What to do in Bonifacio?

To visit Bonifacio is to discover one of the emblematic cities of Corsica.

With its houses perched on the edge of the white limestone cliffs, the medieval city is known all over the world!

In order to help you organize your visit, I have prepared for you the Top 20 of the best things to do and see in Bonifacio. It’s simple, you will find all the must-see places of interest in and around town, as well as the most famous beaches in southern Corsica.

At the end of the article, I also offer you my suggestions for itineraries to visit Bonifacio in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 days or even a week as well as my selection of the best hotels according to your budget.

So, what to do and see in Bonifacio? 

Visit Bonifacio: the essentials

1. The Citadel

I suggest you start with the place where most of the places of interest to see in Bonifacio are concentrated : the citadel or “upper town”.

Perched on the cliff more than 70 meters high, it is particularly impressive!

The citadel is the historic heart of the city. During your walk through the narrow cobbled streets, you should not miss:

• The long street, the city’s former shopping street
• The street of the 2 emperors which owes its name to the passage of Charles-Quint and Bonaparte
• The Place d’Armes, later transformed into a fish market
• The Genoa Gate:  gateway to the city
• The bastion of the standard  and its viewpoints
• U Masgilu for its view of the cliffs
• The market square  from where if the weather is clear you can see Sardinia
• The Roy d’Aragon staircase,  carved into the cliff
• The Sainte-Marie Majeure church,  the oldest building in the city
• The walkway to go around the fortifications
• The marine cemetery
• The rudder

The upper town is also the ideal place to have a drink or eat on the terrace in one of the many bars and restaurants.

Tips for your Bonifacio itinerary:

To visit the citadel of Bonifacio and benefit from all the historical explanations, you can rent an audioguide for €5 at the tourist office. You will go through all the places to see that I mentioned above.

You can reach the upper town on foot, by car (parking near the marine cemetery) or by little train.

Leaving from the port, the little train takes you to the citadel, avoiding the climb, leaves you at the entrance to the upper town to visit on foot and you then take it back in the opposite direction whenever you wish.

2. Genoa Gate

The Porte de Genoa marks the entry point to the upper town. It is a must visit in Bonifacio!

The only access to the citadel until the 19th century, it has a drawbridge dating from 1830. It replaced the old one (which still dated from 1598) and which worked with a weight and pulley system.

Passing under the door, on your right you will find the tourist office of Bonifacio.

Take the opportunity to get the city map and buy the “Monument Pass” allowing you to visit the bastion of the standard and the staircase of the King of Aragon, the 2 main tourist attractions of Bonifacio. It only costs 3.50€ per person.

3. Bastion of the Standard

With your Monument Pass (otherwise the entrance is €2.50), you can start your tour in Bonifacio by visiting the Bastion de l’Etendard.

First go down into the underground rooms to discover the exhibition devoted to the history of Bonifacio and its fortifications. The explanatory panels are really well done and interesting, not at all boring to read.

Also admire the typical medieval architecture and the magnificent rotunda vaults of this fort dating from the 15th century.

Then find yourself in the open air to stroll on the ramparts of the highest bastion in France and contemplate the exceptional panorama of the port, the cliffs, the Campu Rumanilu plateau and the protected natural areas of the Bouches de Bonifacio.

Tips for your Bonifacio itinerary:

If you have decided to go on a trip to Corsica with your family, don’t forget to ask the tourist office for the game booklet created especially for children to visit the Bastion.

4. The King of Aragon Staircase

Second tourist site in Bonifacio included in the Monument Pass: the King of Aragon staircase.

According to legend, this staircase was dug in a single night in 1420 by the soldiers of the King of Aragon in order to be able to invade the city and climb into the citadel.

Ok, it’s a great story but in reality, this natural fault has existed for centuries and has been improved over time to become a real staircase.

If you are wondering why bother to dig a staircase in the cliff, the answer is very simple: the passage provides access to a source of drinking water.

The descent of the 187 steps of the Roy d’Aragon staircase is very impressive because you will overlook the sea at more than 60 meters in height and the steps are very steep. Once at the bottom, you can take the path that runs along the cliff to reach a natural cave and the well of Saint-Barthélemy. 

