Spassighjata in Bastia

Hello there, Finisher! how’s it going? Corsica welcomes you to Bastia to commemorate the Nation Day on December 7, 1735. On this occasion, a 9.5 km Urban Trail is held each year in Bastia’s old town—it's called “la Spassighjata in Bastia”! For the culture buff side, know that "Spassighjata" means Walking Tour (there you go—so you can brag at the coffee machine Monday morning 🤣).

This city-trail exudes a great vibe and helps the Haute-Corse prefecture showcase its heritage and bring to the fore certain neglected neighborhoods. Start of the race is in the early evening of December, and outside of beautiful Corsica you’d risk getting frostbite! 🥶 Also bring a headlamp because the sun will set as you progress through your city trail, and you’ll get to enjoy the city’s charm even after dark. Note that all proceeds go to l’INSEME which provides financial assistance to people living in Corsica who must travel to the mainland for medical reasons 💒. So even as a Pinzutu (foreigner to Corsica), you can help!

Spassighjata (note that we’ve written it 3 times, no mistakes, right?) starts at the Hôtel de Ville square (which will also be the finish) and quickly heads towards Saint-Nicolas squarein front of the port! You’ll recognize it by its avenues of century-old palm trees and its imposing statue of Napoleon as Roman Emperor 🤴 (yes he’s from Ajaccio, but to supervise a square this long—280m—you needed Corsican’s top personality). The rest of your route will wind through the narrow, typical streets of Bastia city center where you’ll pass several religious buildings like the stunning Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church (San Ghjuvà in Corsican). After following the coastline and succumbing to the charm of the pleasure boats docked by the port, you’ll tackle the ascent to San Rocuccio and its gentle incline (Oh well! it’s still a trail). It will take you to the site of the old Fort Lacroix, the highest point of your course.

When you descend back into town, night will have probably taken over and this ambiance gives a special charm to this port city. You’ll stroll the scenic streets, brushing past locals on terraces who, with their Pietra 🍺 in hand, will cheer you on (if you hear “Aio!” don’t run away—that’s Corsican for “Go for it!”), and that is truly unique! A pass by the municipal theater will signal that your trail is nearly over, a final lap at the Old Port, and the Hôtel de Ville square will welcome you with open arms.

Once your urban trail is finished, you’ll have earned a treat: a slice of Bruccio, the famous Corsican cheese, topped with a slice of local cured ham—Prisuttu! If you’d like a bit more sightseeing, you can stroll to Saint-Florent or head to Pigna, this medieval-origin hilltop village with blond houses and blue shutters! And if trail-running in nature is what you’re into, we recommend coming back this summer for the Ultra Trail Di Corsica!