In summary
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Sports
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Duration11 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationHaute-Corse / Bastia
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions166.95 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Explore Corsica by bike along the new GT20 route , the Great North-South Crossing, for a unique experience that will reveal another side of the Isle of Beauty. Immerse yourself in local authenticity , discover unspoiled places , soak up the rich culture of traditional villages , and savor Corsican cuisine ! This cycling trip offers a truly immersive experience, bringing you closer to the heart of Corsica. From Bastia to Bonifacio , passing through Saint-Florent, Patrimonio, Porto, and Corte, let yourself be captivated by the charm of the landscapes for an unforgettable 12-day trip!
The highlights
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A complete crossing of the island, from north to south, by bicycle
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Balanced stages with stops in picturesque villages
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Varied landscapes between sea and mountains
Photos
Sport
Level
Road cycling
The expert's opinion
9 days of cycling with stages of approximately 80 km per day and elevation changes that can be significant.
In figures
PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Average distance/day: 63 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 1076 m
- Average daily descent: 858 m
- Maximum altitude: 1480 m
- Predominant type of terrain : Road
Road bike
- Average duration/day: 3h
- Average distance/day: 70 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 1215 m
- Average daily descent: 1215 m
- Predominant type of terrain : Road
Management
Program
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Arrival in Bastia
- Transportation Car - 00h40 - 20km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Upon arrival in Bastia, you will be transferred from the airport and checked into your hotel. This gives you time to explore the capital of Upper Corsica. The old port is magnificent, as is the freely accessible citadel and the old town, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the sea and the surrounding area. For dinner (at your leisure), we recommend the old port and its unique atmosphere.
Day 1 -
From Bastia to Centuri
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Distance 55 km
- Positive elevation gain 717 m
- Negative elevation 715 m
- Maximum altitude 390 m
- Activity Road bike
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 70 km
- Positive elevation gain 1040 m
- Negative elevation 1038 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
In the morning, you'll start your day by taking your bike and heading north on a road that runs along the coast, passes through the wooded interior, and reaches the other side of the island with its stunning cliffs. Several Genoese towers dot the route, as well as old convents and mills. The marinas with their small fishing ports are beautiful.
Day 2 -
From Centuri to Saint Florent
- Activity Road bike
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Distance 60 km
- Positive elevation gain 850 m
- Negative elevation 849 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 58 km
- Positive elevation gain 850 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You leave Cap Corse and head south towards Saint-Florent. Depending on the route you choose, you can discover the village of Patrimonio, famous throughout Corsica for its vineyards. Wine tastings are available in the village cellars. The views over the Gulf of Saint-Florent are superb along the entire route. In Saint-Florent, be sure to visit the citadel and stroll along the port and its charming shopping streets.
Day 3 -
From Saint Florent to Monticello
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Distance 51 km
- Positive elevation gain 796 m
- Negative elevation 576 m
- Maximum altitude 372 m
- Activity Road bike
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 82 km
- Positive elevation gain 1630 m
- Negative elevation 1420 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today you're heading into the heart of the Agriates Desert. From hamlet to hamlet, you'll traverse this stunning desert and gradually approach the sea. Depending on the route you choose, you can take a path that leads you into the Balagne highlands for breathtaking views before descending back to the coast and its Genoese towers. You'll soon arrive in Monticello, your stop for the night. Don't miss the sunset over the islands.
Day 4 -
From Monticello to Galeria
- Activity Road bike
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 83 km
- Positive elevation gain 946 m
- Negative elevation 1163 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 67 km
- Positive elevation gain 921 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today, you will travel through the splendid villages of Balagne with their melodious names, Sant'Antonino, Pigna, and many others, to discover their understated charms. You will then arrive in Calvi.
Calvi, a splendid town, boasts an azure beach overlooked by mountains and crowned by a medieval citadel – a true little paradise where life is good. Continuing along the coastal road, you'll reach your overnight stop, the small seaside village of Galeria.Day 5 -
From Galeria to Porto
- Activity Road bike
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 51 km
- Positive elevation gain 722 m
- Negative elevation 697 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Distance 51 km
- Positive elevation gain 921 m
- Negative elevation 903 m
- Maximum altitude 411 m
- 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 coast from Galéria to Porto corresponds to the coastline of the Gulf of Porto and its immediate surroundings: Scandola peninsula with Cape Seninu to the north and the points of Capu Rossu and Orchinu to the south. This extraordinary maritime facade is the must of the Corsican coasts.
