Bonifacio
Clifftop Citadel Town At The Southern Tip Of Corsica, Above White Limestone Cliffs Over The Strait Of Bonifacio, Facing Sardinia · Bonifacio, Corsica
Bonifacio sits at the southern tip of Corsica, a walled old town, the Haute Ville, built right on the edge of white limestone cliffs that the sea has undercut, so that some houses seem to hang over the water. Below it lies a long, narrow natural harbour, a fjord-like inlet lined with yachts, restaurants and boat-trip kiosks, and across the Strait of Bonifacio the coast of Sardinia is clearly visible on fine days. The town was a Genoese stronghold for centuries, and its ramparts, gates, churches and narrow lanes of tall houses survive. The King of Aragon's Staircase, a steep flight cut into the cliff face, leads down to the sea. Boat trips run along the cliffs and into sea caves, and out to the Lavezzi islands, a protected archipelago of granite boulders and clear water. A cliff-top path leads east to the Pertusato lighthouse, and Santa Manza and Rondinara beaches are a short drive away. In July and August it is very busy, parking is difficult and prices are high.
Haute Ville and the marina, Bonifacio, Corse-du-Sud, Bonifacio, Corsica, France
The Haute Ville, its lanes, ramparts viewpoints and the marina are open at all hours and free to walk, but most paid sights keep seasonal hours. The King of Aragon's Staircase is open mainly from spring to autumn and closes in rough weather or strong wind, with shorter hours in shoulder months, so confirm. The Bosco marine cemetery, churches and small museums in the Haute Ville have their own hours, often closing at midday and for much of the winter. Boat trips to the cliffs, caves and Lavezzi islands run from roughly April to October, several times a day in summer, and are cancelled when the sea is rough or the wind strong, which is common in the strait; book a day or two ahead in high season. Ferries to Santa Teresa Gallura in Sardinia run all year with far fewer crossings in winter. Many restaurants and hotels close from about November to March or April. The small tourist train and shuttles up to the Haute Ville run mainly in summer. Car parks near the marina and the upper town fill by mid-morning in July and August.