City break Bastia
Bastia is the gateway to Corsica: a colourful Old Port, a Genoese citadel above the rooftops, and the wild Cap Corse peninsula. Direct seasonal flights from Rotterdam, 3 days from approx. €380 per person.
✈️ Plan your trip to Bastia →| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Airport | Bastia Poretta (BIA), 7 km from centre; bus approx. €2, taxi €20-25 |
| Flight from RTM | Transavia direct RTM-BIA, 1h50min, return from €141 (seasonal May-Oct) |
| Alternatives | Amsterdam or Eindhoven via Paris CDG or Lyon; flight + connection ~4h |
| Best months | June and September (22-26°C, affordable); July-August (hot but crowded) |
| Must-see | Vieux-Port, Citadel (€5), Cap Corse coastal road (free) |
| Budget 3 days | From approx. €380 p.p. incl. return flight |
Updated 28 September 2026
Best time to visit Bastia
June and September are the sweet spot: warm (22-26°C), swimmable sea, far fewer crowds than July and August, and considerably cheaper accommodation. May and October are also pleasant for hiking and sightseeing. Avoid August if you dislike crowds and high prices: the island is at its busiest and most expensive.
The best areas in Bastia
- Vieux-Port The heart of Bastia life: colourful houses, cafe terraces and boats. Unmissable at sunset.
- Terra Vecchia The old town with narrow lanes, baroque churches and the famous Place de l'Hotel de Ville.
- Citadelle The Genoese fortress district with panoramic views over the town and the Tuscan archipelago.
- Place Saint-Nicolas One of Europe's largest squares (300m long), lined with palms and bustling at weekends.
- Cap Corse The wild peninsula north of Bastia: a spectacular coastal road, Genoese towers and fishing villages.
Top 5 things to do in Bastia
- Vieux-Port (Old Harbour) Bastia's most photographed spot: pastel houses reflected in the harbour water. Free.
- Citadel + Musee de Bastia 15th-century Genoese fortress with a museum in the former governor's palace. Panoramic views. €5 adults (reduced €2.50); open daily (May-Sep) 10:00-18:30.
- Place Saint-Nicolas One of France's largest squares, perfect for an evening stroll or the Sunday market. Free.
- Eglise Saint-Jean-Baptiste Imposing baroque church towering above the Old Port, Bastia's landmark silhouette. Free.
- Cap Corse day trip Drive the spectacular D80 coastal road, stop at Genoese towers and tiny harbours like Erbalunga and Centuri. Free entry; hire a car from €43/day.
Flights and transport from the Netherlands to Bastia
Transavia operates direct seasonal flights from Rotterdam (RTM) to Bastia Airport (BIA) roughly between May and October. Flight duration: 1 hour 50 minutes. Return fares from €141, though peak summer prices rise significantly. No direct services from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) or Eindhoven (EIN) in 2026; alternatives include via Paris CDG or Lyon.
Book 6-8 weeks ahead for the best fares and travel on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Bastia Airport (BIA) is 7 km from the city centre. A local bus runs to the centre for around €2. Taxis cost approx. €20-25. A hire car is essential for exploring Cap Corse and the interior; expect to pay around €43-69/day depending on season.
What does a trip to Bastia cost?
Budget hotels from €67 per night, mid-range from €100. Simple restaurant meals €12-15 per person. Hire a car from €43/day (shoulder season) for Cap Corse excursions. For 3 nights (return flight from RTM, hotel, food) budget €380-520 per person.
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Frequently asked questions about Bastia
When is the best time to visit Bastia?
June and September offer the best combination of warm weather (22-26°C), affordable prices and manageable crowds. July and August are hotter but also the most expensive and busy.
How do I get from the Netherlands to Bastia?
Transavia flies direct from Rotterdam (RTM) to Bastia Airport (BIA) in 1 hour 50 minutes. Return fares from €141. No direct services from Amsterdam or Eindhoven; alternatives involve a stop in Paris or Lyon.
Do I need a hire car in Bastia?
For the city itself, no - the Old Port, citadel and main squares are all walkable. But to explore Cap Corse or the mountain interior, a car is essential. Expect to pay €43-69/day.
What does a 3-day trip to Bastia cost?
Return flight from Rotterdam from €141, budget hotel 3 nights from €200, food around €40/day: roughly €380-520 per person. Book in June or September for the best prices.