Vue Aerienne Port Citadelle Goulet BonifacioVue Aerienne Port Citadelle Goulet Bonifacio
©Vue Aerienne Port Citadelle Goulet Bonifacio|Sébastien AUDE
An imposing little port

Bonifacio Marina

Both a small fishing port and home to the most extravagant yachts, the Marina de Bonifacio has a very special character. The views it offers of the nearby citadel are breathtaking, as are those of the goulet – the city’s maritime entrance – and the cliffs. This little port has been around for a very long time, witnessing the city’s history at first hand, and is still alive and kicking thanks to a multitude of activities.

Shopping and restaurants

A quick trip to the stores before enjoying a fish meal

Fishing harbours don’t just mean boats. The Rastello, with its cobblestones and typical houses, gives a glimpse of the marina and already reveals a number of attractive boutiques. Any self-respecting fashionista knows that Bonifacia’s selection is cutting-edge and often ahead of the trends! Boutiques by Corsican designers, major labels and more confidential brands share the lower part of Rastello and Quai Comparetti. There’s plenty to choose from! If you’re not a fashionista, you’ll find decoration stores, delicatessens, a candy store… And like any self-respecting Marina, the restaurants liven up the area, featuring fish caught in the morning just a few kilometers away…

“At sunset, head to the Quai d’Honneur to watch the golden light fall on the boats… Magical!”

Stroll along the quays

Small and large boats

At first glance, the Marina reveals its charms. While the kids take a spin on the carousel, you can take in the citadel, which stands 25 metres high and looks impregnable. You can make out the entire fortress surrounding the upper town. The cafés lining the Quai Comparetti offer ample opportunity to watch the ballet of fishing boats mingling with pleasure boaters, while enjoying a cup of coffee or a homemade ice cream… On the Quai d’Honneur, where the harbourmaster’s office and the tourist office are located, you’ll find some of the largest yachts on the island, with two or three decks! In summer, some are positioned at the end of the Quai Comparetti, while boats over 24 meters are often invited to park in areas specifically reserved for them, a few kilometers away. On the Quai Beretti side, depending on the time of day you pass by, you can see fishermen putting away their nets, looking after the boats, or even selling their freshly caught fish to amateurs. All you have to do is head for the fishermen’s house to bump into them and have a chat.

The inhabitants of the Marine are known as Marinaghji, those of the Upper Town as Gofetti, nicknames handed down from generation to generation.

Religious heritage

Marina Church

Saint Erasmus, patron saint of seafarers

You’ll have to keep your eyes peeled for the Church of St. Erasmus, the only one in this part of town, which nevertheless boasts a good 20 churches. The cult of Saint-Erasme, patron saint of fishermen and seafarers, dates back to the 13th century.

Styles are mixed, but important religious objects are still on display, such as a 19th-century chalice and a painting depicting the Apparition of the Virgin and Child to Saint-Erasme and Saint-Paul.

Upper town or Madonetta?

Incredible Narrows

How would you like to discover the port from a bird’s eye view? There are two possibilities: via the upper town or the countryside. Let’s start at the Rastello and climb up to the Genoese gate. You can sit for a few moments on the low wall to watch the boats, and let your gaze wander as far as Brancuccio and Saint-Julien, in the distance. On the other side of the river, which is also ideal for strolling, you’ll be able to enjoy a whole new view of the port and marina.

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