Bonifacio

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Bonifacio, Corsica

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	41°23.16′N, 09°08.76′E
	Photo gallery
	Local chartlet
Bonifacio harbour from the old town

The inlet of Bonifacio in Corsica is one of the most spectacular natural harbours in the Mediterranean. Situated at the head of a deep fjord, the berths are protected from winds coming from any quarter. The town is divided into the Haut Ville, the old town built on a defensive promotory overlooking the sea, the citadel of which dates back to the 9th century, and La Marine, the area directly adjacent to the inlet, which houses the port facilities. The town takes its name from Boniface II, ruler of Tuscany, who built the first citadel here to protect the southern limit of his domain from Saracen pirates. Bonifacio is the closest harbour to the Italian island of Sardinia and is an enjoyable place to wait for the winds to die down before crossing the Strait of Bonifacio.

Charts

Submit the chart details that are required for safe navigation.

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Weather

The Strait of Bonifacio is one of the windiest places in the western Mediterranean, regularly experiencing nearly gale force winds whenever the prevailing winds are much above force 4/5. With anything east or west in the winds (which is most of the time), the winds are funnelled through the gap between Corsica and Sardinia and the seas whipped up into an unpleasant short swell. Consequently, the harbour is often filled with yachts waiting for a clear passage across the Strait or round to Porto-Vecchio.

Also see Corsica.

Approach and Navigation

Bonifacio is surrounded by steep limestone cliffs and the entrance is not easy to spot when arriving from the west. However, the old town on the promontory protecting the harbour is very conspicuous, as is the lighthouse of La Madonneta on a spit at the eastern side of the inlet.

Berthing options

Pontoon mooring in Bonifacio

Small anchorage in the inlet

Yachts visiting Bonifacio have the option of berthing at the marina in the harbour or, alternatively, anchoring off in the approaches (although space is limited).

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

The marina in Bonifacio has a total of 450 berths, of which 160 are designated for visiting yachts. Maximum draught in the harbour is 3.5m. Yachts moor bows or stern-to on wooden pontoons. Water and electricity on each pontoon. There are WCs and showers in the marina, plus a laundrette. A chandlery is close by on the waterfront and there is also a slipway and 40T crane. Fuel can be delivered by tanker.

Anchorages

There are two small bays where a limited number of yachts can anchor on the north side of the inlet. At busy times, it may be necessary to take a line ashore (which may be a wise move in any case to prevent swinging into shallow water if the wind changes).

Offshore Islands

The Iles Lavezzi are about six miles east of Bonifacio. Beautiful Island with 2 main anchoring spots. The approach for the one on the east is well marked with yellow buoys forming a channel. Watch out for rocks on both sides. The space is very small and it gets very busy in high season. Not protected from winds apart from SW. Depths of about 3m. Anchorage on west side more protected from Easterlies, and tend to be less crowded.(details needed).

The island features 2 cementeries with casualties of the famous shipwreck in 1855 of La Semillante, in which 700 people died. One cementary is for the captain and priest alone, and the other is for the remaining 698 people.

Marine Stores

Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.

Repairs/Yards

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Water and electricity at all berths. Fuel can be delivered.

Things to do ashore

Tourism

The best experience in Bonifacio is simply wandering around the steep and narrow streets of the Haut Ville before lunching in one of its many shady cafes. The south side of the old town is built right on the cliffs overlooking the windswept Bouches de Bonifacio and has spectacular views in good weather over to the north coast of Sardinia.

Gallery

The south side of the Haut Ville, Bonifacio

The coast near Bonifacio

Street in the old town

Grocery & Supply Stores

There are two good supermarkets at the head of the inlet.

Eateries

Internet/WiFi

Available?

Laundry

Laundrette in the marina.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Garbage Disposal

Bins near the harbour.

Transportation

Transportation (local and/or international)

Routes/Passages To/From

Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

Links to relevant websites.

References & Publications

See France.

Personal Notes

There is a good hospital in Bonifacio, which is used to treating yachting injuries (especially to feet, in view of the number of intellectually challenged yotties who sail barefoot around the island!) Atheneoflymington.

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• May 2003 --Atheneoflymington 16:28, 24 January 2010 (UTC)

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