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Located on the southern end of the island of Corsica, Bonifacio is right on the Mediterranean Sea and sits opposite of the island of Sardinia by the Strait of Bonifacio.
It’s the only harbor on the southern coast and has the unique status of being part of a combined national park that is shared by Italy and France regarding the Strait of Bonifacio marine park, which has been a nature reserve since 1993. White limestone and stunning cliffs are the hallmarks of this area, which exploring by boat is always a great idea!
There are plenty of other opportunities to explore during a visit to Bonifacio. Let’s take a look at a few more of them right now!
Ancient Sites Dominate This Region
There haven’t been many profound prehistoric discoveries in the world, but there has been more than one found on Corsica near Bonifacio. The one with perhaps the most importance is just north of the city from an ancient cave shelter. Both are dated to either the late Mesolithic or early Neolithic period and prove that a major trade route existed with Sardinia since the earliest of times.
Unlike other European and Mediterranean communities, the Roman influence on Corsica is negligible at best. Corsica gets hardly a mention from Ptolemy in his geography reports and only one road, the aptly named Via Corsica, rate along the island. Rome lost control of Corsica by the middle of the 5th century and it remained in contention for nearly 3 centuries afterward until the Holy Roman Empire took control. In the 9th century is when the modern city of Bonifacio came into existence and you can tour the citadel today for a trip back into history.
There are also two Genoese towers that are in the area for those who love exploring, while there are tow historic churches that were classified as historic monuments in France in the mid 19th century. All in all, these all make for a wonderful adventure and for added fun, several ferries run to Sardina daily for more exploration possibilities.
Want a Day At the Beach? Then La Tonnara Is the Place To Be!
La Tonnara Beach has a little bit of everything, which makes it the perfect place to be on any given afternoon. There are enough rocky outcroppings that those who love to explore tide pools or along the shore will have plenty of new places to discover. Windsurfing or kite surfing is available on the beach and there is also a bungee trampoline that will really get the kids having some fun. The cliffs around Bonifacio provide a wonderful place for rock climbing and canyoning and there are motorized water sports available too.
No matter what your preference may be when you visit Bonifacio, there is something that will speak to your soul during your visit here. Whether you love to be active and adventurous or you just want to cook your own luxury meals from fresh, local ingredients obtained from the market, this community has everything you’d ever want. Why not begin your exploration efforts today?
Bonifacio A - Z
About Corsica
Corsica is an island of various contrasts, from expansive beach areas all around the coastline to mountainous regions full of dramatic beauty. Corsica holidays offer the chance to experience a rich flavour of France, one with strong influences of nearby Italy. The island’s capital and towns are delightful to explore and are brimming with many centuries of culture and history.
The French island of Corsica is a popular European tourism destination. It’s located off the southeast coast of France and is west of Italy. Lying in the Mediterranean Sea, Corsica has a mountain range running down it like a spine; this gives the island different climates at the various altitudes: hot Mediterranean at lower levels, cooler temperate higher up and chilly alpine in the highest parts. The island is served via air links to the main Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport, just outside the capital, Ajaccio, as well as three others around the island. Corsica holidays are a relaxing getaway in a beautiful part of France.
There’s lots of great accommodation for your Corsica holidays, and gorgeous areas to stay in. Ajaccio is a good choice for those who want to get to their accommodation as quickly as possible as it is located near to the international airport. The capital is a beautiful place with stunning views out across the Mediterranean, and is a wonderful cultural mix of French and Italian. Other areas popular with visitors include Bonifacio on the southern tip of the island and Calvi on the northwest coast. Porto Vecchio, on the southeast coast, is also a good area to stay and has some great accommodation.
Corsica’s beautiful beaches are a prime attraction for many people, who just want to relax on them and soak up the sun while taking the occasional dip in the warm Mediterranean Sea. Among the best beaches on the island are Cupabia and Campomoro in the southwest and Lozari and Calvi in the northwest. Moriani beach, on the east coast, is great for families while Palombaggia in the south is popularly known as ‘the most beautiful beach’ on the island.
From the moment you arrive in Corsica, you can’t escape the fact that this island was where the French military leader Napoleon Bonaparte was born. The international airport is named after him, and visitors can see the house where he lived.
Corsica is great for hill walking and hiking, and there are numerous routes you can take up into the hills and mountains, where you’ll see dramatic views of the island. If you’re walking in the Balagne region in the northwest of Corsica – known as the Garden of the Island – you can visit charming hilltop villages that have hardly changed in centuries.
On your Corsica holidays you can also take in the charms of the island’s towns, including Bonifacio on the southern coast. This ancient fortress town is popular with tourists during the summer months, due to its lovely beaches and sights. In the capital, Ajaccio, you can visit Musee Fesch, the main museum of fine arts on the island, as well as strolling around the streets of this attractive place and viewing its many monuments.
In the evening, dine out at some amazing restaurants on the island, and sample some of the best of local fare. Corsican cuisine is a mix of French and Italian and is big on fresh vegetables, seafood and olive oil. Corsica also produces some good-quality wines.
