Bastia

From Halal Explorer

Bastia banner.jpg

Bastia is a city on the French island of Corsica.

VP-nuit - Street Jean Baptiste Gothic Church overlooking Bastia's Vieux Port

Introduction to Bastia

Bastia is the second largest city by population in Corsica with over 43,000 inhabitants. It is a small city that is easily navigable by pedestrians. Tourism has not brought much prosperity to the city and unemployment remains high by French standards.

Bastia received its name from a Genoese construction of a "bastiglia" in the 1300s.Both Bastia and bastiglia are cognates of the English "bastion".Bastia was the principal capital of Genoese Corsica and it became French only in the late 1760s.

The small fortifications and friendly harbor-side areas make for a friendly stroll. The afternoon siesta is a serious daily event in Bastia and one should be careful to respect shop hours (e.g. supermarket) in order to be able to buy necessities at normal prices.

Travel to Bastia

Fly to Bastia

  • Bastia Airport - "Poretta" IATA Flight Code: BIA 42.55,9.484722 Bastia – Poretta Airport - Aéroport Bastia Poretta -QQ0951 has seasonal budget Flights from Europe and year-round scheduled Flights from mainland France. The airport is 20 kilometers south of the city on the main coast highway. A ricketty old bus runs approx hourly to town centre, taking 20 mins, for €9 per person - cash only, to the driver. Find the timetable on the airport website. For two or more people, a taxi will probably be better value, especially if your lodging in Bastia is away from the centre.

Travel by boat to Bastia

The main ferry routes from Bastia are to Marseille, Toulon and Nice in France and to Genoa, Savona, Livorno and Piombino in mainland Italy - the latter via Portoferraio on Elba. No ferries to Sardinia and these sail from Bonifacio on the South tip of Corsica.

The ferries are of uneven quality, even within the same company. They get very busy during the summer, so book early, even if you're just a foot passenger without vehicle or cabin.

  • Ferry terminal Gare Maritime - GPS: 42.704717,9.454634 Entry to the port is at the north end of the New Harbour. The passenger terminal is a cramped affair, but has basic facilities. Foot passengers may exit the port by the turnstile opposite Town Hall.

A clutch of vehicle rental offices can be seen on the streets facing the turnstile exit. They're open 8 am to 8 pm Monday toSat, none are open Sunday.

Travel by train to Bastia

A narrow gauge train service links Bastia with Ajaccio, Corte, Calvi, L'Île-Rousse. The train takes passengers through beautiful valleys and over stunning passes. However and the fare all the way to Ajaccio is pricey at €22 one-way and the ride's comfort level is reminiscent of a horse-drawn carriage on a dirt road. As noted in the Corsica page and the local residents call it "the shivering one" (U Trinighellu) for good reason.

  • Train terminal Bastia, Pays Bastiais, Gare Ferroviaire CFC - Chemins de Fer Corse, Place de la gare 42.702029,9.447662 ☎ +33 4 95 32 80 61, +33 4 95 32 80 55 +33 4 95 34 01 14 Gare de Bastia - Corse Gare de Bastia -

Travel by Bus

There are bus services to/from Calvi, L'Île-Rousse, Saint-Florent on the northwestern part of the island, Solenzara, Porto-Vecchio on the southeast, occasional services to the Cap Corse on the North stia/].

  • Bus terminal

Bastia, Pays Bastiais, Gare Routière de Bastia, 1 Rue du Nouveau Port, 20200 - GPS: 42.7027411,9.4524854 Just off the Place Street Nicolas and the ferry terminal ☎ +33 4 95 54 54 54 -

Get Around in Bastia

Explore the town on foot. Much is pedestrianised and the vehicle routes get very congested.

The city bus network is operated by Société des Autobus Bastiais (phone: +33 4 95 31 06 65).

A tramway runs from Bastia train station, for some kilometers 25 south along the coast to Casamozza, where it connects with the mainline train between Bastia and Ajaccio. The tram passes within 2 kilometers of Bastia airport and the nearest stop being Lucciana, but there's no connecting link so it doesn't work as a means of "Getting in".

