Bastia travel guide

Bastia, located on the northeastern coast of Corsica, France, boasts a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The average temperature hovers around 15°C (59°F), but it can reach up to 28°C (82°F) in the peak summer months of July and August. Winters, occurring from December to February, are considerably cooler with temperatures ranging from 4°C to 14°C (39°F to 57°F).

The city receives a fair amount of rainfall, particularly in autumn and winter, with November being the wettest month. Spring and summer are drier, providing ample sunshine for outdoor exploration. Occasional heatwaves are a possibility in summer, and although snow is rare, it can occur in winter. It's also worth noting that Bastia tends to be windy, especially in spring and autumn, due to the 'Libeccio' and 'Mistral' winds. These winds can sometimes cause disruptions to ferry services. Therefore, it's advisable to check the local weather forecast and plan accordingly.

Home to plenty of top attractions, Bastia is more than just a wonderful town in France. Bastia is a travel hotspot and a great place to experience a mix of the traditional and modern culture of France.

One fascinating sight in Bastia is the unforgettable Place Saint Nicolas. Considered one of the most well-known attractions in the town, a visit to this spectacular travel destination is something you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Bastia.

Place Saint Nicolas is open for visitors at any time of the day and is located at All. Général Fieschi, 20200 Bastia, France.

For more information about what you can expect during a vacation in France, check out our list of top attractions in Bastia below. Discover the best places to visit in Bastia, including the fascinating Place Saint Nicolas, Place du Marché, Palais des Gouverneurs, Église Saint Jean-Baptiste, and Romieu Garden.

Use this map to find the location of all top attractions in Bastia.

Discover the best things to do in Bastia.

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Bastia, a vibrant city in France, has a rich culinary scene that offers an authentic taste of Corsican cuisine. The Old Port area, with its traditional taverns and bistros, is one of the best places to eat in Bastia. Here, you can indulge in 'aziminu', a hearty fish soup, or 'pulenda', a chestnut flour polenta. Seafood lovers should not miss the 'sturzapreti', pasta with seafood sauce that is a local favorite. High-end restaurants like 'La Corniche' serve these traditional dishes with a contemporary twist, while 'A Casa Corsa' offers a rustic dining experience with its menu of regional specialties. For a casual bite, head to the Place du Marché, where stalls serve street food like 'crocchette', a delicious breaded cheese. Pair these with a glass of Patrimonio, Bastia's famous wine. When dining in Bastia, remember that locals usually eat late, so plan your meals accordingly. Also, consider making reservations for dinner, especially during the peak tourist season.

The nightlife scene in Bastia, France is a delightful blend of vibrant energy, relaxed ambiance, and Corsican charm. The city center, often cited as the best area for bars in Bastia, comes alive as locals and tourists alike revel in its beautiful night atmosphere.

Must-visit establishments include Bar de l'Europe, a popular spot known for its extensive drink selection and lively music, and Via Notte, a glamorous nightclub that attracts world-renowned DJs. For a taste of local culture, visit the traditional wine bars like Le Petit Vincent, where you can indulge in Corsica's finest wines.

Bastia's nightlife is also distinguished by its unique outdoor seating culture. During the warmer months, people flock to the city's charming terraces, such as those at Place Saint-Nicolas, to enjoy the night breeze. Remember, the nightlife in Bastia doesn't rush; it's common for the party to start late and go on until the early hours. Pack your night with unforgettable memories in the vibrant city of Bastia.

Bastia, a charming city in northern Corsica, is a pleasure for the enthusiastic shopper. It offers a unique blend of local craftsmanship and high-end fashion. For the best place to go shopping in Bastia, head to Boulevard Paoli, the city's main shopping street. Here, you'll find a mixture of local boutiques and international brands. Don't miss the Saint-Nicolas Square, where local artisans display their creations. It's an excellent spot to pick up Corsican ceramics, jewelry, and homemade food products.

For a more traditional shopping experience, explore the bustling markets of Bastia, like the daily market in Place du Marché. This market is a feast for the senses, offering local produce, fresh seafood, and handmade crafts. The Sunday flea market at Place Saint-Nicolas is perfect for antique lovers and bargain hunters.

When shopping in Bastia, remember that most shops close for a 'siesta' in the afternoon, from around 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Also, many shops are closed on Sundays, so plan your shopping spree accordingly. Shopping in Bastia is not just about buying, it's about experiencing the local lifestyle and culture.

Experiencing the charm of Bastia, France, doesn't have to be expensive. One of the best free things to do in Bastia is to start the day at the Old Port. This picturesque harbor is filled with traditional fishing boats and surrounded by pastel-colored buildings. Next, wander through the narrow, winding streets of Terra Vecchia, the old town. It's a living museum of the city's layered history, with its Genoese architecture, quaint shops, and charming squares. Don't miss the Saint Jean Baptiste Church, the largest church in Corsica, whose twin bell towers dominate the Bastia skyline. It's free to enter and offers breathtaking views from its steps. Visit the Place Saint-Nicolas, a vast, bustling square lined with cafés where locals gather to enjoy the Mediterranean sun. Finally, take a leisure stroll along the beautiful coastal path, Sentier des Douaniers, to capture the stunning views of the sea and the rugged Corsican coastline. With these free attractions, you can truly experience the soul of Bastia without breaking the bank.

