Bastia (Corsica) Ferries

The port of Bastia plays a key role in the ferry network of France, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 1 ferry routes operated by 4 ferry companies, Bastia (Corsica) serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Bastia (Corsica), with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Livorno - Bastia (Corsica) connecting Bastia (Corsica) with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as Corsica Ferries, Corsica Linea, La Meridionale run regular services from Bastia (Corsica), offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Bastia (Corsica) offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Bastia is well-connected to mainland France and Italy via regular ferry services, making it an accessible entry point to Corsica. From Nice, the ferry journey takes approximately 5-6 hours, while crossings from Livorno or Savona in Italy range from 4-5 hours. The city's train station connects directly to other Corsican destinations, with services to Ajaccio taking about 3.5 hours. If arriving by car, ample parking is available near the ferry terminal, though booking ahead during summer months is advisable. Public buses connect the ferry port to the city center and run regularly throughout the day.

Nestled on the northeastern coast of Corsica, Bastia blends Italian charm with French sophistication. This bustling port city serves as a vital gateway to the island, welcoming travelers with its atmospheric old town and vibrant harbor. As you arrive by ferry, the sight of pastel-colored buildings climbing the hillside against the backdrop of rugged mountains creates an unforgettable first impression of this Mediterranean gem.

Bastia enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, occasionally rainy winters. The ideal times to visit are late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) when temperatures hover pleasantly around 20-25°C and tourist crowds thin out. Summer (July-August) brings perfect beach weather but expect more visitors and higher prices. Winter visitors will find a more authentic local experience, though some restaurants and attractions may operate on reduced hours. Ferry services run year-round but offer more frequent departures during the peak summer season, with special services added for major events like Saint John's Festival in June.

Bastia serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring both Corsica and neighboring islands. From the port, regular ferries connect to Cap Corse, the wild northern peninsula with dramatic landscapes and charming fishing villages, just a 30-minute journey away. The stunning beaches of L'Île-Rousse can be reached by a scenic 1-hour ferry ride along Corsica's northern coast. For international connections, Sardinia's ports are accessible via a 4-hour crossing, offering a tempting two-island Mediterranean experience. The journey between Bastia and Elba Island (Italy) provides breathtaking views of both Corsican and Italian coastlines during the 2-hour sailing.

Wander through Terra Vecchia, Bastia's enchanting old town, where narrow alleyways lead to hidden squares and centuries-old churches draped in history. The imposing Citadel offers panoramic views across the harbor and houses the fascinating Museum of Corsican Ethnography. Food enthusiasts should sample local specialties like civet de sanglier (wild boar stew) and brocciu cheese at traditional eateries around Place du Marché. The vibrant Vieux Port area comes alive each evening as locals and visitors gather at waterfront cafés to enjoy fresh seafood while watching fishing boats return with the day's catch. Just a short distance from the port, the pristine beaches of Cap Corse provide perfect spots for swimming in crystal-clear waters.

Despite being Corsica's principal commercial port and second-largest city, Bastia was actually the island's capital until 1811, when Napoleon Bonaparte moved the seat of government to his birthplace of Ajaccio. The imposing St. John the Baptist Church contains a crucifix that locals believe protected the city from bombardment during World War II. Bastia's name derives from 'bastiglia,' referring to the Genoese fortress built in 1380 that once dominated the harbor. The city has maintained strong Italian influences in its architecture, cuisine, and even dialect, with many locals still speaking Corsican, a language closely related to Italian.