The Corsican center from Calvi to Corte by bike
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationHaute-Corse / Calvi
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions93.72 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Take the brand new GT20 route – the Great Crossing – and discover an authentic and unspoiled Corsica. From Calvi to Corte, this cycling trip invites you to traverse the contrasting landscapes of the island's heart, between the Mediterranean coast, charming villages, verdant valleys, and mountainous terrain.
As the kilometers roll by, you gradually leave the shores of Balagne behind and venture into the island's interior, where winding roads reveal spectacular panoramas of the Corsican mountains. You'll discover another side of Corsica, wilder and more intimate, at the pace of your pedaling and beautiful stops in the heart of typical villages.
An ideal route for cycling enthusiasts seeking a change of scenery, nature and authenticity, discovering an island of character, between sea and mountain.
The highlights
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Visit to Corsican towns and villages
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Diverse landscapes between the seaside and the mountains
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A dose of discovery every day
Photos
Sport
Level
Road cycling
The expert's opinion
In July and August, temperatures can be particularly high in Corsica and the roads can be busier. We therefore recommend setting off early in the morning to cycle in better conditions and avoid the hottest hours.
In figures
Road bike
- Average duration/day: 2h
- Average distance/day: 39 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 840 m
- Average daily descent: 759 m
- Predominant type of terrain : Road
PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Average duration/day: 3h
- Average distance/day: 39 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 840 m
- Predominant type of terrain : Road
Management
Program
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Arrival in Calvi
- Transportation Car - 00h01 - 10km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival in Calvi and check-in at your hotel.
Day 1 -
From Calvi to Galéria
- Activity Road bike
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 38 km
- Positive elevation gain 487 m
- Negative elevation 472 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 38 km
- Positive elevation gain 487 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
From Calvi onwards, the spectacular sandy beaches of Balagne give way to the granite and volcanic rocks of the northwest coast. Admire its steep cliffs in vibrant ochre, pink, or red hues, with only a few rare wild beaches dotted with mauve and black sands and pebbles torn from the volcanic peaks of the central mountain ridge.
On a road running along the coast you will reach your stop for the night, the small village of Galéria, located by the sea.Day 2 -
From Galéria to Porto
- Activity Road bike
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 51 km
- Positive elevation gain 921 m
- Negative elevation 903 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Distance 51 km
- Positive elevation gain 921 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You will continue today on a road that is considered one of the most beautiful on the island.
The Galeria coast in Porto corresponds to the coastline of the Gulf of Porto and its immediate surroundings: Scandola peninsula with Cape Seninu to the north and Capu Rossu and Orchinu points to the south. This extraordinary maritime facade is the must-see of the Corsican coasts.
By road, you will repeatedly have breathtaking views of the beauties of this coastline.Day 3 -
Free day around Porto - Round trip to Piana
- Activity Road bike
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 25 km
- Positive elevation gain 890 m
- Negative elevation 890 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Distance 25 km
- Positive elevation gain 890 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Leaving Porto, head towards Ajaccio via Piana. The road climbs rapidly, gradually revealing the spectacular Calanques of Piana. These impressive red rock formations contrast magnificently with the deep green of the maquis and the intense blue of the sea below. A breathtaking setting—don't forget your cameras!
You continue on to the charming village of Piana, perched in the heart of this landscape listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The return to your accommodation is via the same route, offering a new perspective on these unique landscapes.
Second night in Porto.
Day 4 -
From Porto to Calacuccia
- Activity Road bike
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Distance 50 km
- Positive elevation gain 1592 m
- Negative elevation 829 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 50 km
- Positive elevation gain 1592 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today, you'll explore spectacular mountain landscapes as you cross the majestic Aïtone forest, before reaching the Niolu region. Composed mainly of Laricio pines, beeches, and chestnut trees, this forest stretches all the way to the Verghio pass, offering a complete immersion in one of Corsica's most beautiful forests.
Along the way, you will cross the impressive Spelunca Gorge, a natural site of striking beauty.
