Bastia Cruise Ship Port Guide

How to get to the port, by air, train, road

Getting to Bastia port is simple, with several ways to reach it.

If you’re flying in, land at Bastia Poretta Airport, which sits 16 kilometres south of the city. You can grab a taxi or hop on the airport shuttle bus – it runs hourly to both the city centre and port area.

Coming by train? The Bastia railway station is brilliant – just a 5-minute stroll from the cruise terminal. Regular trains connect Bastia with other main Corsican cities like Ajaccio and Calvi.

Driving is straightforward using the N193 motorway from southern Corsica or the N198 from the east coast. You’ll spot plenty of parking spots near the terminal, including the Port car park and Jean Zuccarelli lot. If you prefer public transport, local buses run to the port from different parts of the city.

Port Parking Options

Save This Pin

Looking to park while cruising from Bastia? You’ll find plenty of good spots near the terminal. The main port car park has 200 spaces and sits just 100 metres from the cruise terminal. You can book ahead on the port authority’s website or simply pay at the parking meter when you arrive.

If the main car park is full, try the overflow parking at Place Saint-Nicolas, which is only a 5-minute walk away. This covered car park has 350 spaces and round-the-clock security cameras. For longer stays, the Port de Commerce car park might be your best bet, with cheaper weekly rates.

You can also park along Boulevard du Général de Gaulle, but keep in mind there aren’t many spaces, and you can only stay up to 4 hours on weekdays.

Local Transport & Transfers

Getting around from Bastia’s cruise terminal is straightforward. You’ll spot taxis waiting at the port entrance ready to take you where you need to go. On cruise ship days, a handy shuttle bus runs between the terminal and Place St. Nicolas in the centre of town.

For those who fancy public transport, there’s a local bus stop on Boulevard du Général de Gaulle just nearby. The train station is about a 15-minute stroll from the port, with trains heading to other parts of Corsica like Ajaccio and Calvi. If you’d rather drive yourself, you’ll find car hire companies close to the port – brilliant if you want to explore the island on your own. Taking an organised tour? Your cruise line’s shuttle buses usually leave right outside the terminal building.

Port Terminal Facilities

Save This Pin

The Bastia cruise terminal has everything you’ll need, though it’s fairly basic. Inside, you’ll spot toilets, tourist info desks and a modest seating area. There’s free Wi-Fi too, but it can get a bit patchy when it’s busy.

You won’t find any places to eat in the terminal, but there are plenty of cafes and shops about five minutes away on foot. You can change money during normal working hours, and there are cash machines right outside the building. The staff can help you in French and English if you need it.

If you fancy exploring the city without lugging your bags around, there’s a storage room where you can leave them for a small charge. Getting around is straightforward, with signs in different languages throughout the port area.

Things to Do Before Your Cruise in a Day

One day in Bastia before your cruise is simple to plan thanks to its small city centre. Start at Place Saint-Nicolas, the main square – grab a coffee and watch the world go by from one of the many cafes, or pop into the local shops.

Take a walk down to the Terra Vecchia (Old Port) where you’ll see lovely 18th-century buildings and can try authentic Corsican food at restaurants along the water.

The Citadel, Bastia’s old fortress, is worth exploring – you’ll find the Governor’s Palace and Cathedral of St. Mary inside. The Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste is a must-see, with its striking twin bell towers that you can spot from across town. For a real taste of local life, nip into the Marché Central to see fresh food and regional products.

If you’ve got spare time, you might fancy a quick visit to the Mattei Cap Corse factory to try their well-known aperitif, or have a wander along Boulevard Paoli for some shopping.

Walks near the port

Save This Pin

You can start lovely walks right from Bastia’s port. From the Old Port, wander north along the seafront promenade to St. Joseph’s Beach – it’s about 20 minutes and you’ll see loads of fishing boats bobbing about with the Tyrrhenian Sea as your backdrop.

Head south and you’ll go past the citadel and St. Nicolas Square, where you can grab a coffee and watch the world go by. Make sure to walk the Aldilonda footbridge – it’s brilliant, carved right into the cliffs and links the port to the Romieu gardens. If you fancy a longer walk, follow the signs to Toga Marina, where fancy yachts sit pretty with mountains towering behind them. Along the way, you’ll spot information boards telling you bits and bobs about Bastia’s seafaring past.

Dining and Shopping

The port area around Bastia is brilliant for trying proper Corsican food. You’ll spot loads of restaurants dishing up fresh seafood, local cured meats, and classic meals like civet de sanglier (wild boar stew). The Old Port’s narrow streets are packed with lovely cafes where you can sample Corsican wines and regional cheeses.

For a bit of shopping, wander down Boulevard Paoli, Bastia’s main shopping street, with its mix of local shops and well-known brands. Pop into Place du Marché if you fancy getting your hands on local food bits and bobs.

