Ficaghjola beach is a discreet cove where locals come to soak up the sun at the end of the day. Although modest in size, it offers a rock-lined bathing spot that’s easy to access from downtown Bastia. We enjoyed the panoramic view of the city walls and, above all, the beautiful promenade that precedes it!
In this article, you’ll find our photos and tips for making the most of your visit to the Plage de Ficaghjola in Bastia.
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 Ficaghjola Beach worth it?
Yes, this beach is well worth a visit, mainly for its magnificent promenade and panoramic views over Bastia. We’re particularly fond of U Spassimare, the gentle seafront path that leads to it, offering a most pleasant stroll.
Although swimming is not ideal due to its proximity to the road, the transparency of the water is seductive. Its downtown location makes it ideal for a refreshing break between visits. Even without swimming, the site is well worth a visit for its unique view of the city.
Type of beach
Sand or no sand?
The beach floor is made up of fairly thick sand, dotted with numerous shells. We’ve noticed that the beach is very small, which means that when it’s busy, you may have to set up your towel on the surrounding rocks.
Swimming conditions and supervision
Access to the water is on a gentle slope, making swimming accessible to all.
The water is remarkably clear and shallow close to shore. However, we recommend that you wear swimming shoes if you have sensitive feet. Jellyfish may also be present, depending on the season.
One point to consider: as the beach runs alongside the main road, the noise of passing cars and pollution can sometimes disturb the peace and quiet of the place.
The beach is not officially supervised, but a first-aid post is available during the summer season.
Installations
We didn’t see any showers or toilets on the beach. There are no sunshade or deckchair rentals available either. We recommend this beach for a short lunch break during your visit.
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Ficaghjola beach in Bastia: access
Where to find Ficaghjola Beach
- In downtown Bastia
- A 15-minute walk from the Old Port
- Along the U Spassimare, a pleasant waterfront path
Access by car and parking
We don’t recommend driving to this beach. It’s possible to park on the roadside, but this is the main access road to Bastia, so it’s very busy. Parking is often difficult, especially in high season.
If you’re still coming by car, the nearest paid parking lot is at the Citadel, around 9 minutes’ walk from the beach.
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.
Access from the parking lot
From the citadel parking lot, it’s a pleasant 9-minute walk along the seafront. We particularly enjoyed this walk, which is an integral part of the beach visit experience.
Public transport access
If you’re in the city center, it’s best to come on foot. You’ll enjoy the U Spassimare, a promenade that runs along the coast and offers beautiful views of the sea.
If you’re coming from further afield, it’s possible to take a bus. From the station, take line 1 to the Bassanese stop, which takes about 20 minutes.
THINGS TO DO AROUND Bastia
Discover all our articles on the region:
Special features
Dog
Dogs are not allowed on the beach.
Reduced mobility access
There are no facilities for disabled access, and access is via a staircase.
With children
As the beach is small, it’s not ideal for families who want space or children who want to make sandcastles. However, the gentle slope to enter the water and the shallow depth close to the shore may be suitable for younger children.
Older children, on the other hand, will enjoy climbing the rocks surrounding the beach, which can be a fun activity.
Naturism
It is not possible to practice naturism on this beach.
Eating out
There are no restaurants directly on the beach, but if you’re coming by car, we recommend a stop at the excellent Boulangerie-Pâtisserie Ghjulencia, which offers a wide range of sweet treats to take away for an impromptu picnic by the sea.
Hotels
You’re right in the center of Bastia. We advise you to opt for a hotel in the city center, which will give you easy access to Ficaghjola beach and the town’s other attractions.
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
