For one, probably very cold and windy in the winters, but then hot and busy with tourists in the summers. Being here at the very end of summer meant the town was a little busy, but nothing out of the ordinary. We took lots of photos in Bonifacio so we're going to do an annotated photo album here for the last stop of our 2010 European summer holiday. Bonifacio consists of an old town perched on the clifftops.
Check out the huge boulders which must have broken off from the cliffs at some stage.
The Marina is more modern and located below the old town.
We stayed in the heart of the old town at the lovely Hotel Colomba. It had wonderful and personal service as well as cosy, rabbit warren rooms which had quirky details such as tiny windows and hand painted motifs on the wrought iron beds.
The streets of Bonifacio are old and historic, like this little laneway below.
The main street is lined with shops and restaurants. You can walk from one end of the old town to the other in 5 minutes, which gives an indication of the size of the old town.
Some of the shops are perched right on the edge of the cliff. In this one, the window looks out to the sparkling Med.
There were lots of beautiful homeware shops. Wish we'd come with bigger suitcases!
We found a lovely antique shop on the way down to the Marina.
It sold hand illustrated Florentine maps among other antiques. We made a birthday present purchase to send home to Sydney.
It's already made it home and has since been beautifully framed.
Down at the Marina, there are lots more shops and restaurants. This is the main strip.
And we had a bit of fun at this sweet shop which was like uncovering pirate treasures in big barrels of sweets. Yummy!
The Marina had lovely views back toward the old town.
We preferred our place in the old town. Most sights are located in the old town and you can visit the three main sights for a few euros. This was our favourite, the Roi D'Aragon Stairway etched into the cliffs of Bonifacio.
Legend says that the 187 steps were sculpted into the cliffs overnight by soldiers during a 1420 seige.
The climb down, and up, is not for the fainted hearted. Once at the bottom, the pathway twists around the cliffs right by the water's edge and it certainly is a sight.
Bonifacio's exposure on the edge of Corsica left it always open to invasion. Its extensive fortifications are wrapped around the edge of the cliffs and the La Madonetta Lighthouse looks back at the fort from its place across the Bonifacio Strait.
The exposure of the fort makes for a very windy place and you can trace the pathway most of the way around, climbing up and down stairs and towers, such as this one.
And see stunning views of the cliffs and coast line.
Set back from the fort is the Marine Cemetery. Its extensive streets of family memorials is no doubt battered by the elements perched on the cliff top, but with amazing views.
We spent a day out on the water touring and seeing Bonifacio from the sea. We visited many sights such as the secluded Fazzio Beach.
Whose water was a brilliant emerald.
Not too far away, this cave's roof is unique in being the shape of Corsica.
We stayed 3 nights in Bonifacio and it was more than enough time to relax, take in all the sights and sample a lot of the restaurants. The best place to eat was actually at the Hotel Colomba restaurant. Here's Geoff with his favourite Coriscan chestnut Pietra beer. Again, no room in our luggage to take any back to London.
Most restaurants had strong Italian influences and a lot of seafood. We also loved Lan'K which was nestled in the historic, cobbled streets of Bonifacio.
Our European summer holiday was at its end and Figari Airport was just a half hour taxi ride from Bonifacio with flights direct to London. Bonifacio was certainly a magical place. All the places we visited over our summer trip were different, special and memorable in their own way. We loved every moment and can't wait to return to Sydney at the end of the year for more sun, beach and summer action.
