Highlights
- Approaching Corte’s towering citadel at the end of our first day’s ride
- Exploring Corsican mountain villages, distinct from anywhere else in France
- Descending sweeping roads which carve through cool pine forests
- Bonifacio’s dramatic cliff top old town
- Earning the rewarding views over the Med after a challenging climb
- Fuelling up with the delicious local produce
Corsica is a jewel of a place! Everything was put together beautifully! Our guides worked tirelessly in the background to ensure all boxes were ticked.
Itinerary
After your arrival there will be a very short transfer to your hotel where you’ll be able to lounge by the pool and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this hotel in the Lucciana commune. Depending on flight times there is also the chance to stretch your legs and cycle down to the beach alongside the Etang de Biguglia (a salt-water lagoon where, if you’re lucky, you can spot the resident flamingos).
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 1,800 Metres Approx.
We head straight for the quiet country roads that within approx 20 minutes will give us a taste of the ‘real’ Corsica. Having pedalled our way up through Borgo village, we will weave our way through the many classic villages of the Nebbio, gaining height and fantastic views across the Golo valley towards the Castagniccia and onwards down to the coast. A steep descent will take us to Ponte Leccia, after which we continue on minor roads before finishing our day with a climb into Corte.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 2,000 Metres Approx.
From here the adventure into the south of the island really begins. This morning we will be rewarded with a long but generally easy climb to the Col de Vizzavona (1,163m) winding our way up amongst the pine forest. This is a well known area for a range of outdoor activities, not surprising given the stunning views up towards the Monte D’Oro. From the Col, there’s a short and speedy descent to Bocognano, before we head deep into the Prunelli region on a quiet road which includes a stiff climb up to the Col de Scalella (1,193m). With Monte Renoso to our left, we descend to the little mountain village of Bastelica (a hotbed of Corsican nationalism), before heading west over the Col de Cricheto and onwards to the coast.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 2,400 Metres Approx.
Today we’ll enjoy some pleasant cycling along the coast towards the Port de Chiavari before swinging inland to climb up through the forest of Chiavari, where you’ll be surrounded by eucalyptus, holm oak and cork oak. Look out for the remains of the old prison camp ‘Le Pénitencier de Chiavari’ before heading over the Col de Cortoni and back down to the coast at Propriano, another popular seaside town. From here it’s a direct ride all the way down to the bottom of the island to the stunning port of Bonifacio, which perches precariously on the top of white limestone cliffs. Sardinia is now just a stones throw away!
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 2,100 Metres Approx.
Having reached the southernmost region of the island it is now time to change direction and start our journey back to the north. We get through 10kms of today’s stage rapidly as we leave the coast behind us and head inland on a flat straight road. Before long a left hand turn takes us away from the main road and into a network of very minor roads which lead us through numerous tiny villages and hamlets.
After stopping in one of the small villages for a morning coffee we’ll continue our journey inland as we take on Col de Bacinu, the first significant climb of the day which tops out at just over 800m above sea level. It’s a challenging but beautiful climb with magnificent views of the islands south-eastern coastline reaching far into the distance.
A long descent follows and delivers us to the start of our second challenge as the road begins to rise again through a series of mountain villages such as Carbini and Levie until eventually we arrive in Zonza which is ultimately where will end the day.
There is however more riding in store and for those not tempted to spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing in the lovely village there is an opportunity to ride the 18km out and back up to the magnificent 1,218m high Col de Bavella, one of the most famous attractions in the south of Corsica due to the fantastic backdrop of the ‘Aguilles de Bavella’ or needle like rocks that jut dramatically into the sky.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 2,100 Metres Approx.
This is a real treat of a day and cycling in Corsica doesn’t get much better than this! We head through the heart of the Alta Rocca region passing through many classic hillside villages. Our post breakfast warm up takes us up to the Col de la Vaccia (1,193m and only very recently tarmac’d), before descending to the established village of Zicavo (famed for its charcuterie). From here we depart for the climb of the day, as we pick our way through the semi feral pigs up to the Col de Verde (1,289m) where magnificent views on the ascent, pine trees and mountain air can be found in abundance. We can then enjoy another classic Corsican descent through the forest to Ghisoni. This quiet road provides some nice curves and undulations.