• Pop into Cap Corse Mattei for their famous Corsican aperitif wine and local spirits
• Have a look around Saint-Nicolas Square’s craft shops for genuine Corsican items
• U Stazzu is great for traditional food like honey, jams, and olive oil

Accommodation near the port

Save This Pin

After trying Bastia’s lovely food, you’ll find many places to sleep near the cruise port. The Port of Bastia area has all sorts of accommodation, from cheaper hotels to fancy boutique spots. Several places are just a 5-minute walk away, including Hotel Port Bastia and Best Western Bastia Centre.

For a proper Corsican feel, try one of the family-run guesthouses in the old port district. These come with real local character, and you often get breakfast with Corsican treats. If you want something posh, Hotel des Gouverneurs has brilliant harbour views and top-notch facilities. If you’re watching your wallet, Hotel Central or Hotel Bonaparte both have clean, comfy rooms at good prices. Most places let cruise passengers check in early, and many run airport shuttles.

Tips for First-Time Cruisers from The Port

Getting ready for your first cruise from Bastia port? Here’s what you need to know. It’s a good idea to arrive in Bastia a day early – nobody wants last-minute travel problems to mess up their holiday. The port sits right in the middle of town, making it dead easy to get to, but you’ll still want to sort out your transport beforehand.

A few handy tips:

• Book someone to help with your bags if you’ve got lots of luggage – the port gets rather packed when everyone’s boarding
• Get the port’s app on your phone to keep up with when your ship’s coming and going
• Pop your passport and tickets in a waterproof case – Bastia’s weather can be a bit hit-and-miss, particularly between seasons

Remember to turn up at least two hours before you’re meant to set sail.

Customs & Immigration at The Port

Save This Pin

Getting through customs and immigration at Bastia Port is straightforward, though there are a few local differences. You’ll want your passport, cruise ship ID card and any visas you need. If you’re from the EU, you can just use your ID card since Bastia is part of the Schengen area.

When you get off the ship, you’ll go through a quick screening where staff might look at your papers. The port tries to spread out different ships’ arrival times to avoid too many people at once. In busy months, you might need to wait 15-20 minutes. Remember to stay within the EU duty-free shopping limit of €430 per adult – anything over that needs to be declared. For food items, have a look at the latest rules, as they often change for Corsican ports.

See what’s on offer from the Port of Ajaccio for a different Mediterranean cruise destination.

Local Currency & Payment Options

You’ll need euros for your time in Bastia, as it’s in France. There are plenty of cash machines near the port and in the city centre. While most places take credit cards, it’s good to have some cash on you, especially for smaller shops and the local markets.

What to know about paying in Bastia:

• Cards with chips work in most places, but let your bank know you’re travelling to prevent them from blocking your card
• Small shops prefer cash for anything under €20, and some might have a minimum spend for card payments
• You don’t have to tip as it’s included in your bill, but people often round up or leave 5-10% if the service was really good

It’s handy to get some smaller euro notes, as some smaller shops might not have change for large ones.

Emergency Contacts

Save This Pin

Keep these important emergency numbers with you while in Bastia: 112 for general emergencies (this works across Europe), 15 for medical help, 17 for police, and 18 for fire services.

The city’s main hospital, Centre Hospitalier de Bastia, is at Route Imperiale, 20604 Bastia. You’ll find the police station in the middle of town at 4 Rue du Commandant L’Herminier. If you need the port’s security office, they’re open around the clock – ring +33 4 95 55 25 25.

Your ship’s security desk can help with emergencies too, and they’ll work with local services when needed. It’s worth saving your ship’s local phone number, as they can help translate if you run into language problems during an emergency.

History of The Port

Sitting pretty on Corsica’s northern coast, Bastia’s port has been a busy Mediterranean trading spot since Roman days. You can still see bits of its sailing past in the fortified Old Port, where traders from Genoa set up shop in the 1300s and made it boom. Thanks to its brilliant location, the port became Corsica’s main connection to Europe and North Africa for hundreds of years.

• In the 1400s, Genoese rulers built the massive Terra-Nova citadel that still keeps an eye on the harbour today
• The port got much bigger in 1862 when they built the modern Saint-Nicolas harbour
• By the early 1900s, Bastia’s port was the top dog among Corsica’s commercial ports, handling more than half the island’s sea traffic

Environmental Initiatives at The Port

Save This Pin

Since 2015, Bastia’s port has been doing its bit to protect the Mediterranean’s fragile ecosystem. You’ll spot power points along the harbour that let ships switch off their engines while docked – this means a lot less noise and air pollution in the area.

The port’s got a proper system for handling waste from cruise ships, with modern treatment facilities taking care of sewage and rubbish. There are recycling bins all over the terminal, and they’re quite strict about ships dumping ballast water to keep foreign species out.

They’ve recently put up solar panels on the buildings, switched to LED lights, and added charging points for electric cars. There’s also a system that tracks air quality in real time – you can see the current pollution levels on their app or website.

