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Self-Guided Bike Holidays in North Corsica: Ride the GT20 from Bastia to Calvi

The GT20 holds some of Corsica’s most jaw-dropping views and challenging climbs. But its stretch from Bastia to Calvi is where the island reveals its true spirit. In seven perfect days, you’ll roll past rugged cliffs and centuries-old vineyards into France’s first lobster port and Christopher Columbus’ birthplace. Watchtowers still keep an eye on the horizon, while you pedal through it all, discovering hidden coves, quiet villages, and the warm, welcoming soul of northern Corsica. Your bags travel ahead, so there’s nothing to carry but curiosity. Just follow the road and let Haute-Corse sink in, mile by mile.

Adventure highlights

  • Mediterranean vistas
    Pedal from coastal villages to wine country, with stunning views in every corner
  • Living history
    Cycle past ancient watchtowers and fishing ports to trace Corsica’s past
  • Room to roam
    Focus on the ride with your journey mapped, luggage moved, and hotels sorted

Itinerary

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

    Harbor in Bastia, the first stop of this Corsica train tour self-guided hiking
  • 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

    A boat in Centuri harbor, the second stop of the North Corsica bike holidays
  • 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

    A square in Saint-Florent on the route of the North Corsica bike holidays
  • 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

    A beach on the coast of Corsica seen from the road on the North Corsica bike holidays
  • 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

    View of Balagne from the road on the North Corsica bike holidays
  • 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

    Panoramic view of Calvi on the North Corsica bike holiday
  • After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Calvi Airport, marking the end of your trip. Safe travels!

    Meals: Breakfast

    The fortress of Calvi through greenery on the Corsica walking holidays
Adventure brochure
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If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guide

Europe Active
5.00
Europe Active
Europe Active started in Corsica in 2005—which is essentially the perfect place for an outdoor travel company. It's a family-run business, driven by a team of passionate outdoor enthusiasts eager to share their love for adventure. While they have deep knowledge of Corsica, they've also explored many other destinations around the world, testing out different types of active holidays. With strong partnerships across Europe and beyond, they offer high-quality, well-planned trips that bring the excitement of exploration to travelers.

Accommodation

5.00(3 reviews)
L
Laurent Michard

Super friendly team and top bikes. An extra experience to discover Corsica by electric bike 🙂

M
Marie Laplagne

Perfect, clear, precise, makes you want to travel with them. Have taken advantage of their stays and tours several times, never disappointed.

G
Gregory Chabert

We went on a trip with Europe Active and we are delighted. We will leave with our eyes closed with them. They are very professional and very friendly.

Show all reviews
5.00(3 reviews)
L
Laurent Michard

Super friendly team and top bikes. An extra experience to discover Corsica by electric bike 🙂

M
Marie Laplagne

Perfect, clear, precise, makes you want to travel with them. Have taken advantage of their stays and tours several times, never disappointed.

G
Gregory Chabert

We went on a trip with Europe Active and we are delighted. We will leave with our eyes closed with them. They are very professional and very friendly.

Things to know

  • Included:

      • 7-day self-guided North Corsica bike holidays
      • Accommodation for 6 nights in 3-star hotels (double occupancy)
      • All breakfasts
      • Luggage transfers
      • Airport transfer from Bastia Airport
      • Airport transfer to Calvi Airport
      • Information package with maps and roadbooks on a mobile app (smartphone required)

    Add-ons:

      • Bike rental (hybrid, e-bike or road bike) — available to add upon checkout at an additional cost
      • Single supplement — available to add upon checkout at an additional cost

    Not included:

      • Airfare
      • Airport transfers to and from different locations in Corsica
      • Lunches and dinners
      • Drinks
      • Travel and medical insurance — optional

    *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.

    For more biking adventures in France, click here!

  • Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

    Day pack large enough to carry everything you might need throughout the day

      • Bike — rental available
      • Helmet — rental available
      • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
      • Comfortable cycling clothing
      • Lightweight cycling shoes
      • Biking gloves — optional
      • Spare clothes for layering
      • Waterproof rain jacket
      • Sunhat
      • Emergency kit
      • Spare phone battery
      • Swimsuit
      • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, etc.)
      • Sunglasses
      • Camera — optional (but recommended)

    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

      • It takes a minimum of 2 people for this self-guided tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 10 participants.
      • Please note that your chosen dates for the tour are not guaranteed until confirmed by the guide. If the guide is unable to secure your preferred dates/accommodation, you’ll get a full refund!

    North Corsica bike holidays can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the bike holidays on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    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!

  • Deposits
    You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

    Cancellations
    Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

    Basic

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-89 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 60-89 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Super Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
Have more questions? Read our FAQ, or Talk with us
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