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Bonifacio, Corsica

Overview: The ancient town of Bonifacio at the very southern tip of Corsica dates from 833, but there is nothing old-fashioned about the tourist trappings and commercialisation of this buzzing haven that attracts huge crowds, particularly in summer. The visitors come for the magnificent setting, for the town sits atop a narrow limestone peninsula, the bright white cliffs plunging into the cerulean blue Bouches de Bonifacio strait which separates Corsica from Sardinia, just seven miles (11km) away. The most scenic way to approach Bonifacio is by boat, through the channel, almost a mile long that protects the town's beautiful natural harbour. No wonder that the buzzing marina attracts yachts from all over the world, as well as ferries and passenger boats packed with tourists from Sardinia and elsewhere. Alternatively you can fly in from Marseille or bus from the other Corsican towns. The Italian-flavoured town boasts quaint medieval architecture, offset with the requisite cafes, restaurants and boutiques catering to the tourist trade. The old town and citadel, built in the 12th century by the Genoese conquerors, is reached up a long, steep flight of steps. The citadel has been put to use in modern times as headquarters for the French Foreign Legion, which was based here between 1963 and 1983. There are diversions aplenty in the town and surrounds, ranging from watersports of all sorts to be enjoyed at the nearby Plage de Piantarella, to some splendid golf courses and boat trips to the offshore Archipel des Lavezzi island group.

Activities

Hiking: The mountainous island is extremely well suited to walking, and options range from difficult multi-day hikes to strolls along clifftops, and day hikes up into the mountains. The GR20 is reputed to be the best and most challenging long-distance walk in Europe, and is the most famous hike in Corsica. Fifteen days of demanding walking takes hikers along the inland granite spine of mountains dividing the island from Calenzana to Conca. Other well known, but less taxing walks include the Mare e Monti (sea to mountains) and Mare a Mare (sea to sea) trails that last from five, seven and 10 days. The area around Corte and Vizzavona has numerous day walks in the mountains; there are also a number of coastal walks such as the walk to Girolata on the west coast or Le Sentier des Douaniers on Cap Corse, and forests and ravines invite walkers to discover beautiful waterfalls, swimming holes and wonderful views. The GR20 should be walked in summer between May and October, although late snows can prevail until June, which requires a more technical approach.

Diving: Corsica's Mediterranean coastline offers superb diving opportunities. The sea temperature is warmest in August, and calm, clear waters make for excellent visibility. The Reserve Naturelle des Bouches de Bonifacio is the most visited area with outstanding dive conditions. Almost all the gulfs have dive centres and there are sites in and around Ajaccio, Porto Vecchio, Propriano, Cargese, Porto, Calvi and St-Florent. For expert divers, one of the top dive sites is the wreck of a B-17 bomber near Calvi. The peak dive season is between June and August.