What to do in Bastia | Must-sees

Are you visiting Bastia and wondering what you can discover? Discover our must-sees in this pretty Corsican town

 

I’ve often been told that Bastia isn’t a pretty town, but I wanted to make up my own mind and I don’t regret having stopped there at all. I found it very similar to Italian towns: aged, colorful facades, a historic citadel, charming squares, narrow streets, a relief layout and beautiful architecture. Bastia has a singular authenticity unlike any other Corsican town.

It is also the ideal starting point for discovering Cap Corse and the Agriates desert (40 minutes by car), as the town has a port where ferries arrive from Marseille, Toulon and Nice, as well as an airport. The city isn’t very big, but you’ll need a good long day to explore it on foot, especially if you want to do a bit of shopping, stop off at charming cafés or restaurants and take a leisurely stroll.

 

To help you prepare for your trip to Corsica, take a look at our articles on the destination:

• Road trip in Cap Corse, our itinerary
• Discover the Agriates Desert
• Top 15 activities in Haute-Corse

 

 

WHAT’S NOT TO MISS IN BASTIA

Discover our walking itinerary

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| PLACE SAINT-NICOLAS

We started our visit to Bastia with the pretty and emblematic Place Saint-Nicolas, opposite the ferry terminal and recognizable by the statue of Napoleon right in the middle. It’s the kind of square we love, a place where life is good, where locals gather on the terraces for lunch, a drink or simply a chat in the shade under the hundred-year-old plane trees.

This large square is also the venue for numerous events throughout the year: the chocolate and Corsican delicacies fair in October, concerts in summer, an ice rink for Christmas. For vintage enthusiasts, a large flea market and brocante are held on Sunday mornings.

This is also where we discovered the beautiful Mattei boutique founded in 1872 and famous for its inimitable aperitifs, including Cap Mattei, made with Corsican mistelles, cinchona and a host of exotic plants. You’ll need to step inside for the decoration, but also to sample the various bottles on sale at the bar. The welcome was warm and the Corsicans gave us some great tips and addresses to try out.

It’s also from this square that you can board the little train for a 50-minute guided tour of Bastia’s main sights. All information on the Ticket sales are on their official website.

 

 

| SHOPPING STREETS

From Place Saint Nicolas, two parallel streets are a must for shopping: Boulevard Paoli and Rue César Campinchi. Here you’ll find island designer boutiques, big brand names, stores selling local produce, tea rooms and cafés.

 

| RUE NAPOLÉON AND THE TERRA VECCHIA DISTRICT

Continue your visit by la rue Napoléon, as an extension of Place Saint-Nicolas, you are now entering the authentic Terra Vecchia district, the oldest in Bastia.

This inviting pedestrian street is home to artisan and designer boutiques, as well as stores selling local products and souvenirs. We stopped for a few minutes in front:

• L’Oratoire Saint-Roch with its pale yellow façade, 4 columns and interior lined with gilding and red silks.
• The oratory of the Immaculate Conception and its cladding of Carrara marble slabs. The square in front of the oratory is made up of a mosaic of pebbles, a traditional Genoese practice that forms a beautiful sunburst.
  

For a gourmet break, stop off at the A Biscutteria boutique (3 Rue Napoléon) to buy Corsican cookies, but also at the A Tinella concept store(15 Rue Napoléon) to bring home some good Corsican cheese, and at U Paese (4 Rue Napoléon) to buy farmhouse and PDO charcuterie, artisanal jams, PDO honey, olive oil, etc…

 

 

| THE MARKET PLACE

The market square called by Corsicans « u mercà »is located halfway between the Old Port and Place Saint-Nicolas. You can also take the little ruelle de la Création to get to this picturesque district, where the Bastia market takes place every weekend. This lively traditional market once again brings together local producers delighted to share their delicious local produce with you. Brocciu doughnuts, coppa and lonzo! This is also where we bought delicious canistrellis from an artisan patissier (9 place de l’hôtel de ville ).

