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Bonifacio Marina Guide |
The 100-metre wide inlet wide forms a deep natural harbour, drawing an international yachting crowd as well as fishing boats and ferries. Numerous tour operators run boat trips from the port, and ferries to Sardinia depart from here.
The town's small aquarium is located right by the waterfront (71 Quai Comparetti). Most of the sea creatures are caught fresh each year and released back into the sea in the autumn. The star exhibit is a giant blue lobster.
The Église St-Érasme is a 13th century church dedicated to the patron saint of fishermen. It is located by the marina at the foot of the steps leading up to the Old Town (Montée Rastello).
Boat Trips
Tour companies in the harbour sell tickets for one hour excursions and also day trips to the Lavezzi islands and Porto-Vecchio. The hourly trip itinerary incorporates the Goulet de Bonifacio (Bonifacio Narrows - stretch of water), the calanques (deep rocky inlets), and the violet coloured Grotto du Sdragonato (Little Dragon Cave) which has a hole shaped like the map of Corsica. These excursions are a great way to view the dramatic sight of Bonifacio's citadel and buildings clinging to the cliff edge, as well as the King Aragon steps.The trips to the beautiful Lavezzi Islands (nature reserve) run on a shuttle service, allowing you a choice of how long to stay on the islands. This excursion also passes by the Island of Cavallo, Pointe de Sperone and several calanques. The hourly tour cost around 14 Euros, and the Lavezzi trips around 25 Euros. It is worth asking around a little for the best deals.
Coastal Walk/ Beaches in Bonifacio
There is a great coastal walk from Bonifacio to the Pertusato lighthouse, with fantastic views back to the Old Town clinging to the cliff face, and across to Sardinia and the Iles de Lavezzi (Lavezzi Islands). The round trip takes around 2 and a half hours with breaks. The path starts to the left of the sharp bend on the hill up to the Old Town (the starting point is signposted). Most of the route is fairly flat, with a climb at the end. The path is in good condition, although note there is no guard rail.The closest sandy beaches to Bonifacio are the tiny coves of Plage de Catena and Plage de l'Arinella, on the opposite (northern) side of the Goulet/harbour to the Old Town. These can be walked to from a path next to the Camping l'Araguina (on the right on the approach road into Bonifacio, close to the harbour). These beaches can suffer from some pollution. There is also a small, stony cove beneath the citadel, accessed by steps down from Avenue Charles de Gaulle.
There are plenty of beautiful beaches within driving distance of Bonifacio - see the Beaches section.