Corsica by bike
La Méridionale takes you on an unforgettable adventure to the Island of Beauty. Once ashore, forget your hiking boots and the GR20. Instead, hop on your bike and set off to conquer the GT20 in Corsica.
Far from the crowds and off the beaten track, you'll discover the region's iconic sites from a whole new perspective.
What is the GT20 in Corsica?
GT20. In Corsica and elsewhere, this mysterious acronym stands for Grande Traversée 20. This cycling route, inaugurated in 2020, connects Bastia to Bonifacio. Known in Corsican as A traversata Maiò, it stretches over 600 kilometres and is divided into twelve stages. This cycling tour of Corsica mainly follows secondary and departmental roads, allowing riders to enjoy a quieter and safer experience.
To take on the GT20, you can start in Bonifacio and ride north to Bastia. Alternatively, you can begin your adventure in the north. In that case, the longest stage (71 kilometres between Zonza and Bonifacio) is downhill!
Whichever direction you choose, you'll ride between sea and mountains. As you pedal, iconic locations such as the village of Zonza in the Alta Rocca region, the Bacino Pass with its breathtaking views over the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio, and Corte, the historic capital of the island, unfold before your eyes.
But this crossing of Corsica is not the Tour de France! While there is significant elevation gain, the route remains accessible to amateur cyclists. The more athletic riders take on the challenge with a mountain bike or a road bike. Those looking for a cycle-touring experience around Corsica often choose an electric bike. Charging stations are available in each departure and arrival town.
The full GT20 route in Corsica consists of 12 stages:
- Stage 1: 58 kilometres between Bastia and Centuri;
- Stage 2: 58 kilometres between Centuri and Saint-Florent;
- Stage 3: 61 kilometres between Saint-Florent and Belgodère;
- Stage 4: 43 kilometres between Belgodère and Calenzana;
- Stage 5: 31 kilometres between Calenzana and Galéria;
- Stage 6: 51 kilometres between Galéria and Porto;
- Stage 7: 34 kilometres between Porto and the Col de Vergio;
- Stage 8: 50 kilometres between the Col de Vergio and Corte;
- Stage 9: 57 kilometres between Corte and Ghisoni;
- Stage 10: 45 kilometres between Ghisoni and Zicavo;
- Stage 11: 44 kilometres between Zicavo and Zonza;
- Stage 12: 71 kilometres between Zonza and Bonifacio.
Depending on your pace and preferences, allow six, eight or twelve days to cycle around Corsica on the GT20. Lovers of the Island of Beauty recommend dedicating one day to each stage. This gives you time to stop along the way to explore the villages of Balagne, swim in Lake Calacuccia and visit the Bavella Needles.
Would you like to discover Corsica by bike in one week without rushing? Plan a six-day loop starting from Ajaccio. From the imperial city, you can rejoin the GT20 route within a few hours. Your journey then takes you through hamlets nestled on mountainsides, forests of Corsican laricio pines and the Calanques de Piana.
Another option is to leave from Bastia and reach Ajaccio in eight days. On this route, which focuses on the coastline, each stage offers panoramic views of Corsica's most beautiful gulfs and beaches.
Whatever cycling route in Corsica you choose, you will find restaurants along the way where you can sample local specialties, as well as accommodation to welcome you for the night. The choice is yours between a 4-star hotel, a guesthouse or a homestay.
And if you don't want to worry about making reservations, trust the professionals of cycle tourism in Corsica. They offer all-inclusive packages with accommodation, bike rental and assistance throughout your trip.
Corsica Cyclo GT20
Do you enjoy taking on challenges? Take part in the Corsica Cyclo GT20. Held every year in May, this sporting event covers 598 kilometres between Bastia and Bonifacio. The route is divided into four stages:
- Stage 1: 107 kilometres between Bastia and Saint-Florent via Cap Corse;
- Stage 2: 192 kilometres between Patrimonio and Porto via Galéria;
- Stage 3: 138 kilometres between Porto and Ghisoni via Corte;
- Stage 4: 151 kilometres between Ghisoni and Bonifacio via Levie.
While licensed cyclists appreciate the 215 kilometres of timed sections and the 10,047 metres of elevation gain, the event is open to everyone. You can even take part on an electrically assisted bicycle, and there is no obligation to complete each stage.