 

 

| SAINT-JEAN-BAPTISTE CHURCH

At the end of the market square, you’ll come across one of Bastia’s unmissable religious monuments, the 17th-century Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste , considered Corsica’s largest church and a listed historic monument. Its imposing Baroque façade is highly visible from the Old Port and the Citadel. The two 70-metre-high coachmen are clearly visible. We didn’t go inside, but apparently the richly decorated interior is worth a visit for its many works of art and the decoration of its nave.

 

 

| LE VIEUX PORT

Situated between the Citadel and the Place du Marché, Bastia’s old port is one of the city’s must-sees, a place to relax and enjoy life, especially early in the morning. Sitting on a terrace, enjoy a cup of coffee as you watch the fishermen return with the day’s catch, take in the first glimmer of sunlight and watch the town slowly come to life. At the end of the day, it’s best to choose an artisanal ice cream while gazing at the boats and strolling along the quays.

 

 

| THE ROMIEU GARDEN AND STAIRS

I’d spotted this little corner of Bastia linking the Citadel and its colorful streets to the Old Port. Located between the Terra Vecchia and Nova Vecchia districts, the jardin de Romieu is a peaceful place surrounded by vegetation and ideal for strolling in the shade of the trees. It would be a shame not to stop there. You can reach the South Quay of the Old Port via the imposing and beautiful Romieu Staircase, which offers a magnificent view of the whole city of Bastia. The city’s young people gather in this photogenic spot for a chat. You’ll pass through pretty, colorful cobblestone streets that reminded me of Italy.

 

 

| BASTIA CITADEL

The Citadelle of Bastia, built on a rocky promontory in 1380, is located in the Terra Nova district. It’s a real favorite for us, and one of the city’s main attractions. We loved wandering through the narrow streets and colorful facades of this peaceful “little village”, which reminded us of villages in the south of France or Italy. I recommend taking the time to stroll down Rue Notre-Dame, the main street, and linger on a terrace, drinking a coffee with a view of the port. Getting to the Citadelle is easy: just follow the paths or climb the few wide steps in the Romieu garden.

Right in the heart of the Citadelle, you’ll find numerous sights, such as the Place du Donjon, the Governors’ Palace, classified as a Historic Monument in 1977, with its architecture and beautiful orange facade, which houses the Musée d’Histoire de Bastia, dedicated to the heritage and history of Corsica. The museum’s hanging gardens apparently offer a magnificent view from Terra-Vecchia to the islands of the Tuscan archipelago. You will also find the Sainte-Marie Cathedral baroque style, as well as the beautiful Louis XVI door once the only access to the citadel.

If you wish to stay here, l’Hôtel des gouverneurs, a 4* hotel is conveniently located for easy access to the many restaurants and cafés.

 

 

| BASTIA SPECIALITIES

 

For a taste of local specialties based on chestnuts, citron, clementine, Brocciu and lemon, head for the Ghisoni-Mariotti patisserie on rue Campinchi and the Leoncini patisserie or Chez Mireille, rue des terrasses

• Pâtisserie chez Mireille for a taste of the canistrellis (5 Rue des Terrasses)
• A Biscutteria (Rue Napoléon) to pack your suitcases with traditional cookies: canistrelli, cuggiulelle, croquants, biscuttini, panettes, brioches, migliacci, etc.

• Rauggi glacier, an emblematic figure of the city. This delicious ice cream parlour on rue du Chanoine Colombani, not far from Place Napoléon, offers a variety of artisanal ice creams and flavours to die for!
• Paoli Gourmet (rue Napoléon), an artisan ice cream maker also renowned for its Corsican farm milk ice creams (maquis, myrtle, muscat, citron) and sorbets.

Don’t forget to bring back Corsican charcuterie (farmhouse figatelli, Lonzu, Coppa, terrines and sausages), which you’ll find in several Bastia delicatessens.

