Bastia & A Taste of Corsica
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Port
Bastia, Corsica, France
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$80
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3 hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Bastia was founded by the Genoese in 1380, when they were looking for a naturally sheltered port to replace the ancient Roman cities of Mariana and Biguglia. These were destroyed by the Corsicans in 1372. The Genoese needed a city and port that could effectively facilitate trade between the homeland back in Italy and the colony of Corsica. Even though this small port was swept by terrible libeccio winds, it was protected by a rock and easily defensible. Another compelling quality was that a dungeon (or bastiglia) could easily be built here, and hence the town's name of Bastia.
Follow your guide on foot to visit to the Old Town. This ancient living museum is packed with narrow streets, leafy squares, and wonderful old houses and shops. The citadel handily showcases a well-preserved Genoan fortification and speaks volumes about the daily tradition of warfare and marauding at the time it was built.
Along the way, stop to enjoy a taste of Corsican spuntinu -- typical local snack specialties.
Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes.