Overview
A 13 day, self-guided cycling adventure in Corsica, taking on the complete GT20 trail in all its glory. The GT20 is the cycling sibling of the island’s famous GR20 walking trail, and stretches to almost 600km. Starting in the north in Bastia and ending in Bonifacio on the southern tip, you cycle along the west coast, and then inland, through Corsican gems such as Cap Corse, Île-Rousse, Ajaccio, Calvi, the Calanques de Pianathis, and many more. With some seriously exciting ascents and descents along the way, Vergio Pass (1,477m), marks the highest point of the route before the descent to the historic former capital, Corte. Staying in mostly small, locally-owned hotels in an array of small coastal towns or villages, you have no shortage of opportunities to swim after cycling, and no shortage to experience Corsican cuisine and cultural heritage either.
- Bastia
- Cap Corse
- Agriates Desert
- Galéria
- Corte
- Bonifacio
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Bastia
Depending on your arrival time in Bastia, we recommend taking time to visit the Vieux Port, an old harbour lined with boats and cafés, or explore the Citadel, a fortified area overlooking the port, with narrow streets and old buildings.
- Accommodation: A Storia or similar in Bastia
Day 2: Bastia – Centuri | 55km
Follow the east coast of Cap Corse to Macinaggio, with sea views on your right and hilly vineyards on your left. Turn inland and start the challenging climb to Col de la Serra. At the top, you can see wide views over Cap Corse and sea on both sides of the peninsula. Descend to Centuri, a small fishing town known for its fresh lobster, and a delightful place to spend the night.
- Cycling for the day: 55km, 3h, ↑700m
- Accommodation: La Jetée or similar in Centuri
- Meals: breakfast
Day 3: Centuri – Saint Florent | 58km
Today is a challenging day. You begin with a steep climb above the harbour. Once you’ve hit the trail overlooking Centuri, the road follows the western side of Cap Corse with a series of moderate climbs and descents. On reaching Acolaja, the highest point of the day, you gain views across the Gulf of Saint-Florent. The final stage follows the vineyards of Patrimonio, an important wine region of Corsica. Descend towards Saint-Florent, a harbour town built around a marina and a 15th-century Genoese citadel, with ample options to sample local seafood paired with wine from nearby vineyards.
- Cycling for the day: 58km, ↑800m ↓800m
- Accommodation: Hôtel Flor or similar in Saint-Florent
- Meals: breakfast
Day 4: Saint-Florent – Île Rousse | 45km
Follow the coast and enter a landscape known as the Agriates Desert, where the views open to wide plains and low shrub. The road climbs gradually towards Bocca di Vezzu, offering views of the Mediterranean. Continue along the coast towards Ostriconi, a long beach backed by white dunes and dotted with pine trees. After a short rest, continue across the plains to L’Île-Rousse for an overnight stay. In L’Île-Rousse, a short causeway from the harbour leads to Île de la Pietra, where a lighthouse and former Genoese watchtower overlook the bay.
- Cycling for the day: 45km, 3h, ↑800m
- Accommodation: Casa Rossa or similar in L’Île-Rousse
- Meals: breakfast
Day 5: Île-Rousse – Galéria | 60km
Cycle south along the Mediterranean coast with hills of Belagne on your left, and climb to Lumio, a hilltop settlement with narrow streets and panoramic views over Algajola Bay. Descend towards Calvi, where we recommend a stop at its long beach. The next stretch is challenging, but the effort is rewarded with a clear panorama of the coastline and nearby sea inlets. Finally, cross the Fango Delta to reach Galéria, a laid-back village where you stay overnight and dine at a local restaurant (included).
- Cycling for the day: 60km, 4-5h, ↑760m
- Accommodation: Le Filosorma or similar in Galéria
- Meals: breakfast and dinner
Day 6: Galéria – Porto | 50km
Leave Galéria and cycle along the Gulf of Galéria following the dry river bed of the Fango River before beginning the ascent towards Palmarella Pass. From the top, the road descends towards the coast, revealing views over Scandola Nature Reserve and the Gulf of Girolata. The final kilometres wind between rock formations before arriving into Porto.
