The 11 essential things to do in Bastia

Corsica and its cities: all proud, striking, sublime and eternal. Among them, Bastia. A city of art and history, a cultural brawn placed on the water, sung by its inhabitants and full of creativity. Discover the 11 essential things to do in Bastia.

The island of Beauty tells the past to the detours of its fortresses and its old alleys. The shredded purple cliffs split the wild and insurmountable plains of the maquis. The sun hits the houses suspended, containing the free songs of its inhabitants and the perfumes of myrtle in the kitchens. The sea, emerald, sometimes violent and grounded, is grounded on immaculate sand banks. Here, dreams came to the beautiful star.

When you cross the roads of Corsica, after a few corners dug into the rocks where you go to Bastia: the township of Haute-Corse, rich and traditional. Sculpted on a rocky promontory, overlooking the chahut of the boats, the city enchants you from the earliest moments. Magic works, your heart is good. Now follow us: Here are the 11 essential things to do in Bastia.

1. The Citadelle: the Fairy Terra-Nova

Bastia was built in 1378. The Citadel, also known as Terra-Nova, was born two years later. Today, if you would like to visit Bastia, this striking monument of eternity is immanquable. After the flight of paved stairs or the crossing of the Romieu gardens, pass the Louis XVI door and let yourself be carried away by the charm of the Citadel of Bastia.

Discover the picturesque streets, this marvelous labyrinth: the colorful facades follow each other, the linen floats to the wind on the balconies, the Persian flaps jealously keep the freshness of the houses, the conversations go on the stone benches.

This authentic haven is full of spectacular historical treasures: the Place du Donjon, the Palace of Governors and the History Museum of Bastia, the Cathedral of Saint Mary. All these places are worth a visit! And pictures!

2. Bastiese cuisine: taste buds in madness

What to do in Bastia if you are greedy? Attable in a typical restaurant and taste again and again at all the specialties of the terroir!

As a coastal town, Bastia offers plethora of sea specialities. Taste fish directly out of fishermen's nets, such as the denti . Discover the flavours of sardines with brocciu , iconic Corsica cheese. Otherwise, opt for local charcuterie boards, among the best in the whole Mediterranean.

Accompany your dish with a wine, a muscat or a local spirits whose flavours, extracts or grape varieties are nowhere else. On the sweet side, Bastia is not on the other hand: the sun-frozen fruits and bastialic pastries explode your taste buds, including panzarotti, sweet doughnuts, or fiadone, golden flan.

To honour the gourmet, also visit the marketplace. Every weekend, local producers gather and animate this mythical street, for the greatest pleasure of your taste buds.

3. The Old Port: the charm of old

Visiting Bastia during a walk on its Old Port offers a charm bracket in the past. This port is as traditional as sublime.

The colourful and ochre facades, sometimes fanned by time, face fishing and pleasure crafts. Under the eye of the church of St. John the Baptist, majestic and guardian of monumental works, life beats its full.

Cafetiers, fishermen and walkers animate the Old Port from morning to evening. Nestled in this intimate year, you will enjoy the typical animations of the harbour city, bright sunsets, breakfasts bathed in iodine odors, evenings stretching throughout warm and warm nights.

Yes, these walks on the docks are a must-see in Bastia, both aesthetically and culturally.

4. Hiking in jet ski

Among the things to do in Bastia, a jet ski ride will offer you gray and memorable sensations. From April to October, discover Corsica in the sea.

For this, three formulas are available to you:

• The shortest of hikes lasts 20 minutes and costs 65€ by person;
• It is also possible to drive while 1h, for 130€ ,
• Finally, the longest hike in jet ski hard 2 hours. To offer it, you will have to pay 220€.

Whatever the formula you choose, you will taste at speed but also the privilege of some places accessible only by boat. Indeed, the jet ski is a very maniable boat, ideal for reaching confidential lagoons and isolated diving spots in the Agriates .

In addition to the scandalous blue of the Mediterranean, you can also admire the rocks and cliffs of white limestone in the sun and the stretches of sand with almost-polynesian looks. In addition, by opting for a departure from Saint-Florent, you can enjoy one of the most popular, pleasant and picturesque villages in Haute-Corse.

If your muscles are not punctuated with cramps, you'll even give in to a long evening on the harbour docks...

5. A boat ride

And since we speak of the port, the port could be used to take the sea! For yes, visiting Bastia is also enjoying its coastline. Very nice excursions are to be made by boat, such as the Gulf of Saint-Florent, Cap Corse or to go south of the island.

It would be a shame not to rent a boat in Bastia , and thus miss the Mediterranean setting to get to the rest of the island.

6. Place Saint Nicolas: the neuralgic point

Located on the edge of Bastia, Saint Nicolas Square is the most visited. Impressive by its size, surrounded by palm trees and bourgeois buildings, framed by a statue of Napoleon and that of a woman holding her son, rocked by the sound of the kiosk at Music, lined with restaurants and busy shops, Saint Nicolas Square is a neuralgic point of the city.

If you decide to visit Bastia and go through this large square, don’t miss going on Sunday morning during the grinding.

If by chance you stay in Bastia during the holidays of the end of years or the month of October, enjoy the ephemeral rink or the Chocolate Salon. In the summer, attend one of the many musical animations. In short, mix with the groubling life of Place Saint Nicolas.

7. The Romieu garden: the flowery terraces

Are you an amateur of nature and what are you looking for in Bastia? This falls well, the Romieu garden invites you to a charming stroll in the heart of a green setting.

