What to do in Bonifacio: TOP 20 things to see and do in 2025
Bonifacio, the pearl of Corsica, offers a multitude of captivating activities to discover in 2025. Whether it's a visit to the emblematic Citadelle, a boat trip to admire the cliffs, or discovering the underwater riches, the options are endless. Don't forget to explore the upper town and city center for a total immersion in this Mediterranean gem. Ready for adventure?
Corsica, a must-see destination
Located at the southernmost tip of Corsica, Bonifacio is the destination of choice for lovers of nature, history and gastronomy. The town offers breathtaking scenery, from turquoise seas to white limestone cliffs.
For history buffs, a visit to the citadel, the Bastion de l'Étendard and theescalier du Roy d'Aragon is a must.
Nature lovers will be delighted by the Campu Rumanilu trail or a crossing to the Lavezzi Islands, a nature reserve of great beauty.
Thrill-seekers won't be outdone by the multitude of water sports available, from jet skiing to scuba diving.
Don't forget to lose yourself in the narrow streets of the old town and savor the local gastronomy. Corsica is a true paradise for the taste buds, with its cheeses, charcuterie and full-bodied wines, and Bonifacio is renowned for its exquisite eggplants à la Bonifacienne.
Finally, take time to admire the sunset from Bonifacio's marine cemetery, an unforgettable sight.
Discover Bonifacio: a jewel of Corsica
Bonifacio, known for its rich historical heritage and breathtaking scenery, offers a multitude of activities to suit all tastes.
For history buffs, a visit to the Genoa Gate and the Bastion de l'Étendard is a must. You can also explore the underground chambers and the Madonetta lighthouse for an insight into the city's complex history.
Nature lovers will be delighted by a walk or horse ride along the coastline, and can indulge in water sports such as kitesurfing or diving. The Lavezzi islands and sea caves are ideal for snorkeling.
Gourmets will not be outdone with the opportunity to sample Bonifacian cuisine, rich in Mediterranean flavors.
Finally, for an unforgettable experience, don't miss the Roy d'Aragon staircase, a true architectural feat offering a breathtaking view of the sea.
Visit Bonifacio's old town
The citadel: an exceptional vantage point
Perched 70 meters above the sea, the Citadelle of Bonifacio offers a breathtaking panoramic view. This historic monument, built in the 9th century, is the town's highest point, from where you can admire the splendid Corsican landscape: turquoise sea, limestone cliffs and hidden beaches.
The Citadelle is also an excellent starting point for exploring the Campu Rumanilu trail. This trail, accessible on foot, takes you through lush Mediterranean scrubland, offering impressive views of the citadel and cliffs.
Don't forget to bring your camera to capture these unforgettable moments. Indeed, the view from the citadel is so exceptional that it has inspired numerous postcards of the region.
Finally, for an even more enriching experience, consider a visit to the Citadelle during your stay in Bonifacio - you'll be charmed by its atmosphere!
The upper town: a journey through time
For a trip back in time, visit Bonifacio's upper town. Walk along cobbled streets winding between centuries-old houses with pastel-colored facades. Several historic monuments and buildings dot this part of town, including the Escalier du Roy d'Aragon, the Porte de Gênes and the Bastion de l'Étendard.
The Escalier du Roy d'Aragon, carved out of the cliff, is an architectural feat with 187 steps offering a panoramic view of the sea.
The Porte de Gênes, marking the entrance to the fortified enclosure of the upper town, bears witness to Bonifacio's strategic importance over the centuries.
The 13th-centuryBastion de l'Étendard houses a museum dedicated to the town's history.
The upper town can be visited on foot or by taking the little tourist train. The latter offers a comfortable and fun way to discover the must-sees of this part of Bonifacio.
Downtown: at the heart of the action
At the heart of the bustle, Bonifacio's town center is a must-see. Here, you'll have the opportunity to wander the picturesque streets, lined with stores, cafés and restaurants offering tasty local cuisine.
