Making the most of Bonifacio Corsica
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Bonifacio offers one of the Mediterranean’s most impressive cruise arrivals. As ships turn from the sea into the sheltered Goulet de Bonifacio inlet, the port’s former role as a pirate stronghold is easy to imagine. The lower town sits directly behind the quay, so shuttles and taxis are unnecessary unless leaving town. Reach the upper town by a long staircase or the sloping road; access to its 100 steps is from the marina beside Church of St. Erasme.
Most vessels anchor, tendering passengers to Bonifacio’s small yet smart cruise terminal, through which all passengers pass.
A printable map is available to take along.
Bonifacio is renowned for its majestic citadel, built in the 9th century by Boniface II of Tuscany. Genoese influences and vivid colours recall regional traditions that have safeguarded its historical and cultural heritage.
Corsica’s southernmost picturesque town looks over the blue Mediterranean toward Sardinia. Its narrow cobbled alleys retain an unusual medieval atmosphere, and ancient stone houses from the fortress-like, frequently besieged community cling to a remarkable site: a towering limestone promontory plunging into the sea 200ft below.
Bonifacio has two parts. Vieille Ville, the old town, or la Haute Ville, the Upper city, occupies a peninsula above the Mediterranean Sea at the site of a 9th-century citadel. Most inhabitants live in the Haute Ville.
The harbour has fine views of the soaring cliffs around it.
Bonifacio’s municipal Tourism office is at 2, rue Fred Scamaroni.
Getting around
A boat trip around the inlet gives the best views of ancient houses perched on the cliffs. Boat tours can be booked from the dock area.
The Petit Train travels to the upper town. Its commentary is French-only, but the views are pretty and it saves climbing many steps.
Nearby places
To explore beyond town, hire a car, but expect tricky driving on narrow, winding roads. Public transport does not run frequently.
Food and shopping
Local artisans make attractive souvenirs from chestnut and juniper wood. Shops along the upper town’s main street have a good choice of these beautiful carvings, while shops by the marina offer a wide souvenir range. Most shops close from 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Money
The currency is the Euro.
Staying connected
For local emergencies, call 112.
Opening Hours and
In France, most shops, businesses, information services, museums and banks remain open all day. Smaller shops and enterprises may instead close for lunch between 12.30pm and 2pm. Big shops normally trade Monday to Saturday, 8 or 9am to 6.30 or 7.30pm; smaller ones trade Tuesday to Saturday, although some open Monday afternoon. Boulangeries and food shops can always be found open on other closing days, normally until noon on Sunday.