Ajaccio or Bastia: where to go?

You want to visit Corsica and you wonder which city to choose: Ajaccio or Bastia?
Here are the results of our battle Ajaccio vs Bastia (with pictures) comparing:

• The charm and ease of exploration,
• The best monuments and museums,
• The best access to the beaches,
• The most beautiful day trips,
• …

Where will you go?

Ajaccio or Bastia – Summary of the comparison

Ajaccio or Bastia – Short answer

Both cities have a long history and a lot of charm. You can’t go wrong staying in one of them.
I think the best way to explore Corsica in depth is on a road trip, and you should spend at least one night in both.
However, I understand that you may want to do a city break and explore from there.

So here is a summary of my comparison:

• Access = equal (airport and ferries)
• Charm of the streets = Bastia
• Charm of the port = Bastia
• Easy to explore = Ajaccio
• Most beautiful monuments = Bastia
• Best museums = Ajaccio
• Better access to beaches = Ajaccio
• Best atmosphere / gastronomic scene = Bastia
• Most beautiful excursions in the region = Ajaccio

Read on to understand the decision and see photos.

Ajaccio offers beautiful views mixing mountains and sea, an interesting museum and access to some jewels of the west coast such as Bonifacio or the Calanques of Pian
– See the best rated accommodations in Ajaccio

Bastia is a smaller city with a big vibe. Its exploration is fascinating with many changes in the space. It is perfect for exploring the Cap Corse
– See the best rated accommodations in Bastia

Our personal opinion:

For a short break to enjoy only the city, we would choose Bastia.
However, for a longer vacation to explore Corsica and/or enjoy the beaches, we would choose Ajaccio.

Where are they located? Can I visit both? – Map

Here is a map that will help you orient yourself and locate these 2 large cities.
And the travel times (via highways) are as follows:

• Ajaccio to Bastia = 2h40 by the center of the island (Corte)
• Ajaccio to Bastia = 5h30 by the West coast (passing by the calanques de Piana, Calvi and the Ile Rousse)

Need to rent a car in Corsica?

Renting a car in Corsica is not always easy….

See our 35 tips for renting a car in Corsica without worrying

Find great deals today on my favorite platform: DiscoverCars.com

And save up to 70%.

See the cars →

How to get to Bastia or Ajaccio ?

Both cities have a port and an airport.
You can reach Ajaccio and Bastia by plane and by ferry.

Airports

The classic option is to reach Corsica by plane.
Bastia and Ajaccio both have an international airport.

Ajaccio’s Napoleon Bonaparte airport is the largest in Corsica and is only a 15-minute drive from the city. Many companies use it.
The airport of Bastia-Poretta is smaller around the main airline Air France. It is located 20km south of Bastia.

Compare flight options and prices on Skyscanner.

Ferry to Corsica

Another great way to get to Corsica is by ferry. This allows you to take your own car and the views as you arrive around the island are splendid!
Ferries depart mainly from :

• France : Nice, Marseille or Toulon
• Italy : Genoa, Savona, Piombino

Most ferry companies have routes to Bastia and Ajaccio.
The fastest ferry goes from Piombino (Italy) to Bastia (less than 3 hours).
Some ferries operate at night: for example, from Marseille to Ajaccio, it takes 10 to 11 hours.

You can find all your ferry options and schedules on Directferries.com.
And to help you choose, see our article on ferries to Corsica

Our opinion

Bastia is easier to reach by ferry (faster).
Ajaccio is easier to reach by plane (bigger airport).
But in the end, it all depends on where you come from, when and how you want to travel…

The charm of the city – Ajaccio vs Bastia

Streets of Ajaccio

With a population of about 50,000 inhabitants, Ajaccio is the largest city in Corsica.
It’s surrounded by mountains, so once you have more open views from the streets, it can be very scenic. However, there are many large buildings.
The center of Ajaccio is built around the 16th century citadel, still used for military purposes.
The old town of Ajaccio is a mixture of large squares and narrow streets with pastel painted houses.
There are many stores, food markets and restaurants.

The port is located right next to the old town and is open to the sea.

Streets of Bastia

The old town of Bastia is organized around 2 main elements: the citadel and the old port.
Between the two, there are large squares and narrow streets with colorful houses.
Many buildings date back to the 18th century.
It’s more of a labyrinth to explore, finding charming streets in many corners.
The old part is particularly charming, because it is more closed and dominated by the church of Saint John the Baptist.

Our opinion

We find that Bastia has more charm than Ajaccio.
However, we enjoy the views of the mountains from the town of Ajaccio.

One of us likes coffee…

Do you enjoy all the free content you find on our blog?
All our tips and practical information, without intrusive ads …

Buy us a coffee!

Easy to explore – Ajaccio or Bastia

Getting around Ajaccio

In Ajaccio, the old center is located along the seafront.
It is rather long.
However, as soon as you want to explore the city a bit more, you have to go upstairs.
And you should know that many rental accommodations are located on the hills of Ajaccio. The streets can be very steep, but you can take a cab up!
If you don’t want to walk, you can find sightseeing trains and open-top buses to get an overview of the city – buy your ticket.

Getting around Bastia

The Marina district is easy to explore. But that’s where it ends. As soon as you want to reach the rest of Bastia, there are stairs or slopes.
Bring good walking shoes or take advantage of the tourist train.

Our opinion

Ajaccio is a little easier to explore than Bastia.