You will then have to do the hardest part: going back up!

Following this effort, the children will be rewarded for their effort with a diploma certifying their ascent!

Tips for your Bonifacio itinerary:

You will really realize the dreaded inclination of the staircase if you take the boat trip that takes you to the foot of the cliffs. I tell you about it a little later in the article.

5. Church of St. Mary Major

We continue this Bonifacio tourist guide with another of the historical monuments to see in the upper town: the Sainte-Marie Majeure church.

Its construction began in the 12th century by the Pisans but was only completed a century later by the Genoese. It is not only the main church of Bonifacio but also the oldest building in the whole city.

There is a beautiful loggia where the ancients used to meet to discuss decisions concerning the city.

Tips for your Bonifacio itinerary:

Are you going to Bonifacio?

You know it: the hardest part is certainly to find a hotel offering a good price/performance ratio!

And yes, the closer you get to your travel date, the less availability there will be. Many tourists are going to visit Bonifacio on the same dates as you, and you can be sure that all the best placed and interesting rooms from a price point of view will have already been reserved!

Fortunately, the solution to this problem is simple: do like me and plan ahead!

So take 5 minutes now to take a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Bonifacio.

And if you like a hotel, book it!

Cancellation is often free, it’s quick, easy, and it will protect you from the inconvenience of finding nothing, except mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To see the best offers of the moment on Bonifacio, simply click here.

Once your hotel is booked, it’s time to continue reading this guide!

6. The Marine Cemetery of Bonifacio

Continue to visit Bonifacio by joining the end of the peninsula to the marine cemetery.

Overlooking the Bouches de Bonifacio, you can take a short walk between the white tombs contrasting nicely with the blue of the sea in the background. Interesting to note that these are not simple gray tombs but rather sorts of small temples and family chapels.

The marine cemetery is one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean.

Tips for your Bonifacio itinerary:

You will find a car park right next to the marine cemetery, very practical for visiting the upper town!

7. The Rudder

Leaving the marine cemetery, just opposite, you will find the entrance to the Gouvernail.

Built in 1890 by the French, this tunnel was subsequently used by the armies of Italy and Germany during the Second World War. During your visit you will take the staircase of 168 steps dug by men to reach the blockhouse.

There was a huge searchlight with a range of 12km used to monitor the entrance to the port and part of the Strait of Bonifacio.

Located about 10 meters above sea level, the blockhouse leads to a rock whose shape evoking a ship’s rudder gave its name to the place. The view of the cliffs and the entrance to the Goulet is really nice.

Entrance to the Gouvernail costs €2.50 per person. This is not included in the Monument Pass.

8. The Port of Bonifacio

The port or navy is at the foot of the citadel.

It is a lively area with many bars and restaurants and a few shops. You can take the opportunity to have a drink on the terrace and admire the yachts moored at the quay.

It is from the port that sea cruises leave to see the cliffs of Bonifacio and the shuttles to reach the Lavezzi islands or Sardinia. 

The little train also begins its circuit at this level.

Just opposite the port, you will find paying car parks where you can leave your car while you walk around Bonifacio.

Tips for your Bonifacio itinerary:

If you want an ice cream, head for the Rocca-Serra Glacier located on the quay. It is a real institution in Bonifacio and a must-see during your tour of Corsica!

Ice cream with flavors typical of Corsica such as brocciu or myrtle, or more classic, you will be spoiled for choice.

9. Other Churches in Bonifacio

In addition to the Sainte-Marie Majeure church, you can visit other churches during your stay in Bonifacio:

• The Church of Saint-Jean Baptiste: a church built in 1785 and nicknamed “the Chapel of Mercy”.
• The Saint-Dominique church: classified as a Historic Monument, it is one of the few in Corsica to have some elements of Gothic architecture
• Saint-Erasme church: dedicated to the patron saint of fishermen, it is the only one to be found in the lower part of the town, towards the port
• The Sainte-Croix church: former hospice founded in the 12th century and where a fragment of the cross of Christ is said to be.

