Southern Corsica
Corsica, France
April 10th - 13th, 2026
After 5 days in Sardinia, we took the ferry across for a short three day trip to the southern part of Corsica. The car ferry from Santa Teresa Gallura to Bonifacio takes one hour to cross the 12 kilometer wide Strait of Bonifacio. We stayed in an absolutely wonderful resort, located about 30 minutes inland from Bonifacio. The Domaine de Peretti Della Rocca is a vineyard with a beautiful boutique hotel attached to it. They also had a fantastic restaurant, where we enjoyed a great dinner of local cuisine on our first night.
The next day we first explored the stunning town of Bonifacio, located on the southern tip of Corsica and perched dramatically on the edge of the white limestone cliffs, which line the southern coast.
The town has been inhabited since prehistoric times, but its first fortress was built here in 828 CE. It was the perfect place to build a citadel, which was protected by the steep cliffs and had a natural harbor formed by an inlet behind it.
In 1196 the Republic of Genoa seized the town and remained in control of it for several centuries, turning it into one of its most important strongholds. Many of the town houses, the citadel and the city walls were built by the Genoese during this time.
After a lovely lunch in a courtyard behind the cathedral, we explored the narrow streets of the old town. Bonifacio is a remarkably well-preserved medieval city. The centerpiece is the 12th century Church of Sainte-Marie-Majeure.
A fascinating part of the city is the Escalier du Roi d'Aragon, a steep and narrow staircase of 187 steps that was cut directly into the cliff face. According to legend it was carved in a single night by Aragonese troops during a siege in 1420, but it was more likely carved over many years by monks in order to access a water source. You have to pay an entrance fee to access the staircase, and they make you wear these silly helmets.
In the afternoon we went on a short but beautiful hike along the coast to the east of the city, from which we had these great views of the cliffs and the city.
The hike took us along the coast and then down to the sea. And we climbed to the top of these bizarre-looking rock formations at the Cape Pertusa.
Back in town we visited the citadel and walked through the beautiful cemetery, where each family grave is a little chapel.
We found a great local restaurant right on the city walls, where we had a lovely seafood dinner and enjoyed the sunset light reflecting off the white cliffs.
On our second day we drove for about an hour north into the mountains. The roads here are much narrower and curvier than in Sardinia. Along the way we passed the beautiful little mountain town of Levie.
Our hike started at the Col de Bavella, from where we had the spectacular views of the jagged spires which reach an altitude of over 1800 meters.
The hike took us through a beautiful pine forest and then involved a bit of rock scrambling at the end to reach the natural arch of the Trou de la Bombe.
On the way back we came across this beautiful little Romanesque church. It is called San Ghjuvani Battista and was built in Pisan style in the late 11th century.
Back at the resort, we finished our last night with a guided tour of the vineyard and a wine tasting. It was really interesting and we got to taste some very good Corsican wines.
We left the next morning to get back on the ferry to Sardinia. (Rental car companies don't allow you to drop off a car in Corsica, that was rented in Sardinia. So we had to return to Sardinia for one day.)
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