Distance from Corsica`s airports to Bonifacio:

Figari Sud Airport (FSC): 13.5 miles

Bastia Poretta Airport (BIA): 105 miles. Faster roads than Ajaccio.

Ajaccio Campo dell`Oro Airport (AJA): 87 miles. The route from this airport involves very winding, mountainous roads.

Calvi Ste Catherine Airport (CLY): 139 miles.

The closest airport is Figari-Sud Corse (FSC), about 12 miles north of Bonifacio. This has a midsummer bus service to Ajaccio and Porto Vecchio but no link to Bonifacio - a taxi will cost around €50.

How do I get to Bonifacio from the airport?

Car Hire - There are several hire car companies based at Figari airport: Europcar, Avis, Hertz, National Citer and ADA. The completion of paperwork is unfortunately very slow so do be prepared for a lengthy wait at these offices. Easycar.com hire cars from Figari, Bastia, Ajaccio and Calvi airports.

Transfer: Figari Airport to Bonifacio

By Taxi: Costs around €50. Taxi telephone numbers can be obtained from the Figari Airport website (www.figari.aeroport.fr) in the Traveller`s Guide section.

By Bus: There is an intermittent seasonal shuttle bus service from Figari to Bonifacio, costing about €8.

Saremar (04 95 73 00 96) and Moby Lines (04 95 73 00 29) run ferries from Sardinia (Santa Teresa di Gallura) to Bonifacio, with three or four daily crossings each. A one-way ticket costs approximately €17, and €40 for a small car.

Several companies provide regular and daily routes to and from Bonifacio, even during weekends and public holidays, as well as the information concerning the airport shuttles provided by Figari, the airport in Southern Corsica.

Also there is a company in Bonifacio providing a beach shuttle during July and August. In 20 minutes you can reach the Sperone and Piantarella beaches.

The Rossi transport company runs a bus line between the international airport of Figari Southern Corsica and Porto-Vecchio. From September 1st to June 30th, there are 2 to 3 round trip bus runs every day from Monday to Saturday, excluding public holidays. From July 1st to August 31st, the bus runs 4 round trips a day from Monday to Sunday, including public holidays. It is a must to change connection in Porto-Vecchio on the Figari airport to Bonifacio run.

The bus run between Figari Southern Corisca airport and Porto-Vecchio operates all year but the times changes each month. The cost is typically around €4.

A bus connection is possible in Porto-Vechio to reach Bonifacio. A direct bus runs between Bonifacio and Porto Vecchio taking 30 min, fare around €9. In July and Aug this runs four times a day, 7 days a week; Sept - June it runs twice a day Monday - Saturday. The first bus of the day from Bonifacio connects with the onward service from Porto Vecchio to Bastia.

A minibus runs between Bonifacio and Scopetto, where it connects to the bus for Ajaccio (via Sartene and Propriano). In July and August this runs three times a day, 7 days a week; Sept - June it runs twice a day Monday - Saturday. Total journey time to Ajaccio is 3½ hours, fare is around €20.

Renting a scooter, mountain bike or an electric bicycle are all options for getting around Bonifacio and Southern Corsica.

ASJP is a scooter rental company situated near the port of Bonifacio. This easy way of getting around and gives access to inaccessible paths that you can`t get through by car. This is also a great way to fully enjoy the landscapes as well as finding easy parking. And finally, you can reach the beaches at close range and therefore walk as little as possible.

Scoot Rent is another rental company situated on the marina of Bonifacio. Tam Tam, situated about .2 miles from the port of Bonifacio, offers rentals of electric bikes, mountain bikes and racing bikes for adults or children.

There are several services of various types offered by the Taxis Bonifacio or rent a chauffeur-driven car or min-bus from a local private company. They will assist you in your journeys to and from Figari airport and all other requests you may have. For more information visit www.taxibonifacio.com.

It is advised to book a taxi during summer.

Taxi Bonifacio : +33 6 14 65 25 68

Marc Di Meglio Taxi : +33 6 07 80 68 15

Taxi Station de Bonifacio : +33 4 95 73 19 08

Ignace Louis Di Meglio Taxi : +33 4 95 73 02 86

It`s a bit of a steep hike up to the Citadel. A touristy but easier approach is on Le Petit Train, which runs every 30 min April - Oct. Buy your ticket in advance from the kiosk next to the marina TIC, but they won`t sell if the next train is booked out. It clatters away up Ave Charles de Gaulle into the ramparts, does a little circuit of the headland plateau, then drops off and picks up by the town hall before trundling back down. The charge is about €5, many people choose to ride up and walk back but there`s no reduction for that.

