Cycling in Corsica: GT20 Bastia - Île-Rousse

You arrive in Bastia and check into your hotel. Via our app, you can take an approximately two-hour discovery tour of the historic city center, with the harbor, citadel, and Italian-influenced neighborhoods. A nice start to the cycling trip.

You follow the east coast of Cap Corse towards Macinaggio, with flat sections and minor climbs. Today's main challenge is the climb up to Col de la Serra, 360 meters above sea level, approximately 6–8 kilometers with 4–6 percent gradient. The descent towards Centuri goes quickly with magnificent views over the west coast. The destination is a small fishing harbor known as Corsica's lobster capital. Guess what's on the menu in the town's restaurants!

You cycle along the west coast of Cap Corse with a highest point at 220 meters above sea level. Expect several shorter but sometimes steep climbs of 5–10 percent, mixed with more easily cycled sections. The view over Cap Corse, Saint-Florent's bay and the coast towards Balagne is magnificent. Saint-Florent, often called "little Saint-Tropez", offers harbor life and restaurants.

You leave Saint-Florent and the coast and cross the wild Agriate, often called "the desert", with the highest point at Bocca di Vezzu at 311 meters. The profile is rolling with climbs of 5–8 percent and long descents with wide panoramas. The final section goes partly on a more trafficked road with wide shoulders before you reach the sea again and roll into Île-Rousse, a lively coastal town with beautiful beaches.

A sporty alternative exists via Novella and Palasca: 77 km, 1250 m up/down.

The trip ends in Île-Rousse after breakfast. From here you can travel onwards towards Calvi or back towards Bastia, or extend your stay with extra nights by the sea.