Here I am back in Corsica after many years! My very first time on the Isle of Beauty was with my parents back in 1999, during a memorable trip where we actually stopped by the sublime town of Bonifacio. On the other hand, this was a first for my favorite photographer! We had the chance to go back together in April 2026, for the second edition of the culinary festival Festi Bocca, which brings the citadel of Bonifacio to life every year at the same time of year.
Spring is, I think, an absolutely ideal season to fly off to Corsica: the maquis is starting to bloom, temperatures are mild, and tourist crowds are still very reasonable. Perched on impressive white limestone cliffs, Bonifacio (Bunifaziu) is the oldest town in Corsica. Its history is fascinating: it became a Genoese city in 1195, before the Genoese ceded the Isle of Beauty to France in 1768, following the famous Treaty of Versailles. Today, the town has only about 3,300 year-round residents, yet it attracts nearly 2 million passing tourists eager to discover this jewel suspended between sky and sea.
In the first part of my article, I’m sharing a small selection of things to do and see in Bonifacio, with a focus on the superb Festi Bocca festival and its passionate producers. And in the second part, you’ll find my usual selection of great addresses (restaurants, pizzerias, charming accommodation, and an exceptional villa) that we tested during our stay in Corsica.
Practical Information
- Getting there by plane from Paris: direct flights operate daily departing from Paris-Orly airport with the Air Corsica airline to Figari-Sud Corse airport. It takes about 1h45 of flight time to reach Figari, located 20 km from Bonifacio (about a 20-minute drive). Budget-wise, round-trip tickets are generally available starting from 180 € outside the peak summer season.
Table of Contents
What to see and do in Bonifacio?
Bonifacio is a maritime city unlike any other, famous for its natural channel sheltering a busy merchant and pleasure port. To grasp the full beauty of the city of cliffs, you have to gaze upon it both from the heights of its historic citadel and from the sea, where the white limestone plunges dizzyingly into the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. As usual, I’m offering a few ideas for visits and activities to enjoy during a stopover in the Corsican town.
Municipal Tourism Office of Bonifacio
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Take a boat tour with Corse Nautic Escape
To discover what the mainland doesn’t reveal, I warmly recommend taking a sea excursion. We experienced this with the team from Corse Nautic Escape, who offer intimate small-group boat trips (maximum 12 people on board) to explore the Bonifacio Straits International Marine Park. The captain, passionate and warm, shares historical explanations throughout the trip. It’s the chance to admire the sea caves (notably the famous Sdragonato cave), the King of Aragon’s staircase carved into the cliffside, and even take a trip out towards the mythical Lavezzi Islands. As for us, we did a 1h30 mini-cruise “Tour of the coastline under the cliffs of Bonifacio” which was super nice, and we even had a little “aperitif moment” on the boat in a sublime setting.
Corse Nautic Escape
Port de Bonifacio, 20169 Bonifacio
Price: starting from 35 € per person for the coastline tour (1h30) / starting from 65 € for the half-day to the Lavezzi Islands (4h)
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Take a guided tour of the Citadel of Bonifacio
To fully grasp the historical richness of the perched town, guided tours of the Citadel, organized by the Bonifacio Tourism Office, are a must. For 1.5 hours, a passionate local guide (we were lucky enough to do this tour with Letizia) takes you on a captivating stroll through the maze of medieval streets, punctuating the route with historical anecdotes, architectural explanations, and stories about the daily lives of Bonifacians past and present. Special mention for the great tip offered to participants of these guided tours: the tour ticket includes the 2 Monuments Pass, which then gives you free access to the Bastion of the Standard as well as the dizzying King of Aragon’s Staircase (which I’ll tell you about just below). An ideal experience to get a different perspective on the Upper Town before exploring its hidden corners at your own pace.