Shopping streets: Full of designer boutiques, art galleries and souvenir stores. You'll find everything you need to take a little piece of Bonifacio home with you.
The market square: A gathering place for locals, this is where you can sample local produce and soak up the Bonifacian atmosphere.
Nightlife: Bonifacio never really sleeps. You'll find plenty of bars and clubs where you can dance the night away.
And don't miss the many events that punctuate the town center throughout the year: concerts, street shows, night markets...
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Things to do in Bonifacio
Walking to the beach: a rejuvenating stroll
Walking to the beach in Bonifacio is a rejuvenating activity that lets you enjoy Corsica's natural beauty. You can choose from a number of paths leading to magnificent beaches. For example, the walk to Fazziò beach offers exceptional views of the Mediterranean Sea and the town of Bonifacio.
There's also the option of following a coastal path to Paragan beach. This path takes you through a variety of landscapes, from steep cliffs to secluded coves. You may also spot plants typical of the region and perhaps even wild goats.
For a more sporty experience, the hike to Sant'Antoine beach is an excellent choice. This hike takes around 40 minutes and offers you the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the Mediterranean maquis.
Fazziò beach: exceptional views, accessible in 30 minutes.
Paragan beach: varied scenery, reachable in 40 minutes
Sant'Antoine beach: more challenging hikes, reachable in 40 minutes.
Don't forget to bring water and sun protection for your walk. It's also advisable to check weather conditions before embarking on a hike.
Mini-train tourism: a fun tour
Touring Bonifacio by mini-train is a popular activity with visitors. This guided tour allows you to discover the medieval town's must-see sites in a fun and relaxed way. The tour includes the Marina, the Haute-Ville and the Citadelle, offering panoramic views of the limestone cliffs and turquoise sea.
The little train runs from April 1 to November 5. Departures are every 30 to 45 minutes, offering great flexibility in planning your visit. What's more, strollers can be accommodated in the trunk at the rear of the train, making it an ideal option for families.
In short, Bonifacio's little train is a great way to discover the town, whether you're looking for history, picturesque scenery or just a relaxing ride.
Is it worth visiting the marina?
Visiting Bonifacio's marina is undeniably an enriching experience. Ranked among the top 5 Mediterranean ports for the quality of its welcome and services, it offers a magnificent setting with crystal-clear waters and impressive yachts. The port is renowned for its exceptional location, surrounded by steep cliffs and offering breathtaking views of the fortified town of Bonifacio.
The marina is also the heart of the town's social life. It's packed with restaurants, stores and establishments offering sea excursions. You can stroll along the lively quays, pastel houses and sailboats, savoring the gentle Corsican way of life.
To organize your visit, you can reserve berths online at www.resaportcorse.com. The Bonifacio marina is open every day, with opening times varying according to the season.
All in all, a visit to Bonifacio's marina is a must for anyone wishing to discover the town from a different angle.
How to see Bonifacio's cliffs?
There are several options for admiring Bonifacio's cliffs. You can opt for a sea trip that will take you as close as possible to these impressive limestone formations. Several companies offer boat trips from the port of Bonifacio.
Another option is to follow the footpaths that run along the cliffs. The Campu Rumanilu trail, for example, offers spectacular views of the Bouches de Bonifacio and Sardinia in the distance. Be careful, however, not to cross the protective barriers, as the cliffs can be dangerous.
Finally, a visit to the Haute-Ville (Upper Town) will also allow you to admire the cliffs from above, particularly from the Citadelle.
Must-sees around Bonifacio
Visit Porto-Vecchio: a charming getaway
Porto-Vecchio, just a 40-minute drive from Bonifacio, offers a multitude of attractions. The citadel is a must-see, offering panoramic views over the town and the sea. For nature lovers, the idyllic beaches and natural pools around Porto-Vecchio are not to be missed. Hiking on the Coscione plateau or discovering the Ospédale forest may also be a good idea.
During your visit, don't forget to discover the prehistoric sites around the town. Finally, for a more adventurous experience, opt for a 4x4 excursion or a canyoning session at the Aiguilles de Bavella.
