Bastia Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Bastia which includes a coastal town and a marina
La Marana Beach featuring a house
Bastia which includes rocky coastline and a coastal town
Bastia
Bastia

On Corsica’s northeast coast is a port city with an atmospheric old harbour, historic citadel, lively markets and Mediterranean beaches.

Bastia is a lively, picturesque port city on the Mediterranean island of Corsica. Visit to experience an authentic glimpse into modern-day Corsica amid the fading grandeur of architectural masterpieces. Established by the Genoese in the late 1300s, Bastia is Corsica’s former capital. The city sits on the island’s northeast coast, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and backed by rolling mountains.

Bastia’s city centre is compact and comfortable to explore on foot. Start at Place St.-Nicolas, a large tree-lined square facing the city’s ferry port. Spot statues and monuments, shop at weekly flea markets or people-watch from one of the many café terraces. Enjoy shopping at the boutiques on nearby Boulevard Paoli and Rue César Campinchi.

Stroll south along busy Rue Napoléon, which leads from Place St.-Nicolas into the warren-like streets of the Vieux Port (Old Port). Visit historic landmarks, such as magnificent Church of St. Jean Baptiste. Browse stalls of a daily farmers market at Place du Marché and watch colourful fishing boats in the harbour. Try traditional Corsican cuisine, such as sanglier (wild boar), at the waterfront restaurants.

Climb the grand staircase connecting the Vieux Port with the Terra Nova, Bastia’s ancient citadel characterized by narrow lanes and amber-hued façades. Go to Place du Donjon and admire the Genoese-built Governor’s Palace, which houses the Musée de Bastia (Bastia Museum). Enjoy sweeping views of the Vieux Port, coastline and mountains from the palace’s garden. Admire the ornate interiors of the Cathedral of St. Marie and the Oratory of La Sainte Croix.

Relax on sandy beaches, swim in clear water and enjoy watersports along Bastia’s Mediterranean coastline. A short drive from the city centre is family-friendly L’Arinella Beach and the unspoiled 10-mile-long (16-kilometre) La Marana Beach.

Reach Bastia by flying to Bastia-Poretta Airport or catching a ferry from mainland France and Italy. In addition to its natural and historical attractions, Bastia also provides a gateway to Cap Corse, a striking peninsula of beaches, mountains and pretty fishing villages.

Best Western Montecristo
Best Western Montecristo
3 out of 5
20 Avenue Jean Zuccarelli, Bastia, Haute-Corse
The price is £95 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£95
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Bastia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (904 reviews)
"I would consider this a North American friendly experience, as the name Best Western should. Each staff member I interacted with spoke amazing English and were happy to help."

Reviewed on 28 Aug 2024

Best Western Montecristo
Hôtel Le Bastia
Hôtel Le Bastia
3 out of 5
11 Boulevard Benoît Danesi, Bastia
The price is £92 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
£92
9 Jul - 10 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Bastia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Bastia Vieux Port Marina and Port de Bastia ...
9/10 Wonderful! (167 reviews)
"Room had ocean views. Laneway walking access to town centre and waterfront. Room was spotless clean. Staff were fantastic. On site parking. Would definitely recommend"

Reviewed on 25 Jun 2025

Hôtel Le Bastia
Hotel Central Bastia
Hotel Central Bastia
3 out of 5
3 Rue Miot, Bastia, Corse
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Bastia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Bastia Vieux Port Marina and Chapelle ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (167 reviews)
"The artworks throughout the hotel are beautiful. There is a lovely sitting area downstairs with lots of books and paintings. The staff are very friendly and helpful The location is perfect for walking around the old city and port."

Reviewed on 7 Jun 2025

Hotel Central Bastia
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Authentique et Atypique
Authentique et Atypique
Bastia, Haute-Corse
Stay at this holiday home in Bastia. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and tennis courts. Popular attractions Bastia Vieux Port Marina and Port de Bastia are ...
Bastia atypique
"Super séjour dans immeuble atypique en effet.Ne cherchez pas l’ intimité, ce n’ est pas l’ idée.Emplacement idéal entre les 2 ports de Bastia et à proximité des restau et bars.Logement avec chambres spacieuses et correctement équipé.Le mobilier extérieur pourrait /devrait être changé pour profiter ..."

Reviewed on 2 Jun 2025

Authentique et Atypique
Beautiful house with garden, swimming pool and private parking, sea and mountain views
Beautiful house with garden, swimming pool and private parking, sea and mountain views
BASTIA, Corsica
Stay at this family-friendly villa in Bastia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a water park. Popular attractions Bastia Vieux Port Marina and Port de Bastia ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (61 reviews)
Nice villa in a beautiful location
"A lovely contemporary villa for four with a shared pool overlooking the port of Bastia . Spent a week exploring this beautiful mountainous region with visits to St Florent and Cap Corse . Found a local sandy beach great for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors need to be aware of the steep climb to ..."

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2019

Beautiful house with garden, swimming pool and private parking, sea and mountain views
Charmant T2 vue mer
Charmant T2 vue mer
Bastia, Haute-Corse
Stay at this apartment in Bastia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Bastia Vieux Port Marina and Port ...
Charmant T2 vue mer
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Bastia

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
5 - Excellent 18%
4 - Good
8
4 - Good 73%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Lovely citadel, nice old port, interesting old town section. Some of the buildings are in poor condition externally and there is a limited number of things to see and do in the town. But beautiful mountains, coastline, fishing villages abound locally

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Lovely city, citadel well worth a visit. Good eateries nearby. I liked Santa Maria not far from hotel. Good food - I recommend the duck!

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