GRAVEL 20 – The other side of Corsica by bike

Arrive at your leisure in Bastia, the charming gateway to northern Corsica. Take the time to stroll through its bustling narrow streets, discover the old harbour, full of character, and explore the citadel, which is open to the public. A perfect start to your journey, combining authenticity, history and stunning scenery.

Overnight stay in Bastia in a 3* hotel.

The bikes were delivered to the hotel this morning.

Let the Gravel 20 adventure begin! You’ll head towards Cap Corse, following its east coast as far as Pietracorbara, before crossing the peninsula to reach the west coast. You’ll then head back down towards Pino, through the wild landscapes of Cap Corse, before reaching Albo and your seaside hotel, for your first evening overlooking the Mediterranean.

Approx. 67 km: Ascent: 1,146 m; Descent: 1,127 m
Overnight stay in Albo at a 3* hotel

You leave Albo to continue your gravel adventure along the roads and tracks of northern Corsica. A stop at Nonza is highly recommended so you can admire its hilltop village and its famous black pebble beach. You then head to Patrimonio and Saint-Florent, the perfect place to take a break and explore its charming harbour. You’ll then set off again towards Lake Padula, before arriving at your B&B in Olmeta-di-Tuda.

Approx. 44 km; Ascent: 641 m; Descent: 606 m
Overnight stay in a B&B.

This morning, head for the authentic villages of Nebbiu. After the San Stefanu Pass, you’ll reach Murato and its famous Church of San Michele, a remarkable example of Pisan Romanesque architecture in Corsica. You’ll continue your gravel route towards Lento, on the edge of Castagniccia, a region renowned for its stone villages and lush green landscapes. Winding your way along narrow, twisting roads and paths perfect for adventure, you’ll finally reach La Porta, where a guesthouse awaits you for the night.

Approx. 70 km. Ascent: 1,772 m; Descent: 1,302 m

You continue your adventure in the heart of Castagniccia, an unspoilt region where stone villages are nestled amongst lush countryside. Passing through Piedicroce, you’ll discover the charm of inland Corsica, with its narrow roads and winding tracks, green hills and trails perfect for gravel cycling. You’ll then head to Alando, in the heart of this rural and unspoilt part of Corsica, for another stage dedicated to discovery and getting away from it all.

Overnight stay in a guesthouse, dinner included.
Approx. 80 km. Ascent: 1,649 m; Descent: 1,424 m

You leave Alando to continue your journey through inland Corsica, amidst wild, mountainous landscapes. As you follow your gravel route, the narrow roads and tracks gradually lead you towards the hills of the island’s centre. A stage full of adventure, where the joy of cycling blends with the discovery of authentic Corsica, far from the main roads. You finally reach Vivario, a mountain village ideally situated for continuing your exploration of inland Corsica.

Overnight stay in a 2* hotel in Vivario, dinner included.
Approx. 56 km. Ascent: 1,107 m; Descent: 1,210 m

Today’s route takes you to Ghisoni, a mountain village nestled at the foot of the high peaks. You then continue your journey through the unspoilt landscapes of the island’s interior, alternating between small roads and tracks perfect for gravel cycling. You finally reach Zicavo, in the heart of the Alta Rocca, for a peaceful evening in one of Corsica’s authentic villages.

Overnight stay in a B&B in Zicavo, dinner included.
Approx. 73 km. Ascent: 1,679 m; Descent: 1,631 m

Head for Zonza, a charming mountain village nestled in the heart of the Alta Rocca! Your gravel route takes you through the wild landscapes of southern Corsica, passing through Quenza, a traditional village surrounded by forests and rugged hills. As you approach Zonza, the views become spectacular, with the impressive Bavella Needles as a backdrop. Soak up the authentic atmosphere of this mountain village – a true meeting point between nature, Corsican traditions and the great outdoors – and enjoy an evening in the heart of one of the island’s most beautiful landscapes.

Overnight stay in Zonza at a 3* hotel.
Approx. 60 km. Ascent: 1,431 m; Descent: 1,373 m

For this final stage of the Gravel 20, you’ll leave the Alta Rocca mountains behind and head for the Mediterranean coast. As you ride, the landscape gradually changes, giving way to gentler hills and the scents of the maquis. You’ll arrive in Porto-Vecchio, famous for its charming old town, its marina and its beaches with turquoise waters. A wonderful way to round off your gravel adventure across Corsica, between sea and mountains, with the feeling of having discovered the island in a different light, at the pace of the tracks and country lanes.

Overnight stay in Porto-Vecchio in a 3* hotel
Approx. 55km. Ascent: 755m; Descent: 1520m

Our services end after breakfast.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need a transfer to Figari, Bastia or any other airport!