This Corsican town sits atop white limestone cliffs, with a medieval citadel, narrow streets, and a natural harbor. Nearby, the King of Aragon's Staircase descends the cliff face.
Bonifacio, perched on white limestone cliffs at Corsica's southern tip, overlooks the Mediterranean. In this town, you can explore the medieval Citadel, climb down the King of Aragon's Staircase cut into the cliff face, or take a boat tour along the coast. The Old Town's narrow streets and the bustling marina offer distinct experiences for visitors.
Clifftop Location of Bonifacio
Bonifacio sits on white limestone cliffs rising 70 meters above the sea on Corsica's southern edge. The town has two main areas: the fortified Haute Ville (Upper Town) on the promontory and the Marina area in a narrow inlet below. From Bonifacio, you can see Sardinia across the Strait of Bonifacio, just 12 km away. The limestone cliffs along the coastline have eroded over time, forming sea caves and grottoes.
Navigating the Old Town
As you walk through the medieval Haute Ville, you'll find narrow cobblestone streets flanked by tall stone houses, some right on the cliff edge. The lanes lead to small squares, churches, and viewpoints overlooking the sea and harbor. You can visit the 13th century Church of Sainte-Marie-Majeure, which displays both Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements. For a view of the area, head to the terrace of the Bastion de l'Etendard, which also houses a small museum about Bonifacio's past.
Descending the King of Aragon's Staircase
The Escalier du Roi d'Aragon (King of Aragon's Staircase) is a steep 187-step stairway cut into the limestone cliff. Despite its name, local residents likely carved it to reach a freshwater spring, not for Aragonese forces during their 15th century siege. The staircase descends at a 45-degree angle, allowing you to see the sea and cliffs as you climb. At the bottom, you can explore a small grotto near sea level.
Activities in the Harbor Area
The natural harbor below the cliffs is a center of activity in Bonifacio. You'll find restaurants, cafes, and shops along the waterfront, with docks for yachts and fishing boats. From here, you can join boat excursions to explore the coastline and nearby islands. Many visitors take trips to the Lavezzi Islands marine reserve or tours of the sea caves and rock formations along the cliffs. A ferry service also connects Bonifacio to Santa Teresa di Gallura in Sardinia.
Nearby Beaches and Nature Reserve
While Bonifacio has few beaches within the town, several sandy shores are a short distance away. Petit Sperone beach, 4 km from town, has calm turquoise waters for swimming. Further out, Rondinara Beach offers a curved bay with fine sand. The Bouches de Bonifacio Nature Reserve protects the marine ecosystem in the strait between Corsica and Sardinia. You can go snorkeling or diving in this area to see the local marine life.
Transportation to and around Bonifacio
You can drive to Bonifacio in about 3 hours from Ajaccio or Bastia. The closest airport is Figari-Sud Corse, about 20 km away. In Bonifacio, walking is the best way to explore the Old Town. If you prefer not to climb the steep streets, a tourist train connects the harbor area with the Upper Town. Renting a car allows you to visit the surrounding coastline and beaches. During busy periods, it's best to arrive early or use parking lots outside the center, as parking in town is limited.
