Bastia
Bastia

Cruises in the area

Bastia (Corsica) / France

Bastia, a picturesque town located on the northeastern coast of Corsica, will enchant you with its authentic atmosphere and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. This French port is an ideal place to start exploring the island's beauty – from narrow streets to the lively waterfront.

  

What to taste in Bastia?

The gastronomy of Bastia is diverse, fragrant, and inspired by both French and Mediterranean cuisine. Typical are the local seafood, aromatic cheeses, and local specialties.

  • Pork figatellu – smoked sausage made from pork liver, traditionally served with bread and cheese.
  • Brocciu – fresh Corsican cheese made from sheep or goat milk, often used in desserts or savory pies.
  • Baccala: Dried, salted cod often prepared in the Bastia style, a popular seafood dish.
  • Lonzu – dried and smoked pork loin with a delicate flavor, served sliced as a delicacy with wine.
  • Civet de sanglier – wild boar stew with wine and herbs.
  • Canistrelli – crispy cookies flavored with anise, nuts, or citrus, ideal with coffee.
  • Wine from Patrimonio – near Bastia lies the famous wine region offering full-bodied red and fresh white wines.

 

Why will you love Bastia?

  • An authentic town with the soul of Corsica – Bastia has preserved its original character with narrow streets, lively markets, and the Old Port full of cafes and fish restaurants.
  • Historical monuments and atmosphere – Citadel Terra Nuova, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral, and grand palaces remind of the city's Genoese past.
  • Proximity to nature and the sea – from Bastia, it's just a short distance to beaches, vineyards, or mountains, whose backdrop creates a unique setting for a holiday.

   

Practical tips:

  • Official language: French, but in tourist areas, you can also communicate in English.
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)
  • Opening hours: Shops are usually open from about 9:00 to 19:00, often with a lunch break. You can visit monuments usually between 9:00 and 18:00. Restaurants typically open around noon, dinners are served from 19:30, and establishments remain open until late in the evening.
  • Public transport: You can comfortably get around the city on foot, by bus, or by taxi. A unique feature is the small tourist train, which connects the old port, citadel, and other landmarks.
  • Weather: Bastia has a Mediterranean climate with hot and sunny summers, winters are mild. The best time to visit is from May to October.

  

The most interesting from the history of Bastia:

The town of Bastia was founded in the 14th century when the Genoese built the fortress "Bastiglia", after which it got its name. Thanks to its strategic location, it became the most important port of northern Corsica and the center of Genoese administration on the island. In the 18th century, Bastia was briefly the capital of Corsica before Ajaccio took over this role. The historic core with the Terra Nuova citadel and grand palaces still recalls the era of Genoese dominance.

  

Useful information

 

Port map:

Places worth seeing:

Getting to the port:

Cruise ships dock directly at the Port de Bastia, near the historic center. Passengers can disembark at the pier and reach the old port's waterfront or the heart of the city within minutes on foot. There is also a shuttle bus available that connects the terminal with the main parts of Bastia. Thanks to its location in the middle of the city, the port is an ideal starting point for sightseeing walks, shopping, and trips to the surrounding nature and vineyards.