- Cycling for the day: 50km, ↑600m ↓600m
- Accommodation: Hotel Kalliste or similar in Porto
- Meals: breakfast
Day 7: Porto – Col de Vergio | 35km
Head inland, climbing along the Spelunca Gorge and winding above cliffs. Arrive at the village of Évisa, cycle on a flat section before the ascent continues through Aïtone forest towards the Col de Vergio. The landscape becomes progressively more mountainous with long, steady gradients and open views near the pass. Overnight stay in the mountain area below the pass.
- Cycling for the day: 35km, ↑1,475m ↓100m
- Accommodation: Castel de Vergio or similar in Col de Vergio
- Meals: breakfast and dinner
Day 8: Col de Vergio – Corte | 50km
Begin with a descent through Valdu Niellu forest, cycling past the villages of Calacuccia and Albertacce. The descent continues towards Lake Calacuccia before entering the Scala di Santa Regina gorges. Continue towards Ponte Castirla before arriving in Corte, set beneath its citadel. Corte was once the capital of Corsica, and it still has an elegant air about it, helped by its grand mountain environs.
- Cycling for the day: 50km, ↑350m ↓1,350m
- Accommodation: Hôtel Duc De Padoue or similar in Corte
- Meals: breakfast
Day 9: Corte – Ghisoni | 58km
Leave Corte heading south, gradually gaining altitude towards Venaco. Continue ascending before entering Inzecca Gorge. The road follows the Fium’Orbu River through a narrow valley, climbing steadily between rock walls and forested slopes. The stage ends in Ghisoni, a mountain village on the eastern side of the island.
- Cycling for the day: 58km, ↑1,370m ↓1,200m
- Accommodation: Gîte U Pianu di L’Amicizia or similar in Ghisoni
- Meals: breakfast
Day 10 Ghisoni – Zicavo | 52km
From Ghisoni, ride through wooded terrain along the upper Fium’Orbu valley. The route climbs towards Verde Pass before descending toward the villages of Cozzano and Zicavo, in the heart of the Taravo region. The landscape alternates between forest and open mountain views. Overnight stay in Zicavo or near the Vaccia Pass, depending on availability.
- Cycling for the day: 52km, ↑1,100m ↓600m
- Accommodation: Ferme Auberge du Col de la Vaccia or similar in Zicavo/Vaccia
- Meals: breakfast and dinner
Day 11: Zicavo – Carbini | 50km
Leaving Zicavo behind, start climbing towards Illarata Pass, cycling through pine and beech forests. After the pass, a winding descent takes you to Aullène, followed by several short but steep hills between other villages of the Alta Rocca region. The final stretch is a downhill slope which takes you finally to the village of Carbini where you spend the night. Depending on availability, you might spend the night in Levie.
- Cycling for the day: 50km, ↑620m ↓1,200m
- Accommodation: A Casa Carbinesa or similar in Carbini
- Meals: breakfast and dinner
Day 12: Carbini – Bonifacio | 50km
The final stage begins with a series of climbs over Bocca d’Ava and Bocca Bacinu passes before descending toward Sotta. The landscape opens as the route approaches the southern coast. The last kilometres follow the main road into Bonifacio, a stunning town on the southern tip of Corsica. Renowned for its dramatic white limestone cliffs, its historic citadel and narrow, medieval streets overlook a busy natural harbour.
- Cycling for the day: 50km, ↑900m ↓1,450m
- Accommodation: Hôtel Solemare or similar in Bonifacio
- Meals: breakfast
Day 13: Departure
Departure after breakfast.
- Meals: breakfast
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour includes a mix of mostly small, locally-owned hotels. They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to responsible tourism. All rooms have en-suite or private bathrooms, except on day nine, the accommodation has shared bathroom facilities and the overnight can be in double/twin rooms or dormitory rooms, depending on availability.
Click to view default hotels
- Hôtel A Storia (Bastia)
- Hôtel Restaurant De La Jetée (Centuri)
- Hôtel Flor (Saint Florent)
- Hotel Casa Rossa & Spa (Île Rousse)
- Hôtel Le Filosorma (Galéria)
- Hotel Kalliste (Porto)
- Castel de Vergio (Col de Vergio)
- Hôtel Duc De Padoue (Corte)
- Gîte U Pianu di L’Amicizia (Ghisoni)
- Ferme Auberge du Col de la Vaccia (Vaccia)
- A Casa Carbinesa (Carbini)
- Hôtel Solemare (Bonifacio)
Accommodation is subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel or guesthouse being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
All accommodations are with included breakfast, mostly continental breakfast (tea, coffee, milk, bread, butter, jam). Dinners are also included on days five, seven, ten and eleven. For your picnic lunches, there are grocery stores available to purchase your picnic for the following day. At certain hotels, they can be provided at a supplement (payable locally).
