Bonifacio Overview

Bonifacio is a town and commune on the southern tip of the island of Corsica, in the département of Corse-du-Sud, France. is split into two sections. The vieille ville (old town) and la Haute Ville (the Upper city), on the site of a 9th century citadel, is located on a peninsula overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Most of the inhabitants reside in the Haute ville, including the town's most famous inhabitant, Marie-José Nat. The harbor below, la marine which is at the end of a fjord-like inlet that provides a natural harbor, is a port for a large number of fishing and tourist boats.
The town's charm and proximity to idyllic beaches makes it a popular tourist destination in the summer, predominantly for residents of mainland France. Bonifacio is also a gateway to the small Isles Lavezzi (Lavezzi Islands), which are the southernmost part of France, and have been designated a marine preserve by the French government.

Bonifacio Guide - Fast Facts

   
Country: France
Location: South Corsica
Country Code: +33
Population: 2,660
Language: French
Currency: Euro (€)
Time Zone: GMT+1
Train Station: None
Tourism: Bonifacio Toursim

Transportation in Bonifacio

By Car From Ajaccio centre:Take Cours Napoleon turn left onto Boulevard Bonaparte/N193 continue along the N193 at the roundabout take the 1st exit N196 continue along N196 to Propriano. Continue along the N196 towards Sartene and continue along N196 then turn left onto Avenue Charles De Gaulle/D106A then turn left onto Montee Saint- Roch and turn right onto Rue Du Portone and left onto Place D'Armes to reach Bonifacio centre. From Bastia city centre: Take Avenue Pierre Giudicelli/D81, turn right onto D81 and the right onto N193 via Crocette, at the roundabout take the 2nd exit N198, continue along the N198 and turn left onto N196. To reach Bonifacio city centre, continue along the N196 turn left onto Avenue Charles De Gaulles/D160A and turn left onto MOntee Saint- Roch and turn right onto Rue de Portone. The left onto Place D'armes.

By Ferry Moby Lines operates 5 ferry crossings daily to Santa Teresa di Gallura with a 1 hour sailing time.

Must See

  • St Dominic Church
  • King of Aragon's Steps
  • Palazzu Publicu
  • Bastion of the Standard
  • The Beaches

Bonifacio Attractions

Classed as an historical monument, the St Dominic church was built by the Dominicans in 1270 and is one of the rare gothic buildings in Corsica that has an octagonal bell-tower. The interior is simple and uncluttered. There are displays of pictures and several reliquaries. King of Aragon's steps comprises 187 steps. It is said they were carved by hand out of the cliff so that fresh water could be collected from a spring coming out of the cliff. They also served as a secret exit to the sea and Genoa. The steps overhang the sea for 65 metres and a path runs from the bottom giving access to an otherwise inaccessible cave: St Barthélemy's well. Palazzu Publicu is today a Museum of Art and History, it houses various exhibitions, notably on the Bonifacio brotherhoods. Exhibitions concerning the St Barthélémy, Ste Marie Madeleine, Ste Erasme, Ste Croix and St Jean Baptiste brotherhoods can be seen there. The Bastion of the Standard contains the Boniface Memorial, which retraces the major events of the rich history of the city through various amazing scenarios. Bonifacio is also famous for it's beaches with plenty to choose from, you will always be able to find a quite patch just for you!
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