Cycling in Corsica: GT20 Bastia - Ajaccio

Arrival in Bastia where you settle into your hotel. If time permits, we recommend a stroll through the city's baroque quarters, narrow alleys and lively squares. Bastia is a genuine art and culture city with local delicacies, pleasant terraces and good restaurants.

You follow Cap Corse's east coast towards Macinaggio through rolling countryside with alternating flat sections and shorter climbs. Today's main challenge is the climb up to Col de la Serra, about 6–8 km with moderate gradients around 4–6 percent. Then awaits a fine descent towards the west coast and the fishing village of Centuri, known as the lobster capital.

Today awaits a demanding but very beautiful stage along Cap Corse's west coast. It goes both uphill and downhill at 50–200 meters above sea level. The highest point is Acolaja, about 221 meters. The views over the coast and Saint-Florent's bay are magnificent. The destination is the charming coastal town of Saint-Florent, often called Corsica's own Saint-Tropez.

You leave Saint-Florent and cross the barren Agriate, sometimes called "the desert". The highest point is Bocca di Vezzu at 311 meters. The profile is rolling with climbs around 5–8 percent. After about 40 km you join a larger road before the sea opens up again towards Ostriconi and further to Île-Rousse with its beaches and lively city life.

You follow the west coast via Calvi with magnificent views. The climbs are moderate, 2–5 percent, but the road surface is partly uneven, especially after Calvi towards Argentella. It's a technically more demanding day, but the view over the wild sea makes the effort worthwhile. Overnight in the fishing village of Galéria and dinner at a restaurant.

One of the trip's toughest and most beautiful stages. You climb gradually towards the Palmarella pass at about 379–408 meters, with gradients around 3–5 percent over approximately 11 km. Downhill awaits views over Scandola, the Gulf of Girolata and the spectacular Calanques de Piana. The final part goes up towards the village of Piana, one of France's most beautiful villages.

A long and magnificent descent takes you towards Cargèse and the Gulf of Sagone with its wild beaches that invite refreshing swims. Then you pass the final passes – San Bastianu, Listincu and Prunu – before rolling into Ajaccio, where the western part of GT20 ends. Ajaccio is Napoleon's birthplace, a sun-kissed coastal gem with palm-lined boulevards, pastel houses and a lively marina. Here Corsican pride meets relaxed Mediterranean life - a perfect conclusion!

After breakfast the trip ends, unless you want to treat yourself to an extra night in charming Ajaccio.