• A Campagna (25 Rue César Campinchi)
• U Muntagnolu (15 Rue César Campinchi)
• A Volta (24 Rue Napoleon)
• Noi (45 Boulevard Paoli) for quality corsican products
• Corsica Colis (8 Cours Favale, Citadelle side)

 

 

 

IN THE ALENTOURS OF BASTIA

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If you wish to spend a few days in Bastia, take the opportunity to go to the beach or visit the surrounding area, I recommend spending 2 or 3 days there. The city itself can be explored over a long day if you get up early.

 

| RENT A BOAT

 

Take advantage of your stay in Bastia to book a sea outing with family or friends. To do this, nothing could be simpler. I recommend you use Samboat, a boat rental comparison service that offers the most comprehensive selection of boat rentals, with or without skipper. From small boats without a license to motorboats, sailboats and zodiacs…., you’ll be spoilt for choice.

So what are you waiting for?

 

 

| THE BIGUGLIA POND NATURE RESERVE

 

Just a 15-minute drive south of Bastia and at the foot of the village of Furiani, you can discover the Etang de Biguglia nature reserve. This 1,450-hectare lagoon on the Bevinco river is the largest wetland in Corsica, and a vital habitat for aquatic fauna and flora, as well as 224 species of waterfowl, including kingfishers, cormorants, herons, marsh harriers, coots and flamingos…

A discovery trail takes you along the banks of the Biguglia pond for just over 1 km through rich vegetation. Beware, it is impassable out of season as it is flooded in places!

• Rates : self-guided tour 2€/person; guided tour on reservation + 2h walk in the reserve: 4€/person.
• Opening hours : 9h00-12h00 / 13h00-17h00 Monday to Saturday (01/09 to 30/06) and 9h00-16h00 Monday to Saturday in high season (01/07 to 31/08).

 

 

| BEACHES NEAR BASTIA

 

The Pays Bastiais, with its 150 kilometers of coastline, is home to the Cape Corse, the largest in mainland France: 85 identified bottlenose dolphins, 236 bird species, hectares of coralligenous atolls…. If you’re looking for the most beautiful beaches in Corsica, it’s best to go to the Agriates desert (I talk about it in this article) or more towards Cap Corse, with its beautiful sandy and pebble beaches.

There are, however, a few small beaches or coves close to Bastia where you can enjoy the pleasures of swimming:

• Arinella beach, a pretty, large sandy beach south of Bastia, quite family-friendly overlooking the citadel and mountains. Many activities available: kayaking, paddle, windsurfing, etc. To get there, take the free shuttle bus departing from the tourist office. In season, departures are every 20 minutes between 8am and 7:30pm.
• Furiani beach just off the Arinella beach.
• La Marana beach, Marine beach in Borgo and Lido Marana beach: vast sandy beaches bordered by pine forests. These are the most popular with tourists, with restaurants and numerous water sports activities. Sun loungers and parasols are also available for hire.
• Toga beach, a small pebble beach just 5 minutes’ walk from the center.
• The small cove of Ficaghjola, accessible via a staircase that leads about 300 meters from the citadel.

 

 

| THE AGRIATE DESERT

 

Bastia is a good base for discovering the Agriates Desert, as it’s only a 40-minute drive from the town. You’ll need to add an extra day to your program to discover this unique and unspoilt place, and swim among others in two magnificent beaches ranked among the most beautiful in Corsica: Saleccia and Lotu.

I invite you to read our detailed article on different ways to discover the Agriates Desert.

 

The perfect way to discover the agriate desert this summer by boat at a very affordable price!

From Saint-Florent, set off for a 6-hour cruise on a 20-meter catamaran, with lunch and swimming break throughout the day in warm, translucent waters! On the programme: sailing along the Agriates desert and its magnificent wild white sandy beaches: Lotu beach, Saleccia beach or Ghignu beach. The catamaran will then set sail for the west coast of Cap Corse and its beaches, as well as the charming village of Nonza. It’s a beautiful, beautiful day ahead, I promise!

