Bonifacio (Corsica): A Mediterranean pearl worth visiting before the masses of tourists discover it

In the south of Corsica, in the department of Corse-du-Sud, there is a hidden Mediterranean pearl – Bonifacio. The town, which is surrounded by beautiful beaches, which are mostly visited only by local residents, is famous for its medieval city.

It lies on 70m high limestone rocks, under which the Mediterranean Sea foams. The city itself was named after Boniface II. To the Tuscan, who defeated the Saracens in the first half of the 9th century and decided to fortify the place in order to protect it from further conquest attempts.

The city is located along the Bonifacio Strait of the same name and is only 11 km away from Sardinia. Bonifacio is divided into two parts; the old town (La haute ville), and the newer part. The heart of Bonifacio is its historic old town, a charming maze of narrow streets, ancient buildings and forts. The Citadel, a medieval fortress from the 9th century, stands proudly at the top of the town and offers breathtaking views of the harbor and surrounding countryside.

Most of the approximately 3,000 inhabitants of Bonifacio live in this newer part of town around the harbor, where there are also many restaurants and cafes. Corsican cuisine is known for its unique blend of French and Italian influences. Here you can enjoy local specialties such as mussels stuffed with grated sheep's cheese and eggplant Bonifacio. Monk!

In the region Bonifacio many stunning beaches are located. Popular ones include Plage de Rondinara, Plage de Santa Manza and Plage de Maora, offering opportunities for sunbathing, swimming and water sports. The wind here can be so strong at times that fishing boats cannot leave the harbor due to high waves and strong currents. Bonifacio is therefore perfect for diving and snorkeling, as you can discover a series of shipwrecks under the sea surface.