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Cycling in Corsica
Cycling holidays in Corsica is a rewarding experience, with the island increasingly recognised as a serious destination for road cycling, mountain biking, gravel and leisure rides. Discover how you can join the ride.
Explore Corsica by bike
The launch of the 373-mile GT20 has given cycle tourism a new focus, while local clubs, bike-hire companies and specialist operators make it easier for visitors to join the cycling community. Corsica is undeniably mountainous, so this is not an island for effortless pedalling, but the terrain is remarkably varied. Coastal roads offer gentler options, while inland routes bring steep climbs, winding mountain passes and rewarding descents. With e-bikes, shorter loops and quieter coastal roads, there are routes for different abilities.
Three reasons we love cycling in Corsica
Sea & mountains
Few cycling destinations deliver such dramatic contrasts, with aquamarine coastlines, rugged peaks, forests and maquis around every bend.
Endless variety
Choose challenging mountain passes, undulating coastal roads, quiet village lanes, gravel tracks or gentler leisure rides.
The GT20
Corsica's flagship cycling route crosses from Bastia to Bonifacio, linking mountains, villages and spectacular coastal scenery.
Routes for every cyclist
Corsica’s mountainous landscape means cycling here can be challenging, but it also creates an extraordinary variety of routes, from road cycling to mountain biking.
Cap Corse is particularly rewarding, combining winding roads, fishing villages and sea views, while the Balagne offers a mix of coast and hilltop villages.
Inland, routes through Corte, the Alta Rocca and Bavella bring bigger climbs and more demanding terrain, but with rewarding results. The dramatic scenery and exclusive lunch stops offer the most amazing views!
Meanwhile, mountain bikers have their own playground, with forest tracks, trails and rougher routes around areas including the Agriates, Ospedale and Bavella. Gravel cycling is also growing, offering a way to explore quieter tracks away from busy roads and E-bikes have made Corsica more accessible too, allowing less experienced or less confident riders to take on hilly routes.
Cycling routes in Corsica - an extract from our guide
There are an abundance of routes, all over Corsica, each offering something a little different.
Route in depth: Northern Corsica by bike
For a varied five-day adventure, follow the northern section of the GT20 between Bastia and Calvi, adapting the official stages to create a moderate itinerary. It combines coastline, Cap Corse, vineyards, the Agriates landscape and Balagne’s hilltop villages without requiring the full commitment of crossing the island. Expect roughly 35-45 miles of cycling on most days, with some challenging climbs, while e-bikes are available for riders who want additional assistance.
Please note, this is a sample, self-guided itinerary that we are suggesting. Feel free to plan your own route and we can help book you your accommodation along the way.
Day 1: Bastia loop
Ride a coastal loop around Bastia and the foothills of Cap Corse, before returning to the city.
Stay: Hôtel des Gouverneurs, in Bastia’s historic citadel, with an indoor pool and panoramic terrace.
Day 2: Bastia to Saint Florent
Head through Patrimonio’s vineyards before descending towards the Gulf of Saint Florent.
Stay: Hôtel Bellevue, overlooking the sea and harbour.
Day 3: Saint Florent to L’Île Rousse
Cross the Désert des Agriates before reaching the Balagne coast.
Stay: Hôtel Santa Maria, a beachside hotel with pool, Jacuzzi and gym.
Day 4: L’Île Rousse to Calvi
Ride inland through Pigna, Sant’Antonino and other hilltop villages before descending to Calvi.
Stay: Hôtel St Christophe, beneath Calvi Citadel, with a heated pool and restaurant.
Day 5: Calvi loop
Finish with a circular ride towards Galéria, or take a shorter coastal route before returning to Calvi for your final evening.
Route in depth: The GT20
The Grande Traversée 20 is a long-distance cycling route crossing the island from Bastia in the north to Bonifacio in the south. The route takes in mountains, coastline, forests, and quaint villages.
Taking your time on this route is recommended, 600km in length, it provides an unforgettable way to explore Corsica. 12 days is a fantastic amount of time to spend on the route; you will tackle 10,047m in cumulative elevation gain, with most of the route passing through low mountains, taking you from sea level to 1,500m.
This route is geared towards very fit cyclists with plenty of experience, who are confident in tackling the demands of the route, such as technically demanding descents.
Here is a breakdown of the route throughout the 12-day itinerary:
- Stage one: Bastia to Centuri
- Stage two: Centuri to St Florent
- Stage three: St Florent to Belgodère
- Stage four: Belgodère to Calenzana
- Stage five: Calenzana to Galéria
- Stage six: Galéria to Porto
- Stage seven: Porto to Col de Vergio
- Stage eight: Col de Bergio to Corte
- Stage nine: Corte to Ghisoni
- Stage ten: Ghisoni to Zicavo
- Stage eleven: Zicavo to Zonza
- Stage twelve: Zonza to Bonifacio
Route in depth: The GT20
The Grande Traversée 20 is a long-distance cycling route crossing the island from Bastia in the north to Bonifacio in the south. The route takes in mountains, coastline, forests, and quaint villages.
Taking your time on this route is recommended, 600km in length, it provides an unforgettable way to explore Corsica. 12 days is a fantastic amount of time to spend on the route; you will tackle 10,047m in cumulative elevation gain, with most of the route passing through low mountains, taking you from sea level to 1,500m.
This route is geared towards very fit cyclists with plenty of experience, who are confident in tackling the demands of the route, such as technically demanding descents.
Here is a breakdown of the route throughout the 12-day itinerary:
- Stage one: Bastia to Centuri
- Stage two: Centuri to St Florent
- Stage three: St Florent to Belgodère
- Stage four: Belgodère to Calenzana
- Stage five: Calenzana to Galéria
- Stage six: Galéria to Porto
- Stage seven: Porto to Col de Vergio
- Stage eight: Col de Bergio to Corte
- Stage nine: Corte to Ghisoni
- Stage ten: Ghisoni to Zicavo
- Stage eleven: Zicavo to Zonza
- Stage twelve: Zonza to Bonifacio
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