Guided tour of the Citadel of Bonifacio
Rates: 15 € adult / free under 12
Duration: 1h30
The good deal: the 2 Monuments Pass offered for any booking of this guided tour (value: 6.50 €)
Departure in front of the Municipal Tourism Office of the Citadel (2 Rue Fred Scamaroni)
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Visit the King of Aragon’s Staircase
Considered one of the most impressive sites in Corsica, the King of Aragon’s Staircase offers a spectacular descent down the limestone cliffside, carved directly into the rock at a 45-degree angle above the sea. According to legend, these 187 (or 189, it varies depending on sources and how you count) steps were dug in a single night by the troops of the King of Aragon in 1420. At the bottom of the trail, a path hugging the waves offers a breathtaking panorama of the Straits of Bonifacio and Sardinia. It is an unmissable — and sporty! — visit to experience the magic of the dizzying Bonifacio cliffs up close (remember to bring closed-toe shoes for the descent, as flip-flops are not allowed for the walk down). Wearing a helmet is also mandatory for safety reasons.
King of Aragon’s Staircase
Rates: 5 € / 2 € for children aged 6 to 11 / included in the 2 Monuments Pass 6.50 € or 3 Monuments Pass 9 €
The good deal: included in the 2 Monuments Pass
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Visit the Bastion of the Standard
A true stone sentinel overlooking the port, the Bastion of the Standard is the highest bastion in France and a wonderful testament to Bonifacio’s military architecture. The tour allows you to explore its impressive 16th-century vaulted underground rooms, where a scenography retraces the great sieges and fortified history of the city. On the outside, the walk along the hanging gardens offers a beautiful 360° panorama of the marina, the channel, and the limestone cliffs. It’s the perfect place if you are looking to combine a deep dive into Bonifacio’s history with a great viewpoint of the town.
Bastion of the Standard
8 Rue du Corps de Garde, 20169 Bonifacio
Rates: 3.50 € / included in the 2 Monuments Pass 6.50 € or 3 Monuments Pass 9 €
The good deal: included in the 2 Monuments Pass
The Festi Bocca Festival
The main goal of our stay was to attend the 2nd edition of Festi Bocca in April 2026. This gastronomy festival, initiated by the municipality, is held in the heart of the citadel of Bonifacio (in the Pisan quarter). The atmosphere is great, popular, and extremely warm. Festi Bocca aims to showcase Corsican island terroir by bringing together prestigious French and local chefs. In 2026, the event was placed under the honorary presidency of famous pastry chef Pierre Hermé and sponsored by triple-Michelin-starred chef Emmanuel Renaut (also MOF – Meilleur Ouvrier de France).
And every year, the patron changes.
During these two days, Bonifacio turns into a huge open-air kitchen. You can attend free culinary demonstrations, friendly “battles” between Corsican and mainland chefs, exciting meetings, and paid masterclasses and workshops (organized in a very unusual way inside the old chapel of Bonifacio).
The good deal: for the occasion, the Bonifacio little train is completely free throughout the duration of the festival to facilitate access to the citadel, which requires a short climb that can be tiring; free shuttles are also set up.
Festi Bocca – Culinary Festival of Bonifacio
Quartier Pisan (Citadelle), 20169 Bonifacio
Dates: Late April (April 25 and 26 for the 2026 edition)
2026 Edition Prices: 7.50 € for the day and 11 € for both days (free up to 12 years old) / Masterclasses and workshops require an additional fee
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Discovering Corsican products and producers
The large producers’ and artisans’ market (the “Da Cumprà” area) brings together true enthusiasts from all corners of Corsica during the festival. We made wonderful gastronomic and personal discoveries as we wandered from stand to stand. Below, I invite you to discover the products we had the opportunity to taste.
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La Biscuiterie du Cap Corse
Located in Sisco, in Cap Corse, this artisanal biscuit factory is unique on the island. It is the only one to offer 100% organic and AFDIAG-certified gluten-free biscuits with an eco-responsible approach. It is run by Emilie Georges-Dupouey, who competed on the M6 show “Le Meilleur Pâtissier” (in 2014 and 2017). Her recipes highlight iconic ingredients from the Island of Beauty, such as everlasting flower, nepita, rosemary, Barrettali citron, Cap Corse muscat, or Corsican PDO honey. A true gourmet favorite!
