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Car hire in Bastia

Hiring a car in Bastia

While not one of the most well-known locations in France, Bastia is a great choice for a holiday. The old port city is full of appeal and character that will soon have you hooked, no matter what type of vacation you tend to enjoy. Bastia is a French commune located in the Haute-Corse department of France on the island of Corsica. It has retained its historical roots and is a pleasure to explore, especially by car. Driving in Bastia is the best way to get around, offering you the chance to take in the stunning island as well as the city. Just remember that distance is counted by road-using time and not kilometres.

What you need to know

You'll be surprised at how much choice there is when it comes to hiring a car in Bastia, as numerous companies operate in the city. This means you're sure to find the right vehicle and package for your trip. To make your choice easier, use our booking tool, which allows you to see exactly what's on offer with no hidden costs. You'll also benefit from 24/7 support should you need it, as well as free cancellation. This is why millions of people each year come to us to find their perfect hire car.

Where to pick up your car

Collecting your hire car couldn't be easier, as there are car hire desks at Bastia Airport. Once you've collected your luggage, you'll find the desks close to the baggage reclaim area and the pick-up point is in the outdoor carpark. This saves the need for arranging connections to your hotel, as you're able to just pop your luggage in your car and start enjoying your holiday straight away. A few car hire companies also have pick-up points in the city so you should check their locations before your trip.

Best Car Hire Companies Bastia

alamo
alamo
alamo

Car Hire Reviews Bastia

  • “The pick-up was easy, it took 5 minutes from arriving at the desk to driving out the car, and the return took even less time.”
    Diane T

Where to go

The moment you have your car, the city of Bastia and the island of Corsica are your oyster. Whether you want to stay close to the port or brave some mountain driving to experience more of the wider area, there is plenty do and see. You can learn about the history of Bastia by visiting one of the city's historic sites or beautiful churches. If you want to take things easy, head to the beach or simply enjoy a drink in one of the bars around the port and take in the view.There are also plenty of shops to explore, so you'll be able to find the perfect souvenirs.

Nearby Bastia

You don't have to go far to find great attractions when staying in Bastia. If you want to take a break from the coast and go further inland, the small village of Cardo is worth a visit. A 15-minute drive via the D231 before turning onto the D164 will take you to the historic town. It is perched on a hillside offering you a great view out over Bastia that is ideal for photo opportunities.

If you fancy making the most of good weather by relaxing on the beach, you have several options available. While Bastia has a small beach, there are less crowded and very pretty alternatives quite close to the city. You can either drive north along the coastal road to find one of the pebble beaches or go south to find larger stretches of sand.

Longer drives

The island of Corsica really is a gorgeous place to visit and Bastia puts you in a good position to reach any number of great places. If you don't mind a slightly longer drive, you'll really be spoilt for choice as to where you should go. However, the picturesque marina town of Calvi should be top of your list. The town is on the other side of the island, taking just under two hours via the N197 to reach. It has an ancient citadel, the Cathedral of Saint-Jean-Baptiste and great places to go swimming.

If you're not afraid of a bit of a drive, then it is worth the two and a half hour journey to Col de Bavella. The beautiful scenic route is worth it alone, as the roads travel along the path of an ancient Roman road right up to the mountain pass. Once you reach Col de Bavella, you'll get to enjoy breathtaking views that are really out of this world.

Top attractions to visit in Bastia

Car hire means that you have the best attractions in Bastia to choose from, making it easy to fill your days with adventure.

Eating and drinking

Food in Bastia is sure to make your mouth water. There is a great range of restaurants and bars serving fresh fish and seafood, as well as all your classic French dishes. Head down the winding lanes of Terra Vecchia to find some hidden eateries or take a table outside and enjoy the views across the port in a coastal cafe. Whether you want a full meal or simply wish to sip on a rich coffee and watch the world go by, you're sure to find you favourite place in no time.

Things to do

One of the best things you can do in Bastia is soak in the vibrant atmosphere. You can do this by going to the Place St-Nicholas, which is the focal point of the city that features cafes along the seafront and a statue of Napoleon Bonaparte. For an interesting shopping experience, you can't miss the lively market found at L'Hotel de Ville on Saturday and Sunday mornings, which offers you the chance to pick up souvenirs and fresh produce. Even if you just fancy a stroll along the seafront, you're sure to be entertained in Bastia.

Sightseeing

The city and surrounding area is full of points of interest, making it well worth taking your camera. Bastia is home to several churches of note, including the Chapelle de l’Immaculée Conception. This stunning church has a barrel-vaulted ceiling that features detailed and beautiful paintings. However, it is not as ornate as the Cathédrale Ste-Marie, which is arguably the prettiest church in Bastia.

To learn more about the city, you can head to the Musée de Bastia, which retraces the history of Bastia through varied displays that are sure to pique your interest. The museum building itself is also quite imposing.

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