At the far southern tip of Corsica lies Bonifacio, a town that looks like it was carved into the cliffs by nature itself. Known as the ‘city of cliffs’, it’s one of France’s most attractive destinations with medieval fortifications and streets that feel frozen in time. The mix of Italian charm and French elegance shapes everything here, from rich history to architecture and cuisine. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Bonifacio, this guide will show you how to enjoy the highlights in just one day.
Whether you arrive by ferry from Sardinia or dedicate one day of your Corsican trip, this French coastal town offers plenty to fill your time.
FUN FACT:
A remarkable detail about Bonifacio is its geography. The town is geographically closer to the capital cities of 20 other countries in Europe and Africa than it is to its own capital, Paris. This rare location has helped preserve its unique identity, shaped by centuries of connection with different cultures and seas.
Corsica’s short history
Did you know Corsica’s identity has been shaped by thousands of years of history? Bonifacio sits at the centre of it. According to the Corsica website, archaeologists have found one of the island’s oldest discoveries: the grave of the ‘Dame of Bonifacio’ from around 6,750 BC. Centuries later, the Romans arrived and left behind villas, quarries, shipwrecks, and ports that still remind us of their rule.
In the Middle Ages, Corsica’s role as a gateway in the Mediterranean brought both growth and conflict. Count Boniface of Pisa built the first fortress in 830, giving the town his name. Pisa ruled Corsica for nearly two centuries, but Genoa soon replaced it. From 1195 to 1284, the Genoese transformed the town into a stronghold. Genoese settlers gave Bonifacio its distinct look, with massive fortifications. They even granted the town a senate and its own currency.
The following centuries were turbulent. In 1420, the King of Aragon tried to conquer the city. In 1553, French troops, together with Ottoman allies, attacked, but Genoa regained control six years later. Finally, in 1768, France officially took Corsica under the Treaty of Versailles. Today, the island’s culture reflects its layered past. Corsica preserved its character, blending Italian influence with French ties and a proud Corsican tradition.
12 Best Things to do in Bonifacio
Bonifacio is split into two sections: the lively marina at the sea level and the Haute Ville, or Upper City, perched dramatically on the cliffs. You’ll spend the first part of the day exploring this citadel town. There are plenty of attractions to keep you occupied for a few hours.
1. Upper City
Getting there is part of the adventure. From the marina, follow Montée Rastello, the ancient path that has been used since the Middle Ages to reach the citadel. It’s a steep but beautiful climb, with every turn revealing wider views of the cliffs and the sea. The walk from the ferry terminal is also steep but short. It offers stunning views of Sardinia across the strait and the limestone cliffs beneath your feet. If you’re short on time or energy, hop on the little tourist train from the marina. Board the ‘Petit Train’ behind the harbour’s master office at the ferry terminal. Alternatively, drive up and park in one of the convenient parking areas close to the walls.
HAUTE VILLE
Once you reach the citadel, you’ll understand why Bonifacio’s nickname is the ‘city of cliffs’. The buildings balance 70 metres above the sea, their bases worn away by waves. Their lower walls, carved away by the sea over centuries of erosion, look as if they float above the water. This is where you’ll find a maze of medieval streets and the most authentic atmosphere. For anyone planning things to do in Bonifacio, visiting the Haute Ville and exploring the Upper City is essential.
Inside the citadel walls, you’ll find labyrinth alleys, medieval arches, and elegant stone houses that tell stories of centuries past. Narrow lanes open suddenly to small, charming squares filled with light and restaurants. Wooden doors, carved coats of arms, and steep staircases built almost like ladders. In the past centuries, workshops and shops filled the ground floors while families lived in the upper levels.
DID YOU KNOW?
Bonifacio is unlike any other place in Corsica. For nearly six centuries, it belonged to the Republic of Genoa, and you can still feel that influence today. The town’s churches and chapels are the best proof. In a small area, this town holds an incredible number of religious buildings, each with its own style. They reflect a history of wealth, culture, and faith that shaped the town for centuries.
2. Rue Longue
Ninety metres long, Rue Longue, or Long Street in English, has been a part of the town’s history since the 13th century. Once called Place Lunga, it became a centre of trade and life and a lively commercial hub. Lined with houses and shops, Long Street became one of the busiest places in town. By 1851, it was home to over 300 residents and one of the busiest addresses in the area. Even today, you can imagine the merchants, families, and daily life that once filled its corners centuries ago.
3. Rue des Deux Empereurs
A few steps away lies Rue des Deux Empereurs, perhaps the most famous street in the citadel. According to the Ichnusa Lines website, both Holy Roman Emperor Charles V in 1541 and Napoleon Bonaparte in 1793 stayed here. Two plaques proudly mark the visit of these imperial footsteps. Beyond the emperors, the Genoese built a clever aqueduct that ran above. Arched alleys carried rainwater into a vast underground cistern beneath Sainte-Marie-Majeure. In siege or peace, the Street of the Two Emperors kept the town alive.
Medieval narrow arched alley at upper town
4. Bastion of the Standard
At the very top of Bonifacio’s cliffs stands the Bastion de l’Étendard, or the Bastion of the Standard in English. Towering 25 m above the port, this is the highest bastion in France and the town’s most powerful landmark. This massive bastion once guarded the city with heavy cannons from constant threats of pirates, kings, and armies.
SHORT HISTORY:
After Pisa built the first fortress, the Genoese took control in the 12th century and completely modernised the walls in the 14th century. They turned the bastion into the town’s main stronghold, protecting it through countless battles. When French and Turkish forces attacked in the 16th century, the fortress was reinforced again. The Bastion of the Standard has never lost its strategic importance. Today, exploring the Bastion of the Standard is one of the best things to do in Bonifacio. The site stands at the top of the list because it combines rich history with breathtaking views. It also brings the island’s story to life.
THINGS TO DO:
Above ground, you walk the ramparts along the ‘Garden of Landscapes’, a path lined with viewpoints. Ten viewing points reveal a dramatic perspective over the port, the sea, the cliffs, and even Sardinia in the distance. Each orientation helps you to understand how geography and defence combined to shape this remarkable city.
Below ground, the subterranean halls take you back in time. Partly dug into the rock, the vaulted rooms stay cool even in the hottest summer. Their medieval architecture still shows the rounded arches of the old tower of the Standard. Today, the exhibition inside these rooms tells ‘1,000 years of history’, explaining how the fortifications grew, resisted sieges, and shaped the town we see now. Exhibitions with panels, displays, and video projections make the history accessible and engaging for everyone.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The Bastion of the Standard is open daily from 9 AM until 7 PM during the summer months. If you plan to visit in autumn or winter, please check the Bonifacio Tourist Office website to avoid disappointment. As of September 2025, adult entry ticket costs €3.50, while admission is free for children under 6. Alternatively, if you plan to visit the King of Aragon’s Staircase, you can purchase the PASS Monuments for €6.50.
5. Genoa gate
The Genoa Gate, or Porte de Gênes, is Bonifacio’s most historic doorway. For centuries, it guarded the path into the citadel, which traders, soldiers, and locals once crossed. First built with a drawbridge by the Genoese in 1598, it was later redesigned in 1830 during French rule into the impressive arch you see now. Today, it remains one of Corsica’s most remarkable entrances and a highlight for every visitor.
6. Church of Saint Mary Major
The Church of Saint Mary Major has stood at the heart of the town since the 12th century. It’s the oldest building in Bonifacio, first built by the Pisans, and later expanded by the Genoese. Its limestone walls and rose windows show the shift from Romanesque to Gothic style. Even the French writer Prosper Mérimée admired its beauty.
