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Bastia, between sea and mountains

Direct flights from Nîmes and Tours

Why travel to Bastia?

Corsica, Citadel, Sun, Beach… Still not convinced? Let us take pleasure in convincing you with this article, which is just an appetizer of what the Island of Beauty has to offer.

Must-visit places in Bastia

Bastia is a gem of France that everyone should visit at least once in their life. Festivals, cultural sites, and natural wonders await you.

Bastia’s beaches, calm waters, and water sports.

Corsica means beaches, and Bastia has plenty of them to help you unwind. Head to Arinella Beach, with calm waters and water sports, or explore the beaches between Bastia and the legendary Cap Corse, offering unforgettable views of preserved nature.

After all, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Photo of a beach north of Bastia

The Old Port and Place Saint-Nicolas

The Old Port of Bastia is a true emblem of the city, with colorful houses and fishing boats. Explore local markets where you can taste Corsican specialties.

Just a few steps away, Place Saint-Nicolas is one of the largest squares in Corsica. It is also a gathering place for local events and markets.

Photo of the Old Port and boats in Bastia, Corsica

Bastia Citadel, one of the most beautiful views in Corsica

This historical district is home to the Palace of the Governors, featuring cultural exhibitions.

But most importantly, it offers an exceptional view of the city and the port. It’s at night that its charm truly shines, but be ready for some steep climbs that will put your legs to the test!

View from the top of the Bastia Citadel, Corsica

Activities not to be missed in Bastia

Exploring Corsican markets

The Corsican markets, their atmosphere, their scents… Corsica, thanks to its history, culture, and fertile land, offers a wealth of unique products.
From Corsican sausages to fresh fruits and vegetables, and local specialties, you’ll find everything here. Explore U Mercà, the Miomo market, or Erbalunga and let yourself be carried away by the authentic Corsican experience.

Bastia & music, Corsican songs

A unique and emotional experience awaits with Corsican music. Bastia is home to this ancestral Corsican art, rich in history and tradition.
Let yourself be captivated by the melodies and harmonies of Corsican songs, such as Terzetti, a Triberra, la Paghjella, or Lamentu.
During the summer, the city comes alive with music events, including Bastia in Cantu, a weekly event showcasing this traditional art.

The villages around Bastia

Discover authentic villages such as Santa Maria di Lota and San Martino di Lota, just a few kilometers from Bastia.
Here, you will find historic churches, stone houses, and a truly Corsican atmosphere, with breathtaking views of the mountains and the sea.

View from the sea of Bastia

Corsica on your plate

Being passionate food lovers, we’ve gathered some top recommendations based on our first-hand experience—places that captivated us and will surely charm you too.

For tight budgets (-€15), choices are somewhat limited, mainly to burgers and pizzerias. However, A Tana, specializing in Italo-Mediterranean cuisine, stands out.

For around €30, U Paisanu won us over. Very traditional, offering simple and authentic family-style cuisine.

L’Assiette Di Que e Di Qualla, our favorite spot in the past, has unfortunately permanently closed (a heartbreaking loss, likely due to the COVID crisis).
Instead, we now recommend two legendary restaurants:

Chez Vincent, offering a unique setting with an exceptional view of the Citadel, serving classic Mediterranean dishes, as well as the famous Assiette du Bandit Corse, a plate filled with Corsican specialties for about €20.

Nova, led by a motivated team, located on a quiet square shaded by a massive tree, serving bistronomic-style cuisine that constantly evolves.

 

 

Traveling to Bastia with L’Odyssey

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Bastia
Bastia
4:07 pm, Mar 23, 2025
temperature icon 15°C
broken clouds
Humidity 85 %
Pressure 1009 mb
Wind 7 mph
Wind Gust Wind Gust: 0 mph
Clouds Clouds: 75%
Visibility Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise Sunrise: 6:20 am
Sunset Sunset: 6:37 pm