Bastia

Things to See & Do

• Bastia, capital of Haute Corse is a busy town with a population of 50000, making it the second largest town on the island.  The Place St Nicolas is a pleasant spot to soak up Bastia’s Mediterranean atmosphere and with its shady trees and cafes is the social hub of the town.  The Boulevard Paoli and Rue Cesar Campinchi are the the main shopping streets running parallel to the square.  The old town lies south of Place St Nicolas and surrounds the old port which should not be missed.  It is overlooked by the high honey coloured Genoese Citadel (quite a climb) and bustles with harbour side bars and restaurants.  Wander through the old streets behind the old port to find the Place du Marche where there is a local farmers market each morning and the church of St Jean Baptiste, Corsica's largest church is well worth a visit.
• Often called an island within an island, the Cap Corse is a maquis covered peninsula whose history sets it apart from the rest of the island. Tiny ports divide the east side as the western villages are sited on rugged cliffs. On the west of Cap Corse, narrow roads wind above a dramatically serrated coastline, dotted with little coves, whilst the sea washes on the rocks below and woods and maquis outline the peaks above.  A complete circuit of the Cap Corse will take you about four hours from St Florent (without stops) and we recommend that you always drive in a clockwise direction so that you are always in the inside lane (the road can be narrow and winding and the drops are precipitous). 
• Worth visiting is Nonza, a flower-garnished slate roofed village, which seems to have sprouted from its craggy foundations. The beach here is black.
• Centuri Port makes a great lunch spot as its many restaurants are based around the old fishing port and their Menus are reliant on the catch of the day.  
• At the northerly point of Cap Corse at Rogliano stands the Moulin Mattei restored by the Mattei family (of aperitif fame) in the 20th Century, a short walk will afford you magnificent if not windy views out over either side of the Cap and if you are lucky you will see the Tuscan islands and the coast of Italy beyond.
• From Maccinagio one can walk the sentiers des duaniers (customs officers route) to Barcaggio, many follow just a small part of the route for a day's walking - the famous Genoese towers along the way are an impressive sight against the coastal backdrop. The path goes through the Capandula nature reserve which also boasts excellent, uncrowded beaches. 
• The fishing port of Erbalunga on the eastern coast clings to a little jagged promontory, opal waves slapping against gaudy fishing boats. The pedestrianised village has many cafés and restaurants and a Genoese tower on the headland and is the home of a Jazz festival in August.
• Visit the cathedral of the Nebbio region in St Florent, Santa Maria Assunta.  It was built by the Pisans in the 12th Century, on the site of the ancient Roman city that existed before St Florent (some 800m from the new town centre).  The building is highly ornate and a fine example of Pisan architecture and probably one of the island’s most beautiful cathedrals.
• The bustling heart St Florent is the old town, with its narrow streets and vibrant bar terraces.  Relax in one of the waterfront cafés and watch the yachts of the rich arrive at the marina.  The ambience on the port of an evening is not to be missed.  Just watch the rich people and marvel at their luxurious yachts – a true pleasure seekers paradise.  There is a pleasant coastal walk to the Mortella tower, 7km west of St. Florent (be aware there is little shade).  The ruined tower is one of the most impressive examples of Genoese architecture in the area.  It was built in 1520 as a weapon against piracy; it fell into disuse as a result of its inaccessibility.
• Behind St Florent, spreads the quiet attractive countryside of Conca D’Oro with Oletta village perched high above offering spectacular views over the gulf. You will find workshops and cellars of around 10 local artisans. 
• The Désert des Agriates is a landscape of wild maquis and rocky cliffs.  Take a boat trip to one of its beaches, inaccessible by car, or rent a boat yourself to explore the hidden coastline around the town. Boats from the harbour will take you to the beaches of Saleccia and Lodo (3-6 departures a day and a 30 min trip).  One can also get to these beaches on quad bikes (see activities section) which can be hired locally or for the more adventurous try kayaking. The spectacular beach of Saleccia is a tropical dream of silver sand and turquoise sea, inaccessible by road.
• Spend a leisurely afternoon visiting a vineyard in the pretty village of Patrimonio, and tasting the superb wines.  The Patrimonio region is most famous for its vineyards, much of Corsica’s best wine being produced in this area.  You will find dozens of vineyards to visit and the proprietors are happy to welcome you and offer you their wines to sample.  There is now a ‘route des vins’, which will lead you to all the vineyards.  Just follow the brown road signs.  Patrimonio church is of particular interest and its setting is beautiful.  A menhir statue was found in one of the vineyards here, it has now been erected just below the church.
• Going eastwards from Corte, over the mountain ridge that separates the Tavignano and Golo rivers, lies the very fertile region of the Castagniccia  (literally meaning “small chestnut grove”), wherein lies over 100km² of primarily sweet chestnut forests. Many of the Sanglier (wild boar) that are eaten on the island each year are caught in this area, but, despite this, many of the villages in the area now lie abandoned – albeit now providing an interesting route for ramblers. On a clear day, the altitude affords views over the Tuscan Islands, occasionally, the snow-capped peaks of the Alps are discernable. The highest peak in this region, Monte San Petrone (1,767m) presents a challenging hike, but the view from the top, both out towards Italy and back into the Casaluna valley are well worth the effort.