Bastia, Corsica, France

Bastia, Corsica France

Bastia is a lively and cultural city in Corsica, as well as its business and financial center. It was the capital of the Genoese administration of Corsica until the mid-18th century and has preserved the architecture and atmosphere of that time, giving it a rugged, unrefined charm. Yet Bastia is undeniably Mediterranean. The old quarter, known as Terra Vecchia, is full of charming streets, small boutiques, and flamboyant Baroque churches. Highlights include the 15th-century Oratoire St. Roch, with its rich Baroque interior and impressive organ, and Corsica’s largest church, the 17th-century Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral. Nearby, Place du Marché hosts a lively flea market every weekend. The area around the Citadelle, the Terra Nova neighborhood, is one of the most colorful parts of town, with restored houses and mansions ideal for wandering. From the once-grand gardens of the Governors’ Palace, Jardin Romieu, you can enjoy views over the Vieux Port, the Old Port, a picturesque marina framed by tall, time-worn buildings and filled with elegant yachts. As Corsica’s most successful commercial town, Bastia is a vibrant and charming destination, offering a beautiful port, distinctive architecture, excellent restaurants, and a rich cultural calendar. Bastia is much more than just sun and sand.
Recommended airport
Airport of Bastia Poretta (BIA)
Points of interest
  • Patrimonio
Nearby destinations
  • Belgodère a 37.60 km
  • Capraia a 48.64 km
  • L'Ile Rousse a 42.55 km