Explore Bastia, Corsica’s northern capital and the island’s second-largest city founded by the Genoese in 1378.
Lively and dynamic year-round this busy passenger port town located on Corsica’s east coast is renowned for the wealth of its rich baroque heritage, the nostalgic charm of the old port, and the beauty of the meticulously restored imposing citadel.
Home to a bustling community and saturated with the Mediterranean atmosphere of numerous café terraces, restaurants, and shops Bastia remains one of the most authentic destinations on the island.
Read on to find the best things to see and do, top beaches, location, history, and useful travel tips.
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Bastia’s old quarter with its picturesque Vieux Port located at the heart of the city.
LOCATION OF BASTIA
Bastia is located at the foot of the rugged Cap Corse peninsula in the northeast of the island.
Sheltered by the Serra di Pignu (960 m) mountain from the west the capital of the Haute-Corse department has developed along a narrow (1.5 km wide) stretch of the coast. In the east, on clear days the island of Elba (50 km away) or even continental Italy (90 km away) may be seen from the Bastian shores.
While concentrating mainly around its three lively ports, due to economic progress and dynamic demographic growth in recent years the city has been expanding southwards along the main T11 road.
Despite frequent strong winds and abundant winter precipitation with 240 sunny days per year and a mild Mediterranean climate, Bastia remains the second busiest passenger port town in France each year drawing visitors from around the world.
Palais des Gouverneurs houses the municipal museum dedicated to the history of Corsica.
THE HISTORY OF BASTIA
In Roman times the predecessor of Bastia was a poor wine-exporting hamlet called Porto Cardo inhabited by fishermen.
During the Genoese domination in 1380, the governor of the island Leonello Lomellini ordered the construction of a ‘bastiglia’, a fortress that later became the Terra Nova district while the port continued to prosper due to the proximity of fertile soils of the East Plains.
The ramparts of the Citadel were built between 1480 and 1521.
Bastia remained the capital of Corsica until 1768 when France acquired rights to the island under the Treaty of Versailles.
During the Wars of Independence period (1729-96), an Anglo-Corsican alliance initiated by Pasquale Paoli was formed. In the aftermath of a difficult siege led by Hood and Nelson in 1794, Bastia became home to British viceroy Sir Gilbert Elliot.
Following the Battle of Ponte Novu in 1796 the British withdrew from Corsica and France gained full control of the island.
In 1862 the Noveau Port was created to meet the needs of increasing trading traffic between Bastia and ports of France and Italy. The local economy continued to flourish.
During World War II Bastia suffered much damage in a bombing of 1943 perpetrated by the American forces against the already withdrawn Germans. The attack saw many casualties among civilians celebrating the island’s liberation in the streets of Bastia.
Casabianca, a French Navy submarine played an important role in the liberation of Corsica landing 109 Special Forces men at the Arone beach near Piana. Its conning tower is now on display in Bastia at the Place Saint-Nicolas.
With a thriving population of 44000 inhabitants, the Bastia of today remains a dynamic economy and a principal port of the island.
Covered in red velvet beautiful Scala Santa staircase is one of Bastia’s top attractions.
THINGS TO SEE AND IN BASTIA – TOP ATTRACTIONS
Enjoy a stroll along Bastia’s main public square, a 280 m long and 80 m wide Place St-Nicolas. In the charming Maison Matei, you may purchase the island’s famous liquors and local specialties or admire the conning tower of the submarine Le Casabianca displayed opposite the ferry port.
Browse local boutiques on the town’s main shopping streets- Boulevard Paoli and Rue César-Champinchi.
Explore the narrow alleys of Terra Vecchia, Bastia’s old quarter, and the heart of the city. At nr.7 of Rue Général Carbuccia, you will find Pasquale Paoli’s former house while nr.23 is Balzac’s brief staying place.
Discover the religious and cultural heritage of Terra Vecchia. The largest church in Corsica- L’église St-Jean-Baptiste overlooking the Old Port is one of the most emblematic monuments of Bastia. Built in the 16th century the church boasts a beautiful interior renovated in the baroque style in the 18th century. The marble preaching pulpit created by father and son Gaetano and Gian Andrea Torre is the most precious on the island. At Rue Napoléon the Oratoire de L’Immaculée Conception completed in 1609 showcases an exuberant interior with its crystal chandeliers, frescos, and Genoese velvet drapery. The displayed statue of the Virgin is paraded once a year to L’église St-Jean-Baptiste. Further on, Oratoire St-Roch built in 1604 is decorated with beautifully carved walnut panels and red silk while the main altarpiece by the famous painter Giovanni Bilivert dates back to 1626.
