Bastia is the capital of Haute-Corse. A vibrant, intoxicating city, it dominates the sea and the comings and goings of boats from the top of its rocky promontory. A stay in the city is a unique opportunity to discover its rich heritage, enjoy its abundant cultural offerings and explore its surroundings. Bastia is surrounded by a sublime natural environment, between sea and mountains. And it's not long before you're in the midst of some superb hilltop villages. As you stroll through their streets and alleys, you'll discover their history and marvel at the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. These strolls, along with the events that bring the town to life, make Bastia a destination in its own right for a vacation for two, with family or friends. Here are 3 reasons to stay in the capital of Genoese Corsica in 2023.
1- Enjoy the charms of Bastia
Bastia captivates from the very first moment you set foot in this city, which remains a must-see on any trip to Corsica. Head to the city's nerve center, Place Saint-Nicolas, to admire the beautiful buildings facing the sea and enjoy the year-round entertainment. It's also the perfect place to enjoy a drink on the terrace or have lunch. Sundays see the arrival of the picturesque flea market. From here, take rue Napoléon into the city's oldest district, Terra Vecchia.
Bastia has a rich heritage, with buildings that are a must-see on a stroll around its remarkable citadel. Access is via the verdant Jardin Romieu, with its tree-lined avenues, statues and fountains. Once inside the citadel, it's a pure pleasure to wander through its colorful streets and alleys, including the Porte Louis XVI, the Sainte-Marie cathedral and the Palais des Gouverneurs. The latter houses the city's fascinating history museum. At the foot of this Bastia district, the Aldilonda is a footbridge linking the Vieux Port to the Spassimare, a popular spot for Bastia joggers. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the bluish reflections of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The Old Port is another must-see area, which has retained all its Mediterranean charm. Here, you can stroll serenely along the water's edge, listening to the masts of the boats or following the movements of the fishermen at dawn. At any hour of the day, the area is bustling with life, with cafés and restaurants where you can sample some of the flavors emblematic of Corsica's rich gastronomy corsican gastronomy. Bastia, like its surrounding villages, showcases fine mountain produce, with Lonzu, coppa, prisuttu, figatellu, goat's and sheep's cheeses, as well as tasty seafood, fish, shellfish and lobster. Local specialties include aziminu and bouillabaisse.
2- Stroll through typical Corsican villages and the Bastia hinterland
Corsica is so full of wonders that it's hard to stay put. During a stay in Bastiabastia's surroundings offer memorable escapades, and a road trip to some of the most beautiful Balconesque villages is a must. So beautiful, in fact, that they could be included in a list of three things not to miss on the Isle of Beauty ! In the Bastia hinterland, Furiani is a medieval village that stands proudly facing the island of Elba. The old houses with their high facades, the narrow streets, the remains of the ancient castle and the view over the Chjurlinu pond and the Tyrrhenian Sea - the stroll is bound to leave a lasting impression. Overlooking Bastia, Ville di Pietrabugno still boasts a multitude of footpaths that once enabled the hamlets to communicate with each other. Labelled "Heritage Trails", these historic routes cross several hamlets in the shade of olive and chestnut trees.
Another remarkable balcony village is Figarella in the commune of Santa Maria di Lota. Situated on a hillside, its maze of cobbled streets reveals a rich religious heritage of churches, chapels and oratories. All around, walks lead to fragrant scrubland and groves of chestnut trees. And let's not forget San Martino di Lota between the sea and the mountains. The streets are home to typical houses with exposed stone walls and slate roofs. Nearby, pebble beaches where you can lay your towel.
Bastia and its surroundings offer a variety of landscapes. A territory where you can hike or bike, along winding mountain paths or through rolling forests. The Cap Corse marine nature park and the Agriate region, meanwhile, are a delight for sea lovers, with dream beaches and bucolic paths through the maquis.
Around Bastia, don't miss the Route des Sens authentiques. This wonderful initiative allows you to meet breeders, producers, craftsmen and all those who perpetuate traditions and showcase artisanal skills. And don't forget the Wine Route, punctuated by tastings of Cap Corse muscats and AOC Patrimoniu wines.
3- Bastia, a major cultural offering
Vacationing in Bastia is a great opportunity to take advantage of its cultural offerings. The Musée de Bastia is home to works of art that provide an insight into Bastia's rich history. The Theater offers an eclectic program of theater, opera, concerts and comedy shows. L'Alboru, the Una Volta cultural center and the Maison des sciences are other structures whose cultural programming you'll want to keep an eye on.
Our favorites:
Departing from Place Saint-Nicolas, every Tuesday from July to November, an unusual walking tour of the town, inspired by the most surprising local stories and legends. Following in the footsteps of a tour guide, these "Légendines" cross the jewels of the town's heritage on a timeless trail of stories, anecdotes and customs, all the way to the citadel. A true odyssey through buildings, traditions and enigmas to discover the hidden secrets of Bastia's soul.
Every Friday, from June to September, Bastia's Intercommunal Tourist Office offers a concert of polyphonic chants in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church for an emotionally-charged stopover. An opportunity to discover the splendor of the island's artistic creation, against a backdrop of deep voices and sacred chants, a subtle marriage of tradition and modernity.