Accessibility Information for Disabled Passengers

The Bastia cruise terminal has lots of helpful features for passengers who need extra mobility support. You’ll spot wheelchair ramps, lifts, and help points all over the building. The port team knows how to lend a hand to disabled travellers getting around the terminal and help with getting on and off the ships.

• All doorways and hallways are wide enough for both normal and electric wheelchairs, with easy-to-read signs showing accessible paths
• Special parking spots close to the main entrance, with direct wheelchair access to where you check in
• Disabled loos on every floor, fitted with emergency alarms and handrails

Just ring your cruise company or the port authority 48 hours before you arrive if you need special help. You can also borrow wheelchairs at the terminal, and there’s level access to the shuttle buses that go to Bastia town centre.

Cruise Insurance and Medical Facilities at The Port

Save This Pin

Travel insurance is a must-have for anyone sailing from Bastia port. You’ll want cover for medical problems, cancelled trips and any possible evacuations. Most cruise companies simply won’t let you on board without showing your insurance documents.

The port has a small medical centre that can sort out minor health problems and basic emergencies. If you’ve got anything serious, they’ll take you to Bastia General Hospital, which is about 3 kilometres away. The hospital runs round-the-clock emergency care and has staff who speak English.

There’s a chemist at the cruise terminal where you can get common medicines and first-aid bits and bobs. It’s open whenever ships are arriving or leaving. The port also has trained first aiders on hand who can help straight away if you’re feeling poorly while getting on or off the ship.

Families: Child-Friendly Services and Activities

Families going through Bastia’s port will find lots of child-friendly features in the terminal. There’s a kids’ play area with suitable equipment and staff watching during busy times. You’ll find family loos with baby-changing tables and smaller toilets for little ones.

• The terminal’s casual cafes and restaurants have children’s menus and highchairs, including choices for those with dietary requirements
• A small games area has gaming consoles and touchscreens to keep teenagers busy whilst waiting
• Wi-Fi spots around the terminal mean kids can watch their favourite shows or play games online before boarding

If you’re planning to go into town, pop by the information desk for maps showing nearby playgrounds, family-friendly beaches and places that children might like – all within walking distance of the terminal.

Local Cultural Highlights and Events

Save This Pin

Beyond things to do with the kids, Bastia’s cultural side really comes alive all year round. Look out for traditional Corsican festivals like Saint Jean-Baptiste in June, with local music, dancing and religious processions winding through the old town. During July and August, you can listen to open-air concerts in Saint-Nicolas Square, where musicians play traditional polyphonic songs.

Pop into the Terra Vecchia district’s artisan workshops to see local craftsmen making traditional pottery and jewellery. The Mattei Cap Corse wine tastings, which usually happen in spring and autumn, give you a taste of Bastia’s wine-making heritage. When September rolls around, the Festival of Saint Croix brings authentic Corsican food and historical re-enactments near the Citadel, showing what life was like in the city’s past.

Best Times of Year to Cruise from The Port

Mediterranean cruises run from Bastia between April and October, with the busiest time from June to August. The nicest weather is during May and September when it’s about 24°C and you’ll see fewer people than in peak months. There aren’t any winter cruises because of rough seas and most ports close down.

• May and September are brilliant times to go – you’ll find fewer tourists, cheaper hotels, and lovely weather for wandering around the old port
• July and August are the hottest months, great for the beach, but you’ll pay more and deal with bigger crowds
• Spring (April-May) is when wildflowers pop up all over Corsica, making it lovely for hiking in mild weather

If you want the best of everything – good weather, fair prices, and manageable crowds – book during the shoulder season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Cruise Ship Size That Can Dock at Bastia?

Ships of up to 656 feet (200 metres) can tie up at Bastia’s port. The maximum water depth allows for a draft of 26 feet (8 metres), which means most mid-sized cruise ships can easily come in and dock here.

Are There Any Local Boat Tours Available Directly From the Cruise Port?

Several boat companies run trips straight from the port, making it simple to hop aboard and see Corsica’s lovely coast. You can sail around and find quiet little bays and inlets along the Mediterranean shore.

How Rough Are the Waters Typically Around Bastia’s Port Area?

The waters around Bastia’s port tend to be quite gentle, thanks to its good breakwater protection. The winter brings stronger winds that can make things a bit rougher, but if you’re sailing in summer, you’ll find it’s usually nice and calm.

Which Cruise Lines Regularly Use Bastia as a Port of Call?

MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises regularly pop into Bastia, and you might spot Royal Caribbean and Norwegian ships there now and then during their Mediterranean routes, particularly in the busy summer season.

Can Passengers Store Luggage at the Port Before Their Scheduled Boarding Time?

Unfortunately, there’s no luggage storage at Bastia’s port. You’ll need to keep your bags with you until it’s time to board, or see if your hotel can look after them.

Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Bonifacio Cruise Ship Port Guide.