Bastia, Corsica
A seaside jewel in north-eastern Corsica
Seafarers have been stopping off in Bastia for millennia, helping make the city one of the French island’s main ports and commercial hubs. Today, there’s just a hint of faded grandeur about the place – it was once the Corsican capital, after all - making it an intriguing spot to explore, stay and play, especially in mid-summer when the ferries from France and Italy bring continental visitors.
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Destination overview
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| Language: | French | |
| Currency: | Euro | |
| Time zone: | GMT + 1 hour (Summer GMT+2 hours) | |
| Flight Time: | 2 hours 30 | |
| Holiday type: | Beach | |
| Weather: | Average maximum temperature: 15.9°C (24 hour average) Rainfall: 660.4mm a year (Data for Ajaccio) |
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Must see:
Explore just a little further afield and you’ll end up at the must-see Cap Corse peninsula, which is dotted with out-of-the-way beaches and hidden villages.
Must eat at:
The accent is very much local and traditional at U Tianu, near the Place de l’Hotel de Ville, which specialises in hearty regional fare with all the trimmings.
Must be there for:
Be there on the Saturday nearest the 10th of July and you’ll witness the legendary changing of the Governors, which is a great excuse for a party – not to mention a parade or two.
Well-travelled tips:
· With 340 days of sunshine every year, you’ll want to get out and explore. The best place to start is the Old Port, which offers more in the way of history than your average marina.
· The weekly Saturday market at Saturday market at Place de l’Hôtel de Ville is where Bastia comes to shop. Haggling’s encouraged here, especially if you can conjure-up a few words of French.
Visa:
British citizens do not need a visa to visit France.
