Towering cliffs, winding coastal roads, untouched landscapes – Northern Corsica is a dream for road cyclists. This 10-day journey takes you straight into the island’s wild heart, with every turn revealing something new. And the best part? You’ll explore it all from the saddle of your road bike. Whether you’re drawn to challenging climbs or prefer to take things at a gentler pace, this trip offers just the right balance. We cycle in two groups – so there’s always a tempo that suits you.
Exploring Corsica is unforgettable – but do you know the highlights of this group cycling holiday?
This tour takes in the full sweep of Corsica’s northern coastline and inland heart. Expect quiet villages, sparkling bays, harbour towns and vast open stretches where the landscape takes centre stage. In Porto and Corte, we spend two nights – the perfect basecamps for some truly spectacular rides.
At CvA travel, we know that enjoyment starts with riding your own rhythm. That’s why we cycle in two groups. One takes on more distance and elevation; the other keeps it steadier. Evenings are spent together, sharing stories and local food – the best of both worlds.
Corsica is full of contrasts. From soaring mountain passes to fragrant pine forests and deep-cut valleys, the island keeps surprising. Highlights include the crimson cliffs of Les Calanches de Piana, the twisting road of La Scala di Santa Regina, and the wild beauty of the Restonica Valley. Riding here is nothing short of breathtaking – in every sense of the word.
We begin in Bastia, with a group of no more than 20 cyclists. Over 10 days, you’ll spend 6, 7 or 8 of them riding – depending on how you choose to space out your rest days. You’ll loop around the northern region of the island, experiencing Corsica in all its raw beauty – from inland trails to sweeping coastal views.
Along the way, each overnight stay (beyond Porto and Corte) offers its own unique setting – handpicked for charm, comfort and that unmistakable Corsican feel.
This 10-day group tour through Northern Corsica lets you discover the island’s most striking corners by road bike – with the freedom to decide how many days you ride, and how many you rest. If you’re looking for challenge, camaraderie and an unforgettable cycling experience in one of France’s wildest landscapes, this might just be the trip for you.
| Departure date | Duration | Level | Availablility | Price p.p. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05/09/2025 | 10 days | Gemengd | Available | €2,395.00 | Book this trip |
Curious to know exactly what this adventure has in store? Below you’ll find the full day-by-day programme for this 10-day cycling tour through Northern Corsica – a journey designed not for beginners, but for seasoned riders with many miles in their legs and a love for the road less travelled. Ready for a real challenge? Read on.
This group tour includes two overnight ferry crossings, seven nights on the island, and six, seven or eight days of cycling – the choice is yours. Optional rest days are built into the stays in Porto and Corte, but if your legs are still eager, you’ll find no shortage of routes to ride. It’s your pace, your adventure.
Your journey begins with an overnight crossing to Corsica. We gather in Toulon, a port city on France’s Mediterranean coast, where you’ll arrive independently by car. Well before departure, you’ll receive clear travel directions from us to make your trip south as smooth as possible.
Once aboard the ferry, everything is arranged – from dinner to your cabin. All that’s left for you to do is settle in, shift into holiday mode, and let the excitement build. Tomorrow, the riding begins. Accommodation on the ferry is in comfortable four-berth cabins. Prefer a cabin for two? Just let us know – this can be arranged for a small supplement.
After roughly twelve hours at sea, the silhouette of Corsica rises on the horizon. Whether you’re feeling quietly expectant or already brimming with excitement, the island is ready to welcome you.
We arrive in Bastia, a vibrant harbour town with a distinctively Corsican character. Our first stop is a cosy local brasserie, where a hearty breakfast sets the tone for the day ahead. From here, you saddle up for your first ride – and choose from three route options: 26, 89 or 107 kilometres. Whether you’d rather ease into the journey or go full throttle from day one, the choice is yours.
The two longer routes trace the dramatic coastline of Cap Corse, crossing the peninsula from east to west through rolling hills and windswept cliffs. The longest ride includes a pass by the Moulin Mattei – a proud symbol of the island perched high above the sea. Expect sweeping vistas and a road that unfolds like a ribbon through rock and sky.
No matter which route you choose, everyone rolls into the lovely coastal town of Saint-Florent for the night – a well-earned rest after your first taste of Corsica on two wheels.
ROUTE OPTIONS
• 26 km – 590 m ↑
• 89 km – 1500 m ↑
• 107 km – 1890 m ↑
After a restful night on the island, a new day of riding begins – and with it, a route that captures Corsica’s full dramatic beauty in just a few hours.
