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Bastia is the principal port of Corsica and the gateway to the island’s north, a city of two historic quarters wrapped around a Genoese citadel and a palm-lined seafront square. It enjoys a Mediterranean climate with 2,645 hours of sunshine a year, mild winters around 14°C (57°F) and hot, dry summers peaking near 29°C (84°F) in July and August. Use this guide to plan your trip, from monthly weather to beaches, hotels and events.
Welcome to Bastia
Founded by the Genoese in the 14th century, Bastia grew into Corsica’s economic capital and today serves as the island’s main ferry and rail hub. The city divides into Terra Vecchia, the old port quarter of narrow lanes and baroque churches, and Terra Nova, the grid of grand streets around Place Saint-Nicolas. Above them, the citadel holds the Musée de Bastia and the Jardin Romieu, and the beaches of Arinella and Toga lie minutes away to the south and north.
Bastia Weather at a Glance
Bastia averages 16.3°C (61°F) across the year and about 817 mm of rain, most of it falling in October and November. Summers run hot and dry, with July bringing just 14 mm of rain and 347 hours of sunshine, while winters stay mild, rarely freezing and averaging 5°C (41°F) overnight in January. Sea temperatures peak at 25°C (77°F) in August. For the full monthly breakdown, see the weather by month guide below.
Bastia Seasons: What to Expect
- Winter (December to February): 14°C (57°F) days, 64 to 88 mm of rain a month, Christmas market and Carnival. Quiet and cheap, with some beach hotels closed.
- Spring (March to May): warming from 16°C (61°F) to 22°C (72°F), the Maquis in flower and ferry schedules expanding. Ideal for hiking and sightseeing.
- Summer (June to August): 26 to 29°C (79 to 84°F), dry and sunny, sea at 21 to 25°C (70 to 77°F). Peak beach season and the busiest, priciest months.
- Autumn (September to November): warm September seas, then October and November rain peaks. Good for a late swim and the chestnut fair season.
Bastia Travel Guide: Plan Your Trip
- Best Time to Visit Bastia: match your trip to the season, with month-by-month advice on weather, prices and crowds.
- Things to Do in Bastia: the old port, citadel, churches and beaches, with prices and opening hours.
- Bastia Events and Festivals: the chestnut fair, Italian film festival and summer concerts, dated by season.
- Best Neighborhoods in Bastia: Terra Vecchia, Terra Nova, the citadel and the coast, with what each suits.
- Where to Stay in Bastia: hotels by area and budget, each with a Booking.com link.
- Bastia Travel Tips and FAQ: airports, ferries, transport costs, money, safety and entry rules.
- Bastia Weather by Month: the full climate data table with temperatures, rainfall and sea conditions.
Bastia Quick Facts
- Best months for beaches: June to September, with the warmest sea (25°C/77°F) in August.
- Warmest month: July and August, both averaging 29°C (84°F) by day.
- Coolest month: January, at 14°C (57°F) high and 5°C (41°F) low.
- Wettest month: November, with about 134 mm of rain; driest is July at 14 mm.
- Sunshine: about 2,645 hours a year, peaking at 347 hours in July.
- Main airport: Bastia-Poretta (BIA), 20 km south, shuttle to the centre around EUR 9.
- Getting there: ferries from Marseille, Nice, Toulon, Livorno, Savona and Genoa, plus the CFC train to Ajaccio and Calvi.
Where to Stay in Bastia
Bastia’s hotels split between the old town and port, the new town around Place Saint-Nicolas, and the coast north and south of the centre. Prices are highest in July and August and drop sharply in winter. The where to stay guide covers every area in detail; below are three solid picks across the price range.
Suggested Hotels in Bastia
Hôtel Des Gouverneurs
A four-star seafront hotel inside the pedestrianised citadel, with an indoor pool, spa and panoramic views over the old port. Best for couples who want Bastia’s most atmospheric address. Check rates and availability
Best Western Montecristo-Bastia
A fully renovated three-star on a hill about 1 km from the old port, with an on-site restaurant and family rooms. Best for families and drivers who want modern rooms and easier parking. Check rates and availability
Hôtel Napoléon
A simple two-star on Boulevard Paoli, around 200 metres from Place Saint-Nicolas and the old port. Best for budget travellers who want a central base at the lowest price. Check rates and availability