The most beautiful monuments

Monuments of Ajaccio

Some of the main monuments to see in Ajaccio are

• The citadel (only from the outside as it is still used by the military).
• The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption
• The church of Saint Roch
• The place de Gaulle with the statue of Napoleon
• The Foch square with the statue of Bonaparte
• The Lantivy Palace from the 19th century
• The Fesch Palace (also a museum)
• The Anglican Church and other religious buildings

Monuments of Bastia

Some of the main monuments to see in Bastia are :

• The citadel district with the surrounding walls on a promontory.
• The Governor’s Palace (also a museum)
• The Saint-Roch Oratory of the 17th century
• The church of St. John the Baptist near the marina of the seventeenth century with baroque features.
• The garden of Romieu
• …

Our opinion

In Ajaccio, there are many small buildings to admire, but not one that really stands out.
On the other hand, in Bastia, we find that the buildings have more visual interest.
Our winner is Bastia.

The best museums

Museums of Ajaccio

The main museums of Ajaccio are :

• The National Museum of the Bonaparte Residence – a small museum where the emperor spent part of his childhood – see official website
• The Fine Arts Museum in the Fesch Palace – a great mix of art and architecture, including the imperial chapel – see official website

Museums of Bastia

The main museum of Bastia is :

• the Museum of Bastia in the Governor’s Palace – dedicated to the history and heritage of Corsica, with sculptures, paintings and furniture – see official website

Our opinion

Although I appreciate the museum in Bastia, the 2 main museums in Ajaccio have a lot to offer.
We choose Ajaccio as the winner.

Better access to beaches

Beaches in Ajaccio

In the city of Ajaccio, you will find a small beach of fine sand: The Saint-François beach. It is located next to the citadel and easy to access.
But very close to Ajaccio, you can reach, by car or by boat, beautiful sandy beaches like the beach of Ricanto or Porticcio.
And a little further south are the beautiful beaches around the peninsula of Isolella as Mare e Sole with very fine sand.

Beaches of Bastia

Around Bastia, there is a long beach in the south: the beach of Arinella. It is not a “dream beach” but it is wide.
In town, there is only one small cove accessible by a staircase: the beach of Ficaghjola.

To find beautiful beaches, you have to cross to Saint-Florent and the Agriates desert (see the section on day trips below).

Our opinion

There is no discussion here. Ajaccio is the big winner.

Plan a dream trip to Corsica!

• 7 maps that make planning easier
• 130+ pre-selected locations
• Practical advice
• 220+ photos to help you choose

LEARN MORE

Best atmosphere and gastronomy

Atmosphere in Ajaccio

In summer, the city is animated by markets, restaurants, bars… there is a wide choice in the main squares of the city or hidden in the narrow streets.
If you like food, don’t miss the market on the Place Foch every morning from 7am to 2pm (not on Mondays from November to March).

Ambiance of Bastia

Bastia has slightly fewer options for nightlife, but it offers a great vibe all year round.
The area around the marina is particularly pleasant, with a wide choice of restaurants and bars.

Our opinion

If you visit in winter and are looking for entertainment, Bastia is your best option.
However, in summer, both cities have a lot to offer in terms of food and atmosphere.

Most beautiful excursions

If you stay more than a weekend, you can also explore the area.
Let’s take a look at the best day trips to take around each of these cities.
You can book group tours or rent a car to explore at your own pace.

Excursions from Ajaccio

The best day trips from Ajaccio are the following:

• A boat trip to the Sanguinaires islands
• A walk around La Parata and its tower with a breathtaking view.
• Climb up the mountains to villages such as Bastileca, famous for its meat.
• Go south to the beautiful beaches of Isolella.

And even further, but doable in one day:

• Going north : The calanques de Piana – pink and colored cliffs – more information
• To the south: the fascinating town of Bonifacio on white cliffs – more
• The beautiful beaches of the Isolella peninsula
• The îles sanguinaires
• The mountains with the Cascade des Anglais and the Cascade du Voile de la Mariée
• …

Excursions from Bastia

The best day trips from Ajaccio are the following:

• The natural reserve of the pond of Biguglia
• Saint-Florent, its old town and the vineyards of Patrimonio – read more
• The Agriates desert with breathtaking landscapes – read more
• The charming village of Erbalunga on the east coast of Cap Corse – to know more about it

And even further, but doable in one day:

• The road to the North : The tour of the Cap Corse – to know more about it
• To the west: the charming towns of Ile-Rousse(more information) and Balagne(more information)
• In the South: the Roman ruins of Aleria(more information)

Our opinion

This is very close to equality.
But because Ajaccio allows you to visit 2 of the most beautiful sites in Corsica (Piana and Bonifacio), we think the winner is Ajaccio.

Accommodations in Ajaccio and Bastia

Accommodation in Ajaccio

Ajaccio has a wide range of accommodations with hotels of great brands, charming hotels… and many apartments to rent. The best rated are the rentals!
Just be aware that most of the rentals are located upstream from the tourist area of the old center, with steep streets to get there.

• Apartment for rent at the waterfront: Large T3 luxury Hyper Center
  – see pictures and availability
• Apartment for rent in the old town : In the heart of the old town
  – see pictures and availability
• 4 star hotel – Palazzu U Domu
  – see pictures and availability
• 3 star hotel – Napoleon Hotel
  – see pictures and availability
• See the best rated accommodations in Ajaccio

Accommodations in Bastia

I personally was disappointed with the accommodation options in Bastia when I was looking for my own travels.
I stayed at the Best Western Bastia.
Be aware that Bastia has hills, and that many accommodations can be high above the tourist area.

• Chain – Best Western Montecristo
  – see pictures and availability
• Boutique – Hotel Port Toga with pool
  – see pictures and availability
• 4 stars – Hotel des Gouverneurs with sea view
  – see pictures and availability
• Boutique – Hôtel du palais Bastia Centre
  – see pictures and availability
• Apartment rental in Citadel – A Casa Divina with a large terrace
  – see pictures and availability
• or See the best rated accommodations in Bastia