Visiting Bastia? Don’t miss the Promenade Aldilonda! This walkway, clinging to the cliff between the Citadel and the sea, offers panoramic views and is one of Bastia’s most popular promenades.
In this article, you’ll find our useful tips in pictures to help you prepare for your trip on the Aldilonda in Bastia and have a wonderful time!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Why visit Promenade Aldilonda?
Is the Promenade Aldilonda worth it? Our opinion:
Yes, the Aldilonda trail is well worth a walk. Running alongside the sea, it offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, at the foot of the Citadelle. This is one of Bastia’s best activities!
Why is the Promenade Aldilonda famous?
The Promenade Aldilonda is famous for its exceptional pathway clinging to the cliff between the Citadel and the sea. This panoramic footbridge has become a favorite spot for Bastians on their morning jogs and evening strolls.
It also offers a privileged vantage point for admiring sunrises over the sea, attracting photographers and selfie enthusiasts in search of the perfect shot.
History in brief
The Aldilonda promenade was inaugurated in 2019.
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
Access: Promenade Aldilonda, Bastia
Where is the Promenade Aldilonda?
The Promenade Aldilonda starts from Bastia’s Old Port. It runs along the coast between the Old Port and Arinella 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.
How to get there?
To reach Promenade Aldilonda, head for the Old Port. As you round the cove to reach the south quay, you’ll discover this unusual structure built into the rock face. Departure is from the south quay of the Old Port, within easy walking distance of downtown Bastia.
Parking
Several parking lots are available close to Bastia’s Old Port.
THINGS TO DO AROUND Bastia
Discover all our articles on the region:
Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
The Promenade Aldilonda is particularly popular in the early morning, when you can admire the sublime sunrises against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea. At the end of the day, the low-angled light also creates magnificent atmospheres. Avoid the hottest hours in summer, as the boardwalk is exposed to the sun.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Depending on your pace, the walk to Arinella beach takes between 30min and 1h. The walk is accessible and presents no major difficulties. Please note, however, that the course can be windy.
Advice on how to visit
There is only one way to visit, as the trail is linear.
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Visiting with children
The promenade is accessible to children, but requires careful supervision, especially near the seafront.
Schedules and rates
The Promenade Aldilonda is freely accessible all year round.
Catering
You’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafés in the Old Port district. Find our best addresses in our article Where to eat in Bastia.
On arrival, the Arinella beach also offers restaurants with sea views.
A weightless ride
From our very first steps on the Promenade Aldilonda, we felt the extraordinary sensation of walking “on water”. Clinging to the rock, the path winds along the water’s edge. The sea breeze caresses our faces as the waves break just beneath our feet, creating a natural symphony that accompanies the entire walk.
A wide-angle panorama
The view from the Aldilonda literally seduced us. The horizon stretches to infinity, and on a clear day you can see the offshore islands that dot the horizon. Photographers find an infinite playground for capturing the beauty of the Corsican coastline.
On the other side, we loved watching the bustling port of Bastia and the daily ballet of liners and other boats!
An escape at the foot of the citadel
At the foot of the Citadel’s imposing ramparts, L’Aldilonda offered us a beautiful, poetic escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. We were won over by the striking contrast between the age-old stone of the fortifications and the infinite blue of the sea. This walk is a great way to get away from it all while remaining in the heart of Bastia, in a place where calm and serenity reign supreme. The promenade also offers some of the best views of the city as a whole!
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Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between the Aldilonda promenade and the U Spassimare?
L’Aldilonda and U Spassimare are part of the same seaside itinerary in Bastia, but they don’t have the same atmosphere. The Aldilonda is the spectacular stretch “above the waves”, while the U Spassimare is a long, more classic coastal promenade linking several points in the town.
Can you swim from the Promenade Aldilonda?
Although the sea is very close, we do not recommend swimming from the promenade due to the rocks and currents. Continue on to the Arinella beach for a safe swim.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Corsica
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Where to stay
