Best of Corsica | Self-Guided Bike Tour

This stage shows the most authentic side of Corsica, far from the busy coast and deep into the island’s mountain heart.

The ride starts in Porto-Vecchio, with gentle kilometres near the sea. Little by little, the road moves inland, through maquis, pine trees, and granite rocks. The climb builds up slowly but steadily. After about 19 km, it’s a good idea to stop at a roadside café or restaurant. It’s the last easy break before the real climbing begins.

From here, the road climbs toward the Col de Bavella, one of the island’s most iconic places. Sharp granite peaks, scented pine forests, and long switchbacks define this section. It’s demanding, but the views make every effort worthwhile.

Around halfway, you reach Zonza, a mountain village that’s perfect for a rest. It has a relaxed alpine feel, simple local food, and a slow pace of life.

After Zonza, the route stays mountainous but becomes more rolling. The road narrows and gets quieter as you head toward Aullène. Traffic is minimal, and the surroundings feel remote and peaceful.

The final stretch to Zicavo crosses wild highland terrain. Cars are rare, nature is everywhere, and the landscape feels untouched. The ride ends in the calm mountain village of Zicavo, a well-earned reward after a big day on the bike.

This route from Zicavo to Corte is a classic Corsican mountain day. Wild landscapes, long climbs, quiet roads, and deep forests follow one another all day.

You leave Zicavo and quickly face the first big challenge: the climb to Col de Verde. It’s a long, steady ascent of more than 16 km, entirely through pine forest. The gradient is regular and rhythm-based. At 1,289 m, the summit has a refuge and a café. A perfect stop for a coffee or a short rest before the descent.

The downhill toward Ghisoni is smooth and flowing. The village is small and calm, ideal for refilling bottles or grabbing a quick snack. Soon after, the road rises again toward the Col de Sorba. This climb is shorter but tougher, with tighter bends and more open views. Near the top, the mountains stretch wide across the island’s interior.

A long descent then leads to Vivario, a slightly larger mountain town with a few bars and shops. It’s the last good stop before the final section of the ride.

The final 20 km to Corte are rolling and manageable. Gentle climbs mix with faster valley sections, letting you settle into a steady pace. The day ends in Corte, set dramatically below rocky peaks. If energy allows, the old town and the citadel offer a great view over the mountains you’ve just crossed by bike.

This stage from Corte to Porto Ota is one of the most memorable rides in Corsica. A long mountain crossing, followed by a spectacular descent toward the wild west coast.

Leaving Corte, the climbing starts almost straight away. The road rises gently through chestnut forests and enters the dramatic gorges of the Tavignano and La Ruda. After about 12 km, you pass Ponte Castirla, a good spot to reset before the longer climb ahead.

Around km 19, the road narrows inside the La Ruda canyon. Steep rock walls rise on both sides, and the atmosphere becomes more alpine. The gradient eases near Calacuccia Lake (around km 26), one of the most scenic points of the day. Nearby villages like Lozzi or Calacuccia offer bars and cafés for a proper break.

From here, the ascent becomes serious. The climb to Col de Vergio is long, steady, and very open. Pine forests give way to high mountain views as the road follows Corsica’s central spine. At 1,478 m, Col de Vergio is the highest paved road on the island. A small refuge at the top is perfect for a snack or a quick espresso.

Then comes the reward. The descent is fast and flowing, cutting through the forests of the Aïtone area. At around km 59, a short stop at the Cascade d’Aïtone is well worth it, especially on warm days.

The final kilometres roll and descend toward the coast. Red granite cliffs appear, the Mediterranean comes into view, and the road drops all the way to Porto Ota. Mountains meet the sea here, closing an epic mountain day with a stunning coastal finish.

This stage from Porto to Ajaccio is one of the most striking rides on the island. Sea, rock, quiet beaches, and a late mountain crossing all come together in one long day.

You leave Porto with a gentle climb and quickly enter the Calanques de Piana. At sunrise, the tall granite cliffs glow red and gold. The narrow road winds between the rocks, with constant views over the sea. This section is short but intense, and worth riding slowly.

After Piana, the route follows the wild west coast. The Mediterranean stays in view, far below the road, with steep drops and long stretches of maquis. Then you reach the beaches of Menasina and Liamone. Both are quiet and open, good for a swim or a simple break by the water.

Leaving the coast, the road turns inland and climbs through wooded hills. The main effort of the day is the Col de San Bastianu. It’s not long, but it comes late in the ride. From the top, wide views open over the hills and the Gulf of Ajaccio.

This ride from Ajaccio to Propriano mixes sea, countryside, and history. It’s a calm but varied stage, full of local life.

You leave Ajaccio riding along the Gulf, with the sea always close. The road is easy at first, with gentle rollers, pine trees, and views over the water. A light sea breeze follows you as you move south along the coast.

After about 20 km, you reach Porticcio, a lively seaside town. From here, the route continues along quieter roads, passing small beaches and low coastal cliffs. Around km 30, you arrive at Port de Chiavari, a small and peaceful fishing port. A nice place to stop, sit by the water, and take a short break.

From Chiavari, the route turns inland. The landscape changes. Cork oak forests, stone bridges, and rural hills replace the coast. This section is rolling, with short and sometimes steep ramps that break the rhythm but keep the ride interesting.

Around km 65, you reach Filitosa, the island’s most important prehistoric site. Stone statues and menhirs stand among olive trees, in a quiet and powerful setting. In season, there’s a small snack bar for a quick stop.

A few kilometres later, you pass Sollacaro, a hilltop village with open views and a public water fountain. It’s the last good stop before heading back toward the sea.

The final kilometres descend gently toward the coast. Olive groves and dry hills lead you back to the Mediterranean. Propriano appears ahead, with its harbor, beaches, cafés, and seafood restaurants. A perfect place to relax by the water after the ride.

This final stage from Propriano to Bonifacio is a strong and memorable ending. It links Corsica’s rural heart with its most dramatic coastal setting.

You leave Propriano and climb steadily through oak forests and quiet countryside. The road passes small stone villages and opens to wide views over the gulfs behind you. The first major stop is Sartène, a proud and traditional hill town. Its old streets and viewpoints make it a perfect place for a coffee break.

After Sartène, the route rolls across southern Corsica. The terrain goes up and down gently through cork oak woods and scrubland, calm and peaceful. Around km 30, you reach Pianottoli-Caldarello, a good spot to refill bottles or stop for a light lunch.

Soon after, the road climbs again toward Bocca di Roccapina. From here, the view over Roccapina Bay is one of the highlights of the day. The famous granite Lion Rock stands out clearly above the beach below.

From the pass, the landscape becomes more open. Gentle hills stretch ahead, with long views over Mediterranean scrub and distant headlands. As you get closer to Bonifacio, the road flattens slightly and the wind can pick up.

Then, almost suddenly, the white cliffs appear. Bonifacio rises above the sea on a narrow limestone ridge, with its citadel high above the port. On clear days, Sardinia is visible across the water. It’s a powerful and fitting finish to a Corsican journey.