Bastia

Many Corsica travelers start their holiday in Bastia. Bastia has the biggest port and is the main landing place for ferries coming from the north. With about 40.000 citizens, Bastia is Corsica's second largest town after Ajaccio and also the capital of the Haute-Corse district.

Unfortunately, many travelers turn their backs on Bastia as soon as they have arrived, to continue their journey to the beaches or inland areas. This is understandable, as the greater Bastia region, which is the economic capital, doesn't look very inviting at first. But the old town with the old port, its squares and small alleys and the all overlooking citadel is definitely worth a visit. If you need a coffee after your ferry trip, start your visit to Bastia in one of the nice bars at the quay between the new and the old port.

The Citadel of Bastia and Terra Nova

The name Bastia originates from the Italian word for citadel – Bastiglia. Its location above the old port and its huge dimensions are equally impressive. Surrounded by a high wall, this quarter which is also called Terra Nova, forms its own town within town. Apart from the former governor's palace which now hosts the museum for Corsican folklore, there are two churches with Eglise Saint-Mairie being the main church.

Terra Vecchia

Beside the citadel, the old port with the two towers of the baroque church Saint-Jean-Baptiste dominates Bastia's town scape. Today, the old port is used as marina. Adjoining, you find the district of Terra Vecchia where narrow alleys among tall houses and places under palm trees beckon to come for a stroll or stay a while. Worth seeing are the Place du Marché with the baroque church Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Other interesting buildings are the opera and Saint-Roche chapel.