At the foot of the Citadel, dominated by the bell tower of the church of Saint John the Baptist, it reflects the old Tuscan-style buildings arranged in an amphitheatre around the cove.
Behind its 15th-century Genoese breakwater, Bastia's old port has retained all the authenticity of its Mediterranean charm. Along the quays, houses with colourful facades polished by the sea breeze huddle together, overlooking the terraces of restaurants and cafés.
Throughout the year, this bustling harbour – where it’s lovely to linger over a drink on the quays – pulsates to the rhythm of café-keepers, boaters and fishermen mending their nets from the very first light of day. A quintessential and wonderfully vibrant neighbourhood, dotted with small yachts at anchor and colourful fishing boats, it invites you to take a leisurely stroll at any time of day.
On the south quay, the Mantinum, a belvedere-shaped theatre of greenery, acts as a link between the Old Port and the Citadelle, with an uninterrupted view over the Mediterranean.