Bonifacio Cruise Ship Port Guide

How to get to the port, by air, train, road

Getting to Bonifacio’s port is straightforward, whether you’re coming from mainland France or elsewhere in Corsica.

If you’re flying in, head to Figari-South Corsica Airport, which sits 23km from Bonifacio. Once there, grab a taxi or hire car to reach the port – it’s about a 30-minute drive. For those driving, follow the T40 motorway and keep an eye out for port signs leading to the harbour area. You’ll find plenty of parking spots near the terminal.

There aren’t any direct trains to Bonifacio, but you can catch one to Porto-Vecchio from either Bastia or Ajaccio, then hop on a bus or take a taxi for the final stretch. Local buses run between Bonifacio and Corsica’s main cities, dropping passengers close to the port area.

Port Parking Options

Bonifacio’s port has plenty of good places to park if you’re going on a cruise. The main P1 car park sits right next to the marine terminal with 150 spaces for both short and long stays. You’ll pay £15 for a day, or from £80 if you’re leaving your car for a week.

If you want to save some money, try the P2 car park – it’s 800 metres from the terminal and costs £10 per day. A free shuttle bus runs between P2 and the terminal every 15 minutes, so you won’t have to walk.

For a bit more luxury, there’s valet parking at £25 daily. The staff will park your car and bring it back when you return from your trip. Just remember to book your space ahead of time during the busy months (June-September) on the port’s website.

Local Transport & Transfers

Located right outside the cruise terminal, taxis are the quickest way to get to Bonifacio’s centre – expect to pay around €15-20. Look for official taxis with working meters and proper ID badges to get a fair deal.

During the busy cruise season, a free shuttle bus runs every half hour between the port and old town. You’ll spot the bus stop easily marked by the terminal exit. For a bit more freedom, you can hire scooters or bikes from the port shops, with prices from €25 per day.

If you fancy stretching your legs, it’s a 25-minute walk to the centre along the coastal path. The route is clearly signposted and gives you lovely views of Bonifacio’s limestone cliffs and the Mediterranean Sea.

Port Terminal Facilities

The compact terminal comes with all the basics – a tourist info desk, free Wi-Fi, toilets and a small café that sells local food and drinks. While you can change money during the busy cruise season, it’s better to sort this out beforehand.

You’ll spot a sheltered waiting space that fits about 50 people, with signs in French and English everywhere you look. There’s a first aid point with staff when ships are in port, and security teams keep an eye on things round the clock. Though it’s not a shopping centre, there’s a handy little shop for essentials and local keepsakes. If you’re struggling with bags, you can find porters to help at the main entrance.

Things to Do Before Your Cruise in a Day

Before boarding your cruise, seeing Bonifacio is worth your time. The old citadel sits high on limestone cliffs, giving you brilliant views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Get going early to visit these brilliant spots:

• Go down the King Aragon Steps – a medieval staircase cut into the cliff that takes you to the clear waters below
• Wander through the old town’s narrow cobblestone streets and pop into local craft shops near the Marine Cemetery
• Have a look at the Bastion de l’Etendard, a 16th-century fortress with an interesting history museum
• Take a quick boat ride to see the striking white limestone cliffs and sea caves

Make sure to taste some proper Corsican food at one of the lovely local cafes before you head back to your ship.

Walks near the port

Walking around Bonifacio’s port, you’ll spot lots of lovely paths for a good stroll. The harbour has a nice 800-metre walkway where you can see posh yachts bobbing next to local fishing boats. As you wander along the Marina Path, you’ll pass plenty of waterfront eateries and little shops.

If you fancy something a bit more taxing, climb the King Aragon Steps – all 187 of them – carved right into the limestone cliff. These connect the port to the old citadel, and you get brilliant views of the Mediterranean as you go up. The Governors’ Trail is another option, a 2-kilometre coastal path that goes round the peninsula. You’ll see old forts and interesting limestone formations along the way. The path to St. Francis Viewpoint is worth the walk too – it gives you a fantastic look at the Lavezzi Islands spread out before you.

Dining and Shopping

The marina’s bustling with restaurants and cafés on both sides – you can grab anything from laid-back bistro meals to fancy Mediterranean dishes. There’s plenty of fresh seafood, traditional Corsican food, and French cooking at different prices. Most places have tables outside where you can eat whilst looking at the boats.

Want to shop? Wander through the Old Town’s winding streets where you’ll come across:

• Local craft shops with Corsican-made bits and bobs
• Food shops packed with regional treats like honey, cheese, and wine
• Fashion shops selling Mediterranean holiday clothes and accessories
• Market stands full of fresh local fruit, veg and spices

The main shopping bit centres around Rue Fred Scamaroni and Place du Marché – lovely old streets where you can have a proper browse. Most shops take credit cards, but it’s smart to keep some cash handy for the smaller places.