Discover the Lavezzi Islands: a natural paradise
The archipelago of the Lavezzi Islands, just a few kilometers from Bonifacio, is a veritable natural sanctuary. Comprising several islands and islets, including the largest, Ile Lavezzu, this granite complex is classified as an enhanced protection zone of the Nature Reserve. The islands offer breathtaking scenery, with their immense granite boulders, secret coves and beaches of fine white sand, bathed in crystal-clear water.
To get there, you have several options: a shuttle service, a small group day cruise, or a private cruise on a skippered boat. Once there, you can enjoy the wild beauty of the area, swim in the turquoise waters and discover the exceptional flora and fauna of this unspoilt ecosystem. A visit to the Lavezzi Islands is an unforgettable experience, not to be missed during your stay in Bonifacio.
Explore the sea caves: a unique adventure
Exploring Bonifacio's sea caves is both an entertaining and educational activity. Accessible by boat, kayak or even jet-ski, these caves offer a unique experience in discovering the region's natural heritage. Among the most famous are the Grotte di Sdragonato and the Grotte di San Antonio, both renowned for their spectacular beauty. Inside, you can admire amazingly shaped limestone formations, and enjoy the spectacle of the changing colors of the water. Please note, however, that some of these caves are not accessible at high tide. So plan your visit carefully according to weather and tide conditions.
Our local advisors can guide you!
When and how can I visit Bonifacio in 1 day?
To visit Bonifacio in 1 day, start early in the morning. Take advantage of the cooler weather to explore the old town, including the citadel and its sea views. Then take time to stroll through the picturesque streets of the upper town. In the middle of the day, take a lunch break in one of the many restaurants near the port, and in the afternoon, opt for a trip out to sea to admire Bonifacio's cliffs and caves. Several companies offer excursions departing from the port. Alternatively, a hike along the Campu Rumanilu path offers exceptional panoramic views of the Bouches de Bonifacio.
For the best possible visit, remember to :
- Check the opening times of the sites to be visited
- Book tickets for sea outings in advance.
- Provide your own transport for hikes far from the town center.
What to do in Bonifacio when it rains?
Museums and cultural centers: a rainy-day option
Among them, the Bastion de l'Étendard, erected in the 13th century and rebuilt in the 16th, is a fascinating plunge into the town's turbulent past. Every summer, De Renava celebrates contemporary digital art at the Montlaur barracks and, biennally, reveals Bonifacio's hidden gems - former cinemas, impluviums, cisterns - as showcases for these avant-garde works. This unique initiative fuses art, history and innovation, offering visitors a memorable artistic journey in dialogue with the heritage and spirit of the place, while the Galerie Whynot, a souvenir store and art gallery, is an ideal place to discover local art.
Shopping and gastronomy: enjoy the interior
For shopping enthusiasts, a rainy day is the perfect opportunity to explore the local boutiques and craft workshops nestled in Bonifacio's alleyways. You'll find unique Corsican creations, handmade jewelry and quality local products. Gastronomy: Bonifacio is also renowned for its tasty cuisine. Try the local restaurants for a tasting of Corsican specialties, and don't miss out on the experience of tasting Corsican wine, cheese and charcuterie.
What day of the week is it best to go to Bonifacio?
To determine the best day of the week to visit Bonifacio, several factors need to be taken into account. If you want to avoid the crowds, choose weekdays, from Monday to Friday. On weekends, especially in high season (June to August), the town can be very busy. However, it's worth noting that some services, such as guided tours or the little train, can operate at reduced hours outside the tourist season. What's more, for a more peaceful and authentic experience, mornings are often the ideal time to discover the old town and its historic sites. In fact, according to some expert advice, visiting the fortifications or citadel early in the morning or late in the afternoon can be an excellent idea. In conclusion, there is no "best" day to visit Bonifacio - it all depends on your preferences and schedule. Remember to check the opening times of the main attractions before planning your visit.