Day 2 in Bonifacio, Corsica, Descending the Aragon Staircase in Bonifacio, France – Corsica’s Hidden Gem
It was our second day in Corsica. It was 9:30 in the morning, the end of July, and already extremely hot, with temperatures reaching 30°C. Our plan for the day was to begin with a visit to the famous Aragon Staircase in Bonifacio. This is just one stop on our full 3 Day Bonifacio itinerary, which covers all the highlights across three days, including the citadel, Campu Rumanilu coastal trail, and nearby islands.
The History Behind the Aragon Staircase
The Aragon Staircase, also known as the Aragon Steps or Escalier du Roi d’Aragon, is located in the town of Bonifacio. Local belief suggests that it was built in 1420 to provide access to the Saint-Barthélemy well, a freshwater source that is no longer in use today. Carved directly into a limestone cliff, this historic staircase is one of the most striking attractions in southern Corsica.
A Dramatic Descent into Sea and Stone
To reach the Aragon Staircase, we headed to the upper town, known as Haute Ville, near the Citadel. Clear signs near Saint-Dominique Church guided us along a path to a small ticket office at the cliff edge. From here begins the breathtaking
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Aragon steps leading to Tyrrhenian Sea
descent of 189 steep steps carved into the limestone, leading down toward the Tyrrhenian Sea, although access to the water itself is not allowed. After purchasing our tickets, we were given helmets, which are mandatory for both descending and ascending the staircase.
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The first step and the view from there
From the very first step, we were rewarded with a spectacular view of the sea. The descent began completely open, with no roof above, giving the thrilling feeling that we were plunging into a deep, steep drop of about 69 metres (roughly 210 feet). The turquoise-blue water shimmered under the bright sun, and a few steps further in, the cliff curved over our heads,
forming a natural roof that made it feel as though we were walking through a tunnel leading to the sea. The steps were narrow and uneven, but there were railings on both sides to hold onto, which made the descent feel safer. We moved slowly, stopping often to take pictures. Since everyone else was also pausing to admire the views, there was no crowding or sense of being rushed, and each step felt worth savoring.
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Climbing down the Aragon steps
The Bottom Path and Panoramic Views
At the bottom of the staircase, a narrow path curves along the cliff. From here, we could see the iconic Le Grain de Sable rock rising from the Tyrrhenian Sea, with boats passing by and leaving white trails across the deep blue water. The path itself, hugging the cliff edge, added an extraordinary sense of adventure
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The curved path along the limestone cliffs
to the experience. From here, we could see the Aragon Steps carved sharply into the limestone cliff. It is a short walk and we lingered here for a while, simply absorbing the beauty and the feeling of being in such a remarkable place. The path ends at a gate beyond which access is not allowed, and there is no way to reach the water from here.
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Exploring the scenic path along the limestone cliffs.
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A dramatic cut in the cliff , the Aragon Staircase
The Uphill Journey, Back Up the Aragon Staircase
After spending some time at the bottom, we began the climb back up. The ascent was definitely the most challenging part, with 189 steep steps and the sea now behind us, offering little visual motivation. We took our time, stopping whenever needed, and eventually made our way back to the top.
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Path while going back with the limestone peaks
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Looking up at the Aragon Steps from below
The Perfect View from the Top
Once we were on the top, we were greeted by a perfect viewpoint offering a panoramic view of the entire Tyrrhenian Sea, the limestone cliffs, and Le Grain de Sable rock. The cliffs rose about 100 metres above the sparkling turquoise waters, and as we admired the scenery, a fearless bird perched nearby. It kept
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The posing bird against Le Grain de Sable rock on the Tyrrhenian Sea
striking different poses and refused to leave, so we decided to take pictures with it, making the moment even more memorable. Even though the view is visible from many other places throughout Bonifacio, having this little companion made it feel unique and personal. On a clear, sunny day, the scenery here is simply unforgettable. From entering the ticket office to returning to the top, the entire Aragon Staircase experience took us about two hours.
After exploring the Aragon Staircase in the morning, we continued our Day 2 adventure with a scenic evening walk along the Campu Rumanilu trail. You can read more about this part of our journey on the Campu Rumanilu Trail here.
Tours we Recommend in Bonifacio
Take a boat trip to the breathtaking Lavezzi Islands, where you can swim in crystal-clear turquoise waters and relax on pristine granite-lined beaches.
Find the best Lavezzi Island tours here.
Explore Bonifacio from a boat: Visit Bonifacio by Sea
Where to Stay
Stay near the Port of Bonifacio or uphill in the old town.
Here are some suggestions for up hill hotels with sea view
Colomba Hôtel Centre-Ville Historique
Tips for Visiting the Aragon Staircase
Getting to the Entrance
The ticket office and entrance to the Aragon Staircase are located at the same place, at the clifftop Citadel in Bonifacio. There are three main ways to reach the Citadel. The first option is to take the mini tourist train from the Marina, which has a ticket booth at the starting point and takes about 30 to 40 minutes, making several stops along the way. The second option is to drive up the narrow, winding roads and park near the Citadel. The third option is to walk up to the Citadel in about 20 minutes, depending on your fitness level and how comfortable you are with walking in the sun.
Safety and What to Wear
Following safety instructions is essential when visiting the Aragon Staircase. Wearing a helmet is mandatory at all times during the descent and ascent. Proper walking or hiking shoes, or well-fitted closed shoes, are required. Flip-flops and high heels are not allowed, as the steps are steep and uneven.
Tickets and Opening Hours
No reservation is required to visit the Aragon Staircase. We visited during peak season in July, and it was still not overly crowded. Admission costs 5 euros. During summer, the staircase is open every day from 10:00 to 18:00. In winter, opening hours are shorter, from 11:00 to 14:00. We recommend visiting on a bright, sunny morning for the clearest views. On particularly clear days, Sardinia is also visible from the staircase.
A Reward for Kids
Children who complete the full descent and climb of the 189 steps are rewarded with a certificate, making the experience even more memorable for young adventurers.
Best time to visit Bonifacio
The best time to visit Bonifacio is from May to September. During these months, the weather is warm and sunny, making it ideal for exploring the Aragon Staircase and enjoying the panoramic sea views. September is particularly pleasant, with slightly milder temperatures and fewer crowds.
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