Built to last Built to last
The citadel in Bonifacio, Southern Corsica, France
The citadel in Bonifacio, Southern Corsica, France (© Marc Dozier/Getty Images)
Set at Corsica's southern tip, Bonifacio watches over the strait to Sardinia, its limestone cliffs rising dramatically above the sea. Once a coastal fortification guarding vital Mediterranean trade routes, the town has evolved into a charming harbour community. Its 9th-century citadel, with quiet passageways and cobbled streets, still echoes with history.
Diu tells a similar story along India's western coast. This fortified town, located at the eastern edge of Diu Island, was once a strategic Portuguese outpost protecting busy sea lanes. Today, Diu is known for its massive fortress, colonial-era cathedral, and quiet charm. Ranked among the country's least populated districts, it remains a fishing hub, carrying forward a legacy of maritime resilience and cultural heritage.