By bike on the GT20: the entire Corsica route from Bastia to Bonifacio
In summary
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Sports
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Duration12 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationHaute-Corse / Bastia
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions142.92 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure in the heart of Corsica, with an exceptional 11-stage route linking the Mediterranean shores to the Corsican peaks . This dynamic journey alternates between wild beaches , perched villages , secluded coves , and mountain ranges , along scenic roads and through unspoiled nature.
After a first stop in Bastia , you follow the spectacular cliffs of Cap Corse , cross its typical marinas and reach Saint-Florent . The route continues towards Balagne , between L'Île-Rousse and Calvi , before reaching Galéria and the Gulf of Porto , framed by the Scandola Reserve and the Calanques of Piana , a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From the seventh day onwards, the route tackles the mountains : ridges rising to over 2,000 meters , chestnut forests , free-roaming animals , spectacular canyons ... The Vergio Pass (1,477 m) marks the highest point of this journey, before a descent towards Corte , followed by a crossing of the Alta Rocca region. The arrival in Bonifacio , perched atop its white cliffs, concludes this exceptional cycling trip .
The highlights
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Cycling route from Bastia to Bonifacio between turquoise sea and Corsican peaks
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Luggage transport with access to bags every evening
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Attractive and unmissable stopover cities
Photos
Sport
Level
Road cycling
In figures
Road bike
- Average distance/day: 52 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 863 m
- Average daily descent: 860 m
- Predominant type of terrain : Road
Management
Program
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Bastia
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Welcome to Bastia! Head straight to your accommodation in L'Île-Rousse, the charming Paoline city with its rich heritage. Use our app to explore the city and the Pietra lighthouse. Enjoy the central beaches and the lively evening atmosphere.
Day 1 -
From Bastia to Centuri
- Activity Road bike
- Distance 55 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A magnificent start along the east coast of Cap Corse to Macinaggio, before the gradual climb to the Col de la Serra (360 m). A spectacular descent then takes you to Centuri, a picturesque fishing port renowned for its lobsters.
Day 2 -
From Centuri to Saint-Florent
- Activity Road bike
- Distance 58 km
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Head to the west coast of Cap Corse! A varied route alternating between climbs and descents with exceptional panoramic views of the Gulf of Saint-Florent and the Agriate and Balagne coasts. Upon arrival, discover the Bay of Saint-Florent, often compared to the "little Saint-Tropez" of Corsica.
Day 3 -
From Saint-Florent to L'Île-Rousse
- Activity Road bike
- Distance 45 km
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Crossing the Agriate, this wild landscape nicknamed the "Corsican desert". A hilly route to Ostriconi, where the sea opens up again before returning to L'Île-Rousse, its beaches and its many shops.
Day 4 -
From Île-Rousse to Galéria
- Activity Road bike
- Distance 60 km
- Positive elevation gain 760 m
- Negative elevation 760 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Head towards Calvi and its citadel before following the Revellata coastline, on a road that is sometimes uneven but offers sublime sea views. The stage ends in the charming fishing village of Galéria.
Day 5 -
From Galéria to Porto
- Activity Road bike
- Distance 50 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
An unforgettable day between turquoise sea and rugged terrain. After climbing the Palmarella pass (408 m), admire the Scandola reserve, Girolata and the Calanques of Piana before reaching Porto, where a magnificent sunset awaits you.
Day 6 -
From Porto to the Vergio pass
- Activity Road bike
- Distance 35 km
- Positive elevation gain 1475 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
The queen stage of the route! A gradual climb through the Spelunca gorges, the village of Evisa and then the Aïtone forest, up to the Vergio pass (1477 m), the highest point of the GT20, in the heart of a wild alpine setting.
Day 7 -
From Col de Vergio to Corte
- Activity Road bike
- Distance 50 km
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Negative elevation 1350 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A superb descent through the villages of Niolu and the spectacular gorges of Scala di Santa Regina before arriving in Corte, the cultural capital and historic heart of Corsica.
Day 8 -
From Corte to Ghisoni
- Activity Road bike
- Distance 58 km
- Positive elevation gain 1370 m
- Negative elevation 1200 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The first major mountain stage involves crossing the impressive Inzecca gorges. Arrival in the charming village of Ghisoni, at an altitude of 650m.
Day 9 -
From Ghisoni to Zicavo
- Activity Road bike
- Distance 52 km
- Positive elevation gain 1100 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Ascent to the Verde pass (1289 m) in the heart of forest landscapes, then descent towards the villages of Haut-Taravo, Zicavo or Vaccia pass depending on availability.
Day 10 -
From Zicavo to Carbini
- Activity Road bike
- Distance 50 km
- Positive elevation gain 630 m
- Negative elevation 1200 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Intermediate stop in the heart of Alta Rocca, between pine forests and authentic villages. Final descent towards Carbini or Levie.
Day 11 -
From Carbini to Bonifacio
- Activity Road bike
- Distance 50 km
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Negative elevation 1450 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A final day in style, culminating at the famous white cliffs of Bonifacio. Wild landscapes, gentle hills, and a triumphant arrival in the medieval town. Bike return by 4:00 PM if rented.
Day 12
Note
🚴 Extension option : possible extension to Ajaccio via Propriano in 2 stages of approximately 80 km each.
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
Accommodation in a 2-star and 3-star hotel in a room for two people with breakfast
Dinners at Galéria day 5, Vergio day 7, Zicavo Day 10 and Carbini Day 11
Travel file (road map and travel diary)
GPX tracks and the Corsica Aventure application
Luggage transport
Telephone support
The price does not include
Bike rentals
Lunches
Dinners other than those mentioned
Drinks and personal expenses
Travel insurance
Options
- Road bike rental : CHF690.67 / person
- Electric bike rental : CHF782.15 / person
- 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
- Bicycle helmet (unless rented)
- Bicycle water bottle (unless rented)
- Sunscreen, lip balm,
- Sunglasses
- Hat/cap for sun protection
- Lunch essentials
- Toiletry bag
- First aid kit (adhesive tape, bandages, blister plasters, Micropur tablets, your personal medications…)
- Tissues
- Identity papers, health insurance card, money (to be carried with you during hikes)
- Mobile phone
Clothing to bring
- Cycling shorts (or cycling bib shorts)
- Lightweight trousers
- Shorts
- Underwear
- technical T-shirts
- Fleece jacket
- Waterproof and breathable jacket
- Swimsuit + Microfiber towel
- Cycling gloves
- Sports shoes (like tennis shoes) in which you are comfortable.
- If you need to rent a bicycle and you have clipless cycling shoes, please bring your own pedals. We will remove the pedals when you rent the bicycle.
