10 things to do in Bonifacio

The citadel stands majestically as a guardian of the area and the alleyways of the upper town. From the harbour, tackle the steep path by taking the little train, parking at the car park or proceeding on foot. Once you reach the 70-metre-high clifftop, this elegant, charming spot is well worth the reward, giving you a chance to have a wander and get lost in your thoughts.

The upper town is full of delights, offering you a real slice of culture like façades of exquisite architecture, panoramic views across the sea, ancient squares and doors, and bars and restaurants on welcoming terraces. The best time to climb is at the end of the day, when the light is fading and the alleyways are cloaked in a magical atmosphere.

The harbour lies at the foot of the citadel in a lively district where you can check out the town. Along the water's edge, you'll find bars, cafes and restaurants with a relaxed atmosphere – the perfect place to take the weight off and soak up the gentle Bonifacio way of life. Moored yachts and fishing boats promise pleasant trips out to sea or culinary delights, while the ochre-coloured cliffs, in contrast against the blue of the sea, will leave you lost in thought.

From the harbour, the steps of the Saint Roch Pass will take you to a spectacular panoramic viewpoint. Along the way, you'll pass a little white chapel with a stunning backdrop of the sea that is well worth the visit.

The Gênes drawbridge (le pont-levis de la porte de Gênes) at the Gateway of Genoa (La Porte de Gênes) is the entrance to the town that is also well worth discovering. It has a drawbridge dating back to the 1830s (replacing the one from 1598), activated by a system of weights and pulleys, that takes you on a historical journey back to the origins of the city.

Take a few moments before crossing the threshold to admire and imagine the treasures you may find or the famous people who have passed underneath on horseback or in a horse-drawn carriage. As soon as you enter, you can purchase a reasonably priced Monuments Pass from the Bonifacio tourist office as well as a city map to help you find your way around.

The coastal path – also known as the Pertusatu path – lets you take a walk and discover Bonifacio's wild coastline. Starting at the car park at the foot of the Pertusatu semaphore, walk along the cliffs, 100 metres or so above sea level, and enjoy the spectacular view across to the Lavezzi Islands (Îles Lavezzi), and even Sardinia.

Along the way, stop for a moment to admire the lighthouse and local vegetation – and don't forget your swimming and snorkelling equipment to make the most of the 2 beaches: Saint-Antoine Beach (Plage Saint-Antoine) with its fine sand, and Trois Pointes Beach (Plage des Trois Pointes) with its terraced formation that leads down to the sea.

The King of Aragon Staircase (L’escalier du Roy d’Aragon), carved into a cliff face, has 189 steps and dates back to 1420. It will leave you with memories that are as dizzying as they are enduring. Legend has it that the soldiers of the King of Aragon carved them in a night to try to gain entrance to the citadel. But the real reason they were made is due to the Saint-Barthélemy well (le Puits Saint-Barthélemy) that gave inhabitants a source of drinking water.

The particularly steep steps reach a height of 65 m above the turquoise waters of the sea, and at the foot of the steps, you can walk along the cliff face to visit the cave and famous well. Once refreshed, brave the climb back up again – children who manage to reach the top will receive a little certificate.

Bonifacio Cemetery (Le cimetière marin), located at the end of the peninsula, has none of the gloom usually associated with this type of place. Peppered with pretty white monuments, contrasting with the blue of the waters and with an unobstructed view of the Strait of Bonifacio, the cemetery is a perfect spot for contemplation.

There are very few individual tombs here, as most are grouped into family chapels, which give this place an extra charm. This is the most southerly cemetery in Europe and one of the most beautiful of the Mediterranean – so why not swing by? Combine your visit with the upper city and park in the adjacent car park.

Saint-Dominique Church (Église Saint-Dominique), the town's oldest church, is less well known than Église Sainte-Marie-Majeure but is one of the only monuments in Corsica built in a Gothic style. Built by the Dominicans on the former place of worship of the Knights Templar, it dates back to 1343 and has a bell tower with upper levels forming an octagonal shape, topped with battlements.

Graced with excellent acoustics, this unusual building was listed as a historic monument in 1862 and is part of the town's rich heritage. Today, vocal groups come to perform here – now there's a novel idea for a trip.

A trip out to sea in search of coves and sea caves is a great next step after you've done the tour of inland Bonifacio and you're ready to admire the town from the water. Sail away on the gentle waters at the foot of the limestone cliffs that give the town it's identity. While you're there, discover the amazing, dreamy sea caves (for example, the Sdraganato and Saint-Antoine caves, whose shape have earned them the nickname of Napoleon's Hat).

From here, the houses of the citadel appear to hover in the air, while the King of Aragon Staircase is even more impressive seen from below. While the bays, beaches and coves unfold before your eyes, let yourself be gently rocked by the waves and the contentment of life.

Tasting handmade ice cream at Rocca-Serra is a must-try experience during your walk around the harbour. A true symbol of the town, it attracts some of the great names of the restaurant world. Thanks to the array of flavours on offer, it tantalises the taste buds of both old and young who are either local or have come from further afield. It brings out the best that this Corsican Garden of Eden has to offer.

With ingredients such as Brocciu cheese, chestnut flour and real yoghurt, just the names of the ice creams are enough to make your mouth water. And the sorbets, made from the fruits of Corsica, are not left out, including organic lemons from Bastia, strawberries from Ajaccio, lesser calamint from the Maquis scrubland and regional rosemary from the island. You'll have to come back to be able to try everything.

Pertusatu Cape (Capo Pertusatu) feels like it's at the end of the Earth. If you enjoyed the walk along the coastal path, why not keep going? With the Tistagro rock (Rocher de Tistagro), it is the most southernmost point in France, and the limestone feels like a lunarscape.

Exposed to currents and closed to fishing, the cape is a haven for flora and fauna and is teeming with hundreds of species, ranging from the smallest to the predators of the sea, such as barracudas. Walk along the cliffs and discover a string of caves with walls sculpted by the water, including the open-air Grotte de l'orca that you can enter.