Choosing the right hire car

Narrow and winding island roads make it advisable to choose a small and maneuverable hire car. You should just consider how much holiday luggage you want to take on the trip before booking.

Many a holidaymaker has only realised after picking up the hire car that the car they have chosen has far too small a boot.

Insuring the car properly

On narrow roads and in turbulent city traffic, a small accident can happen quickly. Protect yourself and book a hire car with comprehensive insurance without deductible. Since it can be really expensive if people come to harm in an accident, you should always pay attention to the coverage amount in the liability.

It should be at least one million euros. If the coverage of your rental company seems too low, you should also take out a so-called Mallorca policy. You can find more information about insurance in our special.

Accessories

Accessories, such as a navigation device, are a fine and helpful thing in foreign lands. To ensure that the desired items are actually present when you pick up the car, you should reserve the desired accessories well in advance.

Free kilometers

If you want to conquer Corsica by hire car, you should definitely book a hire car with all kilometers free. Then you can relax and enjoy the drive without having to constantly squint anxiously at the mileage display.

Customer Satisfaction Hire Car

Most customers are satisfied with their hire car service in Bastia. However, some report that they were required to return the car vacuumed and cleaned. And other customers complain that they were tried to sell them more unnecessary insurance on the spot. Be sure to read customer reviews before booking the car to avoid getting stuck with such a black sheep.

Sights in Bastia

Place Saint-Nicolas: shopper’s paradise
See and be seen is the motto on Place Saint-Nicolas, where you could start your city stroll. This is where half the city meets to stroll or relax in the sidewalk cafes. The square is dominated by a statue of Napoleon Bonaparte, made in 1815.

If you want to buy an original souvenir, you can head to the west side of the square. Here you will find the headquarters of the Mattei company, which produces the famous Cap Corse aperitif. The shop opened back in 1900 and still retains its historic feel.

Oratoire Saint-Roch: Neoclassical gem
A small 17th-century neoclassical church is yours to behold as you direct your steps to the Oratoire Saint-Roch. The little church offers a charming contrast between its plain façade and the interior, which is dressed in glorious red.

Eglise Saint-Jean-Baptiste: Impressive nave
You’ll be transported to the Baroque era when you then head to the Eglise Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Built in 1583, it impresses with its mighty double towers and richly decorated interior.

Musee du Parfum: Experience perfume making
Do you love beautiful fragrances? Then you can learn a lot about making fine fragrances at the Musee du Parfum on Avenue Emile Sari. During the summer months, the museum is open daily except Sunday from 9:30am to 12:00pm and from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. In winter, you can visit it Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Admission is free.

Cathédrale Sainte-Marie: More Being than Appearance
Next stop on your city tour could be the Cathédrale Sainte-Marie, built in the 15th century. Many visitors are initially disappointed by the plain façade, until they are amazed by the magnificent interior here too.

At the end of your stroll, it’s worth strolling through the narrow streets of the Citadel Quarter and enjoying a cool drink in a bar. This is the best way to experience the relaxed atmosphere of the city.

Discover a good hotel

Since many tourists are drawn to the beaches, the choice of good hotels in Bastia is limited. You might book your room at the Best Western Bastia. You can expect a house in a central location with rooms that offer good comfort.

Suggestion of a round trip

Patrimonio: Centre of viticulture
A first round trip with the hire car could lead you first to Patrimonio. In half an hour you will be there. In this small town, some of the best wines of the island are pressed.

Many winemakers are happy to invite you to a wine tasting. As the driver, you will have to rely on the judgement of fellow travellers and can load a few bottles into the boot for the evening.

Église de San Michele de Murato: Experience an Elegant Church
Continue your drive to Murato. Your hire car will take you there in three quarters of an hour. In Murato, one of the most beautiful churches on the island awaits you with the Église de San Michele de Murato.

It was built in the 13th century and is considered a prime example of the Romanesque architectural style.

Vescovato: Picturesque mountain village
Before you drive back to Bastia in your hire car, you can make a stop in Vescovato. You should allow a good half hour for the drive. In Vescovato you can discover a typical Corsican mountain village in a picturesque landscape and stroll through the winding streets.

After the stroll, you will then have the opportunity to taste the specialties of the region at the Auberge U San Martinu restaurant. A half hour drive by hire car now separates you from Bastia, where you can relax after an eventful day.