To top it all off we finish with a quick ride through the Défilé de l’Inzecca, a little known gorge with a few tight little turns and splendid views down to the river and the coast beyond. Following this, we turn back inland and climb once more before a final long (and breathtaking!) descent to our hotel for the night.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 1,800 Metres Approx.
Our last day on the bikes sees us heading back to the north-eastern coast to complete our circuit and, like every other day in Corscia, it is packed with surprises.
We begin the day heading back towards Corte before a sharp right hand turn introduces the network of minor, virtually traffic-free roads that lead us deep into the “Castagniccia“, the island’s sparsely populated chestnut forest, a region rarely visited by tourists and one which seems to have been untouched by modern life.
The road rises, gently at first, through a series of tiny villages until we reach Bustanico, after which the road switches back and forth dramatically and ramps up sharply towards the first summit of the day.
What follows is a rollercoasting ride through some of the island’s wildest territory. Eventually we reach the summit of the Col de Pratu, our last significant ascent and a perfect spot to have lunch before making our way back down out of the mountains, via a series of beautiful rural roads, and back to where we started in the outskirts of Bastia
- Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast it is time to pack up our bags and bikes for the short trip to the airport and the journey home.
Gallery
The Cycling
Terrain
Our route concentrates mainly on minor roads and quiet country lanes and includes everything from gently rolling hills to significant mountain ascents. Generally speaking the route is moderately challenging with enjoyable and manageable climbs featuring most days. Road surfaces are generally good however there are occasional sections of rough tarmac and badly weathered surfaces. The entire route is however suitable standard road bikes with 700×23-25c tyres.
Gradients on climbs are generally moderate, manageable and enjoyable. There are however occasions when the gradients increase and the climbs become more challenging. These steeper climbs are relatively short and are therefore still achievable by most enthusiastic road cyclists.
Road Cycling Grade
Distances between 50-75 miles / 80-120km per day
For more regular riders who like to push themselves a little from time to time
Not extreme but certainly challenging on occasions with some good climbing opportunities
Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!
For more information about our grading system click here.
Is this suitable for you?
You’re an enthusiast. Road cycling is probably your main hobby and you ride regularly at weekends, staying on the bike for much of the day. You’re in pretty good shape, and you might also participate in cylo-sportive events. You also love a challenge and are looking for a tour with some good climbing, preferably with an opportunity to tick off some famous Tour de France cols, or the like. You’re a competent descender, and you’re not afraid of speed, but you ride safely and within your limits at all times. You understand road etiquette and you’re comfortable riding in a bunch. You might even take a stint at the front of the pack if the need arises.
For more information about the grading of this holiday in particular, please check out the terrain section which will give you some specifics of what to expect on this tour.
I definitely won't be going back to doing beach holidays anytime soon! Our guide made us feel very welcome whilst also coming across as very knowledgeable about the area and genuinely caring.
Dates & Prices
Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit
Book now with a $500 deposit and nothing more to pay until 60 days before departure. Choose a date to start your booking and see all prices, including bike hire and single room supplements.
Whats Included
A) Hotel accommodation (shared twin rooms)
B) Meals as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
C) Full tour service including Skedaddle guides
D) GPX files available on request
E) Unless stated, at least one leader qualified in first aid
F) Support vehicle and luggage transfers
G) Airport transfer on scheduled arrival day from Bastia Airport (BIA)
H) Airport transfer on scheduled departure day to Bastia Airport (BIA)
I) Financial Protection through ABTOT
What's not Included
A) Bike rental (available if required)
B) Flights and charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)
C) Meals not stated in the itinerary
D) Travel insurance
E) Single room (available if required)
F) Personal clothing and equipment
G) Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)
H) Entrance to museums and other attractions en route
I) Airport transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival / departure days
Private Departures
Are you keen to only travel with your family or friends? Struggling to find the right date? Well, we can organise a private departure for this tour and tailor aspects to suit your group's specific needs. Contact our friendly team and we'll help you turn your dream into reality.
