I decide to stay another day in Bonafacio. My intention was to head out along the D260 to the southern most point of the island, Phare de Pertusato, and then pitch the tent at Camping des Îles. However, not for the first time on this trip, I find a campsite open to take one's money, but the facilities are closed. So, I head back to last night's campsite. Decide on pitching my tent this time - can't justify another night of chalet luxury. Once my bike is secured to the tree next to my tent, it's back down to the town for further exploration.
Overlooking the harbour is the medieval citadel with its lovely narrow cobbled streets, bars and restaurants. The citadel is split into two parts with the main town near the gateway and then a short walk to the peninsula where there are military fortifications and a cemetery which is the most southerly in Europe. On the southern cliff-face, and only accessible from the top, is an impressive steep staircase carved into the limestone cliffs. 'L'Escalier du Roi d'Aragon' comprises 187 steep steps which gave access long ago to an underground freshwater well.
By the time I return from my 'vertical walk' it's time for lunch. for me it is one of life's simple pleasures; tucking into a hearty meal, while sitting outside a small restaurant in a beautiful town, watching the world go by.