The most popular way to experience Bastia is by visiting the town as part of a road trip across multiple destinations in France. However, it is also common for travelers to go to Bastia on both shorter and longer getaways, to get a break from everyday life, relax, and experience something new.

With Guide to Europe you can find road trips, city breaks, and weekend getaways in France, ranging from budget to luxury. Whether you’re planning a multi-day road trip across France, or you just want to enjoy a few days exploring Bastia, there is a vacation package for you.

Discover the most popular vacation packages in Bastia below.

Discover and compare 11 vacation packages that take you to the wonderful town of Bastia.

The best flights, hotels, and activities in Bastia get fully booked quickly. Use the search tool below to find the best vacation packages in France. Your customized holiday package to Bastia is only a few clicks away!

Over the years, more airlines have started offering flexible and direct flights to Bastia, making it one of the most accessible travel destinations in France. However, it is usually cheaper to fly to Bastia, France, in October.

The cheapest one-way flight to Bastia costs around 42 EUR and is offered by the airline easyJet. The flight leaves on May 15 at 2 and departs from Euro Basel Mulhouse Freiburg airport in EAP, Switzerland.

The cheapest round-trip flights to Bastia cost approximately 63 EUR in total. The departure flight leaves on December 30 and the return flight is scheduled on December 20. The flight time is around 1 hour per way.

The return flight is operated by Lyon–Saint-Exupéry.

Use the search tool below to find the cheapest flights to France and the town of Bastia from your city of departure.

Travelers visiting Bastia in France can fly to Bastia – Poretta airport directly from 957 destinations worldwide.

The three most popular routes to Bastia – Poretta airport and the town of Bastia in France depart from Bastia – Poretta airport in Bastia, France, Keflavík International airport in Reykjavik, Iceland, and Gatwick airport in London, England.

Travelers can fly to France by choosing from from 1 weekly flight(s) from Bastia; from 1 weekly flight(s) from Reykjavik; and from 1 weekly flight(s) from London.

The airline that operates most flights to France is Kenya Airways. Kenya Airways offers 11 scheduled flight routes to France.

Discover the most popular flights to Bastia below. Click to view flights to Bastia, France from destinations all across the globe.

While each type offers varying amenities and rates, there is no denying that Bastia provides a great selection of lodging options ready to cater to every kind of guest.

Budget accommodations are also incredibly popular among travelers in Bastia. Cheaper alternatives allow travelers to save on accommodation costs and have more to spend on other experiences.

Select the type you prefer to compare options under each category and find the best accommodation.

Hotels are travelers' go-to accommodations in Bastia for the unique experience they provide.

Besides offering basic amenities, many hotels in Bastia provide meals and extras, such as shuttle services, spa facilities, tour desks, and other services. But because not all hotels in Bastia are created equal, finding the best in the town often requires careful research. For your convenience, we've done all the research to make it easier for you to check out all the top hotels in Bastia.

Below is our hand-picked list of the best hotels in the Bastia. Travelers are encouraged to book early as these hotels quickly reach capacity.

Click the arrows or swipe the list to see each hotel's ratings, reviews, locations, rates, and more. You can read detailed descriptions of each hotel by clicking the cards.

Use the Accommodation Search tool below to find available stays in the town of Bastia on specific dates. This handy feature also allows you to compare prices and amenities.

Enter the preferred check-in and check-out dates. Then, select the number of guests and rooms. Click the Search button to find all the available hotels and places to stay in the town of Bastia that match the information provided.

Discover and choose from our broad range of popular car rental options in the town of Bastia to find the best car for your travel plans. All car rentals come with CDW insurance for added protection throughout your trip.

Renting a car is a popular choice among travelers who want to explore France at their own pace.

This car is particularly popular among couples and solo travelers touring the town of Bastia.

Check out all options available in Bastia and book the car rental for your upcoming adventures in France below.

Get ready to hit the road and explore the beautiful town of Bastia. Find the best deals on a variety of popular car rentals in Bastia, France, or any other destination in Europe by using the search tool below.

Enter your pick-up and drop-off location, driver's age, and dates. Click the green button to view your options.

When unsure of where to go next, use the map below. This map shows the locations of all the best destinations in France. Use the map to plan your trip and find the best routes.

Travelers in France can catch flights to domestic airports in Nice, Nantes, Montpellier, Marseille, and Lyon. Domestic flights in France are operated by 3 airlines: Volotea, Air Corsica, and easyJet. There are around 15 scheduled flight routes operating to Bastia on a weekly basis.

From Bastia, travelers can book scheduled flights to 13 domestic destinations. The most popular flights from Bastia depart to many top-rated destinations in France and are offered by Volotea, Air Corsica, and easyJet.

Traveling to another city or region in France? Use the flight search tool below to quickly find the cheapest one-way or round-trip flights from Bastia to different local destinations.

Enter all the necessary information and click or tap on the Search button to see a list of the available domestic flights in France on the selected dates.