The Strait of Bonifacio between history and nature
In this article, we explore the history, geography and ecology of the Mouths of Bonifacio, as well as the tourist attractions and activities one can do there. A strategically important stretch of sea with truly enchanting panoramic views
Geography and historical background
The Straits of Bonifacio are a strait of sea separating Corsica, a French department, from Sardinia, an Italian region.
The strait stretches for about 11 kilometres and its width varies between 12 and 15 kilometres. The depth of the sea can reach 100 metres.
The Straits of Bonifacio owe their name to Bonifacio, a town on the French side of the strait.
The city of Bonifacio was founded by the Romans in the 3rd century BC and is famous for its strategic location, situated on a cliff overlooking the sea.
Over the centuries, Bonifacio has been at the centre of numerous battles and conflictsas its location made it a crucial crossing point for trade routes.
Bocche di Bonifacio Photographs
The Bocche di Bonifacio Reserve
The Mouths of Bonifacio are an ecologically important area, as they are home to numerous species of marine flora and fauna.
In particular, the area is famous for the presence of dolphins and whaleswhich can be spotted during some boat excursions. In addition, the waters of the Mouths of Bonifacio are home to numerous species of fish, including swordfish, dolphinfish and tuna.
To protect the ecosystem of the Mouths of Bonifacio, the Bocche di Bonifacio Nature Reservean area of special protection that covers some 80,000 hectares. The reserve is home to numerous plant and animal species and also offers some sustainable tourism activities, such as cetacean watching.
Tourist attractions and activities
The Straits of Bonifacio are a popular tourist destination due to their natural beauty and history. Some of the main tourist attractions include:
The town of BonifacioThe town of Bonifacio is one of the main tourist attractions of the area, thanks to its streets and alleys, its colourful houses and its spectacular location on the cliff.
The Caves of BonifacioThe caves of Bonifacio are a series of caves located along the coast of the town of Bonifacio. The caves can be explored by boat excursion.
The island of LavezziThe island of Lavezzi is a small island in the vicinity of the Mouths of Bonifacio. The island is famous for the huge groupers that inhabit its waters.
Boat excursions in Santa Teresa
These are just some of the places to see in Santa Teresa Gallura. The area offers many other natural, historical and cultural attractions worth discovering.