South Corsica by bike: GT 20 Calvi to Bonifacio

Your trip starts in Calvi. Time to discover this beautiful town, a real paradise where life is good: a beach of golden sand, the bay of azure blue, backed by high mountains and hill villages, crowned by the rocky Genoese citadel that dominates the town. Tonight, enjoy one of the many restaurants that line the harbourside.

Night in a 3-star hotel in Calvi on B&B basis.

From Calvi, the spectacular sandy beaches of Balagne disappear to make way for the granite of the North-West coast, with steep cliffs in ochre, pink and red, leaving room only for a few rare wild and out of the way beachese. Views over the sea are stunning along this coastal road. Find your hotel for tonight in the small village of Galeria, located by the sea.

Night in a 3* hotel on B&B basis.
About 38 km (D+ : 487m ; D- : 472m ; Min. : 2m ; Max. : 138m)

You will continue today on a road that is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. The route, snakes and winds around the hills, then down towards the Gulf of Porto. With amazing views over Girolata, a beautiful village only accessible by boat or on foot. The scenery is incredible, keep your camera handy.

Night in a 3-star hotel in Porto on B&B.
About 51 km (D+ : 921m ; D- : 903m ; Min. : 5m ; Max. : 411m)

A day with a fairly high climb so get those legs out! You will cross many charming villages including Evisa, where the chestnut reigns, then the splendid forest of Aïtone where pigs wander freely. You will then cross the highest road col on the island to discover one of the most remote areas of the island, the Niolu. Cross Albertacce, Casamaccioli and Calacuccia at the edge of its vast lake. Passing the splendid Scala of Santa Regina you will reach Corte, your evening stop.

Night in a 3-star hotel on B&B basis.
Approximately 83 km (D+ : 2895m ; D- : 2493m ; Min. : 32m ; Max. : 1480m)

This day is an incredible mountain stage along some lesser roads to the Col de Verde and Zicavo. Zicavo is a mountain village typical of Corsica, in the heart of a wild and unspoilt valley. Surrounded by mountains, this village of Haut Taravo sits in the heart of the National Park.

Night in a simple B&B with dinner in a local restaurant.
About 80 km (D+ : 1947m ; D- : 1686m ; Min. : 399m ; Max. : 1314m)

Today, you will ride ever south crossing the remote Vaccia pass before reaching the sumptuous and typical village of Zonza.
Zonza is part of one of the oldest inhabited territories of Corsica, which was called the Land of Lords in the Middle Age. Typical of the South of the island, the village has an understated charm. Perched at 762 meters above sea level in the heart of the Alta Rocca, Zonza is prized for its breathtaking setting, which is revealed to the traveler upon arrival. In the distance, on a blue sky, are the famous Bavella needles.

Night in a 3-star hotel on B&B basis.
Distance : 44 km (D+: 1800m ; D-: 1743m ; Min.: 289m ; Max.: 1220m)

Today you'll pass through the village of Levie situated in a beautiful natural setting. The road drops down to the Gulf of Porto Vecchio, before arriving in the sumptuous coastal town of Bonifacio. Bonifacio is a real gem, perched on limestone cliffs with views out over the Bonifacio straits towards Sardinia.

Overnight in a hotel 3* on B&B basis.
Distance: 71 km (D+: 1014m; D-: 1783m; Min.: 0m; Max.: 1195m)

End of your stay after your breakfast.