13 walks around Bastia

Discover some facets of the North of Corsica thanks to these different walks around Bastia, the eternal city between sea and mountains.

Historic Earth, Island of Beauty and Taste, Corsica reserves you amazing surprises. If during your holidays you stay in Bastia, first marvel at its many treasures. Then, the time for a day or a half-day, don’t hesitate to take the car and discover the walks around Bastia!

Indeed, pretty walks are possible, just a few dozen kilometers from Bastia. Gorgeous natural landscapes, old villages and idyllic beaches await you!

1. Saint-Florent

At the bottom of his Gulf, Saint-Florent is the chic little town at the edge of Saint-Tropez de la Haute-Corse. Also, with Bastia, it marks the entry line in the Cap Corse . In the foothills of the Patrimonio Valley, it enjoys a very good climate, despite all the protection of the winds so famous of Cape Town.

The old town like the seaside and its translucent waters are magnificent, lending widely to contemplation. Don't miss walking quietly, maybe with a good handmade ice cream. The walks around Bastia are surprising.

As such, the most experienced hiking trails will certainly be interested in the trail from Saint-Florent to the Loto Beach. It has the peculiarity of being a little complex but also and above all, to go along the coast for about 22 kilometers! Unforgettable panoramas guaranteed!

2. The Biguglia pond

Less than 15 kilometers from Bastia is the Biguglia pond, a natural lagoon forged by time and elements. Its 11 kilometers long lient Furiani and Biguglia, and also preserve hundreds of animal and plant species.

Moreover, this territory was classified as a Nature Reserve in 1994. From the pond, watch a magnificent view of the mountains and the villages hung on one side, and on the other, the sea extending. The time of a day, discover the pond and its walks among the best walks around Bastia.

Also, don’t miss its Fortin ecomuseum that explains the history and natural phenomena related to the pond, and the paths that allow the exploration of the pond and its edges.

3. Patrimonio

Beyond its vineyards recognized throughout the country for the AOC wines they produce, Patrimonio enjoys other assets. With his airs Tuscany Patrimonio is a real pleasure to discover. You can enjoy the view of the Gulf of Saint-Florent, and as often in Corsica, on the mountains that border the landscape.

It is possible to follow paths that allow you to approach the vineyards without harming them. So you will discover the region, its vineyard assets and its highly hilly landscape!

4. Ile-Rousse

Ile-Rousse is the farthest from our list of walks around Bastia, but it is worth it. First, note the close presence of two islands: Broccio Island and Pietra Island. If the first is not necessarily accessible on foot, the second is easily discovered. A road takes you there, too.

The suite, you can do it by following a small path, which will lead you to a point of observation offering you a whole panorama of L’Île-Rousse! Impressive! Otherwise, don’t hesitate to evade yourself on the beaches of the city or in the city itself.

5. Nonza

Ranked among the most beautiful villages in Corsica, Nonza is also one of the oldest. From the top of its promontory, it dominates the Mediterranean Sea. Corsican village as you imagine, its alleys are narrow and steep.

Down below, the pebble beach, on which we advise you to walk to further appreciate the heights of Nonza.

Also, from the village, you can follow a path that will guide you to the Col de Negru and then to Olmeta-di-Capocorso . Beautiful views are to be captured on the way.

6. Corte

Unavoidable step on the road between Ajaccio and Bastia, Corte is a central point of the island, geographically and culturally. It is one of the most important cities. And for cause, the Departmental University is there! As a result, all year long, Corte is filled.

During the holidays, tourists come to admire its perched citadel, its mountain belt and its historic centre. Then, the rest of the year, students take over and invade the streets.

Corte is also the starting point of many hiking ! This is why its place in our best walks around Bastia is indispensable.

Whether you're looking for family, quiet and simple rides or physical challenges, Corte is a great choice of departure.

7. The Desert of Agriates

Arid lands of northern Corsica, the Desert of the Agriates is located between Balagne and Nebbio. It is nicknamed “Grenier de la Corse” because in the past, many were the feeding fields of the premises. Today they are no longer and the desert bears its name. Despite all that, some shepherds continue to feed pigs and sheep.

The main interest of the Desert of Agriates is its wild appearance shaped by time. Between the valleys of maquis and dry meadows, the desert reveals itself slowly. Many trails are traced on this territory, thus offering beautiful walks around Bastia, because finally it is not very far away!

Find out more about the Littoral Trail, which runs through the East Desert in the West, from Saint-Florent to Ostriconi.

8. Santa-Maria-di-Lota

Village Corsica dating from Antiquity, Santa-Maria-di-Lota is a must-see in the Bastiese surroundings. It extends from the sea to the mountains of Cap Corse, of which it begins the extension. The village also has a Genoese Tower of the 16th century, the Miomo Tower, surprisingly located by the sea.

Beautiful walks are to be expected in the corner, especially as you can discover an interesting architectural heritage and a natural heritage enriched with protected species. A great idea of walking around Bastia!

9. Lake Padula

Following a fire in the Nebbio in 1989, the phreatic napples of the plain of Saint-Florent are empty. The solution to refuel the water plain is the installation of the dam in Padula Lake in 1991. Today it allows storage of nearly 2 million cubic meters of water and meets the large agricultural needs of the surrounding area.

This also results in the magnificent Lake of Padula, lined with meadows, forests and wild herbs, all rocked by the mountains, true keepers of the place. It is possible to take some very bucolic walks, around and on the heights of the lake, to discover the lake nature of these mountains.

10. Ersa

At the end of Cap Corse, to the sea, is the village of Ersa. Perfectly installed between the Mediterranean and the mountains, subject to the winds of the cape, Ersa is slowly discovered.

As you walk, walk through the “Finistère” of Cap Corse, enjoy the warm view and atmosphere of the north of the island, preserved and always wild.

Against all expectations, there are many places and monuments to visit in Ersa, given the extent of the village. Long lived for its maritime domination, the village is ideal for a walk, for example near the Moulin Mattei, one of the last windmills of the Island of Beauty.

11. Luri

First of all, the road that separates Bastia and Luri is a full excursion. Indeed, almost all is on the coast! Unbelievable landscapes guaranteed, with the mountains on one side and the vast sea on the other.

Then, the village, loved between the trees under the domination of the Monte Stello massif, the Cap massif, is very pleasant to visit. Also very old, like Ersa, it was inhabited very early, for its advantageous geographical location.

Moreover, a little more to the west of the centre of the village, a 16th century genoese tower still stands on its rocky piton, the Tour de Sénèque (Senèque Tower). Torre di Seneca ). You can reach it by following a suitable path of 13 kilometers.

The game is worth the candle, especially with the views observed from the 500 meters altitude of the tower.

12. Campile and Monte Castellare

In the heart of the microregion of Castagniccia, where historically grow chestnut trees, find the village of Campile. Dressed on one of the slopes of the Monte San Petrone massif, Campile enjoys an incredible view of Castagniccia, the surrounding valleys but also and especially the eastern plain.

The mountain that interests us is the Monte Castellare. This is one of the best walks around Bastia, because in addition to entrusting yourself to a green setting, you can enjoy the fresh air.

If the weather is quite clear and the mist is missing, you should even be able to see the island of Elbe... or the Italian coasts!

13. Erbalunga

Charming fishing village in the north of Bastia, Erbalunga is listed in the most beautiful villages in Corsica. Thanks to its authentic alleys, its colorful little boats and its pebble beach, Erbalunga attracts many tourists every year. The village also spreads in the mountains, like many other Corsican villages.

Moreover, a huge 15-kilometre loop is convenient, bypassing the Monte Stello from Brando. To be seen, a wide view of the East and West slopes of Monte Stello, in the second place in terms of altitude in Cap Corse.