Bonifacio

The narrow, winding streets that tether the Citadel of Bonifacio together are a pleasing reminder of Medieval engineering and architecture that culminates in the surprisingly efficient and practical design of the fortress. At the entrance to the Genoese inspired walled town lies the imposing Bastion de l’Étendard, protruding from the cliff face to visibly demonstrate the military capabilities of the fortified stronghold which had in the past been the muster point for troops protecting the city. Scale the steep staircase from the Marina, cross the drawbridge of the Porte de Gênes and pass through the adjoining museum to get a sense of what life was like on the cliffs of Corsica hundreds of years ago.

This is probably one of the most famous postcard views of Bonifacio and a must for any social media page. Le Grain de Sable (or 'The Big Finger' as it's known in Corse) is a giant block of cylindrical limestone perched beside the King of Aragon's Staircase. It is very noticeable from much of the South side of the island so there are plenty of interesting angles that highlight the varying stages of erosion which sculpted the pointy lump of rock.

Ranked by Le Figaro as one of the most beautiful beaches in France, La Plage du Petit Spérone transports visitors to an entirely different world. With pure waters and fine golden sand, it's as if a tropical island has magically appeared in the Mediterranean. What sets this beach apart is its serenity, even during the peak summer months it remains remarkably uncrowded.

This modest church next to the harbour is dedicated to Saint Erasme, the patron saint of seamen. A few commemorative benches, decorative offerings in the form of fishing boats and a spirit of quietness and contemplation make it worth a visit.

Beside the much loved Petit Sperone beach lie the enchanting ruins of Piantarella which served as the beginning and end of the only road built by the Romans in Corsica during the Roman Empire. This huge villa comprises stables, offices, workshops, salt warehouses, a private port, apartments and even a dry dock to repair boats. Despite being located on privately owned land, visitors can see them clearly from the outside and enjoy the stunning landscape surrounding it.

Paraguan Beach, protected from the winds and the turbulent Strait of Bonifacio serves as a tranquil refuge for aquatic flora and fauna thanks to protective measures taken by the environmental agency. Making the journey to this petite beach on foot is a rewarding adventure, just be aware of jellyfish during the summer months as they are often found washed up on the shore.

From April to October, every Thursday residents and guests of Bonifacio are treated to an evening of polyphonic mastery. This Corsican art form, commonly featuring three male voices of varying registers is listed as an intangible UNESCO World Heritage tradition. Performances take place in various locations across Bonifacio, with the church of Saint Dominique and the church of Saint François being the two most iconic.

Perched atop the Bosco plateau, just a stone's throw away from the Saint François Church and overlooking the Mediterranean sea, this cemetery dating back to 1823 enjoys some of the best views on the island. The captivating scenery of the Cimetière Marin make it a favourite amongst photographers, especially during breathtaking sunsets when the pink granite really comes to life. Impressive family tombs and individual crypts carved out of the limestone terrain make this a very special, if sombre experience.