Corsica by bike: GT 20 Bastia to Bonifacio

Arrive at your leisure in Bastia, the charming gateway to northern Corsica. Take the time to stroll through its lively streets, discover the characterful old port and explore the citadel, which is open to the public. The perfect start to a journey combining authenticity, history and stunning scenery.

Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel in Bastia.

If renting a bicycle(s): delivery of the bicycle(s) to your hotel in Bastia.
In the morning, you will hop on your bicycle to begin a superb stage heading north. The route first follows the coastline, offering beautiful views of the sea, before heading into a wooded and unspoilt hinterland. You then cross the island to reach its western coast, dominated by imposing cliffs. Along the way, you will come across Genoese and Paolines towers, witnesses to the past, as well as old convents and mills. You end the day in Centuri, a charming fishing village, where you will spend the night in a hotel*.

Distances:
55 km (Elevation gain: 717m; Elevation loss: 715m; Min.: 1m; Max.: 390m)
or 69 km (Elevation gain: 1040m; Elevation loss: 1038m; Min.: 1m; Max.: 390m)

You leave Cap Corse and head south towards Saint-Florent. Depending on the route you choose, you will have the opportunity to pass through the village of Patrimonio, renowned throughout Corsica for its prestigious vineyards. Several wineries open their doors for tastings of local wines. Throughout the journey, the views of the Gulf of Saint-Florent are breathtaking. Once you arrive at your destination, take the time to visit the citadel, stroll around the lively harbour and lose yourself in the shopping streets of this charming seaside village.

Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel in Saint-Florent.

Distances: 56 km (Elevation gain: 1216m; Elevation loss: 1220m; Min: 3m; Max: 216m)
or 60 km (Elevation gain: 1398m; Elevation loss: 1402m; Min: 3m; Max: 247m)

Today, you will set off to explore the Agriates Desert, a wild and unspoilt area that is unique in the Mediterranean. From hamlets to stony paths, you will cross this arid but fascinating region, gradually approaching the coastline. Depending on the route you take, you can climb to the heights of Balagne, where you will find splendid panoramic views of the sea and mountains. As you descend towards the coast, you will pass several Genoese towers watching over the turquoise coves. Your day ends in Monticello, a charming hilltop village. Don't miss the spectacle of the sunset lighting up the horizon and the islands in the distance.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Monticello ***.
Distances:
51 km (Elevation gain: 796m; Elevation loss: 576m; Min: 1m; Max: 372m)
or 82 km (Elevation gain: 1638m; Elevation loss: 1418m; Min: 1m; Max: 690m)

You will pass through the splendid villages of Balagne with their melodious names, Sant'Antonino, Pigna, and many others, to discover their discreet charms. You will reach your evening stop, the small village of Galéria, located by the sea.

Overnight stay in a 2-star hotel in Galéria.

Distances:
63 km (Elevation gain: 957 m; Elevation loss: 1173 m; Min.: 4 m; Max.: 536 m)
83 km (Elevation gain: 946 m; Elevation loss: 1163 m; Min.: 2 m; Max.: 536 m)

Today, you will continue along a road that is considered one of the most beautiful on the island.
The coastline from Galéria to Porto corresponds to the Gulf of Porto and its immediate surroundings: the Scandola peninsula with Cape Seninu to the north and the Capu Rossu and Orchinu headlands to the south. This extraordinary stretch of coastline is a must-see among Corsica's coastlines.
Along the road, you will have many breathtaking views of the beauty of this coastline.

Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.
Distance: 51 km (Elevation gain: 722 m; Elevation loss: 697 m; Min: 4 m; Max: 413 m)

A day with a fairly high altitude. You will cross many charming villages including Evisa, where the chestnut reigns, then the splendid forest of Aïtone.
You will discover one of the most remote areas of the island, the Niolu. You will cross Albertacce, Casamaccioli and Calacuccia at the edge of its vast lake. Passing the splendid Scala of Santa Regina you will reach Corte, your evening stop.

Night in a 3-star hotel on B&B basis.
Approximately 83 km (D+ : 2895m ; D- : 2493m ; Min. : 32m ; Max. : 1480m)

This day promises to be incredible, a mountain stage through the chestnut trees that will take you through the famous Verde Pass (located at 1289 m) to reach Zicavo, famous for its cold meat.

Zicavo is a mountain village as there are many in Corsica, in the heart of a wild and unspoilt valley. Surrounded by mountains, this village of Haut Taravo in the heart of the Natural Park will seduce you and especially, in summer, its freshness (it is located 750m above sea level).

Night in hotel or B&B, dinner in a local restaurant.
About 80 km (D+ : 1947m ; D- : 1686m ; Min. : 399m ; Max. : 1314m)

Today, you will drive on the road crossing the Vaccia pass before reaching the sumptuous and typical village of Zonza.
Perched at 762 meters above sea level in the heart of the Alta Rocca, Zonza is prized for its breathtaking setting, which is revealed to the traveler upon arrival. In the distance, on a blue sky, are the famous Bavella needles.

Night in a 3* hotel on B&B basis.
Distance : 44 km (D+: 1800m ; D-: 1743m ; Min.: 289m ; Max.: 1220m)

Today you'll pass through the village of Levie. You'll feel right at home in this beautiful natural setting. Then a magnificent view of the Gulf of Porto Vecchio, before arriving in the sumptuous town of Bonifacio.

Overnight in a 3* hotel on B&B basis.
Distance: 71 km (D+: 1014m; D-: 1783m; Min.: 0m; Max.: 1195m)

After breakfast, transfer to Figari airport. End of trip.