Find all events in Bastia HERE
How to visit Bastia? What unusual places should you discover? Where can you find the best spots? Here are our 11 top tips for your visit.
1. Stroll around Bastia’s Old Port
The atmosphere of the Old Port is typically Mediterranean: pastel façades, fishing boats, café terraces where you can sit early in the morning and watch the boats arriving. A simple yet charming walk, perfect to get a feel for Bastia as soon as you arrive (especially since Poretta Airport is very close).
For top local recommendations click HERE
2. Visit the Bastia Museum (Palace of the Governors)
Located in the former palace of the Genoese governors, in the Citadel district, this museum retraces the history of Bastia from Antiquity to the present day, with both permanent and temporary exhibitions. You can also enjoy splendid views over the bay. Practical info & opening hours: from May 2nd to September 30th, 10:00–18:30 (closed on Mondays in May, June and September).
How to reach the museum, opening hours, map: click HERE
3. Explore L’Arsenale (contemporary art center)
In the heart of the Citadel, in “Bastion Nord”, L’Arsenale is a 220 m² exhibition space dedicated to contemporary art. An ideal stop for art lovers and those interested in the local cultural scene.
Where is L’Arsenale? What exhibitions are currently on? Click HERE
4. Taste or shop at the Mattei Concept Store
Located on Place Saint-Nicolas, this boutique is the only one in Corsica listed as a Historic Monument. It offers the iconic products of the Mattei brand (Corsican digestifs, etc.).
Local shopping + heritage, click HERE
5. Wander through the Bastia Citadel (Terra Nova)
The historic Terra Nova district, with its narrow streets, stairways and views over the port and the sea, is a must-see. A walk that reveals the Genoese urban layout and Bastia’s long history.
For the guided tour, click HERE
6. Enjoy a coffee or an aperitif on Place Saint-Nicolas and browse the flea market
This huge seaside square is perfect for sitting down, watching local life and relaxing after your arrival at nearby Poretta Airport. A simple but very enjoyable activity.
More info: HERE
7. Discover religious art: Sainte-Marie Cathedral
Located in the Citadel, this Baroque cathedral is both a historical and spiritual landmark. A wonderful visit for those who love heritage and architecture.
Locate Sainte-Marie Cathedral HERE
8. Shopping & local lifestyle
Want to experience the real local vibe? These shopping streets (Rue César Campinchi – Boulevard Paoli – Rue Napoléon) are perfect for strolling, browsing shops and relaxing on a terrace. A “chill fashion” activity in Bastia.
9. Visit the Market Square and its traditional market
The Market Square is located between the Old Port and Place Saint-Nicolas. Every weekend, on Saturday and Sunday mornings, it hosts a traditional market where Corsican producers sell charcuterie, cheese, honey, vegetables from the maquis… An ideal place to stock up on local specialties and feel the city’s atmosphere.
Discover more HERE
10. Relax in the Romieu Garden for a peaceful nature break
This terraced garden links the Old Port to the Citadel, offering a shaded and soothing setting with beautiful sea and city views. A lovely idea for a quiet moment between visits.
Where is Romieu Garden? HERE
For more tips, visit the Bastia Tourist Office located on Place Saint-Nicolas.
11. Walk along the Aldilonda for a stunning experience between land and sea
The Aldilonda walkway is a coastal path built along the cliffs at the foot of the Bastia Citadel, offering a pedestrian and cycling route suspended a few metres above the sea.
It runs along the seafront in Bastia, between the Old Port, the base of the Citadel and the Arinella area.
The name “Aldilonda” means “above the waves” in Corsican, referring to the route’s position over the water.
The walkway connects the city centre and the Old Port to the beaches and the Spassimare seaside promenade, with no major hills and no car traffic.
It has become an iconic location for walking, sports, shore fishing and photography, with superb views of the Citadel and the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Easy pedestrian and bicycle access
Accessible particularly from the Old Port (south quay) or from different points along the seafront toward Arinella beach.
The full route linking Spassimare and Aldilonda forms a coastal urban walk of several kilometres, suitable for a wide public.
GPS coordinates of the starting point on the Old Port side: click HERE
Vieux-port de bastia et Promenade de l’AlDiLonda
