Bastia is situated in the northeast of Corsica, at the base of Cap Corse. It is the principal port and the largest commercial centre on the island of Corsica.
History
Corsica was under Carthaginian influence and domination until 237 BC, when it was taken over by the Roman Republic. It remained under Rome until its conquest by the Vandals in AD 430, and later in 522 by the Byzantine Empire. With the collapse of Byzantine control, Corsica came under various influences, including Arabs and Lombards, before it finally fell to Genoa in 1282 following the Battle of Meloria against Pisa. Despite take-overs by Aragon between 1296-1434 and France between 1553-1559, Corsica would remain under Genoese control until its purchase by France in 1768.
The Genoese felt the need for shelter from the sea storms and in 1380 began to construct, a bastiglia, also known as a stronghold or citadel. With time, the bastiglia (Bastia) became prosperous and was the capital of Corsica until 1791.
The Republic of Genoa was strong enough to keep Corsica until 1755, the year Pasquale Paoli proclaimed the Corsican Republic. Paoli took most of the island for the republic but he was unable to force Genoese troops out of the towns of Saint-Florent, Calvi, Ajaccio, Bastia and Algajola. Leaving them there, he went on build the nation, The Republic of Genoa sold Corsica to France and French troops replaced Genoese ones in the towns. Corsica was annexed to France in 1780.
Weather
The climate of Bastia is typically Mediterranean and provides sunny warm and dry summers. In the height of summer, the coast of Corsica sees average temperature of 25°C but it can rise to 35°. The sun shines for an average of 280 days per year, concentrated from April to October, making the Mediterranean summer, the perfect time for a yacht charter in Bastia.
The yacht charter season on Corsica runs from April to October. Low season: from October and April is the low season. May, June and September and considered the middle season and the high season is July and August
French is the official language of Corsica but Italian is also spoken widely. Standard EU regulations cover passport and visa requirements. The currency on Corsica is the Euro. Electricity is 220V.
Poretta Airport serves the town of Bastia
The Museum of Corsica is in Bastia and worth a visit
Detailed reports of Marinas and Harbours in Corsica can be found in our Cruising Guide
