A multi-layer coating is particularly useful for the coating of implants such as orthopedic and dental implants, particularly metallic implants. The first layer comprises a dense material insoluble and inert in body fluids. The second layer comprises apatite and a binder. The first layer protects the metallic implants from corrosion, apatite dissolution, and interfacial reaction with apatite and the binder. The binder allows adjustment of the thermal expansion coefficient between the coating and the metallic substrate. This multi-layer coating has both high bond strength to implants and excellent bioactivity with the surrounding body tissue.