10. Take a Boat Trip in Bonifacio

A sea trip at the foot of the cliffs is one of the essentials of a trip to Bonifacio.

Discovering the sea caves, creeks and cliffs from the sea is really an excellent way to discover the city from another angle.

Leaving the port, you will have the chance to pass by:

• The Madonetta lighthouse
• The Sdragonato cave, famous for its hole in the rock (in the ceiling) which has the shape of Corsica
• Fazzio bay known for its pretty beach
• Paraguan beach, just as beautiful
• The Saint-Antoine cave also nicknamed “Napoleon’s hat” for its characteristic shape
• The grain of sand, a large solitary rock at the foot of the cliffs.

And of course, you will have the opportunity to admire the panorama of the citadel, its houses suspended in the void and the famous staircase of the King of Aragon. It is from there that we realize the prowess it took to dig it!

Departures for these boat tours are from the port of Bonifacio. There are about every 30 minutes and the trip lasts 1 hour for the classic boat.

You can also opt for the boat trip with underwater vision: circuit lasting 1h15 with departure every hour. There is no need to book. 

You will find all the information on the official website of the boat company.

11. The Path of Campu Rumanilu and the Lighthouse of Pertusatu

If you no longer know what to do in Bonifacio, I now advise you to leave the upper town to go for a walk on the Campu Rumanilu path.

To join the path, go through the Porte de Gênes and go up the stairs just opposite to go to the Saint-Roch pass.

It is from the many viewpoints along this path that you will be able to take the most beautiful photos of Bonifacio (the ones that are found on all the postcards!).

You don’t have to walk very long to enjoy the beautiful panoramas, but if you want to walk the whole way, the path goes to the 3 Pointes beach (1 hour walk one way).

Another path then takes over, the one that leads to Cap de Pertusatu and the lighthouse of the same name. Count about 1 hour more to go to the end of the cape.

This walk also allows you to reach the beach of Saint-Antoine, a beautiful beach with rocky patches in the water and a sandy part. The beach is famous for its large reef which is shaped like a wrecked ship.

You have 2 ways to get down to the beach:

• A path next to the viewpoint at the lighthouse, but it is very steep and you need good shoes. Don’t try it in flip flops.
• A path just before the lighthouse, much less steep. You will be at the beach in less than 10 minutes.

Close to the beach, don’t miss the open-air cave of the Orca either , the place is magnificent.

Tips for your Bonifacio itinerary:

If you don’t feel like walking all along the trail, you can also take your car and park on the road that runs alongside it.

You will also find a small car park near the semaphore. Then count about twenty minutes on foot to reach the end of the cape or the beach of Saint-Antoine.

If you are looking for a good spot to go and admire the sunset in Bonifacio, go to the old artillery battery, just after 3 Pointes beach.

12. The Best Activities to Do in Bonifacio

If you have decided to go to Bonifacio for several days, you will surely want to do some very nice activities.

I offer you a small list of activities to do in Bonifacio and around:

• Horseback riding , for an equestrian ride by the sea ( book here! ) or on the cliffs of Bonifacio ( book directly here! ) to enjoy a superb view!
• Paddle on the turquoise water of the Piantarella lagoon. It was awesome!
• Kayaking , windsurfing and kitesurfing, always at Piantarella beach
• Paddle, towed buoy, pedal boat, water skiing, from Maora beach to Bonifacio
• Jet-skiing, departing from the port of Bonifacio
• Diving to explore the superb seabed of the Bouches de Bonifacio reserve
• The seabob, an underwater vehicle that can tow you up to 20 km/h on water and under water. This activity is not very widespread yet so take advantage of your itinerary in Corsica to try it!
• Mountain biking, ideal for walking in the countryside of Bonifacio
• Quad on the heights of Bonifacio for the views of the citadel
• Golf: the Sperone golf course is one of the most beautiful courses in the world, its location is exceptional.

What to do around Bonifacio?

To continue your Corsica itinerary, after visiting the city, I suggest you discover the surroundings of Bonifacio.

13. The Lavezzi Islands

Impossible to visit the surroundings of Bonifacio without going to spend a day in the Lavezzi Islands.

Part of the terrestrial and marine natural reserve of the mouths of Bonifacio, the Lavezzi archipelago is only 30 minutes by boat from the city. Departures are from the port every hour from 9:30 am.

The archipelago is a truly exceptional protected natural area , both in terms of the beauty of the beaches and the richness of the fauna and flora. The small coves with translucent water and fine sand of the archipelago are just waiting for you!

The boat will land you on Lavezzi Island where you will have all the time you want to swim and walk around.

A path goes all around the island. It normally takes around 1 hour, but allow 2-2.5 hours with the photo stops!

Personally, I recommend La Chiesa beach, which for me is the prettiest with its large rocks that prevent boats from anchoring too close.

You won’t find anything on the island: no bar, no drinking water, no toilets. So remember to bring the necessary for the day, including sunscreen.

On the return trip, the boat will also take you past the island of Cavallo where wealthy landlords and some stars own a vacation home.

It will also take you to the side of the beach of Piantarella, Sperone, at the foot of the cliffs to see the Aragon staircase and the grain of sand and will end with the cave of Sdragonato. 

The journey being really similar to that of the one-hour sea trip I told you about above, if you plan to go to the Lavezzi Islands, you don’t have to do it.

Tips for your Bonifacio itinerary:

To take the return boat from Lavezzi Island, plan to reach the quay at least 20 minutes before departure, otherwise you will have to wait for the next one.

On the return boat, try to stand on the right side of the boat, as all the sights are located on this side.

As I told you a little earlier, the SPBM provides 2 free car parks for its customers 5 minutes walk from the port, after the gendarmerie. You can therefore leave your car there during your trip to the Lavezzi Islands.

 

Just like for the sea trip at the foot of the cliffs of Bonifacio, you have 2 other solutions if you want a VIP experience.

• Book a day boat trip to the Lavezzi Islands in a small group.

You will embark on Tony’s boat for a superb cruise to discover not only the caves of Bonifacio but also the sublime coves of the Lavezzi islands. 

This boat tour obviously includes swimming stops to enjoy the crystal clear water but also an excellent lunch of pasta with clams.

This day trip departs from the port of Bonifacio every day but you must book in advance as there are few places available.

• Opt for a totally private excursion by renting a boat with a skipper or why not rent a boat outright , if you are lucky enough to have the permit!

14. Most Beautiful Beaches around Bonifacio

Where to go to the beach around Bonifacio? What are the best places to swim?

I give you my list of the most beautiful beaches:

East of Bonifacio:

• The beach of Piantarella where there is a pretty lagoon ideal for kayaking and where you can practice many other water activities.
• Petit Sperone beach: a very pretty cove of white sand and shallow turquoise water, sheltered from the wind. Reachable 10 minutes walk from Piantarella. It is one of the most famous beaches in Bonifacio and it is ranked in the top 10 beaches to see in Corsica.
• Grand Sperone beach: a little bigger than Petit Sperone (hence its name) but also very pretty with white sand and turquoise water. 10 minutes walk from Petit Sperone beach.
• Maora beach: a small ocher sand beach with a nautical base and a snack bar. Part of the beach is private. You can also rent boats there. Ideal for families.
• Cara Lunga: series of small coves, the first of which is easily accessible in 5 minutes on foot from the car park. Not very touristy and quite cute, with 1 straw hut and a bistro selling drinks and sandwiches.
• Balistra beach: a very large, wild and very pretty white sand beach surrounded by the mountains with a pond just behind. There is a small restaurant bar and access is via a track in good condition at the end of which is a large car park (place popular with vans/camping cars).

Au North of Bonifacio:

• Paragan beach: a very pretty beach of fine sand located in a cove sheltered from the wind, really great for swimming! It is accessible by car but then you have to park along the road.
• Fazzio beach: which you can reach in just 15 minutes on foot from Paragan beach. Located at the bottom of a small fjord, very pretty with its large rocks and nice for swimming.
• Tunara Beach: another beautiful sandy beach with shallow water and easily accessible by car. Car park and restaurant. Very touristic.
• Stagnolu beach: following the path by the sea from the Tunara, you will reach Stagnolu in just 5 minutes on foot. Between the 2, there are several small coves where you can swim. Stagnolu is a beautiful, fairly wild white sand beach. It is from this beach that you can follow the Fenu trail which goes to Paragan beach.