A TOWER THAT SURVIVED CANNONS:
The 25-metre-high 14th-century bell tower is one of the city’s proudest symbols. Built in several stages, its base is Romanesque, while the upper floors have Gothic windows and decorations. But the tower also carries scars. Did you know that in 1815, when Napoleon returned from Elba, Bonapartists raised his flag here? According to Bonifacio’s website, royalists fired cannons at it, damaging the tower. The scars of this drama lasted for centuries until recent restorations brought back its beauty.
TREASURES INSIDE:
Inside, you’ll see three naves lined with marble altars, relics of Saint Boniface, and statues of saints. The highlights are also beautifully preserved paintings by Corsican artists, especially an 18th-century painting of the Last Supper by Saverio Farinole.
A PLACE OF POWER AND SURVIVAL:
In front of the church is the loggia, once the centre of city life. Leaders gathered here to make laws and sign contracts. Beneath it lies a massive cistern, which stored enough water for the town during long sieges. The vast cistern could hold 650,000 litres of water, according to Wikipedia.
7. Marine Cemetery
Facing the Strait of Bonifacio, just beside Saint-François church, stands one of the town’s most remarkable landmarks: the Marine Cemetery. Created in 1823, the cemetery was placed far from the old town for hygiene reasons. Following the cholera epidemic in 1854, it grew into its current form. Families built elegant private chapels here, each one showing their wealth and status, even after death.
AN OPEN-AIR GALLERY OF FAITH AND SOCIAL PRIDE:
The cemetery takes its name from the sea it faces. Locals call it ‘Campu Santu’, their sacred ground forever. With its breathtaking position on the cliff, it’s the most southerly cemetery in France. According to the town’s official website, the Saint-François marine cemetery is the second most beautiful cemetery in the whole Mediterranean. For the locals, it’s a true jewel of heritage.
The white tombs shine against the blue sky, lined up along narrow alleys. Calm breeze gives this place a timeless charm. It feels less like a graveyard, more like a small town frozen in light and memory. Among the many things to do in Bonifacio, walking through this cemetery is a unique experience. The little mausoleums, rich in detail, speak of past lives and family pride.
8. Saint-Dominique Church
Saint-Dominique Church
RARE ARCHITECTURE:
When planning things to do in Bonifacio, Saint-Dominique Church deserves a prime spot. The church located within the walls of an old Dominican convent has sat in the old town since the 13th century. This historic monument is the largest church in Corsica and one of the rare Gothic buildings on the island.
The outside looks simple and Romanesque. But step inside and you’ll see Gothic details, high arches, tall vaults, and fine stonework. That mix makes Saint-Dominique Church rare and memorable. Its bell tower is also one of the most unique on the island. It starts square, then shifts to an octagon before ending with battlements like a medieval castle. You can spot it from across town. Inside, the plan is impressive too: a long nave of six bays with two square chapels on each side. The highlights are also paintings and reliquaries of Saint Barthelemy and Saint Marie Madeleine.
9. Walk the ramparts of Bonifacio.
A few places show Bonifacio’s rich history better than its ramparts. Stretching for approximately 700 metres, these walls with 14 batteries criss-cross the town. Built from the 12th century and strengthened until the 20th century, the ramparts stood against sieges, naval threats, and invasions. Today, parts are restored, and you can walk where soldiers once stood guard.
STRATEGIC SAINT-FRANÇOIS BATTERY
Imagine soldiers watching the Crown of Aragon’s ships in the 15th century or the Foreign Legion leaving in 1983.
The highlight of the ramparts is the Saint-François battery at the southern tip of the island. Built during the Middle Ages, this massive defensive complex protected the port’s entrance and provided soldiers with an unmatched view of the sea. For centuries, the battery faced new threats and even hosted the French Foreign Legion.
Recent restoration has given new life to this cultural site. Architects rebuilt the walkways and made them safe again for visitors. Today, you can walk along the ramparts, look down over the Goulet and across to the Madonetta Lighthouse. You can even catch breathtaking views of Sardinia on the horizon.
