A weekend in Bastia
Less than 2 hours from Europe's major capitals, Bastia offers a particularly exotic setting between the sea and the mountains, where you can recharge your batteries for a weekend. Make the most of this interlude to reconnect with nature at its most flamboyant and unspoilt, enjoy the sun's reflection on a rich and colourful heritage, or simply take advantage of the Bastia way of life, so conducive to relaxation.
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- Stroll from Old Port to the Citadelle, Enjoy the local specialities, explore the shopping streets and soak up the Bastia way of life, with its heritage, markets and gourmet breaks.
- Head for the beaches and coves for a day of water sports, snorkelling, sea views and dinner with typical Corsican flavours overlooking the port.
- Just a few minutes from the city centre, take a walk to Furiani or Cardu to admire the maquis, hilltop villages and spectacular panoramas between the sea and the peaks.
A city break
Whatever the season, Bastia has that «little something extra» that makes you feel out of place. As you wander through its narrow streets, the magic of the art of Bastia-style living operate!
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at the Old Port. You'll be delighted to nibble a few Canistrelli dipped in your coffee on the terrace, as you watch the ballet of fishing boats on their way back, passing yachtsmen on their way out. Continue towards the Citadelle, to admire the morning lights illuminating the narrow streets and colourful facades of this district, which looks like a small town. Corsica village.
Close to the Governors' Palace, You'll find an absolutely charming table for lunch or dinner with a breathtaking view of the port of Bastia. Continue your visit by taking the Romieu Garden taking advantage of this green setting to cool off a bit.
Then head for the place du Marché. A stroll through this corner of Old Bastia will quickly whet your appetite. And with good reason, there are plenty of bistro-restaurants to tempt you with delicacies to nibble on the go. On Sundays, don't forget to visit the flea market. place Saint-Nicolas and the traditional market (Saturday and Sunday) for a taste of local produce!
After visiting the’Saint Jean-Baptiste church, the largest in Corsica, take a stroll rue Napoléon This street is a nice mix of old shops and new concept stores. You can round off your shopping by walking along the boulevard Paoli and the rue Campinchi, before joining the beautiful place Saint-Nicolas.
Is it 4pm yet? Time for a gourmet break... you'll be spoilt for choice as the town boasts a number of artisan ice-cream makers offering quality ice creams and sorbets.
Maritime breakaway
Bastia is ideally situated for a weekend's enjoyment of all the pleasures of the city, combined with outdoor pursuits.
Entrance to the Cape Corsica, the Bastia region offers an incomparable playground for all water sports enthusiasts.
This is the perfect opportunity to set off on a jet-ski to discover the wild coves of the Cap Corse Natural Marine Park to Finocchiarola Islands or admire the Genoese towers that dot this legendary road on the side of the corniche!
Take advantage of the many sandy beaches, from the south of Bastia to the secret coves of the tip of Cap Corse where you can put down your towel and soak up the sun while enjoying a spot of snorkelling.
Then join the Old Port of Bastia, for a sea trip along the shores of Cap Corse .
In the evening, take the opportunity to dine in one of the restaurants serving typical Corsican cuisine.
Escape to the mountains
Just a few minutes from city centre, The mountain opens its doors to you! There are several starting points for hikes of varying levels.
To the south of Bastia, a 10-minute drive away, the commune of Furiani offers a magnificent tour combining nature and heritage. Head for this hilltop village with its old-world charm, fountains, wash-houses and Genoese tower. Then take the path alongside the cemetery to get to the Santa Maria Chapel. This walk through the heart of the maquis offers a lovely view of the lagoon cordon of the Marana.
On the heights of Bastia, it is at Cardo you can set off on one of the region's not-to-be-missed hikes: the Nivere. A 2? hour round trip, this walk takes you to the ruins of’old iceboxes and pagliaghji (former shepherds' huts) with magnificent sea views.
On the high mountain terrain, with a more substantial difference in altitude, don't miss out on the Monte Stello ! The second highest peak in Cape Corsica after the Cima di e Follicie, This 1,300-metre high peak offers a «Mare a Mare» panorama, with a view of both sides of the Cape. You can set off from the village of Pozzo above Erbalunga, 4-hour round trip.