Bonifacio yacht charter
Rent a yacht;catamaran;sailing yacht;yacht in Bonifacio and discover Corsica!
Charter a yacht with Arthaud Yachting and discover Corsica like no other!
Rent a charter yacht to Bonifacio in Corsica
Perched on a chalk-white mile-long promontory, the old Corsican city of Bonifacio watches over the Sardinia strait. Protecting a harbour, which has been built inside what was once a ravine, now a fjord-like bay, this promontory makes Bonifacio a distinct natural landmark, which is called “Cité des falaises”, the city of the cliffs. Sail with your private luxury charter yacht into the harbour and explore the southern tip of Corsica, the island of beauty.
Practical information about visiting Bonifacio when renting a yacht
Best time to visit Bonifacio when chartering a yacht
Like the rest of Corsica, Bonifacio benefits from a mild maritime climate, with the warm period extending from April to October. To avoid the crowds, it is of course recommended to avoid the summer months and to aim for April, May, the end of September and October.
The visiting hours are also a factor to take into consideration. Bonifacio is a rather small city; its historical residents having had to cope with lack of space on the promontory and between the rocky formations. Therefore, the city can become quickly overcrowded between 10am and 18pm. While you’re on board your yacht charter, our concierge services will provide you with privileged entrances, if you want to walk comfortably along the harbor and explore the charming streets, it is better
To plan outdoor activities in the city around 9am or during the afternoon.
The key cruising areas around Bonifacio when renting a yacht or catamaran
Apart from the impressive chalky promontory and the fjord-like harbor of Bonifacio, there are many places worthy of interest in the region, starting with the Lavezzi archipelago. The granitic islands forming this archipelago offer a stunning display of large boulders contrasting with the turquoise water of the sea. The most impressive view will be found north of the island of Lavezzi, in a place called Piscines de Lavezzi, or Lavezzi’s swimming pools. Here, the rocks enclose shallow seawaters, taming them and making them display their magical colours.
From Bonifacio, it’s easy to cruise to the famous Corsican city of Port-Vecchio, the Old Harbor, dominated by its 16th Century Genoese citadel. Some of the best beaches of Corsica are found there.
The Strait of Bonifacio (Bouches de Bonifacio in French) are also a popular cruise destination. They are located between the city and Sardinia and offer a unique panorama. It should be noted, however, that the weather can sometimes be difficult between the two coasts.
There are also some incredible Anchorage areas around the Bouches, such as the Paraganu cove, the Fazio cove or the Gulf of Ventilègnu. The bay of Pianotolli and that of Santamanza are also worth exploring to enjoy a unique setting. The great white cliffs of Santamanza will dazzle you.
For some variation, you may also cross the Sardinian strait and head for the Italian island of Sardinia and visit the archipelago of La Maddalena.
You shouldn’t miss this when chartering a yacht in Bonifacio
The best spot from where to take the most magnificent pictures of the chalky cliffs is the Capo Pertusato. Impossible to miss thanks to the lighthouse standing on the top of this cape, it has a perfect orientation to watch the sunset, and the orange light displays on the cliffs all the way to the Bonifacio promontory. However, these photographs won’t be the only ones to take at that location, as you’ll find the Saint-Antoine beach, the Saint-Antoine caves and the scenic Saint-Antoine waterhole.
A walk up the Escalier du Roy d’Aragon is also worthwhile. It is a passage that follows the coast, consisting of 189 steps from which the view is marvellous. You can complete your discovery by walking along various coastal paths (such as Pertusato or Campu Rumanilu). You will then overlook the cliffs and the Mediterranean and discover rare scenery.
Don’t miss the medieval city either. It is a magical place that is sure to delight you. The marine cemetery, the Hermitage of the Trinity or the Sainte-Marie majeure church where you can learn more about the Bonifacian brotherhoods are not to be missed.
There are also numerous beaches and coves such as the Fazzio beach, the Saint-Antoine beach or the astonishing beach of the 3 points.
Gastronomic and cultural suggestions
The best spots for wining and dining
The B’52 is a well-known place located in the port. During the day, you can enjoy fine wines and gourmet tapas. At night, the restaurant turns into a very chic nightclub. International DJ’s are regularly on hand. If beer is your thing, you can’t miss the Strada di a Biera. You will find over 50 different varieties of beer to taste in a setting reminiscent of ancient cellars.
To satisfy your hunger, Bonifacio has many restaurants. You can sit down at the table of Jean-Paul Bartoli, a well-known chef. The cuisine is specialized in local fish products and offers delicate flavours.
Leave the heart of the city and head to the very exclusive A Cheda. Hidden behind its walls, this restaurant is really a little glimpse of paradise on Earth. You can relax in a cosy intimate space in the luxurious garden, listening to the sound of the fountain, while waiting for a gastronomic meal made with the finest local ingredients.
Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy a glass of Champagne perfumed with Corsican Saffron, a must-try! Would you like to discover Corsican flavours in an upmarket setting? The Stella d’Oro is for you.
Corsican gastronomy in Bonifacio
The finest seafood is found in the numerous restaurants located around the harbor. Other than that, the Corsican cuisine is renowned for its traditional strength, using a great variety of local aromatic herbs which give meals their distinct, authentic taste. You may try the local version of the Bouillabaisse, with mussels, a typical herb pie, or Corsican Cannelloni with bush herbs, and let’s not forget the Corsican Arancellu, a locally renowned strong alcohol flavored with cinnamon and orange.
It is impossible to think of Corsican gastronomy without thinking of the divine charcuterie with its unique flavours. Figatellu, Prizutti, Lonzu are some examples of what you can taste.
The typical dish of the city is without doubt the lobster in Bonifacian sauce, a delicate dish with a hint of mustard.
Sugar lovers can try the famous Ügha Sécaïa (or Bread of the Dead), a very tasty raisin cake from Genoa. Don’t miss the famous Fiadone, or try the internationally renowned thin-skinned clementines.
Local culture
Corsica is renowned for having kept intact its culture, heritage and traditions. The local culture is still very present in the language (which is more Italian than French) and in the gastronomy. However, Bonifacio has something special to offer its visitors: the only gothic church of the island, only rivalled by the tallest bastion of France – the views are absolutely spectacular.
The best beach around Bonifacio accessible with your yacht rental
Bonifacio is home to many beaches and it is difficult to choose. If you only have one beach to visit, Saint-Antoine may be an excellent choice.
The scenery here is sublime. You can enjoy the clear, fine sand here. It is also here that you can discover the sumptuous Orca cave, take a photo of the astonishing rock in the shape of a shipwreck and meditate in front of the backdrop formed by the sea and the citadel of Bonifacio.
Thanks to your luxury yacht, it’s very easy to reach the Lavezzi archipelago and find the most beautiful beaches there. They come in different shapes, like the one called Spiaggia della Roccia Elefante. However, the most comfortable beach is found to the south of Lavezzu island, actually a complex of three beaches: Cala di u Lioni, Cala Giunco and Cala Achiarina.
Charter a yacht in Bonifacio: Arthaud Yachting’s recommendation
With so many sights to discover in and around Bonifacio, from the islands, capes, churches and the dominating promontory, it’s easy to miss a one-of-a-king attraction. If you’re in shape and ready for a little adventure, try out the famous Stairs of the King of Aragon. These actually need to be reserved beforehand and you’ll need to wear a helmet and safe shoes but descending the cliff right in front of the sea is a spectacular adventure, which you can get privileged access to thanks to an on board conciergerie. This is one of the many advantages you can enjoy on your private luxury yacht charter.