What to See

CitadelleBastia - The fortress

The sights of Bastia are grouped around the Vieux Port 42.69603, 9.449487 - the Old Port. The quayside is shabby chic, with tall, faded buildings (many housing restaurants) surrounding a marina with posh yachts. It's particularly charming at dusk and early evening. The twin towers of the Gothic Church - Street Jean Baptiste, Street John the Baptist 42.6964173756,9.45013068404 stand prominently here. The area just north is the historic neighbourhood of Terra Vecchia: notable churches are the Oratoire de l'Imaculee Conception and the Confrerie St-Roch.

To the south dominating the harbour is the fortress, built by the Genoese in the 15-17th Cs. Climb up to it by the street or by the Romieu gardens, to enter via the imposing gateway. Within is the square of Place du Donjon and the entrance to the Palais de Gouverneurs, which now houses the city museum. Deeper within the warren of alleyways are the former cathedral Eglise Ste-Marie - Church of Santa-Maria 42.6923770196, 9.4519363174 and the Ortoire Baroque Ste-Croix.

Muslim Travel Tips

Explore Cap Corse the rugged peninsula stretching north of Bastia. A very twisty road and the D80, makes for a scenic but occasionally nerve-wracking circular drive. Allow about four hours for this, have at least half a tank of fuel aboard before you start and do not rush. Going anti-clockwise, follow the main coast road north from Bastia port. This section along the east coast, though twisty, is mostly broad enough for traffic to pass with comfort and the prospect below is not too vertiginous. It passes through Erbalunga and Pietracorbara to Santa Servera, where the road forks: one branch crossing the mountains via Luri to the West coast and the other continuing along the coast to Macinaggio. Buses from Bastia ply the road this far. Then this road also climbs inland, a cul-de-sac road branches off to the north cape at Barcaggio and the going gets serious. The route back south along the west coast is narrow, twisting and turning high above the restless sea with no barriers between you and a very long drop. Villages along the way, clinging to the mountainside with scenic but precarious harbours, are Centuri, Pino, Canari and Nonza. Finally the road descends to Patrimonio where you'll be relieved to join the main highway D81 for the last hill-climb back over to Bastia. A short detour the other direction (towards Ile Rousse & Calvi) takes in the village of Saint-Florent.

There is an argument for driving the Cap Corse route clockwise, so you'd be on the landward side of the road away from the cliff-edge. But the scariest parts are effectively single-track, with oncoming traffic and a mad white van on your tail.

Shopping in Bastia

Halal Restaurants & Food in Bastia

The Vieux Port restaurants major on seafood, but there's Tex-Mex and mainstream Italian.

  • Le Jean Bart ☎ +33 4 95 31 36 31 For wonderful moules-frites (mussels and French fries) and puddings.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Bastia

Bastia - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Bastia, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Bastia. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Bastia and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Bastia. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Bastia. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Bastia: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Bastia.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Bastia: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Bastia, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Bastia.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Bastia, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Bastia, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Bastia and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Bastia, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Bastia, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Bastia without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Bastia is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Bastia.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Bastia is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Bastia, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Bastia Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Bastia

eHalal Group Bastia is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Bastia. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Bastia.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Bastia ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Bastia. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Bastia, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Bastia are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan Celebrations in Bastia

Ramadan 2025 in Bastia

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

  • Pietracap - 20 Route de San Martino - Hotel with a swimming pool. Closed mid-Dec to Feb.
  • Sud Hôtel @stia.com Avenue de la Libération - 1 kilometers from centre of town ☎ +33 4 95 30 20 61
  • Hotel des Gouverneurs | 3 bis Rue des Turquines - in fortress overlooking old port ☎

Great comfort, in great location overlooking old port - if you can find it! In the pedestrianised fortress, nearest vehicle drop-off 200 m away.

News & References


Go Next

Bastia is a good starting point for a tour of Corsica, but you'll need your own vehicle - or to be a very fit cyclist - to get around this rugged island.

Public transport options are much more limited, but a daily bus runs to Calvi (€20) and all other major Corsican city's and trains run daily to Corte and Ajaccio.


Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
To Advertise or sponsor this Travel Guide, please visit our Media Kit and Advertising Rates.