Bonifacio Staircase of Aragon - Escalier du Roy d'Aragon

Bonifacio is an absolute must-see destination in Corsica. A true highlight is the adventurous Escalier du Roy d'Aragon (Staircase of the King of Aragon), offering the most stunning views of the sheer cliffs on which Bonifacio stands. The best vantage point for breathtaking views of Bonifacio is from the coastal path to Cap Pertusato. You are even able to see the steep staircase.

One thing is certain: you’ll find yourself snapping countless photos, as you simply can't get enough of these breathtaking vistas.

Escalier du Roy d'Aragon – The Staircase of the King of Aragon

The majestic Escalier du Roy d'Aragon is located on the cliffs of Bonifacio, leading from the cliff top down to the sea. Carved into the limestone cliffs in the 15th century, these steps offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, the striking white cliffs, and Cap Pertusato. Starting point of the staircase Google Maps

With its 189 steps descending to the sea, this staircase is not for the faint of heart. It's a journey best suited for those unafraid of heights and in good physical condition to navigate the steep and uneven steps. Upon purchasing your ticket, you'll be provided with a helmet, which is mandatory to wear. Our bike helmets were also accepted as a substitute.

Ticket Price: 5€ adult & 2€ child

Once you reach the end of the steps, your journey is far from over. The path continues about 5 meters above the sea, offering unique views of the white cliffs all the way to Cap Pertusato. Originally, the path, including the steps, was approximately 290 meters long and led to a freshwater spring known as the Fountain of Saint Barthélémy.

However, the last part of the rocky track to the spring has broken away. Today, the staircase which is about 65 m long and 150 meters of the path are accessible. Despite this, it remains one of the most spectacular walks in Corsica.

Opening Hours Escalier du Roy d'Aragon

• Open from April to October!
• From 9 am to 18.30 - last access at least half an hour before
• Many visitors are unaware that the staircase is closed and inaccessible during the winter months. The official reason for this closure is that the stairs can become wet and slippery in bad weather conditions, posing a safety risk. Additionally, winter is the low season in Corsica, with fewer visitors on the island. During this time, many restaurants and campsites are also closed. The tourist season in Corsica typically runs from April/May to October.

Best Day Time to visit Escalier du Roy d'Aragon

For the best experience, I recommend visiting the cliffs in the afternoon when the lighting is optimal and the sun is perfectly positioned. During the golden hour, the softer light creates stunning and atmospheric photos. In contrast, capturing the cliffs in the morning can be challenging due to shadows initially and backlighting later on. Plan your visit for the afternoon to make the most of the breathtaking views and photographic opportunities.

History of Escalier du Roy d'Aragon the unique stairs of Bonifacio

According to legend, the Aragon Staircase was hewn out of the rock in a single night by the troops of King Alfonso V of Aragon during the siege of Bonifacio in 1420. However, historians believe that the staircase was actually built by Franciscan monks to access a source of drinking water at the foot of the stairs. Apart from rain, there was no other way to obtain drinking water here.

Best View to Take Pictures of Bonifacio

One of the best views of Bonifacio is from the hiking trail to Cap Chemin de Pertusato. This path offers breathtaking views of the town and the spectacular white cliffs along the coast.

My tip: You don't have to walk the entire 4.5 kilometers one way to the cape and back. We stopped with our bikes at the ‘Point de Vue’ and soaked up the fascinating landscape. You can also go to this viewpoint by car.

I often find it confusing to see three different spellings, but this can be easily explained by Corsica's history.

• Capu Pertusatu: This is the Corsican name.
• Capo Pertusato: This is the Italian name, reflecting the period when the Genoese ruled Corsica.
• Cap Pertusato: This is the French name, as Corsica officially belongs to France.

Don't miss out on my different hiking and camping guides for Corsica. This island is a heaven for campers.

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• 7 Top Hikes and the Best Time
• Cap Corse - Sentier-des-Douaniers
• Capo Rosso - The most beautiful hike of Corsica
• La Scandola Peninsula: Girolata Hike and Lunch Tip