Bonifacio
Quick Facts
Language: FrenchCurrency: Euro
Area Codes: 04
Other Cities in this Region
Corsica measures only 133 miles long and fifty miles wide. But its terrain varies greatly, with mountains and plains fighting each other for space, giving you the impression that the island is much larger. The Greeks called the island Kalliste, which means most beautiful. Corsica's advantageous geographic location has caused republics to battle over the small island for centuries. Located just one hundred miles south of France and fifty miles west of Italy, Corsica has seen its share of rulers over the years. The island was ruled by the city-states of Genoa and Pisa, before the French gained control. Corsica's language, an complex mix of French, Italian, and Latin, reflects these changes.
Bonifacio is on the southern tip of Corsica, less than ten miles from Sardinia, which is an Italian territory. The area remained the property of Genoa longer than the rest of the island, and as a result, there is more of a Genovese feeling here than elsewhere on Corsica, including the language, which more closely resembles Italian than French, or even Corsican.
The stunning views from Bonifacio are alone worth the trip to Corsica. On clear days you can watch the water breaking against the Sardinian coastline, and the beaches with their crystal clear turquoise water are the perfect place to lie back, relax, forget your cares and enjoy yourself.
Docking & Local Transportation
Cruise ships dock at the Port of Bonifacio, an area controlled by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Ajaccio and South Corsica. There is road access to the rest of Bonifacio immediately outside the port.
Bonifacio is on Corsica's southern tip, and ferries frequently make the trip to Sardinia, just eight miles to the south. In Bonifacio itself, taxis are the preferred method of transportation
Local Interests
The Bonifacio tourist office (2 Rue Fred Scamaroni, 04/9573-1188) will be happy to point you in the right direction, with maps and brochures highlighting the city's attractions. Bonifacio's main attraction is its ancient fortress. The Bastion de l'Etendard is not showing its age, and you can marvel at the advanced mechanical ingenuity of the Middle Ages by studying the weight and pulley system used to raise the drawbridge. Inside is a series of life-sized representations of Bonifacio's rich history. The fortress is only open during the summer months. The Haute Ville is Bonifacio's upper village, which some speculate was the inspiration for part of Homer's Odyssey.
Bonifacio's city center is where you will find Ste-Marie-Majeure, a 12th Century church still standing today, despite attacks from man and nature. A Roman sarcophagus dating from the 3rd Century was brought here when Ste-Marie-Majeure was consecrated.
The locals in Bonifacio often take boat trips out to the nearby Lavezzi Islands, where you can engage in all sorts of water sports and enjoy the pristine natural beauty. The Dragon Grottoes and Venus Bath are other popular maritime destinations. Contact the Hotel La Caravelle (04/9573-0003) for details.
Activities
Beaches
Bonifacio has some stunning beaches, with beautiful turquoise waters and white sand. Plage de Sotta Rocca and Tornara are two of the finer ones, and one of the best views in all of Bonifacio is at the Arch of Rondinara, a partially enclosed cove, with nearby beaches almost forming a circle around a perfect sea. As you head towards Porto-Vecchio, you will come across another great spot, Palombaggia.
Outdoor Pursuits
Bicycling from Bonifacio to nearby Porto-Vecchio is a popular pastime, not to mention a great workout. It's a sixteen mile ride over rolling hills. Divers are particularly fond of Bonifacio, and there are a handful of dive shops available to serve them. The Barakouda Club (Avenue Sylver Bohn, 04/9573-1302) is reputable, but the best place to go for all of your diving needs is Club Atoll (www.atoll-diving.com, 04/9573-0283). Golfers will be challenged at Sperone, a beautiful course set beside Piantarella beach (Domaine de Sperone, 04/9573-1713).
Shopping
Haute Ville is Bonifacio's answer to Rome's Piazza di Spagna, with lots of small boutiques and shops clamoring for your attention. Sample some of Corsica's prize products, including rare sheep and goat cheeses and Corsican chestnuts, among the world's finest.
Dining & Nightlife
Cantina Dora, a little no-nonsense place in Old Town, is a good spot for homemade dishes. It's also quite friendly to vegetarians. If you want something a little more elegant, try Hôtel du Centre Nautique (04/9573-0211). The lobster here is the definition of fresh, and the view of the beach is fantastic. Les 4 Vents (29 Quai Bando del Ferro, 04/9573-0750) features food with a Germanic influence, including sausage and sauerkraut.
Although it is by no means a party town, Bonifacio has more than enough night spots, considering it's a fairly small town. Among the best are Amnesia (Poggio d'Olmo, 04/9572-1222) and Le Langoustier (Quai Comparetti, 04/9573-0114).