Corsica’s 2nd largest city and capital of Haute-Corse, Bastia is a destination with character, developed by the Genoese as early as the 14th century.
From that era, it retains a delightful atmosphere of dolce vita!
Explore its different districts with their colorful facades, discover its Baroque churches and enjoy the panoramic views over the azure sea.
In this article, discover 9 reasons why Bastia is worth a visit!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is Bastia worth a visit?
Bastia is well worth a visit for its authentic charm, Baroque religious buildings and picturesque walks. Soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere as you wander through the colorful lanes or laze on the sunny beaches. We list the reasons in more detail below, or you can check out our selection of the city’s top attractions.
Reason 1: For the picturesque citadel district
The citadel district is a must-see in Bastia! Also known as Terra Nova, this is where you’ll find the fortifications built by the Genoese in the 14th century. We found it very pleasant to stroll through its winding streets. This part of the town also offers a superb view of the Bay of Bastia! The citadel is built on a rocky promontory overlooking the old port.
WHERE TO STAY IN Bastia
To enjoy the charm of this colourful, vibrant city, it’s best to spend one or more nights here! Our suggestions:
Option 1: in the lower center
We recommend..:
- Hôtel des Gouverneurs, in the citadel – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Monsieur Miot and its beautiful decor – see prices, photos and availability
Option 2: up-center
We recommend..:
- Hotel Le Bastia and its magnificent views of the city and the sea – see prices, photos and availability
Option 3: in the surrounding area
We recommend..:
- Hotel Alivi, north, with beach access – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Pineto in the south, along the sandy beach – see prices, photos and availability
See our list of the 10 best hotels in Bastia, with our reviews
Reason 2: For its Dolce Vita atmosphere
After discovering Terra Nova from the heights, head back down to Terra Vechia, the lower town where you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Italy!
Strollers will be delighted by the interweaving of warm, colorful alleyways.
You can start with the Jardin Romieu, a haven of peace in the heart of the city, before moving on to the Old Port and its fish market. Head for the dragon jetty, at the foot of the lighthouse, for an emblematic view of Bastia, a maritime city.
Reason 3: For its sublime religious heritage
The many religious buildings bear witness to Bastia’s fervor.
L’Église Saint-Jean-Baptistethe town’s landmark, boasts two majestic bell towers and a baroque interior. While the Sainte-Marie Cathedral impresses with its ornamentation and its statue of the Virgin Mary, carried in procession every August 15. You’ll also find the Notre-Dame de Lourdes church and the Saint-Charles-de-Borromée church, one of Bastia’s oldest, steeped in Jesuit history.
Bastia is also notable for its two oratories – of the Immaculate Conception and the Holy Cross – veritable jewels of sacred art, and for another curiosity…
The Chapel of Our Lady of Monserrato, better known as Scala Santa, houses a holy staircase, reminiscent of the one Jesus is said to have climbed for his judgment before crucifixion. There are only 10 in the world, the best known being the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome!
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Corsica
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Reason 4: For its roots in Genoa’s history
Bastia proudly bears the heritage of its Genoese past, which has profoundly influenced its architecture and identity. The Palais des Gouverneurs is a wonderful testimony to this. Residence of Genoese power until the XVIIIᵉ century before becoming a military barracks, it now houses Bastia’s Museum of Art and History.
A chronological tour immerses you in the history of Corsica, from Antiquity to the 18th century, through fascinating and varied themes (urbanization of the city, Italian influence, wars of the 18th century, Frenchization, etc.).
Reason 5: For its beaches and unspoilt coastline
What better way to balance out a day of sightseeing than an afternoon lounging on the beach? Bastia is a coastal town with two turquoise beaches within easy reach of the town center.
To the north Toga Beachstretches along the residences.
To the south of the citadel, the Plage de Ficaghjola, a small, intimate cove surrounded by rocks, has a discreet charm all of its own.
We also recommend taking a detour to explore the beauty of the coastline! To the south of Bastia, there are two great beaches:Arinella and Marana. Although touristy, these sandy beaches are still very pleasant, and offer a wide range of activities and facilities, including kite-surfing, sailing and jet-skiing. A godsend for families! You can also take to the sea to admire the coastal scenery from the water, an experience not to be missed in Bastia.
