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 honey coloured Citadel 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.
South of Bastia is the Castagniccia region, a huge forest of chestnut trees dotted with small villages, walking trails and increasingly renowned for its traditional cuisine. Sited between the mountains and sea, the Costa Verde boasts a 17km stretch of golden sand with Moriani Plage as its main resort.