Bonifacio and Corsica in general is a very safe place and as long as you take normal precautions with your valuables, you should not have any problems.

Bonifacio`s tourist office is located at the bottom of Rue Fred-Scamorini (+33 4 95 73 11 88, e-mail: info@bonifacio.fr) in the Old Town. Telephone 04 95 73 11 88. Open 9:00 am - 8:00 pm May to mid October and 9:00 am - 6:00 pm (closed for lunch) mid October to April.

The tourist office sells a pass for about €6, which permits entry to four of the town`s historic sites and attractions. Alternatively you can buy individual tickets at the sights themselves (usually around €2.50 each).

Other tourist offices in town:

-Bureau d`information touristique de la marine (Information point at the harbour), Port de plaisance.

-Bureau d`information touristique du Bastion de l`Etendard, Place d`Armes.

-Point d`information touristique de l`Escalier du Roy d`Aragon.

As part of France, the currency used in Corsica is the Euro, US dollars are not accepted. Credit cards have become more widely accepted, but it is worth noting that some restaurants and hotels (mostly B&Bs) in Corsica don`t accept credit cards, this is especially true in the mountain villages. Some places refuse cards for small amounts (typically under €15). Always enquire first. Also note that ATMs are scarce in rural areas. It`s wise to stock up with euros.

In Bonifacio, the summers are warm, humid, dry, and mostly clear and the winters are sometimes long, cold, windy, and partly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 42°F to 87°F and is rarely below 35°F or above 94°F. The best time of year to visit Bonifacio for hot-weather activities is from late June to late August.

The hot season lasts for 3 months, from June to September, with an average daily high temperature above 81°F. The hottest month of the year is August, with average highs of 87°F and low of 66°F.

The cool season lasts for 4.4 months, from November 21 to April 1, with an average daily high temperature below 62°F. The coldest day of the year is January 31, with an average low of 42°F and high of 56°F.

The official language in Corsica is French, but a large number of Corsicans speak Corsican - Corsu. It has no current legal status and French Government has yet to ratify the European minority language charter.

Quite a few of the locals will speak a little English, especially in shops and restaurants in the larger towns and menus are often translated into English. Most hotels will have an English speaking member of staff although, generally, in the more remote villages few people will speak English. We suggest you get a good English-French guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.

There is a good choice of bars and restaurants in Bonifacio. Some of the restaurants around the marina cater towards the wealthy international yachting community. This is also the center for nightlife in Bonifacio. Eating out is cheaper in the Old Town with a range of Traditional Corsican restaurants to choose from.

Corsica food, in general, has French and Italian influences, but has many unique dishes of their own. The chestnut was one of the ancient (and even current) Corsican`s traditional foods, and many meals and even desserts are prepared with this. Also, most of the domesticated pigs on the island are semi-wild, released to forage for food much of the year, and the charcuterie reflects this flavor. Typical Corsican meats include lonzu, coppa, ham, figatellu and saucisson made from pig or boar meat. Canistrelli are typical Corsican pastries, which come in many different flavors. Corsica also produces a uniquely flavored olive oil made from ripe fruits collected under trees. Many villages have small shops where locally produced food is sold. That said, it may be difficult to find a restaurant that prepares truly Corsican dishes, and you may find yourself eating at a tourist oriented Pizzeria, which nonetheless serves excellent food.

The happening night spot area is the bustling marina in Bonifacio that offers a variety of outdoor cafés and great restaurants.

Bonifacio has a great selection of chic boutiques. Old Town offers a great selection of souvenir and jewelry shops amongst the ancient houses, bars and eateries. Bonifacio`s coral is renowned for its deep red color. Bear in mind, the shops in the area can be very expensive.

VAT: In Corsica the standard TVA rate is 19.6% (rates of French VAT), but reduced rates apply to certain products and services.

Corsicans are generally laid-back and easy going, they appreciate friendliness and patience: be sure to greet people with `Monsieur`, `Madame` or `Mademoiselle` and try not to get irritated by any hold ups you may have such as roads being blocked by two drivers having a chat.

Corsica is an island of culture with an abundance of music, art and cultural festivals which are organized by volunteers passionate about their chosen interest. Many of the island`s villages also hold a fete or festival to celebrate its local crafts and produce as well as religious or historical events.

Emergency services:

-Fire 18
-Ambulance 15
-Police 17

Bonifacio has only one pharmacy but it is open everyday from morning to the night.

If you encounter any emergency situation, the pharmacy`s name and phone number are on the door. Otherwise, you can call 3237 to get more information. Useful Information: Address: 87, Quai Comparetti, Bonifacio; Phone: +33 4 95 73 00 02