Bastia as a family

With the arrival of fine weather, it's finally time for a family holiday! Bastia is an ideal destination to enjoy moments of togetherness, relaxation and discovery. Fall back into the joys of childhood with a wide range of activities that will appeal to young and old alike: enjoy Bastia with the whole family!

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  • Live Bastia with the whole family, with fun tours, lively markets and panoramic walks of the Citadelle to the’Arinella.
  • Enjoy a natural playground between the sea and the mountains: beaches, water sports, horse riding, hiking and boat trips on the doorstep of the Cape Corsica.
  • Round off your stay with birdwatching at the Etang du Chjurlinu, A range of leisure parks and cultural activities for a fun-filled holiday whatever the season.
Heritage and city life

An unusual way to visit the city

Discover the architecture of Bastia, The city of Paris, its heritage and city life with the family is a great opportunity to share. 

Take advantage of the unusual guided tours offered by the Bastia Tourist Office, such as the «Legends» to discover the city in a different way! These walking tours give you the chance to find out more about Bastia (Every Tuesday from April to October). 

If they're tired, we've got the solution! City tours on the little train are both fun and relaxing for their little feet.

Looking for some height? Take the easy way out by using the lift at the Mantinum connecting the Old Port to the Citadel. Continue your adventure at the Musée de Bastia to discover the history of the town and take a break in the hanging gardens of the Palais des Gouverneurs... It's the perfect place for a nice family photo, with the town's harbour in the background! Then don't forget to visit Aldilonda, footbridge over the waves, backed by the ramparts of the Citadelle. Extend your walk to the Spassimare, that will allow you to reach the beach of l'Arinella with a children's play area.

At the weekend, offer to take them to the flea market on the place Saint-Nicolas and take a trip to the traditional local farmers' market for a bite to eat with the whole family and to tempt their taste buds with new flavours.

Seasonal activities from May to October

A life-size playground

Between sea and mountains, Bastia and its Balcony villages offer a multitude of possibilities and activities for family holidays. What could be better than letting yourself be carried along by the waves, admiring the landscape of the Bastia coastline, gently cooled by the sea spray? Your children will probably love one of the boat trips available from the Old Port.
In spring, at the gates of Cap Corse, the intimate pebble beaches are becoming a favourite meeting place for families. Younger children can put on their flippers, masks and snorkels and enjoy snorkelling under the watchful eye of their parents. Aboard a paddle, kayak or even a pedalo, discover the pleasures of a family outing in the heart of the Cap Corse Natural Marine Park. The beach of l'Arinella and the Miomo beach In summer, there are even inflatable games on the water to share moments of joy and complicity with your children.

 
The sandy beaches of lido de la Marana, to the south of Bastia, also offer a wide range of activities. water activities ; catamaran, windsurfing, dinghy, foil, etc.

At the gateway to Cap Corse

Family walks

For lovers outdoor activities, the area offers a number of attractive walks and hikes just a few minutes from the town. The abundance of footpaths dedicated to walking and discovery will allow you to get away from it all for a day. And why not take a picnic break to share a moment of conviviality with the family. Don't hesitate to consult our leaflet « Walking and hikings ».
To make the most of these wonderful walks without tiring the little ones, offer your children a horse riding, it's a great opportunity for the whole family to discover the cape's landscapes through its flora and fauna!

10 minutes by car

Birdwatching at the Etang de Biguglia

Located 10 minutes' drive from Bastia, the Biguglia lake is one of Corsica's best-known bodies of water. It's also a nature reserve! Don't hesitate to take the short walks along the Tombulu Biancu paths with your children to observe the many species of birds. No fewer than 250 species have been recorded here! In particular, it's an excellent spot in spring to follow the migration of oriental species that are uncommon in France. There are two possible walks. From the Fortin eco-museum, make a loop along the pond, passing through the Fornaccina park. And from the central beach of La Marana, follow the signposted path. It leads to a shelter where you can watch the birds discreetly!

Whatever the season, Bastia has that «little something extra» that makes you feel at home.
A chance for the whole family to get together

Leisure parks

The holidays are the perfect time to get together as a family, and in particular to give your children some great laughs! 

Leisure parks are located a few kilometres south of the town. Bastia to diversify your little ones' activities. Water games, turnstiles, adventure courses... in the open air or under cover, these different leisure parks offer a wide choice of activities to satisfy their need to let off steam!

Take shelter

What do we do if it rains?

If it rains (although this is rare in Corsica!), opt for a family cinema session! The school holidays are also a good time to take advantage of the various courses and workshops for children offered by the Una Volta Cultural Centre (outside the summer period) or a Casa di e Scenze ( House of Science). 

To make sure you don't miss out on any of the activities and events that the whole family will enjoy during your holidays in Bastia, don't forget to sign up for the Tourist Office newsletter!