Harmonious, with voluptuous and elegant curves, punctuated with vases on feet, statues, pearl fountains, wrought iron ramps, the Romieu garden is as refined as bucolic. The staircases on the terraces go down to the Old Port and offer a splendid panoramic view of the ships’ back and forth.

8. The Rue Napoléon: priority for pedestrians

Folding the city by its stone pavement reserved for pedestrians, Napoleon Street is a must-see shopping and historical artery. To visit Bastia while shopping, this is the ideal place.

Between trendy shops, designer shops, local workshops, souvenir shops, everyone can find his happiness. The bastiais mix with holidaymakers in a warm and light atmosphere.

By taking this street, you fall on two fabulous religious buildings: the oratory of the confrerie Saint Roch and that of the Immaculate Conception, containing remarkable gildings, altars of marble and walls covered with purple silks.

9. The chapel Scala Santa: a hidden treasure

The tour of religious monuments is one of the most beautiful things to do in Bastia.

Then walk about twenty minutes to the chapel of the Scala Santa. It is home to a "holy staircase", a rare insignia and held only by the high places of Christianity. In fact, we only count ten in the world. You understand that this architectural gem is worth a look!

In 2019, renovation work was launched. The slabs, paintings and walls of the building have found their splendour of old, for our greatest happiness.

10. The Customs Trail: heading on the Cap Corse

Visiting Bastia does not exclude enjoying the exceptional natural areas of Corsica. The Trail des Douaniers, twenty-six kilometers long, brings you to the discovery of Cap Corse.

This region, near Bastia, is one of the most beautiful landscapes of the Island of Beauty. The trail climbs between rocks and dirt roads, until you offer splendid views and pull out several "whu". The air hires the odors of the coastline and the maquis. You feel like growing wings when you overlook the wild plain and the coves where the most beautiful shades of blue come from.

11. An overview of Bastia and its surroundings

What if to visit Bastia and its region, you decided to send you in the air? The idea is excellent because it will offer you an exceptional panorama, including the most beautiful places around.

For this, two options:

ULM flight

Want some gentle air sensations and silence in the heart of the clouds? Then why don't you fly a ULM?

Available throughout the year, this activity allows you to fly over one of the most beautiful islands in the world... At the start of the charming town of Oletta, in Haute Corse, you first fly over the green wine fields and the typical village and plebiscity of Saint-Florent.

Under your eyes, the Agriates and its necklace of coves and heavenly beaches take place. The table comes in a palette of colors that you are not ready to forget.

A highlight of the show, your experienced instructor fingers one of the most beautiful beaches on Saleccia Island. A vision that will unravel you a great "wahu".

In terms of rates, count between 90€ (20 minutes) and 200€ (1 hour).

Ascensional parachute

From April to September, when the sun is at its peak in the sky of Corsica, embark for an ascensional journey above the Island of Beauty. Ascensional parachute is one of the most amazing and accessible things to do in Bastia.

For yes, despite the hundred meters of height, the feet in the void prevent the appearance of vertigo. There is therefore no reason to go from such an idyllic view of the Gulf of Saint Florent.

Once the earth closes, take the time to stroll around Saint-Florent : tourist flag of Haute-Corse.

With respect to rates and duration, you can send in the air only (80€) , in duo (100€) or (135€) . The flight, it, lasts in all cases 15 minutes : the time to admire the granite walls which are nestled by the sea with many blue camaieux.

How to get to Bastia?

The two main ways to get to Bastia are the plane and the ferry. The choice will depend on your budget, your on-site itinerary and the time you have.

If you are already in Corsica, coming to Bastia is simple: by the road or by the rails, the capital of Haute Corse is very accessible.

Take the plane to go to Corsica

Taking the plane is the easiest and fastest way, especially since Corsica has four airports, including Bastia. The city is served all year round and is only an hour and a half from Paris. All we have to do is find the most advantageous flight for you. And why not thanks to our partner Ulysses ?

Take the ferry to go to Corsica

As for the ferry, the advantage is to be able to board with your vehicle. If you want to visit Bastia but also its surroundings, or more, it is a considerable asset. Otherwise, you'll have to rent a car. A ferry ride takes one day or one night and takes place from Marseille, Nice or Toulon.

To go to Corsica from Marseille, we invite you to visit our partner Direct Ferries

In the same way, the best way to plan its crossing to Corsica from Nice is to use the site our partner Direct Ferries . This is a ferry crossing comparison that allows you to check out and book your ticket effectively from over 1000 crossings in Europe and North Africa.

Only one major company now operates ferry crossings from Toulon to Corsica (or the other): Corsica Ferries

Where to sleep in Bastia?

In Bastia, depending on your budget and your desires, all types of accommodation are possible: Airbnb in Bastia , holiday homes, hotels, guest houses, campsites, for couples, families or friends! Need help? Take a look at our hotel comparison and find the best offer.

But where to sleep to visit Bastia ?

In the city centre first, near the Old Port or the Citadel. This is where you will find many unmistakable things to do in Bastia. This is also where you will taste the picturesque Corsica life and its inimitable atmospheres.

North of Bastia, Toga district offers more tranquility while staying close to the heart of the city. Very appreciated for its marina, note that this is a rather crowded area.

For a more popular atmosphere, choose the south of the city. In the neighborhoods of Lupino-Montesoro, the accommodations are in the maquis and you are also close to the sea.

Fear of nature? Want to sleep away from the city and quiet around? The Cordo Village is perfect. Overlooking Bastia, suspended on its rocky promontory, this most authentic medieval village has an incredible charm.