Bonifacio, Corsica. 21st June 2014. N41:23.34 E009:09.83

Tioram 4
Tina & Tony
Sat 21 Jun 2014 18:33
Hi all,

At 11.15 on 21st June we slipped our lines from Last Maddalena to sail across the Bonifacio Straits to Bonifacio, Corsica. With 13/22 app wind Tioram skipped along.
The straits are only about 10 nautical miles and the imposing sight of the cliffs at Bonifacio can be seen from distance.
We motored along the Corsican coast to Bonifacio, taking pictures. Arriving from the sea is quite spectacular, with the natural harbour and huge cliffs topped by the medieval citadel. The walled upper town is perched precariously on the cliff tops with large undercuts in the sea eroded rock beneath.
The narrow harbour entrance is between the high sided cliffs and on busy days is a ,' hair raising' experience to say the least. The yacht and day tripper traffic is frenetic in June, apparently it was very calm in May.
All sizes of boats come and go squeezing into the marina area. The marina marineros  offer no help in season and so yachts vie for positions to get into tight spaces. A  local boat owner helped us to tie stern too and lifted a bow pick up for us to secure.

Once tied up the views are simply spectacular. The surrounding natural harbour lined with Georgian style drench architecture is just great. Above this the imposing citadel and fortress walls crown the view.
When the light drops and the citadel is illuminated  the atmosphere is even more special.
On the eve of 21st the town had a festival with local bands playing, street theatre and lots of French ambiance.

Sadly I didn't get chance to visit the upper citadel but the visit was no less special.

Photos of ....
The cliffs from the sea and perched houses.
The entrance, harbour and citadel walls
Crazy boats
 

Evening light in Bonifacio
Huge superyachts squeeze onto the dock.

Love to all
T and T x x

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