The Essentials
News, Reviews & Stories
Our 26 favourite days in the saddle
What is the best day you can experience? Well, our expert team has some ideas...
9 things about cycling in France...
Not only is it home to world-class cuisine and some of the most beautiful landscapes, it’s also the spiritual home of cycling...
Reviews
Jamie, London, UKA week that will long live in the memory...There’s 4 things you always hope to find on a Skedaddle trip: 1) Great cycling 2) Fantastic guides 3) A group of strangers that quickly become firm friends and 4) Fascinating destinations. Our trip gave over-doses on all four! I have found you normally get all 4 on all Skedaddle trips, but rarely to the extent I found on this trip. I’m a huge advocate of Skedaddle – I love you guys!
The tour leader, David, is an absolute hero. The man, the myth, the legend. Both Issy and Nico were also great. Issy was a positive bundle of energy throughout – a real joy to have helping guide you round the trip. She was also fantastic at helping David get the group gelling/bonding so quickly. I class the success of the group in becoming friends so early on is in a large part to the work of David and Issy. Nico was always positive, and helped give a local insight to the island which was really useful when trying to get ‘under the skin’ of the local people/culture/habits.
I pinch myself that the week really did happen. It was all that I hope to find on a Skedaddle trip. If only you could bottle it for future use…! Having the pleasure of riding roads and sharing tables with the group was priceless in terms of the memories created. That’s a week that will long live in the memory.
Rachel, UKA jewel of a place...At first I was slightly apprehensive by this trip, but I was able to complete the big day from just south of Ajaccio to Bonifacio. On a personal level this was my favourite day – but each day had periods of beauty and wonder. A particular highlight was the long descent through the lines of tall pine trees into the chestnut trees then down alongside the canyon on day 5. The hotel that night was also fantasticly quirky!
Everything was put together beautifully, and the fact the group gelled immediately and we all came together each evening over a beer – laughing and chatting, can be attributed not only to the good fortune of the group getting along, but to David and his guides working tirelessly away in the background to ensure all boxes were ticked. Corsica is a jewel of a place, and David has evidently taken lots of time over the choices of routes, hotels and picnic sites. His knowledge and enthusiasm for the place was palpable, which transmitted to all the guests. I think we all left having had the most amazing cycling experience and with new cycling buddies, aiming to explore another Skedaddle destination together again one day. Thank you.
Ian, GuernseyA very well designed route with beautiful sceneryDavid was an excellent guide and organised the whole tour with precision. Thanks to the number of times that he has led this trip he was able to fine tune the route to take account of the weather. Lunch stops were well sited and he arranged some nice places to eat in the evening. Our other guide Tom was very helpful and diligent and my wife was especially grateful for his support at the rear of the group!
Sandra, UKOne of the best weeks cycling ever...Each day was awesome! Nothing was ever too much trouble for the guides. One of the best weeks cycling ever… Definitely a skedaddle convert!
Ben, Newcastle, UKA great trip that lets you see Corsica at its best...All of the days were quite varied and all had their highlights. Corsica is beautiful and the scenery and nature of the island varies as you move from one end to the other. I felt that this trip let us see it at it’s best.
The tour leader David did a brilliant job ensuring that the group remained safe and enjoyed the week. His guiding expertise added to our enjoyment of the riding. Great trip! The guide team worked well together to ensure a smooth trip. Isobel was superb both on the road and off, she worked hard to ensure that the groups needs were met when we were out trying to satisfy our riding appetites for food and beer!
Charlotte, DerbyshireThank you for a fantastic trip!I definitely won’t be going back to doing beach holidays anytime soon! I thought David was incredibly impressive as a leader, he was able to deal with a wide variety of characters and difficult situations with ease. He made us feel very welcome whilst also coming across as very knowledgeable about the area and genuinely caring.