La Biscuiterie du Cap Corse
Campu di Pace, 20233 Sisco
Indicative prices: packets of canistrelli and shortbread biscuits from €6.80 to €8.50 depending on the products
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Callysté Teas and Infusions
Created in 2016 by Anthony Lebrun, Callysté is the first brand of premium teas and infusions made in Corsica. The workshops are located in Lucciana. The brand combines exceptional teas with wild plants and fruits from the Corsican maquis, such as nepita, everlasting flower, rosemary, or verbena. Their blends are 100% natural and presented in eco-friendly packaging (compostable and recyclable bags).
Callysté – Corsican Tea House
Strada di Mariana, 20290 Lucciana
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Buresi Delicatessen
Charcuterie Buresi is a family-run business based in the village of Cozzano, in the heart of Haut-Taravo. Sabrina Buresi passionately carries on this expertise handed down from generation to generation. She offers quality Corsican cured meats, with PDO certification (Prisuttu, Coppa, Lonzu) as well as traditional fresh figatellu in season. Made from free-range Nustrale pigs fed on acorns and chestnuts in the maquis, the cuts reveal very characteristic hazelnut notes. The pieces are salted, peppered, smoked the traditional way over chestnut wood, and then aged in their mountain cellars.
Charcuterie Buresi
Lieu-dit Concata, 20148 Cozzano
Where to find them: Direct sale at the estate in Cozzano, at fairs and trade shows, or on their online sales website
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L.N. Mattei Distillery
It is impossible to talk about Corsican heritage without mentioning the iconic Maison L.N. Mattei, famous creator of the legendary “Cap Corse Mattei” invented in 1872 by Louis-Napoléon Mattei. This historic distillery excels in making aperitifs, gins, traditional liqueurs (myrtle, citron), and exceptional whiskies. In Bastia, their magnificent historic concept store located on Place Saint-Nicolas is even listed as a Historic Monument. An interesting visit if you are passing through the north of the island!
Mavela Boutique / L.N. Mattei Distillery
Lieu-dit Licettu, 20270 Aléria (Distillery) / Concept Store: 15 Boulevard de Gaulle, 20200 Bastia
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Farm Cheese – Santa Vena Farm
During the festival, we discovered the exceptional cheeses of the Santa Vena farm, located in Speloncato in Balagne. This pastoral farm is run by a passionate young couple, Serena Sanna and Jonathan Saez. Deeply attached to their animals, they raise a flock of 120 ewes and transform their raw milk themselves into fresh crottins, Corsican tommes, aged cheeses (Venacais or Bastelica style), and PDO Brocciu. A wonderful pastoral craft approach just the way we like it with the favorite photographer!
Santa Vena Farm
Santa Vena, 20226 Speloncato
Production: Yogurts, ewe’s milk crottin, Corsican tomme, Bastelica and PDO Brocciu from pastoral farming
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Pietra Brewery
It is impossible to mention Corsica without talking about the famous Pietra beer, a true institution on the island. While the must-try chestnut amber beer remains the historic original recipe, I especially enjoyed discovering the diversity of their range. Between the highly refreshing Pietra Bionda, Pietra Rossa with its red fruit and chestnut notes, and their IPA and white beer variations, there is something for everyone. And incidentally, the brand also released a limited-edition Pomelo beer, exclusively for the festival!
Pietra Brewery
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Corsican Wines
The festival also gave us the opportunity to discover a few Corsican wine producers. In particular, we met the producer from Domaine Nicolai and tasted his wines, which we really enjoyed. In any case, it made us very eager to discover more about Corsican wines, which we ultimately know quite poorly.
