next trip to the Mediterranean. If you are looking for even more inspiration for your summer vacation, take a peek at my travel magazine. It's guaranteed to spark wanderlust!

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