10. King of Aragon’s Staircase
One of the most unforgettable things to do in Bonifacio is descending the King of Aragon’s Staircase. This dizzying 45-degree staircase, carved directly into the limestone cliffs, plunges 189 steps down toward the sea. Hanging 65 meters above the sea, it’s one of the most extraordinary sights in the Mediterranean. This thrilling historical monument with uneven steps has been standing proudly for centuries. It’s unlike anything else you will see in Corsica.
LEGEND VS REALITY:
Legend says King Alfonso V of Aragon ordered his soldiers to carve the stairway in one single night during the failed 1420 siege of Bonifacio. But history tells another story. It began as a natural fault in the rock, which has been used since prehistoric times. According to Wikipedia, Franciscan monks built and shaped it into a stairway to access the Saint-Bartholemy freshwater well. This well, now closed, once helped locals survive during sieges.
FOR BRAVE AND FIT:
The King of Aragon’s Staircase is not for everyone – it’s both physically demanding and exhilarating. The descent is steep and continuous, with no rest stops. It’s a sharp and steady 189-step journey down. The return climb up is even tougher. Irregular carved steps are approximately 30-35 cm high, making it challenging for people with limited physical conditions. But the reward? A path along the cliff, breathtaking panoramic sea views and turquoise water below.
Adventure with a view.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- Helmets are compulsory; closed or flat shoes are required. You will not be able to walk the stairs in flip-flops, sandals, or heels; you will only be able to walk barefoot.
- As of September 2025, entry costs €5 for adults, €2 for children 6-11, and younger kids go free. A monument pass (€6.50) also covers the Bastion of the Standard. Opening times are 9 AM – 7:30 PM daily in summer, with reduced hours in other seasons. Always check the official site if you visit in autumn or winter.
11. Bonifacio Marina
Bonifacio’s Marina is the soul of the town. Here, you’ll see small fishing boats sharing the water with luxury yachts. The setting is extraordinary: the white cliffs rise around you, and the citadel towers above. The narrow sea entrance, known as a goulet, opens the way to the sea and reminds you why this town was so hard to conquer.
This little port has existed for centuries and has witnessed the town’s entire history. Trading ships, fishing boats, and even war fleets once passed through. The locals still carry proud nicknames: Marinaghji for those in the Marina, and Gofetti for those in the Upper Town. These names, passed down through generations, keep alive the memory of their origins, according to the official website.
LIFE AROUND THE MARINA
Step into the Rastello, the lively street leading from the Marina. Its cobblestones and old houses are lined with stylish boutiques, Corsican fashion designers, and restaurants serving seafood caught only hours earlier. At the edge of the Marina, you’ll find the 13th-century Church of St Erasmus. It’s the only church in this part of the town despite boasting around 20 in total. Built in honour of the patron saint of fishermen and sailors, it holds treasures such as a 19th-century chalice and a painting of the Virgin and Child with St Erasmus and St Paul.
12. Campu Rumanilu trail
After exploring medieval streets, the Campu Rumanilu trail offers a new way to experience the town. It’s not just a hike but one of the most memorable things to do in Bonifacio. Beginning at the Saint-Roch chapel, this 3.5 km path follows the edge of the limestone cliffs, rising eighty metres above the waves. Water and wind sculpted these cliffs for thousands of years, giving them a unique shape. As you walk, you’ll notice wild shrubs and rare plants that grow only in this part of Corsica.
The views here are also impressive. Stone balconies reveal the citadel perched on the edge of the limestone, one of Bonifacio’s most iconic views. Look further, and spot the isolated rock ‘The Grain of Sand’ which rises from the water, perfectly shaped by nature’s hand. On a clear day, Sardinia is visible in the distance, reminding you how close Italy is to the corner of the island.
Now you know which Bonifacio attractions are worth your time!
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