A weekend in Bastia
Less than 2 hours from the main European capitals, Bastia offers a particularly exotic setting between sea and mountains, to recharge your batteries for a weekend. Take advantage of this break to reconnect with a flamboyant and preserved nature, enjoy the sun's reflections on a rich and colourful heritage or simply enjoy this Bastiaise way of life so conducive to relaxation.
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The city getaway
Whatever the season, Bastia has that “little something extra” that makes you feel out of place. Along its alleys, the magic of the Bastiaise art of living operates! Start your day with a peaceful breakfast on the Old Port side. You will enjoy a delicious snack on the terrace with some Canistrelli soaked in your coffee, watching the broomstick of fishing boats on the way back, meeting the boaters on the way out. Continue towards the Citadel, to admire the morning lights illuminating the narrow streets and colourful facades of this district with the appearance of a small Corsican village. Near the Palace of Governors, you will find an absolutely charming table for lunch or dinner with a breathtaking view of the port of Bastia: Le Petit Vincent. Continue your visit by joining the city centre through the Romieu Garden and taking advantage of this green setting to take a break. Then head for the Market Square. A stroll in this corner of Old Bastia will quickly whet your appetite. And for good reason, many restaurants and bars make you salivate with snacks on the go. On Sundays, remember to visit the flea market on Place Saint-Nicolas and the traditional market (Saturday and Sunday) to taste regional products! After visiting the church of Saint Jean-Baptiste, the largest in Corsica, take a stroll along Napoleon Street: this street is a pretty mix of old shops and new concept stores. You can complete your shopping desires by following Paoli Boulevard and Campinchi Street, before reaching the beautiful Square Saint-Nicolas. Is it 4:00? It is time for an “ice break” on the terrace of this eponymous palace (Ice Palace), in the shade of the plane trees!
Maritime escapement
Bastia is ideally located to allow you to enjoy a weekend of all the pleasures of the city, combined with outdoor activities. Gateway to Cap Corse, the Bastiaise region offers an incomparable playground for all water sports lovers. It is the opportunity to discover the wild coves of the Marine Natural Park from Cap Corse to the Finocchiarola Islands or to admire in paddle the Genoese towers that punctuate this mythical road on the side of the cornice! Take advantage of the many sandy beaches, from the south of Bastia to the secret coves of the tip of Cap Corse to put down your towel and offer you a break from the sun mixed with the joys of snorkelling. Then join the Old Port of Bastia, or the village of Erbalunga to start one of the sea trips offered by the shipping companies (Cap Corse Croisières / Compagnie Torra a Torra). These boat trips are ideal to let yourself be carried away by the waves, to discover the shores of Cap Corse. In the evening, take the opportunity to dine in the city in a typical Corsican restaurant, such as U Paisanu or A Scudella near the Market Square.
Escape to the mountains
A few minutes from downtown, the mountain opens its doors to you! Several hiking departures of various levels are available. South of Bastia, 10 minutes by car, the town of Furiani offers a magnificent circuit combining nature and heritage. Head towards this village perched in the charm of yesteryear with its fountains, washhouses and Genoese tower. Then take the path that runs along the cemetery to get to the Santa Maria Chapel. This walk in the heart of the maquis offers a beautiful view of the lagoon cordon of the Marana. On the heights of Bastia, it is in Cardo that you can start one of the region’s must-see hikes: the Nivere. In 2h30 round trip, this walk takes you to the ruins of old ice houses and pagljaghji (old shepherds’ shelters) with a magnificent view of the sea. On the terrain of the high mountains, with a more significant difference in altitude, do not pass by Monte Stello ! second highest peak of Cap Corse after the Cima di e Follicie, this 1300 m high point offers a panorama “Mare a Mare” with a visibility on both sides of the Cape. You can start from the village of Pozzo above Erbalunga, with a 4-hour round trip. These hikes will surely whet your appetite and will undoubtedly be a good reason to enjoy Raugi’s excellent ice creams: one of the reference glacier master craftsmen in Bastia since 1937, located on rue du Chanoine Colombani.