Bastia, Corsica

Located on the French island of Corsica, the port city of Bastia is an ideal cruise destination, attracting thousands of visitors every year. Famous for its wine, Bastia is a dynamic and vibrant coastal city with a rich culture and appealing Mediterranean climate. The city’s charm and character captures the imagination all who flock there and is guaranteed to make a lasting impression. With so many sights to see, fantastic shopping experiences and a selection of excellent local restaurants and cafes, it is easy to see way Bastia has become such a popular location with tourists from across the world.

Sightseeing in Bastia

Visitors will never be short of sights to see and activities to enjoy during their stay in Bastia. Several tours of the city are available including 2 hour walking tours and boat trips from the old port. The entire city is worth seeing if you have time, so consider going for a stroll across the pebble and sandy beaches, head down the bustling streets and take in the local culture and architecture. On top of the amazing scenery all over the city, there are also several important landmarks worth visiting whilst in town.

The Vieux Port

The Vieux Port (or Old Port) is a beautiful part of the city. The best views of the harbour can be found in Jardin Romieu Park at the top of a twisting set of steps leading up from the waterfront. The Old Port is worth taking in from the ground level too. The old, tall buildings and large, expensive boats and yachts docked in the harbour make for fantastic surroundings as you stroll through the port at your own pace.

The Museum of Ethnography

Bastia’s Museum of Ethnography traces the intriguing history of Corsica throughout the ages, from pre-Roman times to the modern era. The museum is situated within the 14th century Governor’s Palace and is an excellent excursion idea for visitors hoping to learn more about the history and heritage of the French island.

The Citadel

Bastia’s historic citadel was constructed from the 15th to the 17th century as a defensive structure for the city’s Genoese masters. Visiting this crumbling stronghold and observing the landmarks within, such as the Palais des Gouverneurs and the museum it contains is an essential part of staying in Bastia.

Shopping in Bastia

The centre of Bastia has a wide variety of shops and stalls selling all manner of items. Local crafts, souvenirs and other mementos can be purchased around town at affordable prices. Great places to pick up souvenirs from your trip include Cap Corse Mattei and Le Point de Recontre. The city also has range of supermarkets and grocery stores, including a local shop, which sells general necessities.

Eating out in Bastia

There is an array of fantastic restaurants across the city of Bastia serving a variety of food to suit anyone’s tastes. U Tianu restaurant is a local favourite and serves traditional Corsican cuisine such as aperitif and coffee. Other eateries worth visiting include La Braise, Le Bouchon and Chez Anna for a sit-down meal or Croq o Pain and Raugi for snacks and ice-creams.