With its postcard-perfect coastline, this charming city in the north of the Island of Beauty has everything to please!
Cityside
Picturesque and full of history, Bastia — the capital of Haute-Corse — is a vibrant city with no shortage of attractions.
The Citadel, built on a rocky promontory above the Old Port, is a timeless site perfect for a stroll.You can reach it by the Romieu staircase, which leads to the monumental Louis XVI gate, or via a lift from the port’s southern quay.At the Donjon square, you’ll find the Governors’ Palace — now the Bastia Museum (entry: €5 adults, €2.50 children 10–18) — along with the Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral and the Santa Croce chapel.
Wander the nearby streets, admire the Tuscan-style façades, and take in the views of the Tuscan archipelago. down, stop by the Market Square, a lively historic district that comes alive every weekend with stalls of local products.
Not far away, Saint -Nicolas Square, a large esplanade lined with centuries-old plane and palm trees, becomes a paradise for treasure hunters every Sunday morning.
Seaside
At the foot of the Citadel, the Old Port and its lively marina are perfect for sitting at a café along the quayside, facing fishing boats and small yachts.
Continue your stroll to the open-air theatre, which offers a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean.
Feel like walking? Try the Aldilonda, a spectacular structure running along the Citadel’s ramparts on a 450-meter-long footbridge above the sea. An impressive experience!
Looking for a beach? South of Bastia, vast sandy stretches — sometimes equipped with water sports facilities — are accessible by bus or on foot.
On the program: sailing, scuba diving, water skiing, jet skiing, sea kayaking, paddleboarding — or simply swimming in warm, crystal-clear wate
Countryside
Just outside the city, heading north, the Cap Corse and Agriate Marine Nature Park unveils breathtaking landscapes.
Numerous hiking trails wind through green valleys along the mountainsides, providing fresh air and panoramic views. They lead to balcony villages nestled in the heart of the Corsican maquis.
Take the Heritage Trail, which winds above Ville-di-Pietrabugno, or follow paths connecting Pietranera to Alzetu.
Choose from excursions on foot, by mountain bike, on horseback, by quad or 4×4.
Want a different point of view? Take a boat ride and admire the coastline from the sea.
Further south, the Chjurlinu Lagoon, designated a nature reserve in 1994, is home to remarkable flora and fauna.
