Escape into the beauty of northern Corsica with this 7-day self-guided bike holiday! From Bastia’s bustling streets to Calvi’s picturesque harbor, you’ll weave through coastal roads, past dramatic cliffs and vineyards, and pedal into hidden fishing villages and serene coves. After each day’s ride, cozy 2- and 3-star hotels await, with breakfasts to fuel you for your next adventure. A handy mobile app with maps and roadbooks guides every step of your journey, and your luggage transfers and airport transfers are all sorted. This Corsican adventure is completely hassle-free—all you have to do is enjoy stunning views and explore at your own pace. Ready to ride? Andemu!
Your adventure starts in Bastia with a transfer from the airport to your hotel. This gives you time to discover the capital of Northern Corsica. The old port is superb, as well as the freely accessible citadel and the old town, which offers a stunning panorama of the sea and surroundings. For the evening, the old port is recommended for its special atmosphere.
Accommodation: Hotel A Storia, Bastia
In the morning, you will begin your day by riding north on a road that runs along the sea, through the woodland interior, and joins the other side of the island with its beautiful cliffs. The route is lined with several Genoese towers, old convents, and mills. You’ll see picturesque marinas with their small fishing ports. The evening stop is in Centuri, a small fishing village on the western side of Cap Corse and the first fishing port for lobsters in France.
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling distance: 55 km (34 mi), longer option: 69 km (43 mi)
Cycling elevation: +717 m (+2,352 ft), -715 m (-2,345 ft), longer option: +1,040 m (+3,412 ft), -1,038 m (-3,405 ft)
Altitude range: min. 1 m (3 ft), max. 390 m (1,280 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel Le Vieux Moulin, Centuri
Today you leave the Cap Corse area and head south toward Saint-Florent. Depending on the chosen route, you can visit the village of Patrimonio, famous throughout Corsica for its vineyards. Wine tastings are possible in the cellars of the village. The views of the Gulf of Saint-Florent are spectacular throughout the ride. In Saint-Florent, don’t miss the citadel and a stroll along the harbor and its charming shopping streets.
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling distance: 56 km (35 mi), longer option: 60 km (37 mi)
Cycling elevation: +1,216 m (+3,990 ft), -1,220 m (-4,003 ft), longer option: +1,398 m (+4,586 ft), -1,402 m (-4,599 ft)
Altitude range: min. 3 m (10 ft), max. 247 m (810 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel Bellevue, Saint-Florent
Today, you will cycle through the heart of the Agriates desert. From hamlet to hamlet, you’ll cross this breathtaking landscape and gradually approach the sea. Depending on your chosen route, you can take a road leading to the heights of Balagne for stunning panoramic views before descending to the coast and its Genoese towers. You will then arrive in Monticello, your evening stop. Don’t miss the sunset from the village with its stunning sea views.
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling distance: 51 km (32 mi), longer option: 82 km (51 mi)
Cycling elevation: +796 m (+2,612 ft), -576 m (-1,890 ft), longer option: +1,638 m (+5,374 ft), -1,418 m (-4,652 ft)
Altitude range: min. 1 m (3 ft), max. 690 m (2,264 ft)
Accommodation: La Bergerie de Monticello
Today, you will cross the splendid villages of Balagne, including Sant’Antonino and Pigna, each with its own distinct charm. You will then reach Calvi, a vibrant and picturesque city on the coast. Legend has it that Christopher Columbus was born here!
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling distance: 40 km (25 mi), longer option: 50 km (31 mi)
Cycling elevation: +601 m (+1,972 ft), -786 m (-2,579 ft), longer option: +730 m (+2,395 ft), -915 m (-3,002 ft)
Altitude range: min. 1 m (3 ft), max. 538 m (1,765 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel Revellata, Calvi
Your sixth day in Corsica is all about Calvi! With its azure-blue beach, mountains forming a natural barrier with Monte Cinto, and a rocky outcrop crowned by a medieval Genoese citadel from the 13th century, Calvi is more than worth a visit. You can choose between a free day to explore the city and its beaches or take on a cycling loop toward Galeria.
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling distance: 79 km (49 mi)
Cycling elevation: +1,029 m (+3,376 ft), -1,030 m (-3,379 ft)
Altitude range: min. 1 m (3 ft), max. 432 m (1,417 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel Revellata, Calvi
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Calvi Airport, marking the end of your trip. Safe travels!
Meals: Breakfast
Included:
Add-ons:
Not included:
*Please note that accommodations are subject to availability and it may not be possible to book the exact accommodations listed day-by-day in the itinerary (in case there is a detailed list).
These North Corsica bike holidays require moderate to high fitness levels. You’ll cover 40-79 km (25-49 mi) per day with 601-1,638 m (1,972-5,374 ft) elevation gain. Most days have different route options, allowing for flexible difficulty. You can either cycle for five consecutive days or replace your last ride with a more relaxed exploration of Calvi.
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Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Day pack large enough to carry everything you might need throughout the day
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season and activity.
A self-guided tour is an independent exploration without a formal guide leading the way. Instead of being part of a group with a tour leader, you will navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the operator. Your guide will provide a detailed route plan in a digital app. Your guide will also take care of other parts of the tour, such as accommodation, breakfasts, airport transfers, and luggage transfers.
Group sizes and pricing
North Corsica bike holidays can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your North Corsica bike holidays is Bastia. To get there, most people fly into Bastia-Poretta Airport (BIA). From there, an arranged airport transfer will take you to your first hotel.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!