<strong>Hidden treasure:</strong> Positioned high up a white limestone cliff on the southern coast of Corsica, Bonifacio is considered France's best kept secret.
Hidden treasure: Positioned high up a white limestone cliff on the southern coast of Corsica, Bonifacio is considered France's best kept secret.
Courtesy of Corsica Tourist Office
<strong>Dramatic setting: </strong>Bonifacio is separated from the Italian island of Sardinia by the 11-kilometer-long Strait of Bonifacio, which takes it name from the ancient town.
Dramatic setting: Bonifacio is separated from the Italian island of Sardinia by the 11-kilometer-long Strait of Bonifacio, which takes it name from the ancient town.
Sylvain Alessandri
<strong>Isolated location:</strong> Bunifaziu, as locals call Corsica's oldest town, is positioned at Corsica's southernmost tip.
Isolated location: Bunifaziu, as locals call Corsica's oldest town, is positioned at Corsica's southernmost tip.
Sebastien Aude
<strong>Striking site: </strong>The secluded town features an ancient citadel, a natural harbor cobblestone alleyways, colorful houses and beautiful beaches.
Striking site: The secluded town features an ancient citadel, a natural harbor cobblestone alleyways, colorful houses and beautiful beaches.
Sebastien Aude
<strong>Poetic history:</strong> The town is believed to have been referenced in one of the most popular poems ever written, Homer's "Odyssey."
Poetic history: The town is believed to have been referenced in one of the most popular poems ever written, Homer's "Odyssey."
Sylvain Alessandri
<strong>Sparkling waters: </strong>The best way to explore the "Citadel of Cliffs" is by sea and Bonifacio is close to many of Corsica's top beaches.
Sparkling waters: The best way to explore the "Citadel of Cliffs" is by sea and Bonifacio is close to many of Corsica's top beaches.
Christophe Blanc
<strong>Picturesque port: </strong>Visitors can take a boat trip to the nearby caves and grottoes and the beautiful Lavezzi archipelago.
Picturesque port: Visitors can take a boat trip to the nearby caves and grottoes and the beautiful Lavezzi archipelago.
Sylvain Alessandri
<strong>Windsurfer's paradise: </strong>Piantarella beach is renowned for its majestic lagoon as well as its strong winds, which have made it a popular windsurfing site.
Windsurfer's paradise: Piantarella beach is renowned for its majestic lagoon as well as its strong winds, which have made it a popular windsurfing site.
Salina Boukhezar
<strong>Killer path:</strong> The Staircase of King Aragon Alfonso V features 187 steep steps which are carved inside the flanks of the cliff, descending straight to the sea.
Killer path: The Staircase of King Aragon Alfonso V features 187 steep steps which are carved inside the flanks of the cliff, descending straight to the sea.
Sebastien Aude
<strong>Diving site:</strong> The waters surrounding the town are dotted with wrecks of pirate ships and ancient vessels, proving extremely popular with scuba divers.
Diving site: The waters surrounding the town are dotted with wrecks of pirate ships and ancient vessels, proving extremely popular with scuba divers.
Sylvain Alessandri
<strong>Snorkeling spot: </strong>Bonifacio is a treat for snorkelers too thanks to its rich marine life -- the Strait of Bonifacio is even listed as a natural reserve.
Snorkeling spot: Bonifacio is a treat for snorkelers too thanks to its rich marine life -- the Strait of Bonifacio is even listed as a natural reserve.
Bonifacio Office Tourisme
<strong>Italian influence: </strong>While it's may be part of France, the town has more of an Italian feel, and the locals even speak in a dialect comprised of Italian and French.
Italian influence: While it's may be part of France, the town has more of an Italian feel, and the locals even speak in a dialect comprised of Italian and French.
Courtesy of Sealand
<strong>Unspoilt town: </strong>Bonifacio hasn't been seriously troubled by mass tourism, and is something of a haven for travelers hoping to escape the crowds.
Unspoilt town: Bonifacio hasn't been seriously troubled by mass tourism, and is something of a haven for travelers hoping to escape the crowds.
Sebastien Aude
<strong>Lands' end:</strong> Founded at around 830 A.D, it's often referred to as the "Mediterranean's Sentinel", or simply, the "Citadel of Cliffs."
Lands' end: Founded at around 830 A.D, it's often referred to as the "Mediterranean's Sentinel", or simply, the "Citadel of Cliffs."
Sylvain Alessandri