Bastia Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
French commune, city and prefecture of Haute-Corse, Corsica
About Bastia
Bastia is the second largest city by population in Corsica with almost 49,000 inhabitants (2019). Tourism has not brought much prosperity to the city, and unemployment remains high by French standards. Bastia received its name from a Genoese construction of a "bastiglia" in the 1300s. Both Bastia and bastiglia are cognates of the English "bastion". Bastia was the principal capital of Genoese Corsica, and it became French only in the late 1760s. The afternoon siesta is a serious daily event in Bastia, and one should be careful to respect shop hours (e.g. supermarket) in order to be able to buy necessities at normal prices.
Top Attractions in Bastia
Explore the best things to see and do in Bastia:
- ★Cathedral
- ★Eglise Ste-Marie
- ★Vieux Port
Where to Eat in Bastia
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Le Jean Bart
Where to Stay in Bastia
- 🏨Hotel des Gouverneurs
- 🏨Pietracap
- 🏨Sud Hôtel
Bastia Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 11 sections including: