Plan a CruiseBonifacio offers one of the most striking cruise arrivals in the Mediterranean, as ships navigate the narrow Goulet de Bonifacio inlet, evoking images of a former pirate stronghold. Most cruise ships will anchor in the harbor and tender passengers to a small, modern cruise terminal. The lower part of Bonifacio town is directly behind the quay, making it easily accessible on foot. The historic upper town (Haute Ville or Vieille Ville), built on a 9th-century citadel atop a stunning limestone promontory 200 feet above the sea, features Genoese influence, medieval alleys, and houses clinging to the cliffside. The municipal Tourism Office is located at 2, rue Fred Scamaroni.
Getting Around from the Port
The lower town is just steps from the tender drop-off, requiring no taxis or shuttles. To reach the upper town, you can either take a long flight of stairs, specifically the 100 steps accessible from the marina near the Church of St. Erasme, or walk up a sloping roadway. A "Petit Train" is also available to transport visitors to the upper town, offering scenic views (commentary is in French) and saving you the steep walk. For exploring areas outside Bonifacio, a hired car is recommended, as public transport is infrequent and the roads can be narrow and winding.
Attractions and Activities
- Bonifacio Upper Town (Haute Ville): Explore the ancient citadel, narrow cobbled alleys, and stone houses of this historic fortress-like community. Reachable via the 100 steps from the marina, the sloping roadway, or the "Petit Train."
- Boat Trip around the Inlet: Take a boat tour from the dock area to experience the best panoramic views of Bonifacio's dramatic cliffs and the houses perched directly on the cliffside. These tours can be booked directly from the marina.
- Exploring the Corsican Countryside: For independent exploration beyond Bonifacio, consider hiring a car. This allows you to visit nearby towns and enjoy the picturesque southern Corsican landscape, though be prepared for challenging narrow and winding roads and infrequent public transport. It's advisable to compare cruise line tours for organized excursions if you prefer not to drive.
Dining & Shopping
Souvenirs unique to Corsica, such as beautiful carvings made from chestnut and juniper wood by local artisans, can be found in shops along the main street of the upper town. A broader selection of souvenir items is available in the shops around the marina area. Be aware that many smaller shops close for lunch between 12:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. General business hours for larger shops are typically 8 or 9 a.m. to 6:30 or 7:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Smaller shops may operate Tuesday to Saturday, with some opening on Monday afternoons. Food shops and bakeries (boulangeries) often remain open on Sundays until noon.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Euro (€). While French is the official language, English may be understood in tourist areas. The local emergency number is 112.