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If there is one emblematic destination in Corsica, it is Bastia. Located in Upper Corsica, at the foot of the Cap Corse, this city of Art and History is a concentration of all that is most attractive on the Isle of Beauty. Dynamic, cultural and gourmet, Bastia is the ideal place for island stays under the sun.

From its authentic old town to its port and not forgetting its beaches, Bastia offers its visitors a wide mosaic of landscapes between the sea and the mountains, each one more appealing than the next. Over the centuries, its heart of a village has preserved its unusual appearance, both in the Terra-Vecchia district and in the Citadel. You will find a multitude of essential buildings among which many baroque churches, starting with the church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste which dominates the port: the largest church in Corsica, it was built between 1636 and 1666. Recognizable for its beautiful facade surrounded by two bell towers, it is worth a visit for the richness of its decorations, and in particular the silver tabernacle of its high altar and its marble statues.

The Citadel of Bastia is certainly its most popular district: built on a rocky promontory above Terra-Vecchia, it enchants with its picturesque side and its high ramparts. Dating from the 15th century, the one that some still call "Terra-Nova" is famous for its small pink houses and very narrow streets. Walk through the Louis XVI gate and walk randomly through this labyrinth of tangled streets to finally climb the ramparts that surround the district: from above, the view is breathtaking over the entire city and its Old Port. Comfortably housed in the former Palais des Gouverneurs located on Place du Donjon, the Bastia Museum of Art and History is one of the must-see attractions of your visit: with its rich collections of paintings, sculptures, photographs, objects and maps of the region, it will plunge you into the heart of local history and traditions. Not far from it, you will discover the Oratory of the Brotherhood of the Holy Cross: dating from 1542, this richly decorated church contains the Crucifix of Miracles, a black Christ found at sea by fishermen off Bastia. Continue your visit of Bastia by walking around Place Saint-Nicolas (known for its Sunday morning flea market) and take advantage of its relaxing atmosphere to have a drink on the terrace in the shade of a plane tree. After this short break, stop at the Mattei house, the most famous shop on the island, and certainly the oldest: with its red and white front, it is recognizable among thousands. Push the door of this brand to taste its "Cap Corse aperitif" and delicious wines from local production. Walk around the market square, discover Saint-Roch's oratory and its rococo decor, stroll through the wonderful Jardin Romieu and take its mythical stairs, which will lead you from the terraces of the citadel to the sea.

The sea: this is Bastia's main asset. In addition to being an eminently cultural destination, Bastia offers its visitors an ideal setting for relaxing in the sun. Located at the beginning of Cap Corse, Bastia has some very beautiful sandy beaches to the south, as well as coves and pebble beaches to the north. Arinella beach is the most popular: highly appreciated by families for its swings, inflatable structures, slides and zip line, it extends to the magnificent Natural Reserve of the Biguglia Pond, a popular place for walks in the countryside. In its extension is the beach of Saint-Joseph, but also the beach of Minelli, that of Pietranera and the beach of Griogione. These crystal clear beaches will be perfect for scuba diving, sailing, paddling and kayaking. If you prefer activities on land, you can opt for hiking, horseback riding in the heart of the Agriates desert, parachuting and mountain biking in the heart of the mountains and the Corsican bush.

Finally, do not leave Bastia without having walked on the stones of its mythical Old Port and Dragon Pier: from the latter, the panorama is exceptional over the port and the sea, day and night!

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Old port, Citadel or even Saint Nicolas Square, admire during your strolls all that makes Bastia so charming.

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