Perched high up on a narrow peninsula of steep limestone cliffs overlooking its picturesque harbor, lies Bonifacio's Old Town. Founded in the 9th-Century, this medieval citadel is accessed through an imposing gateway where you’ll find an intriguing maze of ancient winding streets and alleyways.
Flanked by fortified walls that run approximately 1.5km from east to west, the town center is concentrated around the Place d'Armes and the Place du Vieux where you’ll find an array of charming bouganvilla-laden houses, picturesque squares and small brasseries and cafes that spill out onto the pavements in summer to create an altogether agreeable atmosphere.
While you're here, take the Escalier du Roi d’Aragon, or Staircase of King Aragon, down to the marina. This historical monument is comprised of a flight of 187 stone treads that have been painstakingly hand-carved out of the side of the limestone cliff, offering spectacular views down to the turquoise waters below as you descend (or ascend) along its steep path.
For uninterrupted views, head to Bonifacio’s Bosco plateau on its western tip where you'll find the Marine Cemetery, otherwise known as Campu Santu. One of the most striking graveyards in Europe, it resembles a series of small ancient Greek mausoleums that offer visitors a refuge of serene beauty where you can pause for a moment and relax as you contemplate the stunning vistas over the glittering Mediterranean sea.
Just eight miles from Sardinia in the south, Bonifacio has a distinctly Italianate vibe that can be seen in its architecture and other important religious monuments that have their histories rooted in the Italian conquests of the 12th-century. These include the Church of Saint-Dominique and the Church of Sainte-Marie-Majeure – the oldest building in Bonifacio.
If you're interested in visiting Bonifacio's beautiful Old Town and want to incorporate it into your charter itinerary, please speak with a recommended yacht charter broker.
Alternatively, you can begin planning your next vacation by viewing the entire fleet of superyachts available for South of France yacht charters.