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Réseau Nustrale, Bonifacio Short-Circuit Network
The Réseau Nustrale is a wonderful eco-responsible and collaborative initiative launched in 2020 by the municipality of Bonifacio and its Tourist Office. This local network brings together 27 producers, restaurateurs, and accommodation providers in Bonifacio committed to strong values: transparency, cooperation, and progress. The goal is to revitalize Bonifacio’s agriculture and proudly bring it back to our plates by favoring short distribution channels.
At the network’s stand during Festi Bocca, we had the chance to taste a main dish and a dessert made with brocciu prepared by the partners:
- A fish medallion, fine stuffing of brocciu and bottarga, pancetta crisps, pulenta toast, and pork juice.
- Brocciu smoked with everlasting flower, canistrelli made with chestnut flour and orange zest, fiadone and white myrtle insert, with an everlasting flower lemon gel.
Réseau Nustrale of Bonifacio
Local and eco-responsible network, town hall and Tourist Office of Bonifacio
My favorite addresses in Bonifacio
As is my habit, below I am sharing my selection of favorite spots tested with the favorite photographer during our getaway to Bonifacio, whether restaurants, ice cream shops, or charming accommodations ideal for unwinding.
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My favorite food spots in Bonifacio
An ice cream shop in Bonifacio? Rocca Serra
Rocca Serra is a true Bonifacio institution that now boasts several addresses across the town, along the marina quay as well as in the upper town (which is where we went). This artisanal ice cream maker highlights Corsican gastronomic heritage through 100% artisanal creations, made from rigorously selected local ingredients. From citron sorbet to Ajaccio strawberry, through more daring flavors like chestnut flour, nepita, brocciu, or even myrtle, you will find authentic and intense flavors. A gourmet stop not to be missed to refresh yourself during your stroll through the town.
And as a little bonus, the ice cream shop also offers an emblematic sweet specialty of Bonifacio: Le Corail de Bonifacio. This crunchy, golden biscuit, flavored with local citrus fruits and nuts, pays a wonderful gourmet tribute to the “red gold” of the Bonifacio seabeds. It’s also a great gourmet souvenir idea to bring back from your stay in Bonifacio.
Rocca Serra Ice Cream Shop
17 Quai Comparetti 20169 Bonifacio
1 rue Saint Dominique 20169 Bonifacio
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A pizzeria in Bonifacio? Restaurant Les Amis
This charming pizzeria-trattoria has been around since 1988 on the port of Bonifacio. We dined on their very pleasant little terrace facing the port, which offers a lovely setting. The menu features good pizzas (we obviously tried the one called “La Bonifacienne” – €18), but also generous salads and local specialties like pistarellu, a traditional skate wing salad (€21) or storzapretti, Corsican dumplings with Swiss chard and brocciu (€22). And for dessert, of course, I can only recommend the house tiramisu (€9.50). A great time, friendly and fuss-free!
Restaurant Les Amis
79 Quai Jérôme Comparetti, 20169 Bonifacio
Prices: starters between €12 and €16 / pizzas between €13 and €18 / main courses between €19 and €24 / desserts between €9.50 and €12
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A terrace overlooking the port of Bonifacio? Le Centre Nautique
This 5-star hotel with contemporary design also houses a bar and a restaurant. This is where the opening party for the Festi Bocca Festival took place (which I mention a bit higher up) and we were able to enjoy the wonderful location of its terrace, which offers a magnificent view of the port.
Le Centre Nautique
Quai Nord, Port de Plaisance 20169 Bonifacio
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A gourmet restaurant in Bonifacio? Restaurant D’Amore
Ideally located on the marina, the D’Amore restaurant is an upscale and elegant trattoria offering excellent contemporary Italian cuisine. The creative identity led by Michelin-starred chef Italo Bassi is orchestrated on a daily basis by executive chef (also starred) Edoardo Menna, who elevates Corsican and Italian produce through a concise, seasonal menu: fish crudos, fragrant risottos, and homemade fresh pasta cooked al dente. It is the perfect spot for a refined meal overlooking the pleasure boats. The service is attentive, and as a side note, the gourmet table “Finestra” (one Michelin star and the first starred table in the history of Bonifacio), run by the same duo, is located just upstairs. I can only highly recommend this place (we truly enjoyed our meal), and it made us very eager to come back and try their starred restaurant! Finally, the team is so friendly that we even got to take a picture in the kitchen at the end of the evening with chef Edoardo Menna and his brigade.