15. The Nearby Coastal Paths

If you like to walk and want to take advantage of your holidays in Bonifacio to take beautiful walks, I recommend that you take one of the coastal paths.

In addition to the Campu Rumanilu trail, you will have the choice between:

• The Fenu path which runs along the seaside from Tunara beach to Paragan beach
• Another path, also called de Fenu, which joins the Capu di Fenu lighthouse but passing through the maquis and not the seaside
• The Strada Vecia and Madonetta path or “beach path”  to reach the Madonetta lighthouse, Fazzio beach and Paragan beach
• The path that leads to Catena beach and then to Arinella beach, the 2 small coves just outside the port of Bonifacio
• The Lavezzi Island trail to go all the way around and see the most beautiful beaches.

16. Porto-Vecchio

Around Bonifacio, I strongly advise you to go to Porto-Vecchio.

Located just 40 minutes by car, the region is home to several sumptuous beaches which are regularly cited among the most beautiful in Corsica:

• Rondinara Beach
• Santa Giulia beach
• Palombaggia beach
• Tamaricciu beach
• Pinarelllu beach

Fine sand, turquoise water, a beautiful environment, hard to say which is the prettiest! To form your own opinion, the best thing is to put on your swimsuit and devote yourself to testing :-D.

17. Sartene

Do you want a change from the beach and wondering what to visit near Bonifacio?

I suggest you take your car, go north, on the road between Bonifacio and Ajaccio and stop at Sartène (1 hour drive).

Small typical Corsican village, with its stone houses and narrow streets, Sartène is certainly very touristy but has managed to retain its charm. The walk to visit it starts from the Place de la Liberation, towards the Sainte-Marie church.

The Sartène tourist office provides you with an audioguide for €5 if you wish to have explanations of the buildings.

Tips for your Bonifacio itinerary:

Before arriving in Sartène, stop at the Casa di Roccapina belvedere to observe the huge rock in the shape of a lying lion. Below, you can also see the beach of Roccapina.

18. Propriano

Just after Sartène, about ten kilometers away, is one of the most famous seaside resorts between Bonifacio and Ajaccio: Propriano.

The center of the village is almost exclusively made up of restaurants and shops.

Several shipping companies also offer day trips to discover:

• The wild coasts of Sartenais-Valinco and its beaches inaccessible by road. A 3-hour swimming stop is planned on the beach of Tivella.
• The Scandola nature reserve and the creeks of Piana, classified as World Heritage by UNESCO.
• The creeks of Belvedere, passing by the Bay of Barbary and the islet of birds.

Information on timetables and prices can be found on the official website of the company that organizes these sea trips.

There are also several beaches around Propriano:

• Portigliolo beach: located at the mouth of the river, it is wild and immense.
• The beach of Campomoro from which you can walk to the tower of Campomoro.
• All the beaches of the Gulf of Valinco starting from the right of the port: Barraci, Marinca, Calanca etc…

19. Filitosa

Filitosa is one of the few prehistoric sites in Corsica. It is about 1h30 drive from Bonifacio, a little after Propriano.

Classified as a historical monument, the site was discovered in 1946. Traces of occupation dating from the 6th century BC until the Roman period have been found there.

During your visit, you will be able to discover many of the archaeological remains brought to light during the excavations, including statue-menhirs in human forms and on which daggers and swords are engraved.

The information can be found on the official website.

Tips for your Bonifacio itinerary:

I find the price of 9 euros per person unfortunately far too high for this site, which can be visited in about 30 minutes. It’s all the more unfortunate that the place is nice, but an entry price of around 4 euros per person would have been more appropriate in my opinion.

If you want to see prehistoric sites in Corsica, I recommend that you take a trip to the archaeological sites of the pianu de Cauri, near Sartène, which are completely free!

They include:

• The megalithic alignments of I Stantari,
• Those of Renaghju,
• The Funtanaccia dolmen

You will find more info on the place on the website of the Collectivity of Corsica.

