Facing the coast of Tuscany, Bastia has all the charm of an old Mediterranean town with its narrow streets flanked by tall buildings whose understated elegance is enhanced by painted shutters. Founded in 1378 by the Genoese that turned it into the island's capital, its name comes from the 'bastille' or fortress that dominates the town. From here you can tour round the old port by walking down rue Napoleon, looking at the shops and beautiful boutiques as you go.

Other sights to see, this time of a more spiritual nature, are to be found in the churches that sprang up all over the town during the 17th and 18th centuries. The church of Saint Jean-Baptiste, Corsica's largest church, and the churches of Sainte-Marie and the Chapel Sainte Croix will not fail to amaze you with their ornate Baroque interiors.

If you are tempted to go for a swim, there are beaches not far from the entrance to the town. Pebble beaches to the north, sandy beaches to the south with the superb Marana beach that borders the ornithological reserve of the Pond of Biguglia. Bastia paves the way to the Port of Nebbio and Saint-Florent on the west coast. Set in the dip of the gulf that bears the same name, this fishing port is a very fashionable place to visit. Wander at leisure through the old town, explore the citadel, a stunning monument from the Genoese period, and also the beautiful Roman church of Santa-Maria Assunta, before sipping an aperitif in the Place des Portes.

Saint-Florent is the starting point of the beach path that stretches the length of the Agriates coast, 40 km of which is protected by the Conservatoire du Littoral. It is an amazing universe of stony scrubcovered hills punctuated by torrents. A land of wind and sun where the only traces of human life are found in the "pagliaghji" that provide shelter for shepherds and their sheep.

To Taste
The famous Cap Corse and Patrimonio wines, two AOC (wines with guarantee of origin) that in addition to the red, white and rosé wines also produce two sweet wines, one white, one red. A wine fair is held on the first weekend in July in Luri.

To See
Cap Corse begins north of Bastia. A sharp mountain ridge 40 km long heading north, it is a land of sailors and fishermen. A coastal road takes you right over the ridge and affords spectacular views at each twist and turn. Explore Nonza and its Genoese watchtower that are certainly worth a postcard, along with Centuri which is a beautiful little port with crystal-clear waters. From here the customs trail takes you along the coast to Macinaggio. Explore the nature reserve of Finocchiarola with the Audoin gulls and the Sainte Marie and Tamarone beaches. There is also the picturesque fishing village of Erbalunga where, in the 30s, many painters came and set up their easels.

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