Enjoy al fresco dining in Bastia’s picturesque Vieux Port, a former Porto Cardo site, where lively bars and restaurants offer a first-class view over the harbour’s chic pleasure boats going out and coming in.
For fresh local produce head to the Place du Marché (Place de l’Hotel-de-Ville) where the open-air market takes place every morning except Mondays.
Stroll along beautifully restored car-free alleys of the Citadel– the district of Terra Nova– perched on top of a rocky promontory. Enter through the pink Louis XVI front door or shaded paths running up from lovely Romieu Gardens.
Visit the Municipal Museum housed by the beautiful Palais des Gouverneurs exhibiting collections dedicated to the history of Corsica.
Admire the marvelous interior of the Cathédrale Ste-Marie in Terra Nova. Built in 1458 it served as the cathedral of Bastia until 1801. The silver statue of the Virgin is paraded in Bastia’s streets at the Festival of the Assumption on 15 August.
See the Christ des Miracles, an oak crucifix discovered at sea by fishermen in 1428 now located in the beautiful Oratoire Sainte-Croix. Celebrations honouring the miracle take place on 3 May.
Discover the famous Scala Santa in the Oratoire de Monserato– a replica of the beautiful Holy Steps of the Basilica of Saint John of Lateran in Rome. Covered in red velvet and graced by a marble statue of the Virgin the staircase was granted to the people of Bastia by the Pope for hosting religious exiles who refused to take an oath to Napoleon I.
ENJOY 4×4 EXCURSIONS FROM BASTIA
Day tour to Cap Corse and Saleccia Beach– a 9-hour long adventure aboard an off-road vehicle to experience some of Corsica’s most beautiful landscapes. You will discover the authentic perched villages of Cap Corse, Desert des Agriates, and the beach of Saleccia- one of the island’s most famous sandy coves. A 2-hour swimming break will help you to refresh after the adventurous drive. 4×4 rides are not suitable for pregnant women. Reservations may be made online.
Off-road excursion to the Agriates and Ghignu Beach– a day trip to Desert des Agriates, Corsica’s renowned natural site rich with endemic species of flora and fauna. During a 4-hour break at Ghignu, a sublime isolated beach, you can relax in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. The tour is limited to 6 participants. You may book your tickets online.
Perched on top of a rocky promontory Bastia’s imposing citadel.
TOP BEACHES IN BASTIA
Sandy Plage l’Arinella at Montesoro offers numerous family-friendly activities. At the water sports center, you can rent windsurfing and sailing equipment while at the southern end of the beach, young visitors may enjoy a children’s playground. The beach is a 10-minute drive away from Place St-Nicolas, and public transport operates between the beach and the city’s main station. If you fancy walking, enjoy an hour-long stroll from Bastia’s center via a waterfront boulevard. Free parking is available by the beach.
Bastia’s small pebbly town beach located just below the Citadel gets crowded in summer although it may be your place of choice to enjoy a refreshing morning swim.
A 16 km long sandy Plage de la Marana nested between clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea and a picturesque lagoon of Etang de Biguglia is located 18 km south of Bastia. Corsican pine trees dotting the coast offer plenty of shade while various bars and restaurants provide refreshments.
For less touristy spots head to numerous coves just north of Bastia along the road to Cap Corse. Plage de la Marinade Pietranera, Plage de Miomo, or the sandy Pietracorbara are easily accessible from the scenic D80 road.
EMBARK ON A SAILING TOUR TO BEACHES OF THE AGRIATES FROM SAINT FLORENT
Relax under sails gliding over glistening waves of the sea. Discover some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean- Fiume Santu, Lotu, and Saleccia. At each stop of your trip, you will have an opportunity to snorkel in the transparent waters lapping the shores of Desert des Agriates. Imp tip: the excursion is not suitable for pregnant women. Learn more about this magical sea adventure and book your tickets here.
Luxuriant vineyards of Patrimonio where world-class wines are produced.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO AROUND BASTIA – TOP ATTRACTIONS
Savour a peaceful afternoon at the Réserve Naturelle de l’Etang de Biguglia where Corsica’s largest lagoon gives home to more than 250 species of birds and close to 350 fauna specimens.
Enjoy lunch in the sunshine at the trendy marina of Saint Florent set beautifully in the Nebbio Valley.
Rent a quad bike or a 4×4 car to explore the wild headlands of Désert des Agriates covered with fragrant maquis. You may also join anoff-road day tour with a break for a refreshing dip. Learn more and book here.
Taste delicious quality wines from Patrimonio, Corsica’s oldest appellation. Aromatic Vermentino, earthy Nieluccio, and golden-hued sweet Muscat de Cap Corse are some of the best on the island.
Enjoy the spectacular scenic drive around Corsica’s northernmost peninsula-Cap Corse. Make sure to stop at the black beach of Nonza, explore the delightful port of Centuri, and unwind at the relaxing Marina de Macinaggio. A guided 4×4 excursion to Cap Corse and the Agriates may be booked here.
Join a sailing tour to the sublime beaches of the Agriates departing from the port in Saint Florent. A snorkeling break offers an opportunity to discover the rich marine life of Corsica’s northern shores. Book the sea excursion here.
ENJOY 4×4 EXCURSIONS FROM BASTIA
Day tour to Cap Corse and Saleccia Beach– a 9-hour long adventure aboard an off-road vehicle to experience some of Corsica’s most beautiful landscapes. You will discover the authentic perched villages of Cap Corse, Desert des Agriates, and the beach of Saleccia- one of the island’s most famous sandy coves. A 2-hour swimming break will help you to refresh after the adventurous drive. 4×4 rides are not suitable for pregnant women. Reservations may be made online.
Off-road excursion to the Agriates and Ghignu Beach– a day trip to Desert des Agriates, Corsica’s renowned natural site rich with endemic species of flora and fauna. During a 4-hour break at Ghignu, a sublime isolated beach, you can relax in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. The tour is limited to 6 participants. You may book your tickets online.
Built in 1458 marvellous Cathédrale Ste-Marie in Terra Nova.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Bastia’s busy passenger ferry port– Gare Maritime is located in the heart of the town between the port of Toga and Place St-Nicolas. Ferries operate throughout the year connecting Bastia with the French ports of Marseille, Nice, and Toulon, Italian ports of Piombino, Livorno, Savona, and Genoa, and Portoferraio in Elba. Ferry crossings are operated by Corsica Sardinia Ferries, Corsica Linea, La Meridionale, Moby Lines, and at peak periods there are up to 15 ferry crossings daily. Reservations for summer months should be made in advance.
Poretta Airport is situated 20 km south of the city center at Lucciana. You may reach the airport on the shuttle bus departing from the roundabout located opposite Bastia’s train station. The journey takes 35 min and a single fare costs €10. In front of the terminal, there is a paid car park with 360 parking spaces available with the first 15 min of stay free. The airport has a taxi service situated at the Arrivals terminal exit. The 25-minute-long ride to Bastia costs around €50 depending on the time of day. For car rental service see car hire desks at the airport or book your vehicle here. More information available at bastia.aeroport.fr
Gare de Bastia, Bastia’s railway station runs daily trains to Ajaccio via Corte and to Calvi via L’Ile Rousse. The number of services operating depends on the season. The terminal is located at Place de Gare de Bastia where timetables and fare information are available. Online information at cf-corse.corsica
Gare routière, Bastia’s bus station is located north of Place St-Nicolas behind the Hotel de Ville, the city’s town hall. Services departing from the station run to Ajaccio, Corte, Cap Corse, Porto Vecchio, and a few rural destinations. Busses for Calvi andL’Ile Rousse leave from the roundabout opposite the train station. Departure times and fare information may be checked directly via the bus companies or at Bastia’s tourist office. Online information at corsicabus.org
For more information on Bastia’s top attractions visit the tourist office situated at Place St-Nicolas or check bastia-tourisme.com
The main post office of Bastia is located at Avenue Maréchal Sebastiani open from 8 am- 7 pm Monday to Friday and to noon on Saturday.
There are numerous car parks within Bastia with a large paid parking under Place St-Nicolas located most conveniently.
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