A magnificent setting on Corsica's southern tip
The ancient town of Bonifacio, on the southern tip of Corsica, is over 1,100 years old, but there’s nothing old-fashioned about today’s buzzing haven, which attracts huge holiday crowds flocking here in summer to experience its truly magnificent setting.
Bonifacio sits on a narrow limestone peninsula, above bright white cliffs that plunge into the Bouches de Bonifacio strait between Corsica and Sardinia. The most scenic way to approach the town is by boat, through a mile-long channel that protects the town's beautiful natural harbour. It’s no wonder that the marina attracts yachts from all over the world, or ferries and passenger boats packed with tourists arriving on holiday from Sardinia and elsewhere. If you don’t fancy the boat trip, you can always fly to Bonifacio from Marseille, or get the bus from other towns on the island.
Bonifacio’s quaint medieval architecture contrasts with the cafés, restaurants and boutiques catering to the tourist trade. The citadel in the Italian-influenced old town was built in the 12th century by Genoese conquerors, and it’s an interesting holiday attraction reached up a long, steep flight of steps. More recently, the citadel housed the headquarters of the French Foreign Legion, which was based there between 1963 and 1983.
There are diversions aplenty in and around Bonifacio, all enhanced by its majestic setting. Water sports of all sorts are available at the nearby Plage de Piantarella, and no visit would be complete without taking a boat trip – perhaps to the nearby Archipel des Lavezzi islands. Golfers are well catered for, and close to Bonifacio is the spectacular Sperone course, which lies at Corsica’s southernmost tip.
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