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Reason 6: For its authentic gastronomy
In our opinion, culinary discovery is an essential step in immersing yourself in the local culture. Bastia is the perfect city for epicureans!
The town boasts its own specialties, such as anchovies à la bastiaise or sardines with brocciu. It also showcases Corsica’s culinary heritage, with its exceptional charcuterie. Choose from prisuttu, coppa, lonzu or the famous figatellu, a liver-based sausage. To find out more about these gastronomic treasures, read our article dedicated to Corsican cuisine.
You’ll also find many other cheese and sweet specialities, such as chestnut honey and canistrelli, addictive little dry cakes.
Bastia offers a number of delicatessens, but it’s best to try the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville market (every Saturday and Sunday morning) to soak up the warm, gourmet atmosphere.
Last but not least, the town offers a wide range of restaurants, the best of which can be found in our article where to eat in Bastia.
Reason 7: For its strong Corsican identity
Bastia fully embodies the Corsican identity, marked by centuries-old traditions.
Numerous religious festivals punctuate the year, expressing the fervor of Bastia. Since the XVᵉ century, penitent brotherhoods have played a central role in the town’s spiritual life, organizing processions and celebrations such as St. John’s Day (find the precise calendar from the tourist office here).
And let’s not forget the island’s know-how! The finest creations by island craftsmen (jewelry, knives) can be found on Boulevard Paoli, rue César Campinchi or rue Napoléon, alongside delicatessens, to fill up on local produce!
Others will prefer to browse the stalls of second-hand dealers at the Place Saint-Nicolas flea market every Sunday morning…
Reason 8: For the multitude of natural excursions
Bastia is also a perfect starting point for outdoor activities.
For hiking enthusiasts, there are numerous trails starting from the town or nearby villages, allowing you to explore Corsican nature.
We recommend you take theU Spassimare, a gentle urban road that runs along Bastia’s seafront, offering breathtaking views of the contrasting landscape.
Those who prefer architecture and heritage will not be outdone!
Discover the Roman ruins of Mariana andAlériatwo former colonies where the remains of temples and thermal baths plunge you into the past.
You can also explore nearby villages such as Ville-di-Pietrabugno, home to the imposing church of Sainte-Lucie, or the traditional village of Vescovato.
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Reason 9: For its roots in Haute-Corse
Bastia is the ideal gateway for exploring the wonders of Haute-Corse, a land of many singularities. You’ll be spoilt for choice between discovering the Cap Corse and its mountain villages like Erbalunga, or exploring the wild beaches of the Agriates Desert.
Just a 40-minute drive away, Saint-Florent welcomes you with its citadel, picturesque port and the vineyards of Patrimonio, perfect for wine lovers.
Further afield, l’Île-Rousse is a pleasant seaside town with beautiful beaches and a lighthouse on the Pietra peninsula.
Finally, Balagne is one of our favorite regions, with its villages and breathtaking panoramas.
THINGS TO DO AROUND Bastia
Discover all our articles on the region:
Some disadvantages of a trip to Bastia
Summer tourist numbers
Capital of the Haute-Corse region and departure point for many road-trips, Bastia faces a sometimes intense influx of visitors during the summer months. To take full advantage of the city’s peaceful atmosphere, we recommend avoiding weekends, when most ferries dock, and visiting out of season.
It’s also a way of contributing to more responsible tourism that respects the environment and local people.
If, however, you’re taking your vacation in summer, we advise you to book your accommodation and restaurants in advance.
The need for a car
While the public transport network is fairly reliable for getting around the town and nearby villages, it remains limited for exploring Bastia’s surroundings. Many natural sites, such as wild beaches, lakes like Padula or hilltop villages, are not accessible and require a car. Having a vehicle at your disposal will enable you to take full advantage of the region and access the exceptional landscapes that make Haute-Corse so rich.
How to get to Bastia
There are two options for getting to Bastia:
- By plane: Bastia is served by regular national flights from Paris, Nice and Marseille.
- By boat: Bastia is also Corsica’s largest port, along with Ajaccio, so you can take the ferry to get there. Bastia is accessible by ferry from Marseille, Nice and Toulon in France, and Genoa, Livorno, Piombino and Savona in Italy. The port is served by Corsica Linea, Corsica Ferries and La Méridionale.
To choose the best solution, consult our dedicated article on the subject.
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