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Perched on the southern tip of Corsica, looking out towards Sardinia, Bonifacio is more than worth its status as one of the most desirable destinations in all of Europe. Its immense cliffs, sweeping beaches, mouth-watering gastronomy and beautiful landmarks, both natural and man-made, have everything you need for a truly unforgettable stay on the Isle of Beauty.
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Corsica's vast coastline boasts countless beautiful, distinctive beaches, with Spérone beach probably among the most famous in the region. The town of Bonifacio has its very own beaches, Sutta Rocca, is a small, pebbled cove near the "Grain de sable" (U Diu Grossu) rock, while the little, tucked-away cove of the Plage de la Catena is a rare treat indeed. Also nearby, the pristine turquoise waters of Fazziò beach, an hour's walk from Bonifacio, offers another delightfully secluded slice of paradise,
However, it is as you venture a little further from the town that you come across some of the finest beaches on the island and indeed the Mediterranean. The unspoiled, castaway-like ambience of Plage de la Tonnara, north west of Bonifacio, is a fantastic spot in which to unwind, while the achingly beautiful Rondinara beach, on the other coast towards Porto-Vecchio, is as close to paradise as you could hope to find.
Whether you plan to stretch out on towel and bask in the Mediterranean sun while your children build sandcastles, or throw yourself into the fabulous range of water sports, such as scuba diving and sailing, the beautiful beaches of the region are guaranteed to delight and inspire.
The town of Bonifacio is divided into two parts, the Haute Ville (upper old town) and the lower more modern part. The citadel is located in the upper part, which offers fabulous views across the town's bustling harbour. To reach it you have to take the Monte Rastello ascent. Once you've caught your breath, pass through the imposing arch of the impressive Genoa Gate and let yourself be transported to another era. Surrounded by ramparts, the centrepiece is undoubtedly the Bastion of the Standard with its underground rooms and vaults. Informative panels will guide you on a tour that blends gorgeous gardens, fascinating history and splendid sea views. At the tip of the citadel is one of the jewels of the city, the Rudder of Corsica (U Timonu). This lookout offers a breath-taking view of the sea below and Sardinia in the distance.
The climb is steep, and there are car parks in the upper town, including one near the marine cemetery. It is also possible to board a small train that will take you close to the fortress, where there is another unique site: a series of steps carved into the cliffsides. The King of Aragon's Staircase is a unique site where a balcony brings you up close to the sparkling turquoise waters of the Strait of Bonifacio.
Corsica is widely known for its beautiful landscapes but it also boasts an extraordinary gastronomy. Stop by one of the town's grocers and enjoy the local products. Aromatic wines, sumptuous charcuterie and rich cheeses are waiting to be discovered alongside the island's iconic brocciu and canistrelli, not to mention famous honey and figs. Alternatively, draw up a chair at one of the many fine restaurants that line the marina, where you can sip on a glass of red while the local chefs impress you with their culinary offerings. Our recommendation is to sample the hearty civet de sanglier, Corsica's signature dish.
Having taken a stroll through its charming narrow streets of the old town, visited the picturesque square and small chapels, sipped a coffee and people watched, you might like to admire the views the town has to offer from the up high. The white cliffside houses above the sea are one of Bonifacio's must-see sights. Walk along the top of the cliffs to the Pertusato lighthouse, and let yourself be entranced by the hypnotic undulations of the azure waters. For the best views of the lighthouse, go to the Market Square. Beyond the walls of the citadel lie many hiking trails, including a walk leading to the lighthouse of A Madonna.
A boat trip offers the opportunity to admire the famous limestone cliffs and the town from a completely different perspective. Managed by the Société des Promenades en Mer de Bonifacio (SPMB), these tours are offered at the port, with departures every 30 minutes. You can admire the rocks, creeks and caves during a one-hour trip. The most famous points are the "grain de sable" and the cave of Napoleon's hat.
For the more active among you, you might like to visit the sea by kayak. Explorer the town's sea caves, including the Sdragonato cave and see the A Madonna lighthouse, which stands proudly atop the famous jagged cliffs.
The heavenly setting of the Lavezzi Islands is also in easy reach of Bonifacio. Also run by the SPMB, this excursion takes 30 minutes on the outward journey and 1 hour on the return. Pack a picnic lunch and set sail for these almost deserted archipelagos. Take in the stunning beauty of this protected nature reserve and feel the soft powdery sand between your toes on these ivory white beaches, kissed by gentle, turquoise waters. Besides a scattering of seabirds who have made it their home, this idyllic wilderness has almost no inhabitants, In fact, Carvallo is the archipelago's only inhabited island. Ferries to Corsica's half-sister, Sardinia, also leave from the port of Bonifacio.
We at Villanovo have carefully selected some of the finest villas in Corsica, including Bonifacio, showcasing the finest in contemporary design and offering the very best in luxury. Situated in the most desirable areas of the island and complemented by our expert concierge, we can provide the option of extra services, such as airport transfer, personal chef alongside the booking of activities, to make sure the days you spend on the Isle of Beauty are truly unforgettable.
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