Accommodation near the port

Several places to stay are within an easy walk of Bonifacio’s port, ranging from fancy hotels with marina views to small guesthouses in the old medieval streets.

The Hotel Version Maquis Citadelle sits high above the harbour with great sea views and a swimming pool terrace. Solemare B&B has mid-priced rooms just 400 metres from the port, while Best Western Roy d’Aragon is right on the waterfront – handy if you’ve got an early boat to catch.

For those watching their budget, you can try Pension les Flots Bleus or Hotel du Port, both about 5 minutes on foot from the cruise terminal. If you’re coming with a big family or group, you’ll spot quite a few holiday rentals in the old town’s narrow streets, including apartments with harbour views and traditional Corsican features.

Tips for First-Time Cruisers from The Port

Getting to Bonifacio port for the first time? Give yourself 3 hours before sailing. You’ll want plenty of time to sort out boarding papers, get through security and find your bearings. The terminal can be a bit tricky to navigate when you’re new, so take it easy.

Handy tips for sailing from Bonifacio:

• Get the port’s app on your phone – it’s brilliant for live updates, maps and important messages
• Keep your cruise paperwork, passport and boarding pass in a handy carry-on where you can reach them easily
• Bring some euros in cash for luggage help, taxis or anything you need to buy at the terminal
• Sort out your transport to the port beforehand – taxis can be hard to find when it’s busy

Pop on some comfy shoes – you’ll be walking quite a bit through the terminal.

See what’s on offer from the Port of Bastia for a different Mediterranean cruise destination.

Customs & Immigration at The Port

You’ll need to go through customs and immigration at Bonifacio’s processing area before getting on your cruise ship. Bring your passport, cruise papers and filled-in customs form. Head to the main terminal building – it’s best to turn up at least three hours before your ship leaves.

French customs staff will look through your bags and might ask what you’re bringing in or taking out of the country. Remember to tell them about anything over the duty-free limit. Immigration officers will check your travel papers and put a stamp in your passport. If you’re from outside the EU, you’ll need to show a visa if one’s needed for your trip.

Keep all your processed papers close by – you might need to show them again when you board the ship.

Local Currency & Payment Options

You’ll need euros (€) in Bonifacio since it’s part of France. You can find several cash machines near the port and in town centre where you can withdraw money using international debit cards.

Most places in Bonifacio take:

• Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
• Cash in euros
• Mobile payment apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay
• Contactless card payments

Whilst many shops and restaurants aimed at tourists accept cards, it’s wise to keep some cash handy, particularly for small purchases at local markets, cafes, or taxis. The exchange rates at port kiosks aren’t brilliant, so you might want to get your euros before your cruise or use the cash machines in town.

Emergency Contacts

In case of emergency in Bonifacio, just dial 112 – it’s the main European emergency number that works from any mobile or landline. You’ll get through to ambulance, police and fire services, with English-speaking staff ready to help around the clock.

Specific numbers you might need:

• Police (Gendarmerie): 17
• Ambulance (SAMU): 15
• Fire Brigade: 18
• Bonifacio Port Authority: +33 4 95 73 10 07
• Bonifacio Hospital: +33 4 95 73 90 90
• Tourist Office: +33 4 95 73 11 88
• Port Medical Centre: +33 4 95 73 56 56

It’s a good idea to save these numbers in your phone straight away. If you’re on a cruise, make sure you’ve got your ship’s emergency contact handy too. Remember – if you’re using a phone from the US, pop +33 at the start of any local numbers.

History of The Port

Bonifacio’s harbour has been a crucial Mediterranean stopping point ever since Greek sailors first dropped anchor in its limestone inlet around 600 BC. The deep, protected waters and massive limestone cliffs made it a sought-after spot for ships throughout the ages.

Here’s how things played out:

• The Romans rocked up in 259 BC, turning it into a busy trading spot with fancy new harbour works
• During the Middle Ages, Tuscan pirates used it as their hangout until Bonifacio Pisano set up the proper town in 828 AD
• In the 12th century, the Republic of Genoa built it up properly, including the massive citadel you can see nowadays
• The French took over in 1768, gave the port facilities a proper upgrade and made it Corsica’s main southern harbour

Environmental Initiatives at The Port

The waters around Bonifacio’s port have been driving all sorts of green projects since 2010. You’ll spot solar lights all over the terminal, and electric buses ferry people between cruise ships and the town centre. They’ve got brilliant recycling facilities and a water treatment plant that handles all the ships’ waste water.

Pop down to the port and you’ll see their “Clean Seas” programme working flat out, with regular harbour clean-ups and floating barriers catching bits and bobs from the sea. Ships that meet strict environmental rules can get cheaper docking fees through their “Green Ship” scheme. If you fancy it, you can join in their educational sessions – they run tours of their marine conservation centre and show how their fancy emissions tracking system works.

