Whilst there is a marina nearby (Port de Toga), I chose to go to the Vieux Port; the normal rule is a certain lack of facilities but in the centre of things. Bastia was no exception but had one distinct drawback that was not immediately apparant. About an hour after arrival the skies opened in a typical Mediterranean thunderstorm downpour. The harbour water turned from crystal clear to thick soup in minutes as every drain and sewer overflowed into the harbour; and it stank!!! There must be a moral to the story but I am still struggling to find the answer.
Bastia is an Italian town in a French island. Founded by the Genoese, the streets are narrow between 6 or 7 storey houses seemingly leaning inwards and with washing hanging out of every storey.
The port, smells allowing, has all the bustle of a waterfront with cafes and restaurants, even if not quite as visually welcoming as places like the very french Saint Florent.
It has an air of seediness about it and a closer look at the state of the majority of the houses shows that there has been a major underinvestment over decades.
The citadel, built circa 1380, has been restored. This is the clock tower which welcomes you as you enter the citadel. Definately worth a walk round even if photography is almost impossible through the narrow streets; you actually need the opposite to a telephoto lense to get any sensible pictures.
Happily the thunderstorms were a temporary blip and I was not delayed here. However nice, I did not find Bastia sufficiently attractive to want to stay and another night in a sespool ......
