Sailing in Bonifacio
Sailing in Bonifacio / iStock.com / nut1968
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Clifftop Houses of Bonifacio
Clifftop Houses of Bonifacio / iStock.com / Photogilio
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Corsican Charcuterie
Corsican Charcuterie / iStock.com / jacus
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The Citadel
The Citadel / iStock.com / Evgeny Sergeev
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Stairs in Bastia
Stairs in Bastia / iStock.com / fmincio
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Capitellu Lake
Capitellu Lake / iStock.com / salajean
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Bonifacio

Our Review
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

Everything looks perfectly staged as a film set on the island of Corsica, especially when jet-setters flock here in high season. Tenders will bring you to the shores of this island, owned by France, and cut through the Mediterranean past caves and towering cliffs to a narrow harbor at the bottom of medieval fortifications.

What We Love

Corsican Heritage: Corsica is a highly desirable morsel of land torn between bigger forces for millennia. The people have developed a strong insular identity that encompasses music, food, and historic emblems. Important footnote: Napoleon Bonaparte was born here.

King Aragon Steps: All of the walking paths around Bonifacio are fascinating (and tough on the joints), but take this rough-hewn, 187-step staircase cut into the cliff for the ultimate experience. The views are great at the top and bottom.

Best Known For

The Citadel: Up, up, and up you go along the side of the battlements to a beautifully preserved and highly impressive medieval citadel, which is actually the site of the village. From the stone fortifications, you'll get an incredible panoramic overlook.

Sea Caves: The most popular excursion takes you out in a boat to explore the sea caves and grottos that pocket the limestone cliffs.

Who It's Best For

Affluent Travelers: Bonifacio’s beauty is free, but everything else carries a high price (a cup of coffee here costs 5 euro). As for the yachts, their prices know no limit — and ditto for the jet-setters who party on board.

Snappers: If you fancy yourself a photographer, you’ll be in absolute bliss here. The place has so many interesting aspects, from the sea caves to the medieval wall to the charming restaurants that seat only a dozen people.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

Expats Are Not Welcome: Corsicans are friendly to tourists, but they have ferocious aversion to becoming a British/American vacation resort. It’s almost impossible for non-Corsicans to buy property.

Prices Are Exorbitant: Did we mention the 5 euro cup of coffee? As long as you’re just stopping for a few hours, price-gouging will be your only concern.

Lena Katz
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger