Corsica Self-Guided Tour

High up in the mountains is Corsica's
rustic capitol of Corte.

Corsica is the most geologically diverse of all the Mediterranean islands. From mountain ranges with tumbling torrents to endless stretches of fine sand beaches, it offers jaw-dropping beauty and exquisite cycling. Known as the Island of Beauty, Corsica is suffused with a welcoming ambience, courtesy of the local’s distinctive language, cuisine and way of life.

Once you step on Corsica's shores, you are surrounded in history. In turn it has been invaded by the Greeks, Romans, Tuscans, Genoese and even the English. Centuries of turmoil ended in 1768 when Corsica became a part of France. Three months later, Corsica’s most famous son, Napoleon Bonaparte, was born.

Your options for exploring this beautiful island by bicycle include visiting seaside ports, wandering through medieval villages, riding by Genoese towers perched on rocky craggs above the sea, seeking out secluded beaches and sampling the local cuisine and wine. You may also want to combine other activites such as hiking, sailing, snorkeling, horseback riding along the coast, or just relaxing along the white sand beaches.

Corsica is a phenomenal region for a self-guided tour, but due to the layout of the island, in order to really experience it fully, we recommend a minimum of 10-12 days. As Corsica is not flat and there are longer stretches between towns, it requires an intermediate level of fitness and experience in road riding. This is a great destination for a few couples who might want to take turns acting as a sag driver, since the layout of the island requires more point-to-point rides.

A sample itinerary circumnavigating the island might include the following:

Begin in the north-east port town of Bastia, and then cross the Cap Corse to another beautiful port, St. Florent. From here, foray up into the Cap Corse, ride up to the church of St. Michel where your views spread to both the eastern and western sides of the island, then cross the fantastically interesting Desert of the Agriates to the village of Calvi, with its famous citadel built in the middle ages.

The Citadel of Calvi with rugged mountain backdrop.

Rides from Calvi will take you up to the medieval village of Speloncato nestled in the hills or down the rugged coastline to the town of Porto. The stretch of road leading to this spectacular inlet may very well be the most beautiful scenery you've ever imagined. Photographic opportunities of red and orange granite formations jutting upwards from the sea unfold at every turn.

The village of Porto nestled beneath the red rocks of the Calanches. Quite possibly the most beautiful approach on a bike you'll ever encounter!

A few days in Porto offer sun-bathing, skin diving, sea-kayaking and hiking as well as more cycling options, including riding to the highest pass on the island. More unsurpassed riding brings you to Ajaccio, the birthplace of Napoleon. From here we suggest you either drive or ride (with one person acting as a sag) to the eastern side of the island, crossing the central mountains. An optional layover in Zonza provides spectacular hiking.

A few day's stay in Porto Vecchio presents many riding options. Cycle around the southern tip of the island to the famous Citadel of Bonifacio and its white cliffs, to ancient prehistoric ruins, excursions back into the central mountains, flat rides up the coast, or simply relax on the famous Caribbean-like beaches.

The white cliffs of Bonifacio

Contact Jennifer for more suggestions on your self-supported adventure to Corsica. This may be a destination you return to again and again! jennifer@vivatravels.com