⚠️ Remember to book in advance, as this cruise is in great demand. and they sell out fast in high season! Prices are €45 for children aged 4 to 12 and €90 for adults.

 

I book here the catamaran cruise and check availability

 

 

 

 

• From Bastia, discover some of Corsica’s most beautiful panoramic views and relax on the beach at Saleccia

 

 

 

 

| WHERE TO SLEEP IN BASTIA

 

• Pietracap Hotel (20 Route de San Martino) 10 minutes from Bastia for its beautiful view and garden.
• Governors’ Hotel, the only 4* hotel located in the citadel, just a two-minute walk from the Old Port. We come here for its location, its view of Bastia and the sea, and its indoor swimming pool.
• Hotel Alivi overlooking a charming pebble beach.
• Port Toga Hotel for its location opposite the ferry arrival and departure ports, it’s the ideal hotel
• The beautiful Vieux Port apartment in Bastia
• The lovely Villa Marie, a vacation home high above the city.
• U Palazzu Ghejenuvese apartment
• Villa Campana
• The House Sea View in the heart of the Citadel

 

As in all major cities, you’ll find a wide choice of accommodation. In fact, I invite you to take advantage of our discount on Airbnb if you’re looking for more charming accommodation. We love la Marana accommodation 150 meters from the beach.

 

Take advantage of up to €40 off your Airbnb reservation by clicking here

 

 

| WHERE TO EAT IN BASTIA

 

• Chez Vincent, facing the sea and overlooking the port (12 Rue Saint-Michel) for a hearty meal. The pizzas are reputed to be the best in town
• Karma Sushi (2 rue de la Marine)
• The U Paisanu boutique-restaurant for its lovingly prepared Corsican dishes, and the kindness and friendliness of the owner.
• Restaurant Osteria A Scudella (rue Pino) for Corsican home cooking. You must try the veal with olives, and the famous Casgiu Minatu.
• Restaurant Sampiero in the Citadelle, a great address and terrace for the whole family to enjoy local specialities.
• Nathalie’s Table (boulevard Paoli) for its friendly welcome and original, home-cooked cuisine based on fresh produce.
• Le petit Zinc (1 rue de l’Ancienne Poste) for its refined cuisine and chic, trendy setting.

 

 

| HOW TO GET TO BASTIA

 

• Getting to Bastia by plane

 

Bastia airport lies 20 km south of the city center. Many airlines serve Bastia airport so to find the best fare, compare the best flights and get the best price. I often use the Skyscanner flight comparison service.

Flight prices to Corsica vary enormously, so plan ahead.

 

Find your cheap flight to Bastia with Skyscanner

 

• Getting to Bastia by ferry

 

You can also reach Bastia by boat since Marseille, Toulon and Nice, but also from Italy.

I recommend that you compare ferry prices to Corsica and book in advance.

You can also compare ferry fares at DirectFerries !

 

 

• Car rental

 

On arrival at Bastia airport, the easiest thing to do is rent a car to explore the region. Without a vehicle, it’s very difficult, if not almost impossible, to visit the Bastia area. I recommend that you visit the Bsp Auto and Carigami, I’ve often found the best prices here. This price comparator allows you to find the best rates in the month from the country’s various rental companies.

 

➡️ Find here your cheapest car rental with Bsp auto

➡️ Find here your cheapest car rental with Carigami

 

 

 

I hope this article has helped you plan your trip to Bastia. To request a quote and a tailor-made trips to discover the authentic Corsica, contact me by email at contact@mademoiselle-voyage.fr. I invite you to read the customized travel where I present my business as a licensed travel agency.

Before you leave, read our other articles on Corsica:

• Road trip in Cap Corse, our itinerary
• Discover the Agriates Desert
• Top 15 activities in Haute-Corse