You pass through Évisa, a charming village nicknamed the chestnut capital, a true gateway to the Aïtone forest. Then, crossing the Vergio pass – the highest point on the road – a magnificent panorama opens up over the Niolu region and Lake Calacuccia, nestled in the heart of the Corsican mountains.
Your stage ends in Calacuccia, a peaceful mountain village bordering an artificial lake, ideal for a quiet break, between nature and tradition.
Night in Calacuccia.
Day 5 -
From Calacuccia to Corte
- Activity Road bike
- Duration of the activity 1h30
- Distance 30 km
- Positive elevation gain 308 m
- Negative elevation 698 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 30 km
- Positive elevation gain 308 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Starting from Calacuccia, you leave the heart of the Niolu region by taking a small, winding road that gradually descends into the valley. You cycle through a wild mountain landscape, between pine forests, steep cliffs and perched villages.
The road follows the Golo River, the longest in Corsica, offering beautiful views of its steep gorges. After a few kilometers, you pass near Albertacce and then begin a steeper descent towards Castirla.
As you approach Corte, the terrain becomes gentler, and you join the T20 for a few kilometers, a slightly busier but smooth road, which leads you directly to Corte, the former historical capital of Corsica, nestled in the heart of the island.
Night in Corte.
Day 6 -
Corte - End of stay
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Your stay ends after breakfast.
You can either return the bikes to Bastia on your own, or opt for the collection option in Corte.
Feel free to contact us to arrange a transfer to Bastia or elsewhere depending on your departure.
Day 7
Accommodation
5 nights in 3* hotels and 1 night in a 2* hotel.
5 nights are spent in hotels with a swimming pool
(subject to availability at the time of booking).
Access
Your stay begins in Calvi; your hotel is located in the heart of the city.
End of stay in Corte, still in the city centre.
Go to the starting point
The ideal way to plan your trip is to arrive in Calvi and depart from Bastia. Bastia airport is accessible by train from Corte.
Price details
The price includes
- Nights in double rooms in 3-star hotels and bed and breakfasts
- Breakfasts
- Dinner on day 5 in Zicavo
- Luggage transfer
- Airport transfers
- The digital travel file including maps and guidebook
- Local telephone support
The price does not include
- Maritime or air transport
- Meals and drinks (except breakfasts and one dinner on day 5 in Zicavo)
- Insurance
- Tourist taxes
- The electric bike
- The “solo supplement” if you are travelling alone
Options
- Bike rental - Aluminum road bike : CHF439.10 / unit
- Bike rental - Carbon road bike : CHF484.84 / unit
- Bike rental - Gravel or hybrid bikes : CHF356.77 / unit
- Bike rental - Electric bike : CHF402.51 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
A minimum of specific cycling equipment will be necessary to be comfortable on the pedals:
- A helmet
- Glasses
- Appropriate shoes (no smooth soles)
- Cycling shorts or cycling shorts
- Breathable T-shirt (avoid cotton)
To avoid mechanical problems, it's best to be prepared and always carry the basic mountain biking equipment:
- 2 inner tubes (puncture-resistant tubes strongly recommended, or puncture-resistant strips)
- a pump
- tire levers
- an inner tube repair kit consisting of patches and glue
- a multi-tool
- a small clamp
- a piece of tire
Alternatively, you can assemble your own toolbox which will be transported along with your luggage:
- a brake cable (front and rear)
- a derailleur cable
- a tire
- a derailleur hanger
- chain oil
- a rag
And let's not forget the most important thing:
- a meat bag (for stays in a gîte)
- spare clothes
- a pair of light shoes for the evening
- a thick sweater or a fleece jacket
- a small toiletry bag with a towel
Clothing to bring
A minimum of specific cycling equipment will be necessary to be comfortable on the pedals:
- a helmet
- glasses
- suitable shoes (no smooth soles)
- cycling shorts or cycling shorts
- Breathable T-shirt (avoid cotton)
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- You pay a 30% deposit today to reserve your stay.
- The balance (the remaining 70%) must be paid no later than 30 days before departure.
- ✅ Of an amount greater than €300.
- ✅ Whose departure is in more than 30 days.