During this dinner, we tried a series of delicious starters selected by the chef, and on the pasta side, I recommend the gnocchetti “cacio e pepe” with prawn carpaccio, trout roe, and lovage (31 €)—an absolute killer. And for pasta lovers, the spaghetti alla chitarra (46 €) with fresh truffle shavings are also very flavorful. As for desserts, it’s a real great deal, as they are imagined and created by the pastry chef of the Michelin-starred restaurant. I especially recommend the profiteroles, which are incredible (and yet I am usually not a fan of this dessert), and the reinvented d’Amore tiramisu with a mascarpone Bavarian cream. The drinks menu also naturally gives pride of place to Corsican wines, for those wanting to discover the production of the Isle of Beauty.
Restaurant D’Amore
51 Quai Jérôme Comparetti, 20169 Bonifacio
Prices: à la carte starters between €19 and €34 / pasta dishes between €29 and €46 / desserts €16
The great deal: chef Edoardo Menna‘s market-fresh menu with starter + main course + dessert for €75
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Where to stay in Bonifacio and its surroundings?
La Résidence Casarina
For our stay, we dropped our bags at the Résidence Casarina. Located just 300 meters from Maora beach, in the Gulf of Santa Manza, this charming address offers comfortable rooms, apartments, and even a villa set within a splendid 2-hectare landscaped park. The rentals are scattered across the property, amidst white stone walls and olive trees. We stayed in a double room with a balcony and a partial sea view. The estate also features two heated outdoor pools (which we unfortunately couldn’t enjoy as much as I would have liked, though I still had time to take a quick dip). Breakfast, featuring local products, is served daily right next to the pools. A peaceful and restorative address, just 5 km from the historic center of Bonifacio.
Résidence Casarina ☆☆☆☆
Route de Maora, Golfe de Santa Manza, 20169 Bonifacio
Rates: starting from €80 per night in low season and up to €493 in high season
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U Mulinu
U Mulinu is an exceptional, utterly out-of-the-ordinary residence perched on the cliffs of Bonifacio. It is an old 13th-century Genoese grain mill that has been superbly rehabilitated into a sumptuous luxury villa by the Limongi family, owners of the 4-star U Capu Biancu Hotel. This 420 m² building offers a magical and exclusive stay with 360-degree views of the sea and the channel. The villa features 3 exceptional suites (sleeping up to 6 people), a fully glass-roofed area housing a heated indoor pool, and carefully upcycled furniture.
U Mulinu is rented exclusively and in its entirety, offering upscale hotel services (housekeeper, butler, and access to the amenities of the U Capu Biancu hotel). Breakfast is made with 99% local produce and served with 100% natural pastries. It is also the perfect opportunity to taste their house wine, “Essa”, a 100% Vermentino white. We didn’t have the chance to stay in this magnificent villa, but we were able to enjoy an unforgettable breakfast there and tour the property.
U Mulinu – Luxury Villa U Capu Biancu ☆☆☆☆☆
Domaine de Pozzoniello, 20169 Bonifacio
Opening: year-round except from January to March
Rates: rental of the entire property / starting from €2,450 per night (minimum 2-night stay – breakfast and on-site butler included)
Thank you to the Municipal Tourist Office of Bonifacio and the organizers of the Festi Bocca festival for the invitation and organization of this wonderful gastronomic getaway.
I hope all this has made you want to visit Bonifacio and its Festi Bocca festival, and if you too have your favorite spots and tips for this destination, feel free to share them in the comments below!
Photo credits: Nicolas Diolez Photos are not royalty-free; photographer's permission is mandatory prior to any use
