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Bonifacio

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Overview

Bonifacio The guide was updated: 2022-12-12

On the southern tip of the French island of Corsica, and only a few kilometres across the water from Italy lies the small medieval village of Bonifacio. A city full of secrets and history, where the shining sea, the "maquis", along with its steep white limestone cliffs create a wildly beautiful natural landscape. The warmth of the climate is also tangible in the warmth of the inhabitants; and much like thousands of visitors every year, you will likely be drawn back to Bonifacio.

Facts

Population:	3,192 (2019)
Currency:	Euro €1 = 100 cents
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	112
Newspapers:	Corse Matin, daily
Opening hours:	Open all day long during summers, lots of boutiques are closed during winters or scarcely open.
Tourist information:	Office Municipal de Tourisme de Bonifacio 2 Rue Fred Scamaroni, Bonifacio +33 4 95 73 11 88

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Section in Bonifacio

An absolute open-air museum, the city is pure amazement. The impressive nature and the rich history gather to make the city a pure gem. You can stroll around the city all day and night long, you will always find something new. You will also likely find your favourite beach among the 40 kilometres of sandy coastline in and around Bonifacio.

L'Escalier du roi d'Aragon

L'Escalier du roi d'Aragon

These King of Aragon’s steps are for the ones who are not faint hearted! The vertiginous view over the sea and the city is breathtaking. Legend says that these steps on the cliff were created in one night only to allow the king of Aragon to escape from the siege of the city. Be careful, the steps are very steep and you will need courage to climb them!

Mérouville

Mérouville

On the south-east of the Lavezzi Islands lies a well-known diving site in Corsica: Merouville (Grouper-city). You can dive surrounded by friendly groupers. They are not at all shy and some even enjoy being petted by swimmers. These fish are protected by law. Several companies rent out material and boats and organise tours in Bonifacio.

Îles Lavezzi

Îles Lavezzi

In waters as clear as the Caribbean ones, in a fish haven lies a small archipelago called îles Lavezzi. All in granite, the austere decor must not make you forget the beauty and the serenity of the place. The inhabited islands were the place of the wreck of the Semillante, a French frigate, in 1855. Be sure to bring water, food and parasols as there are no shops. You can access the islands by renting a boat or take a shuttle boat.

Grain de Sable

Grain de Sable

One of the most famous postcard views of Bonifacio! Le Grain de Sable (Grain of Sand) is a block of granite standing on the sea and detached from the mainland cliff.

Boat Tours

Boat Tours

A boat tour is a must for discovering all the hidden places of Bonifacio. All the tours are conducted in several languages. It may be a good idea to access professional services as the waters of Bonifacio are dangerous with their reefs. 4 companies are on the same dock and offers several routes: the discovery of the sea bottom, the discovery of Bonifacio caves, cliffs and coves and the discovery of the islands. Gina Croisières : +33 4 95 10 97 50 Thalassa : +33 6 86 34 00 49 Le Corsaire : +33 4 95 10 42 84 Rocca Croisières : +33 4 95 73 13 96

Plage du Petit Spérone

Plage du Petit Spérone

Ranked by Le Figaro as one of the most beautiful beaches of France, La Plage du Petit Spérone draws its name from the gulf of Spérone. After 10 minutes of walking from the beach of Piantarella, you will feel on the other side of the world. The pure waters and fine golden sand will sweep you away to the tropical islands. This beach is also good to know for one reason: even during the busiest months, it is almost never crowded.

Eglise Sancte Erasme

Eglise Sancte Erasme

This small church, next to the harbour, is dedicated to Saint Erasm, the patron saint of seamen. Few benches, few decoration but a spirit of quietness and contemplation.

Roman Ruins of Piantarella

Roman Ruins of Piantarella

Next to the Piantarella beach, you can find ruins of a roman complex. This huge villa holds stables, therms, offices, workshops, salt warehouses, a private port, apartments and even a dry dock to repair boats. The total surface was 3 600 square meters. Nowadays, only the ruins remain which give a charm to the beautiful landscape. The land they are located in is privately-owned but you can perfectly see them from the outside.

Phare de Pertusato

Phare de Pertusato

If you like to go hiking and you are not afraid of heights, then you should go to the Persuato Lighthouse. After a two-hour walk from Bonifacio, you'll find yourself on a cliff with a breath-taking view.

Eglise Sainte Marie Majeure

Eglise Sainte Marie Majeure

The main church of Bonifacio is hidden on a small street but is worth a short visit. The altar, the columns and the rose window are spectacular. The building is classified as a Historic Monument. It was built in the 12-13th century. During Easter, religious parades leave and arrive from there.

Plage de la Tunnara

Plage de la Tunnara

Well known as a surfer spot, the Tonnara Beach is very windy and you must be careful if you want to swim. The beach is also a very romantic place with one of the best sunset+watching spots in Corsica. You can rent sea kayaks and if you are hungry, two restaurants offer some food.

Le Golf de Spérone

Le Golf de Spérone

Considered one of the most beautiful golf courses of the world, Le Golf de Spérone offers the possibility to play over the stunning turquoise sea. The eighteen-hole golf course is renowned and attracts tournaments and golf athletes.

Plage de Paraguan

Plage de Paraguan

Protected from the wind and the Strait of Bonifacio, the Paraguan Beach is a safe haven for fish, as fishing is restricted. You have to take a nice walk in order to reach this tiny beach, but the walk is certainly worth it. Beware of the jellyfish during the summers, they often get washed up on the shore.

Ranch San Diego

Ranch San Diego

You can discover the beauty of the region on horseback. Tours are organised next to the sea and beaches or in the countryside. You can also swim with horses.

Jeudis Polyphoniques

Jeudis Polyphoniques

From April to October, every Thursday, Bonifacio invites you to discover polyphonic songs, a Corsican tradition and listed as UNESCO World Heritage. Famous Corsican bands come and share their passion for these moving songs.

Cimetière Marin de Bonifacio

Cimetière Marin de Bonifacio

This place of contemplation overhangs the sea. Its reputation is well established in Europe. Situated on the Bosco plateau, a few steps from the Saint François Church and facing the sea, the marine cemetery attracts photographers, especially during sunsets.

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