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.

Once used for shipping in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the piers are now used for their views. The Avila Beach Pier is the first of the three piers and was first constructed in 1908 by the county of San Luis Obispo. Over two thousand local residents gathered there on April 30th, 1908 when President Teddy Roosevelt's 'Great White Fleet' anchored offshore. The Harford Pier was developed in 1873 and is now used for fishing, restaurants and commercial fishing. The last pier, the California Polytechnic State University Pier, is an educational and marine research facility.

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.

The stunning Forte Real de São Filipe, the first and most important fortification anywhere in Cape Verde, overlooks Cidade Velha from its privileged position on a 120-metre-tall hill. Destroyed by the French in the 18th century, then rebuilt, and recently restored, it is today one of the country's most recognisable and visited sights.