20. Sardinia

To conclude this top 20 things to do and see in Bonifacio, I even suggest you leave Corsica to visit another country: Sardinia (and therefore Italy!).

From the port of Bonifacio, a ferry takes you to Sardinia in less than an hour and for around €30 per person. The ferry will land you in Santa Teresa de Gallura, in the very north of the island.

In this area, you should not miss the Capo Testa and the Maddalena islands. These are 2 of my favorite places during my trip to Sardinia.

If you want to continue your holidays with an itinerary in Sardinia, you will find all my articles on the destination here: Visit Sardinia. 

How many days to visit Bonifacio?

To visit the city of Bonifacio, one day is enough.

But I advise you to stay at least 3 days in Bonifacio to have time to go to the Lavezzi Islands and discover the surrounding beaches. It would be a shame to miss out on some of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica!

Here is the program that I propose to you to visit Bonifacio:

1 Day Bonifacio Itinerary

If you have planned to spend a day in Bonifacio, I suggest you follow the following itinerary to see as many places of interest as possible:

• Start by visiting the upper town of Bonifacio
• Passage through the Porte de Gênes and stop at the tourist office to buy your Monument Pass and get the city map
• Visit of the Bastion de l’Etendard (included in the Monument Pass)
• Photo stop in the market square
• Discovery of the Sainte-Marie Majeure church
• Go see the Church of St. John the Baptist, the Church of St. Croix, and the Church of St. Dominic
• Descend the famous King of Aragon stairs (included in the Monument Pass)
• Go through the Marine Graveyard 
• Descend into the Gouvernail tunnel
• Lunch break
• Walk on the Campu Rumanilu trail to admire the viewpoints of the cliffs and the citadel
• Join the port for a one-hour sea trip, the opportunity to see the city from another angle.
  

2 Days Bonifacio Itinerary

For a 2-day stay in Bonifacio, I advise you to resume the program of day 1 with a small variation:

• Follow my Day 1 itinerary to the Campu Rumanilu trail ride
• Push the promenade to the Pertusato lighthouse
• Finish by the beach of Saint-Antoine
• (Remove sea walk)

On day 2, set sail for the Lavezzi Islands and spend the day enjoying the beautiful beaches and coves. 

3 Days Bonifacio Itinerary

If you have planned to leave for 3 days in Bonifacio, go back to the schedule of the previous 2 days and add:

• A day to the beach of Petit and Grand Sperone. You can take the opportunity to go kayaking or windsurfing on Piantarella beach (10 minutes walk from Petit Sperone) if you are tired of sunbathing.

Or

• If you prefer a sportier version, take one of the coastal paths to alternate walking and swimming.

4, 5 Days or 1 Week in Bonifacio

If you have 4, 5 days or a week in Bonifacio, I recommend:

• To go swimming on some of the most beautiful beaches of Porto-Vecchio
• To go up towards the North West of Bonifacio to discover Filitosa, Propriano, Sartène and Roccapina. Everything can be done on the same day.
• To indulge in some activities, whether nautical (jet-ski, seabob) or land (quad, mountain bike).

Have you finished your stay in Corsica? So why not continue your holiday in Sardinia! You will reach this island of Italy in less than an hour from the port of Bonifacio.

If you want an idea of ​​things to do in Sardinia, it’s in this article: What to do in Sardinia?

Accommodation in Bonifacio

To stay in Bonifacio, you can either choose accommodation in the heart of the city (citadel/port) to be close to everything, or move away a bit if you prefer more calm.

I have prepared a selection of accommodation for you according to these 2 categories.

Accommodation in the center of Bonifacio

• Best Western Hotel du Roy d’Aragon: Located in the old port of Bonifacio. Modern and welcoming double room from €80, breakfast at €14.50. The pluses: the location at the foot of the citadel, the good breakfast, the free parking. It is our favorite for its price/performance ratio in Bonifacio!
• Solemare: Located 100 meters from the port and 800 meters from the King of Aragon staircase. Modern double room with original decoration overlooking the port from €110, breakfast €15. Most: the heated outdoor swimming pool, the view, the location, the private car park. One of the few hotels in the center with a swimming pool in Bonifacio!
• Santateresa: Located in the upper town of Bonifacio. Design and comfortable double room with sea view from 180€ per night, breakfast at 17€. Most: the excellent location for visiting Bonifacio, the breathtaking view, the neat decoration, the private car park. This is our recommendation for a luxury stay in Bonifacio!

