Bastia Tourism: discover, stay, explore

Plan Your Holiday

Wander through the narrow streets of the Old Port, take a break on Place Saint-Nicolas, admire the view from the Citadel, stroll around and discover local artisans and island creativity through the Creazione Festival — so many beautifully highlighted places to explore Bastia, the pearl of the Mediterranean. Bastia is a city of culture, heritage, legend, and dolce vita.

Find all these visits at the Tourist Office.

Jardin Romieu – Crédit photo Ghjuvan Carlu Marsily

Bastia, City of Art and Heritage

• The Chapel of the Scala Santa, a rare historic monument: a “scala santa” or holy staircase recalling the Passion of Christ, nestled in a 16th-century building perched on the heights of the city.

• The Sainte-Marie Cathedral, a true masterpiece of architecture.

• The Palais des Gouverneurs, or municipal museum, overlooks the Old Port and offers breathtaking views of the hanging gardens.

• The monumental Church of Saint John the Baptist houses artworks that reflect the city's rich heritage: a silver tabernacle, a “swallow’s nest” organ, and paintings depicting scenes from the life of Saint John the Baptist.

• Rue Napoléon, entirely pedestrian and paved with Brando stone, features two remarkable oratories: that of the Saint Roch confraternity, built in 1604, and that of the Immaculate Conception, completed in 1609. The street is also well known for shopping breaks, with trendy boutiques, souvenir shops, and Corsican designer studios.

• The Romieu Garden, designed in the 19th century by Bastia-born architect Paul-Augustin Viale, is a peaceful haven in the heart of the city.

• The Old Port, a lively marina stretching at the foot of the Citadel, evokes a Tuscan atmosphere with its colorful facades.

• Market Square, where local producers and farmers await you with their delicious products.

• To enjoy stunning sea views, explore the Mantinum, a modern structure seamlessly integrated into the old Citadel; the Spassimare, a scenic promenade along the waterfront; and Aldilonda, a sea-facing walkway offering panoramic views from the old Genoese city.

• Place Saint-Nicolas, a lively meeting place ideal for lunch or a drink on a terrace.

• Fuel your inspiration and travel ideas

• Creazione Festival – Art, Fashion & Design

• Set off to discover Bastia Tourism

At the Gates of Bastia

The Villages

Stroll through the surrounding countryside, discover nearby villages and coastal hamlets, enjoy and explore Upper Corsica.

• Cardo, perched on a rocky promontory, has existed since the Middle Ages. Many walking paths and hiking trails surround the village, including routes leading to the ancient ice houses dating back to the 16th century.

• Furiani, the medieval village. Travel back in time along the hiking trail to visit the Romanesque chapel of Santa Maria Assunta. Once a feudal stronghold, the village has since experienced significant economic growth.

• Santa Maria di Lota, nestled at 1,198 meters above sea level, offers an exceptional panorama. Its rich architectural and religious heritage completes the village's history — not to mention the famous “American Houses”, which tell the story of Corsicans who left Cap Corse to seek fortune in the New World at the end of the 19th century.

Cap Corse

Located just 40 minutes from Bastia, it’s well worth the trip. Begin with Erbalunga, right at sea level. Then head to Pietracorbara, home to one of the most beautiful fine-sand beaches. Continue to Olmeta and Marine de Negru, to admire yet another grandiose landscape. Move on to Pino and Anse de l’Aliso. Next, head toward the tip of Cap Corse, with the port of Macinaggio, where a stop at a local restaurant or ice cream parlor lets you enjoy the view to the fullest. Then take the famous "Sentier des Douaniers" (Customs Officers' Trail) all the way to Baracaggio Beach. Finish in Centuri, with its charming fishing port, and Monte Stello, the true rooftop of Cap Corse, standing at 1,307 meters above sea level.

The Beaches

All along the coastline, from Bastia to Cap Corse, you’ll find numerous beaches, beach bars, and hidden coves — from white sand to the typical pebbles of the Désert des Agriates, or near the Cap Corse Marine Nature Park.

Enjoy your stay in one of the most beautiful places in the world.