We begin with a gentle climb that leads into the Agriates Desert – a hauntingly beautiful region of scrubland and solitude. From there, we descend to the coast before heading inland again along a quiet country lane, climbing steadily through hills carpeted in green. After the hamlet of Novella, the route splits. The 74 km option follows the winding road over the Bocca di San Colombano. Riders choosing the longer 100 km route descend briefly before taking on an extra climb: the Bocca di Battaglia – a true highlight with views that stretch far across the mountains. The final descent into Speluncato is steep and thrilling, framed by wide-open vistas and craggy slopes. Few places show Corsica’s diverse landscape as vividly as today’s ride.
Speluncato itself is a peaceful mountain village known for its outlook and its wine – grown, harvested and bottled in the very hills you’ve just cycled through. An evening glass on the sun-drenched village square? The perfect finish.
ROUTE OPTIONS
• 74 km – 1470 m ↑
• 100 km – 2000 m ↑
After a leisurely breakfast in Speluncato, three beautifully varied routes await. Whether you opt for 68, 81 or 118 kilometres, today’s ride is a showcase of Corsica’s raw beauty and rugged character.
Choosing the long route? You’ll start the day with a climb that may feel familiar – the Bocca di Battaglia. Yesterday, you descended this road; today, you climb it. And it makes no apologies: with an average gradient of 7.3% and stretches well above 10%, it’s a proper test. But the views from the top? Simply unforgettable. From the summit, a dramatic descent leads to the so-called “balcony road”, where the route rejoins with the shorter options. Here, the landscape opens wide – terraced villages cling to steep slopes, and far below, the sea shimmers in the distance.
Riders on the shorter routes descend straight from Speluncato to this balcony road, skipping the opening climb. Regardless of distance, all riders eventually reach the lively village of Calenzana – a perfect spot to refuel before the day’s final effort.
Next comes the Col de Marsolino: a steady climb with sweeping views, gentle gradients and a peaceful rhythm. As the afternoon wears on, you’ll follow a quiet coastal road that gradually rises – a last scenic stretch that leads you straight to the Auberge Ferayola. Perched on a hillside above the sea, the auberge offers a well-earned moment of peace. With sweeping ocean views, a tranquil setting and a pool for cooling off, it’s the kind of place where time seems to slow down.
This is Corsica at its most serene – and most surprising. So don’t forget to stop, breathe it all in, and capture the memory – in your photos, and in your heart.
ROUTE OPTIONS
• 68 km – 900 m ↑
• 81 km – 1080 m ↑
• 118 km – 1880 m ↑
Today’s ride may be shorter in length, but it’s long on beauty. Once again, you’ll have a choice between two routes – and whichever you choose, this is a day made for soaking up the scenery.
We begin by retracing part of yesterday’s coastal road – this time in reverse, with a gentle descent that eases you back into the rhythm of the ride. After Galéria, the road climbs gradually over the Bocca di Palmarella. With an average gradient of 3.4% and only a few steeper sections, it’s a climb that invites you to find your flow. From the top, a winding descent carries you into a soft, rolling landscape – hills rising and falling around you, the sea never far from view. And then comes the grand finale: a spectacular coastal stretch with endless views over rocky cliffs and turquoise bays. In the distance, the red-roofed town of Porto comes into sight – your home for the next two nights.
Opting for the longer ride? Just before Porto, you’ll take a scenic detour via the mountain village of Ota, adding both distance and elevation – and a tantalising preview of what’s to come. This optional loop includes the final descent of the legendary Bocca di Verghju, which you’ll climb in full after tomorrow’s rest day.
Whether you ride 61 or 77 kilometres today, this stage is a celebration of Corsica’s coast – dramatic, untamed and endlessly captivating.
ROUTE OPTIONS
• 61 km – 960 m ↑
• 77 km – 1370 m ↑
Even on a cycling holiday, the legs deserve a break now and then – and today is the perfect moment. You’re in Porto, one of the island’s true gems, and whether you choose to explore on foot, relax by the water or ride another mountain road, the day is yours to fill.
Feeling restless? Then there’s a beautiful out-and-back ride to Piana, a clifftop village famous for its extraordinary rock formations: Les Calanches de Piana. The climb is steady – around 10 km with nearly 500 metres of elevation – but the reward is unforgettable. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a surreal landscape of orange-red pinnacles and sheer cliffs that glow in the Corsican sun. It’s one of the island’s most iconic sights.
Still not tired? A longer loop is available too – roughly 100 km and over 2,000 metres of climbing. For those who simply can’t get enough of the road, Corsica keeps giving.
Prefer to take it easy? There’s no shame in stretching out on a sunbed with a good book and a view. The balconies at our hotel offer just that – with loungers perfectly positioned for watching the sun slip behind the mountains. A day of rest can be just as memorable as a day in the saddle.
SHORT RIDE TO CALANCHES
• 22 km – 500 m ↑
LONG LOOP OPTION
• ±100 km – 2000 m ↑
Well-rested or not, today’s stage is a true highlight. It’s a ride that has everything: Corsica’s highest pass, wild mountain forests, shimmering rivers and one jaw-dropping view after another. We’re heading to Corte – the island’s historical and cultural heart – and we’re getting there in style.
The day’s main challenge is the Bocca di Verghju, Corsica’s highest paved mountain pass. At 1,477 metres above sea level and nearly 2,000 metres of climbing in total, it’s a proper test – but one that rewards you with grandeur at every switchback. The route winds through the Aïtone Forest, where the road weaves beneath towering pines and the air is filled with the scent of resin and altitude. It’s a place of quiet magic – and the kilometres seem to pass almost without noticing.
Later, we descend through one of Corsica’s most spectacular natural wonders: La Scala di Santa Regina. This 15-kilometre gorge, carved by the Golo river, is a masterpiece of stone and water. With sheer rock walls on either side and the road clinging to the cliff edge, it’s a descent you’ll never forget.
The final stretch leads gently downhill into Corte, where we stay for the next two nights. Our accommodation? A true gem: Hôtel Dominique Colonna, tucked beside the Restonica River at the entrance to its namesake gorge. With peaceful terraces and views that soothe the soul, it’s the perfect place to reflect on everything you’ve experienced so far.
ROUTE
• 87 km – 1940 m ↑
Corte sits at the very heart of Corsica – geographically, culturally and spiritually. Today is yours to enjoy its charm at your own pace. You might simply stroll through its historic centre, perched on a rocky outcrop above the valley, or enjoy a quiet coffee in the shade. But for those still drawn to the road or the mountains, several beautiful options await.
Just beyond the hotel lies the Restonica Valley – a dramatic, glacier-carved landscape that begins where our accommodation ends. The road through the gorge is now partially closed due to a landslide in 2024, but the first few kilometres remain open to cyclists. After that, the valley is best explored on foot – so bring your walking shoes if you’re tempted to discover one of Corsica’s most breathtaking corners.
Prefer to stay in the saddle? We’ve curated a selection of loop rides from Corte for those who want one more taste of the open road. Whether you head out for a short spin or a challenging climb, the terrain here never disappoints.
However you choose to spend the day, Corte offers the perfect blend of activity and stillness. This is Corsica in its purest form: rugged, soulful and unforgettable.
OPTIONAL LOOP RIDES
• Distance and elevation: depending on choice
All good things must come to an end – but not without a proper finale. Today’s ride is nothing short of a queen stage: dramatic, challenging, and utterly spectacular. Choose between 100 or 112 kilometres and prepare to finish strong.
The route back to Bastia leads through a constantly changing landscape: remote hills, sweeping descents, winding climbs, and coastal views that seem to stretch forever. This stage pulls together everything Corsica has offered over the past days – and reminds you why you came.
Along the way, you’ll pass through sleepy villages, dramatic ridgelines and untamed wilderness. It’s a day to savour the silence between climbs, the camaraderie of the group, and the satisfaction that comes from legs well used.
By late afternoon, you’ll roll into Bastia – tired, perhaps, but glowing with everything you’ve seen and done. That evening, we board the ferry back to mainland France, where one final night at sea gives you time to reflect on an extraordinary journey. Corsica may disappear from view in the morning, but its impact will linger long after the last kilometre.
ROUTE OPTIONS
• 112 km – 1620 m ↑
• 100 km – 1900 m ↑
As the morning light breaks over the Mediterranean, the ferry docks once more in Toulon. You step ashore with salt in the air, miles in your legs, and a head full of memories.
From here, it’s time to make your own way home – back to the rhythm of everyday life, but not quite the same as when you left. The landscapes of Corsica, the climbs conquered, and the quiet moments between – they stay with you.
And as always with CvA travel: the journey may end, but the memories ride on.
Feeling as excited about this road cycling adventure through Corsica as we are? Here’s what’s included in the price – and what’s not – so you know exactly what to expect.
Cycling through the wild north of Corsica can be demanding – physically, and at times mentally too. That’s why where you stay matters. A comfortable bed, a serene setting, and a warm welcome at the end of a long day in the saddle can make all the difference.
At CvA travel, we believe the experience doesn’t end when the ride does. That’s why we’ve carefully chosen a collection of accommodations that offer more than just rest – each one has its own story, setting and charm. From sea-view infinity pools to hillside retreats, these are places where the details simply feel right.
Here’s a glimpse of the special places we’ve selected for this journey – each handpicked to enrich your adventure.
As soon as you arrive at Hotel Tettola, you’ll feel it: this is a place to exhale. Set just outside the lively harbour town of Saint-Florent, this seafront hotel offers sweeping views, an infinity pool that seems to melt into the horizon, and west-facing terraces perfect for sunset.
Tucked 1.5 km from the town centre, it offers peace and quiet after a day on the bike – but when it’s time for dinner, we hop in tuk-tuks and head into town for a relaxed evening together.
Perched in a tiny mountain village beside the square, this former palace from 1792 is more than a place to sleep – it’s a step into the island’s past. While fellow riders fill their bidons at the village fountain, you might find yourself gazing out across the hills and thinking: not much has changed here. Dinner is served right at the hotel, prepared by the owner-chef using local recipes and regional wines. It’s an evening full of flavour, warmth and storytelling – just the way we like it.
The journey to Auberge Ferayola is one of the most breathtaking on the island – a winding coastal road with sea views that never let up. And just when you think it can’t get better, the auberge appears: quiet, remote, and entirely at peace with its surroundings. There’s little else here – just nature, silence, and a sparkling pool waiting to cool you down before dinner. This is the kind of place where your pulse slows, your shoulders drop, and the stars seem closer than usual.
We spend two nights at Les Flots Bleus, a welcoming hotel right by the water in Porto Ota. Its sunny terrace with loungers is ideal for a rest day – book, feet up, sea breeze in the air.
Of course, if you’d rather stay active, you’re in the perfect location: take a boat trip to the village of Girolata, or ride to the famous Calanches de Piana. In the evening, we dine nearby at a local restaurant with sweeping views of the coast and the perfect Corsican menu to match.
Set beside the Restonica River at the edge of the gorge, Hôtel Dominique Colonna is more sanctuary than hotel. Surrounded by trees and mountain air, this elegant retreat is all about tranquillity. Shaded terraces, a cool forest pool, quiet nooks for reading or reflecting – this is where you’ll truly exhale. And if your body is asking for it, you can join a gentle yoga class or book a massage.
Dinner is served at the nearby Auberge de la Restonica – a beautiful spot where we dine al fresco with views of the river. It’s the perfect close to a long day of climbing and discovering. Nature, flavour, and calm – all in one place.
This tour is designed for a mixed group – meaning we ride in two levels. One group takes on longer distances and more elevation; the other follows a slightly gentler route with fewer climbs. You ride entirely under your own steam – but if you’re worried that even the lighter option may be a bit too much, don’t worry: e-bikes are very welcome too. This trip is all about enjoyment at your own pace. Whether you love a long climb or prefer a more relaxed rhythm, there’s a group – and a route – that will fit you perfectly.
A smooth start begins with good preparation. Below you’ll find a checklist to help you get ready for your cycling adventure through Corsica – from travel documents to clothing essentials. Time to start packing (and dreaming).
* Passport
* Travel, cancellation and health insurance
* Short-sleeved windproof jacket
* Detachable arm and leg warmers
* Lightweight rain jacket
* Helmet (mandatory)
* Cycling shoes
* Padded cycling gloves
* Insect repellent/ After-bite treatment
* Padded cycling shorts
* Long- and short-sleeved jerseys
* Sunglasses
* Sunscreen (SPF 50 or higher)
* Water bottles
* Swimwear
* Front and rear bike lights
Itching to set off on an extraordinary ride? Can’t wait to hop on the saddle and explore your dream destination at your own pace? Take a look at all our cycling journeys below – or get in touch to request a tailor-made adventure designed just for you.
We hope to see you soon.
"*" indicates required fields