By road, you will repeatedly have breathtaking views of the beauties of this coastline.Day 6 -
From Porto to Corte
- Activity Road bike
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Distance 86 km
- Positive elevation gain 1823 m
- Negative elevation 1433 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 83 km
- Positive elevation gain 1823 m
- Negative elevation 1433 m
- Maximum altitude 1480 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A day with a fairly significant elevation gain. You will pass through many charming villages, including Evisa, where chestnuts reign supreme, and then the splendid Aïtone state forest.
You will discover one of the most remote regions of the island, the Niolu. You will pass through Albertacce, Casamaccioli, and Calacuccia on the shores of its vast lake. Passing by the magnificent Scala de la Santa Regina, you will reach Corte, your stop for the night.Day 7 -
From Corte to Zicavo
- Activity Road bike
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 78 km
- Positive elevation gain 2117 m
- Negative elevation 1809 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 5h50
- Distance 80 km
- Positive elevation gain 1852 m
- Negative elevation 1568 m
- Maximum altitude 1300 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
This day promises to be incredible, a mountain stage through chestnut trees that will take you over the famous Col de Verde (located at 1289 m) to reach Zicavo.
Zicavo is a mountain village, one of many in Corsica, nestled in the heart of a wild and unspoiled valley. Surrounded by mountains, this village in the Upper Taravo region, within the Natural Park, will charm you, especially in summer with its refreshing coolness (it is located at an altitude of 750m).Day 8 -
From Zicavo to Zonza
- Activity Road bike
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 44 km
- Positive elevation gain 788 m
- Negative elevation 737 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 45 km
- Positive elevation gain 788 m
- Negative elevation 737 m
- Maximum altitude 1195 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
On this day, you will drive on the road crossing the Vaccia pass before reaching the sumptuous and typical village of Zonza.
Day 9 -
From Zonza to Bonifacio
- Activity Road bike
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Distance 71 km
- Positive elevation gain 1014 m
- Negative elevation 1783 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 71 km
- Positive elevation gain 1014 m
- Negative elevation 1783 m
- Maximum altitude 1195 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today, you will pass through the village of Levie. You will feel completely at ease amidst this beautiful natural surroundings. Then, a magnificent view of the Gulf of Porto Vecchio, before arriving in the sumptuous town of Bonifacio.
Day 10 -
Bonifacio - End of stay
- Transportation Car - 00h25 - 22km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Your stay ends after breakfast.
A private transfer from your hotel to Figari airport is included in your stay.Day 11
Accommodation
7 nights in 3-star hotels, in double rooms
5 hotels have swimming pools
(subject to availability at the time of booking).
2 nights in 2* hotels
One hotel has a swimming pool and one is on the seafront.
(subject to availability at the time of booking).
One night in a bed and breakfast, with dinner and breakfast.
Access
Your stay begins in Bastia; your hotel is located in the heart of the city.
End of stay in Bonifacio, still in the city centre.
Go to the starting point
The ideal way to spend this trip is to arrive in Bastia and depart from Figari.
Shuttle buses from the airport will take you to the center of Bastia, to the train station. The fare is approximately €12 per person. Bicycles cannot be transported on the shuttle.
Taxis are also available outside the airport. Expect to pay around €60 per trip (more at night, on Sundays, and on public holidays). Taxis cannot transport bicycles.
Upon request, we can arrange airport transfers, with your bicycles.
A return trip from Porto-Vecchio to Bastia is possible: buses run twice a day. Buses must be booked in advance, and bicycles can be taken on board (approximately €60 per person with a bicycle).
If you have a vehicle, you can park it in the car park under Place Saint-Nicolas in Bastia. You will need to go to the reception desk to get a weekly pass; it costs approximately €25 per vehicle.
A return trip from Porto-Vecchio to Bastia is possible: buses run twice a day. Buses must be booked in advance, and bicycles can be taken on board (approximately €60 per person with a bicycle).
Price details
The price includes
- Nights in 3-star hotels
- One night in a bed and breakfast
- Breakfasts
- Dinner on day 8 in Zicavo
- Luggage transfer between each stage
- Airport transfers
- The digital travel file including maps and guidebook
- Local telephone support
The price does not include
- The “solo supplement” if you are travelling alone
- Meals and drinks not mentioned: lunches and dinners
- Insurance
- Tourist taxes
- Maritime or air transport
- Bicycle rental (optional)
- Optional activities in the program
Options
- Electric bike rental : CHF603.77 / unit
- Carbon road rental : CHF695.25 / unit
- Aluminum road bike rental : CHF503.14 / unit
- Hybrid bike rental : CHF512.29 / 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)