Accommodation around Bonifacio

• Hotel Maora Village: Located 300 meters from Maora beach and 6 km from Bonifacio. Double room with private terrace from €75, breakfast included. Most: the swimming pool, the jacuzzi, the calm, the excellent breakfast. The best choice for an economical stay in Bonifacio!
• Les Chambres De Casarina: Located 400 meters from Maora beach and 6 km from the center of Bonifacio. Comfortable and tastefully decorated double room, with balcony, from €150, breakfast included and served in your room. Most: the heated swimming pool, the beautiful garden, the setting, the calm.
• Hotel Cala di Greco: Located 2 km from the upper town of Bonifacio. Bright suite decorated with great care, some with a private swimming pool, from €200, breakfast at €16. The pluses: the 2 large heated outdoor swimming pools, the exceptional view of Bonifacio, the magnificent setting. This is our recommendation for a romantic weekend in Bonifacio!
• Hotel Version Maquis Citadelle: This 5* hotel is located 1.5 km from the citadel. It offers sublime suites, spacious and with private terrace from €450 per night, breakfast included. Most: the infinity pool, the calm, the attentive staff, the restaurant. This is our recommendation for a stay in a luxury hotel in Bonifacio!

Where to eat in Bonifacio

• A SULIATA: Located on the road to Sant’Amanza, 10 minutes by car from Bonifacio. This restaurant with panoramic terrace overlooking the sea offers very good pizzas cooked over a wood fire. They are plentiful and excellent. To underline the very good welcome and the kindness of the staff. Reservation highly recommended.
• La minute Moule: Located rue du Moulin, in the upper town. You will have understood from its name, we come here to taste mussels (and not just any mussels since they come from the pond of Diane, located in the east of Corsica). You choose the size of your plate of mussels and the sauce, and it all comes with homemade fries with a drink included. It’s simple and effective for an excellent value for money!
• Restaurant les Quatre Vents: Located on the port, this restaurant mainly offers dishes based on fish and seafood. The products are of high quality and you can enjoy your dishes on the terrace with a view of the yachts.

How to get to Bonifacio?

By plane

The nearest airport to Bonifacio is Figari , 20 km away.

Arrived at the airport, the best is then to rent a car for all your trips during your stay in Bonifacio and the surrounding area.

And ferry

Unfortunately Bonifacio is not served from the mainland or Italy.

As I was telling you, only a ferry goes regularly to the North of Sardinia. 

If you decide to take the boat from France, you can arrive in Porto-Vecchio, a 40-minute drive from Bonifacio.

By boat shuttle

From Ajaccio or Porticcio, you can go to Bonifacio by taking the maritime shuttle. There are departures only on Wednesdays and it still takes 3 hours to travel one way.

You then have 4 hours of free time in Bonifacio before taking the boat back.

If you are interested in taking the boat to visit Bonifacio from Ajaccio, you just have to click on the following orange link: From Ajaccio – Cruise to Bonifacio.

Tourist map of Bonifacio

To help you visualize the city a little better, I made you a  tourist map of Bonifacio listing the places to visit that I talk about in this top 20 things to do in Bonifacio. You can display the map legend by clicking on the top left button with a small arrow.

And you, what are you planning to do in Bonifacio?

If you have any questions to organize your visit, do not hesitate to ask me in the comments.

Are you going to Corsica, Read also

Discover all our articles on Corsica: all articles on Corsica are listed here.

• What to do in Corsica? The Top 20 Best Things to Do and See
• Itinerary: A week in Corsica – The perfect itinerary to visit the South of Corsica
• Itinerary: 5 days in Corsica – The ideal circuit to visit Corsica in 10 days
• Best Accommodation in Corsica