Anchorage

Falaises de Bonifacio

Shelter: N, NE, E
Seabed: sand, rock
Anchoring: Allowed

Anchorage below the limestone cliffs of Bonifacio on the southern tip of Corsica, 0.4 nm from the fjord-like harbour entrance.

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Approach from the south along the coast between Capo Pertusato and the harbour mouth. Seabed is mixed sand and rock, holding depends on finding a sandy patch. Sheltered from N, NE and E winds but fully exposed to the libeccio from the SW. Harbour entrance is narrow and well marked; in strong SW winds retreat into the goulet.

Practical

No moorings, no services on site. Bonifacio marina lies 0.4 nm NW through the natural inlet, with 170 berths, water, diesel, showers and full provisioning on the Quai Comparetti.

Ashore

Staircase of the King of Aragon cut into the cliff, 187 steps down to the sea. Old town on the cliff edge 0.5 km up from the marina, Bastion de l'Étendard and Saint-Dominique church from the 13th century. Marine reserve of the Bouches de Bonifacio starts immediately east.

History

Bonifacio was founded in 828 by Boniface II, Marquis of Tuscany, as a fortified post against Saracen raids. Genoese from the 12th century until the French annexation of Corsica in 1768.