The Ultimate Bike Tour of Corsica

Upon your arrival at Figari Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed in the charming town of Porto Vecchio. Here, you’ll settle into a comfortable hotel, preparing for the adventure that awaits.

Embark on a journey from Porto Vecchio to Zonza, highlighted by the ascent of the iconic Col di Bavella. Spanning 86 kilometres, today’s route presents a challenging yet rewarding climb, renowned as one of Corsica’s most spectacular. The climb, totalling 31 kilometres, commences with a gentle incline from Solenzara, gradually intensifying to sections of 15% gradient towards the summit. Along the way, numerous cafes and restaurants offer the perfect respite to savour local delicacies or a refreshing cappuccino against the backdrop of the majestic Bavella peaks. Zonza, a picturesque mountain village, awaits at the day’s end, offering a serene retreat.

Today marks the queen stage of this epic Corsica tour. A 123-kilometre ride from Zonza to Corte is as challenging as it is scenic. The day is defined by two significant climbs: the Col de Verde and the Col du Sorba. The Col de Verde stretches for 28 kilometres with a gentle average incline of 3%, offering a long but manageable ascent. In contrast, the Col du Sorba, though only 10 kilometers long, presents a steeper challenge with an average gradient of nearly 7%.

Misjudge your effort here, and the climb could feel endless. However, the reward from the summit of Sorba is breathtaking, offering one of the most stunning panoramas encountered on any cycling tour. The remainder of the journey to Corte is comparatively easier, allowing time to reflect on the day’s achievements before enjoying a well-deserved dinner in Corte, arguably Corsica’s most captivating and authentic town.

Embarking from Corte, today’s 107-kilometer ride to Porto encapsulates the essence of Corsica, blending a variety of terrains, from steep gorges to serene coastlines, in a single stage. Initially, the ride takes us through the breathtaking Restonica gorge, where a coffee break offers not just a caffeine fix but also stunning vistas.

The route then ascends to the Col d’Ominanda, followed by a thrilling descent past Castirla, leading us to the base of Col de Vergio. This climb, the highest pass in Corsica at 1,500 meters, stretches over 40 kilometres. Despite its length, the ascent maintains a gentle gradient, averaging below 4%, except for the challenging final switchbacks. The descent towards Porto is nothing short of spectacular, winding through ancient roads carved into red granite gorges, with the Mediterranean Sea greeting us in the distance.

The day ends in Porto, a picturesque coastal town where the blend of mountain and sea sceneries is most vivid.

Today’s journey from Porto to Ajaccio covers Corsica’s stunning coastline, offering our first true seaside experience of the tour. Leaving Porto, we quickly encounter the breathtaking Calanches of Piana, a ride through an awe-inspiring natural monument that demands a pause for its dramatic beauty and countless photo opportunities.

The 11-kilometre ascent to Piana is challenging yet rewarding, with every effort compensated by the magnificent views. Beyond Piana, the route to Ajaccio presents a series of undulating terrains, with climbs varying in length but consistently rewarding with spectacular coastal vistas. Opting to bypass the bustling streets of Ajaccio, we steer towards the serene beach of Porticcio, ensuring a tranquil end to a day filled with natural wonders.

Embark on a scenic 113-kilometre journey from the coastal charm of Ajaccio towards the inviting tourist haven of Propriano, delving deep into the heart of Corsica’s lesser-known but equally captivating landscapes. This leg of our adventure leads us through the island’s serene inner territories, marked by quaint mountain villages that dot the route with their timeless allure.

The day’s ride is characterised by long, gradual ascents that challenge and reward in equal measure. As we draw nearer to Propriano, our path veers east, introducing us to the day’s formidable ascent: Col de Siu. While not excessively steep or lengthy by Corsican standards, the Col de Siu’s coarse asphalt and surrounding red-granite cliffs offer a unique riding experience, topped with breathtaking panoramic views that make the climb a memorable one. Our journey concludes in Sartene, a town renowned for its authentic Corsican spirit.

Our final day’s ride, spanning 83 kilometres from Sartene to Porto Vecchio, presents a gentle farewell to an unforgettable Corsican cycling experience. This concluding stage is marked by its relative ease, eschewing the island’s notorious cols for a collection of milder ascents, yet it culminates in a truly spectacular fashion. As we navigate through the day’s undulating challenges, our perseverance is rewarded with the exhilarating descent from Col de l’Ospedale. This 18-kilometer journey down offers riders breathtaking panoramas of the Porto Vecchio gulf and the island’s eastern coastline, serving as a fitting crescendo to our Epic Corsica adventure. As we roll into Porto Vecchio, we reflect on the journey behind us, the landscapes we’ve traversed, and the memories we’ve forged along the way.

As dawn breaks on our final day, the essence of Corsica lingers in our hearts. With bags packed and bikes stowed, we bid adieu to the rugged beauty that has been our home for the past week. The memories of serpentine roads, towering peaks, and the azure embrace of the Mediterranean sea are now indelibly etched in our minds. Though we depart from this island paradise, the spirit of Corsica and the camaraderie forged on its paths will accompany us long after our journey ends. Our wheels have stopped turning, but the adventure lives on within us.