Located at the northeast corner of Corsica, Bastia is the main port and commercial centre for the area. Start your visit in the Vieux Port (old port) and take in the Venice-style jaded buildings that are crowded around the old port, which is less active today since a new commercial port was built to the north.

Next, wander south and pay a visit to the posh Terra Nova part of town, where the Palais des Gouverneurs is located. Also, the randomly placed streets of the Terra Vechhia section of Bastia are lined with time worn facades of medieval buildings that are sure to delight any visitor.

The Place St-Nicholas is home to a wide variety of cafes with splendid views across the sea and a train leaves periodically from here, taking visitors on a 45-minute ride to see the main sights and attractions. Although Bastia does have a small beach, rent a car and visit a few of the other (nicer) nearby beaches, like Saint-Florent instead.