Touring around the "côte toscane", Bastia has all the charm of ol Mediterranean towns with its narrow streets flanked by tall buildings whose understated elegance is enhanced by painted shutters.
Founded in 1378 by th Genoese that turned it into the island's capital, its name comes from the "bastille" or fortress that dominates the town. It is lively place and one where you will enjoy strolling about at will; Place Saint Nicolas and the Place du Marché are both favourites with the local townsfolk and are alway full of vibrancy and colour. From here you can tour ruond the old port by walking down rue Napoleon, looking at the shops and beautiful boutiques as you go. You must stop off and visit the Mattei buildings, creators of the famous Cap Corse aperitif. 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 Chappelle Sainte-Croix will not fail to amaze you with their ornate Baroque interiors.
If you are temped 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 Mariana beach that borders the ornithological reserve of the Pond Biguglia.