Difficulty and terrain
This tour is rated moderate to strenuous, with daily distances ranging between 45-65km a day, and maximum elevation gain of 1,500m. You will be cycling mostly on small and secondary roads and a few national roads (read more about difficulty grades).
We will provide you with detailed road notes and maps, and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
When to go
This tour is available from April to June and from September to October with departures on Saturdays. Departures are possible on other days of the week upon request and for an additional fee.
The climate of Corsica is Mediterranean on the coast, with mild, rainy winters and warm, sunny summers, while in inland areas, it gradually becomes colder with increasing altitude. April is initially cool and by May the weather gradually becomes milder, sunnier, and generally pleasant. Autumn is initially mild or pleasantly warm and gradually becomes cooler and quite rainy in October.
For more information, see our blog on the Best time to go to France.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended airports for this tour are Bastia-Poretta Airport (BIA) for arrival and Figari-South Corsica Airport (FSC).
By train or bus
- From Bastia-Poretta Airport, take a shuttle to Bastia’s city centre (35mins). For more information, see the local bus operator Bastia Intercity or use the Omio planner above.
- Ferries to Bastia run from Marseille (12h), Toulon (11h), and Nice (6h) in France, and Livorno (5h), Savona (7h), Genoa (8h), and Piombino (5h) in Italy. For more information, see the ferry operator Corsica Ferry or use the Omio planner above.
- From Bonifacio, there are no direct buses to Figari-South Corsica Airport. The best option is to travel by taxi directly from Bonifacio.
- From Ajaccio, there are ferry services to Sardinia (1h), for more information and tickets, see the ferry operator Ichnusa Lines or use the Omio planner above.
Inclusions
Included
- 12 nights accommodation
- 12 breakfasts
- 4 dinners
- Luggage transfers on all cycling days (one piece up to 15kg per person)
- Digital roadbook and maps, access to Corsica Adventure app and GPX tracks
- 24/7 phone support from our local office/representative in Ajaccio
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on the spot)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
- eSIM data for international travel (get an eSIM)
Options, extras and supplements
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
- We regret that this tour is not open to solo travellers
- Bike or e-bike rental
- Airport transfers
- Extra nights before or after the tour
Bike rental
The bikes available for rent on this tour are road bikes, trekking e-bikes, or road e-bikes. Each bike comes with a helmet, a lock, a phone holder and a repair kit. Panniers are not included but can be added upon request for an additional fee.
Standard road bike (Scott Addict 50 or equivalent):
- High-performance affordable road bike with carbon frame
- Shimano BR-R7170 hydraulic disc brakes
- Shimano 105 2×12-speed drivetrain
- Repair kit, lock, phone holder, helmet
- One free water bottle per person
- Rental bike insurance
High-end road bike (Scott Addict 30 or equivalent):
- High-performance road bike with carbon frame
- Shimano 105 Di2 electronic derailleur system
- Shimano 105 Di2 2×12‑speed drivetrain
- Repair kit, lock, phone holder, helmet
- One free water bottle per person
- Rental bike insurance
Electric trekking bike (Riese & Muller Nevo4, Scott E-Sub, or equivalent):
- A comfortable and versatile all-terrain e-bike with aluminium frame
- 500–625 Wh battery with a 75 Nm torque motor
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- 10-speed Shimano derailleur
- Repair kit, lock, phone holder, helmet
- One free water bottle per person
- Rental bike insurance
Electric road bike (Orbea Gain M30 or equivalent):
- A sporty, high-performance road e-bike with carbon frame
- 353Wh battery with a 55Nm motor
- Shimano R7170 hydraulic disc brakes
- Shimano 105 12‑speed drivetrain
- Repair kit, lock, phone holder, helmet
- One free water bottle per person
- Rental bike insurance