Accessibility Information for Disabled Passengers

The cruise terminal has easy-to-navigate, flat access everywhere for wheelchair users. You can get free help getting from ship to shore if you’re in a wheelchair – just let your cruise line know a day before you need it.

You’ll find:

• Disabled parking spots less than 50 metres from where you go in
• Lifts with Braille buttons and voice announcements going to all floors
• Accessible loos with emergency cords on every floor
• Lower information desks and money exchange counters

Need more help? Ring the port’s accessibility team on +33-495-730-120. They can sort out special transport to Bonifacio’s old town or help you rent mobility scooters and wheelchairs.

Cruise Insurance and Medical Facilities at The Port

The port’s got three medical stations in Terminal A that run 24/7 for cruise passengers. You’ll spot qualified medical staff at each one, with defibrillators, oxygen tanks and basic first aid gear. The main clinic’s on the ground floor, whilst two smaller stations are up on the second and third floors.

You’ll need proper cruise insurance before you set sail. Most ships coming into Bonifacio want to see proof that your medical insurance covers emergency evacuation. If you haven’t sorted insurance yet, you can buy single-trip cover at the port’s service desk. Whilst the port’s medical centres can handle small emergencies, anyone with serious medical issues will be taken to Bonifacio Hospital, which is 3 kilometres from the terminal.

Families: Child-Friendly Services and Activities

Travelling with little ones? Terminal A has lots of family-friendly bits and bobs. You’ll find a welcoming family lounge with changing stations, bottle warmers and a play corner for tots. The food court thinks of children too, with special kids’ menus and high chairs ready to go.

The port has these handy services for families:

• Strollers to hire from the information desk
• Family loos with child-sized facilities
• Staff-watched kids’ activity centre (ages 3-12) with arts and crafts
• Games area with suitable video games and films

The medical station has staff trained in children’s care, and you can pick up baby supplies at the port’s shop. The clear signs make it easy for families to find their way around the terminal.

Local Cultural Highlights and Events

When you arrive at the cruise terminal, you’ll see loads of Corsican culture on show. Local groups perform polyphonic singing – it’s so special that UNESCO recognises it as a cultural treasure. If you’re here in summer, pop over to the port’s main square to watch brilliant traditional dances like quadrille and moresca.

The weekly artisan markets are worth a visit, where local makers sell beautiful coral jewellery, textiles they’ve woven themselves, and proper Bonifacian pottery. September brings the Medieval Days festival, turning the port into a proper blast from the past with people dressed up in period clothes, old-time music and historical shows. All year round, you can try authentic Corsican food at port-side tastings – think local cheeses, charcuterie, and lovely wines.

Best Times of Year to Cruise from The Port

When to cruise from the port varies throughout the year, and your timing really matters. The Mediterranean weather gives you different choices depending on when you go.

• Late May to June is brilliant – you get lovely 20-25°C temperatures, not too many tourists, and good sailing weather
• July and August are the hottest months with loads going on, but you’ll face summer crowds and steeper prices
• September to mid-October means warm water for swimming, mild weather, and fewer visitors about
• April to early May brings spring flowers and gentle winds, though the sea’s still a bit nippy

The sweet spots are May-June and September-October, when you’ll find nice weather, fair prices, and manageable numbers of people. Best avoid winter months (November through March) as there’s less happening at the port and the seas can get quite rough.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Size of Cruise Ships That Can Dock Here?

Cruise ships that are 200 metres or shorter can dock right at our port. If you’re travelling on a bigger ship, it’ll need to drop anchor out at sea and you’ll be brought to shore using smaller tender boats.

Are There Any Local Boat Tours Available Directly From the Cruise Port?

Lots of local boat trips start right at the cruise dock. You can hop on tours that take you around caves, along the shoreline, and past lovely cliffs – all leaving from the port terminal.

How Strict Is the Dress Code at Bonifacio’s Port Restaurants?

Most restaurants at Bonifacio’s Port keep things laid-back. You can wear everyday clothes – just avoid swimwear. Decent shorts, t-shirts and summer dresses are all fine.

What Marine Wildlife Can Typically Be Seen From Ships in Bonifacio’s Harbor?

Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins splashing about in the harbour waters – they love to show off! You’ll see loads of Mediterranean fish swimming around too. It’s brilliant watching sea birds swooping down to catch their lunch, and if you’re lucky, you might spot sea turtles gliding through the clear waters below.

Can Passengers Store Luggage at the Port Between Cruise Transfers?

Most cruise passengers need somewhere to keep their bags between transfers. The port has some storage spaces, but they’re quite small and can fill up quickly. Get in touch with your cruise line to find out about their luggage handling – they might have better options sorted for you.

Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Calvi Cruise Ship Port Guide.