- Corsica
Bastia, Corsica
Bastia is Corsica’s second-largest town and a lively, characterful port with a population of around 46,000 in the commune itself. Its historic centre, bustling harbour and atmospheric streets make it a fascinating place to explore, while its position on the north-east coast makes it a convenient base for discovering Cap Corse and the surrounding region.
Why visit Bastia?
- Soak up the café culture
- Explore its citadel
- It is a great base to explore Cap Corse
Although we don’t have many properties in Bastia itself, we offer a selection of excellent villas in the surrounding countryside and coastal villages, allowing you to enjoy the area’s scenery and character while remaining within easy reach of the town. Our experts suggest hiring a car to be able to explore this wonderful town, as it is certainly not to be missed! From its wonderful café culture to its busy shopping streets and its citadel, it makes for a great day out to explore.
What to do in Bastia
Wander the Old Town
Discover an area rich in architecture and vibrant with harbour side bars and restaurants. Sample local produce from the farmers' stalls on Place du marché or have lunch on the Vieux Port.
Head to Cap Corse
An island within an island, this maquis covered peninsula has history setting it apart from the rest of the island. Tiny ports divide the east side as the western villages are sited on rugged cliffs.
Visit Étung de Biguglia
The largest lagoon on the island and a haven for migrating birds. Over 100 species can be observed here, whilst the beach of la Marana provides a great spot for a relaxing afternoon.
An in-depth guide to Bastia
The Place Saint-Nicolas is the perfect place to soak up Bastia’s Mediterranean atmosphere. Shaded by plane trees and lined with cafés, it is the city’s social heart, while Boulevard Paoli and Rue César Campinchi run alongside it, offering Bastia’s main shopping streets.
South of the square, the atmospheric old town surrounds the Old Port, overlooked by the honey-coloured walls of the Citadel. The harbour is a lively place to linger, with waterside bars and restaurants overlooking the boats, while the narrow streets behind lead to the Place du Marché, where a local farmers’ market takes place each morning.
Beyond Bastia, the landscape quickly becomes more rural. To the south lies Castagniccia, a vast and beautiful region of chestnut forests, traditional villages and walking trails, celebrated for its distinctive Corsican cuisine. Further along the coast, the Costa Verde stretches between mountains and sea, with 17 kilometres of golden sandy beach and the popular seaside resort of Moriani Plage at its heart.
For those who prefer to stay in the city, Bastia is an excellent base for exploring northern and eastern Corsica. Our boutique Hôtel des Gouverneurs offers an elegant base in the heart of the old town, with the historic sights, harbour and restaurants all within easy reach.