Discover Bonifacio in many different ways: its fortifications and churches tell a story spanning centuries, while walking paths and viewpoints put the coast centre stage. Beach activities and a visit to the protected Lavezzi Archipelago offer other highlights. When planning, consider whether you want to devote most of your time to architectural history, the landscape or the water—and take into account any access requirements for individual activities.
The Bastion and Genoese Architectural History
The Bastion de l’Étendard is a historic monument in the citadel. It towers 25 metres above the harbour and is considered the highest bastion in France. Explanatory panels and video projections present the history of 1,000 years of fortifications. Here, both the structure itself and the development of the defensive works take centre stage.
The churches also highlight different aspects of history. The Église Sainte-Marie-Majeure is one of the oldest monuments of the Genoese colony: the Pisans began building it in the 12th century, and the Genoese completed it in the following century. The Église Saint-Dominique, in turn, is the only building in Corsica originally designed entirely in the Gothic style. Le Gouvernail points to another military function: the site was originally used to watch over the harbour entrance and control traffic through the Bouches de Bonifacio.
Viewpoints and Coastal Visits
The Escalier du Roy d’Aragon consists of 189 uneven steps. From there, you can enjoy views of the sea, Sardinia and the cliffs. Closed-toe, flat shoes are required for access, and a helmet is provided for the visit. Check this access rule before your visit. For a different viewpoint, the Ermitage de la Trinité offers another view over the Bouches de Bonifacio and Sardinia’s rugged coastline. The hermitage is located at an elevation of 200 metres.
The Bonifacio Marine Cemetery faces the sea and is recommended as a place to stop or visit. Pilgrimages and processions also take place at the Ermitage de la Trinité in June and September. If you are travelling specifically to attend one of these traditions, check the exact date in advance.
Walks, Nature and Water
The Strada Vecia is an old Genoese road, a substantial section of which can still be walked. It passes through maquis landscapes and along wild beaches. Several bird species nest in the surrounding shrubs along the Sentier Campu Rumanilu; some of the flora there is rare and endemic. Both routes offer different reasons to focus on the landscape and its natural features as you walk.
A walking path leads from Piantarella towards Sperone, passing ruins from Roman times. From the small Sperone, you can continue along the route to the large Sperone in about 40 minutes. At Piantarella beach, you can go wingfoiling, kitesurfing and sea kayaking; snorkelling in the heart of the Bouches de Bonifacio Marine Reserve is also mentioned. Check the sea conditions before taking part.
The Lavezzi Islands are a granite archipelago designated as a zone of enhanced protection within the Bouches de Bonifacio Nature Reserve. They can only be reached by sea. Check transport options by sea before travelling. This makes the journey there different from land-based walks and visits from the outset.
Discover more destinations: Campo, Zévaco, Sotta, Alata, Évisa, Balogna, Tizzano, Tolla.
Back to the main travel overview: Corse-Du-Sud.
