Summary
Bastia, Corsica’s second largest city with a population of about 40,000 people, is beautifully positioned on Corsica’s east coast, facing Italy with views of the Tuscan archipelago. To the north, accessible by car or bus, lies le Cap Corse, a rugged peninsula dotted with Genoese towers and a sprawling natural preserve that has become a hiker’s haven.
Despite being overshadowed by more picturesque destinations, Bastia is alive with the hustle and bustle of daily life. This vibrancy represents one of our key markers for a city’s authenticity. The balance between a “real” city and a tourist hub is defined by details that enhance everyone’s leisure experience—the vast Place St. Nicolas, framed by cafes, shops, and restaurants with views over the ferry port, is merely one example. The city boasts numerous Baroque churches, some adorned with pebble mosaics that link them with Liguria and Genoese traditions, inviting travelers to seek coolness, shade, and free art to appreciate. Additionally, the Citadel and the colorful old houses of the “new town” offer magnificent views of the vieille ville, the historic old city, and the sea. Bastia is a genuine city, full of life and commerce.
Bastia’s cuisine is straightforward, heavily influenced by the sea’s bounty. Corsican white wines pair well with dishes like mussels, yet don’t miss trying Pietra, an amber chestnut beer. (The brewery has a brasserie located on Route de la Marana in Furiani if you find yourself wanting more.)
Join us as we explore a little tour of Bastia, uncovering how to get there, where to stay, and what to do.
Getting to and Getting Around Bastia
Bastia is served by an airport named Bastia Poretta, located in Lucciana southeast of the city. Autobus Bastiais buses operate from 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM, connecting you to the city center and main station in approximately 35 minutes.
Budget airline EasyJet operates flights to Bastia from Geneva, London Gatwick, Lyon, Paris Charles de Gaulle, or Manchester. Meanwhile, Germanwings offers routes from Stuttgart, Berlin or Cologne-Bonn.
There is a constant flow of ferries landing at Bastia’s commercial port, bringing you from Livorno, Italy (approximately 4 hours) or Toulon, France via Corsica Ferries. Additional ferries can connect you to Bastia from Marseille, Nice, and Savona.
The ferry crossing from Livorno to Bastia is particularly scenic, passing by the islands of Capraia and Elba. The ship features a lounge with piano entertainment for part of the journey, making it a pleasant place to relax while sipping one of those Pietra beers. Snacks and meals are available on board.
Bus stations are conveniently scattered throughout town, depending on their destinations. It’s advisable to inquire at the tourist office located at the corner of Place St. Nicolas, the nearest point to the ferry port. Buses run to all major cities.
The charming train station is slightly uphill from the port on av Maréchal Sébastiani. It connects you to Ajaccio, Ile Rousse, Corte, and Calvi.
Bastia Attractions – Starting at the Place Saint Nicolas
The ideal starting point for any tourist is the Place St. Nicolas, an expansive, tree-lined square where you’ll find an array of amenities from shops to cafes and even the tourist office located on the north side of the square. Numerous bus stops surround the area, making it easy to navigate. It’s conveniently located just across from the ferry docks in Bastia.
On Sundays, the Place Saint Nicolas hosts a bustling flea market, while a garment market takes place every second Friday of the month. The traditional open-air market operates on weekends in the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, located south of Place St. Nicolas.
From the tourist office, a leisurely stroll west along the wide Av. Mal Sebastiani leads you to the train station, surrounded by various bus stops, central for accessing Corsican destinations from Bastia.
The street adjacent to the west side of Place Saint-Nicolas is the Boulevard de Gaulle. Following it south will lead you to quaint shops along Rue Napoleon. Be sure to stop by the Oratoire St-Roch to admire its rich Baroque interior. Further along, the Oratoire de l’Immaculée Conception (1611) features a pebble mosaic, hinting at its Genoese origins.
If you’re feeling adventurous and fit enough for an uphill walk, you can continue to the charming Vieux Port, which has received a bit of an upgrade and is surrounded by many restaurants, making it the next destination on our tour.
Bastia’s Old Port
The Vieux Port serves as the heart of old Bastia. Dominating the skyline are Corsica’s largest church, the 17th Century Saint-Jean Baptiste. You may witness local fishermen casting their lines amidst the yachts in the basin. For a lovely view of the old port while dining, consider booking an outdoor table at the somewhat upscale Chez Huguette.
Bastia’s Market Square
Bastia’s market square is essentially the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, or City Hall Square. It’s immediately adjacent to the Saint-Jean Baptiste church.
If you’re not in the mood for a leisurely meal at a local restaurant, consider grabbing something from the little market situated between La Table du Marche and the Saint-Jean Baptiste. The staff are quite knowledgeable about wines and cheese, making selection easier.
The Citadel and the Palais des Gouverneurs
As you walk up from the old port, you will reach the Genoese Citadel. Within its walls lies a village dubbed Terra Nova, or new town. The construction of the Citadel began in 1378 and concluded around 1530.
The Governors from Genoa once resided in the Palais des Gouverneurs, which now hosts the Musée à Bastia, providing insight into the evolution of Bastia and Corsica.
This area offers numerous restaurants with astonishing views over the sea and old port, making it a delightful spot for lunch.
Shopping in Bastia
During your stay in Bastia, you’ll have ample opportunities to shop for Corsican goods. Like its nearby counterpart Sardinia (part of the same land mass as Corsica), knives are a unique specialty here. As you ascend toward the Citadel, you’ll encounter various shops offering them.
You may also want to indulge in an aperitif known as Cap Corse at a local restaurant. This delightful wine is infused with oranges and other island fruits. If you wish to take a bottle home, Cap Corse Mattei is an excellent store for purchasing this aperitif or various Corsican wines.
Where to Stay in Bastia
Consider a stay at the Hotel l’Alivi, just outside Bastia in the quaint village of Ville-di-Pietrabugno. This hotel features a wonderful restaurant with a seaside terrace called l’Archipel, offering stunning views of the sea and Italian islands on the horizon. With good food, attentive service, and beautiful scenery, it’s an ideal spot for relaxation. The hotel is within walking distance to town.
A well-liked option in the city is the Best Western Corsica Hotels Bastia Centre.
