Corsica Bike Tour

Your guides will welcome you at the Bastia airport before transferring you to the outskirts of the small town of Patrimonio, the birthplace of Corsican wine. Setting the tone for an exceptional week of riding, we set off on our first ride along the island’s northernmost peninsula, Cap Corse. Carved into the contours of the rocky seaside mountains, pedal the iconic D80 road surrounded by sweeping views of bright blue Mediterranean waters, secluded pebbly coves, and sleepy fishing villages to the perched village of Nonza. Here, we dismount and take a short walk to a Genoese watchtower before a revitalizing lunch. Returning along the coast, we venture inland to Patrimonio for wine tasting that highlights the local Nieluccio variety. Later, a short ride brings us to Saint-Florent, where a beachfront hotel awaits for a two-night stay. Raise a glass of local Patrimonio wine to celebrate our first day and enjoy a delicious welcome dinner in the town. Anticipate a seafood extravaganza as our chosen restaurant transitions from a vibrant fish market by day to a Michelin-recommended restaurant by night.

Meals: Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Bastia, Patrimonio, Nonza, Patrimonio, Farinole, Saint-Florent
Accomplished: 20 miles / 32 km, elevation gain: 1,152 feet / 473 meters
Accommodations: La Roya or La Dimora

This morning, set off by speedboat for northern Corsica’s most beautiful beach, the Plage de Saleccia. On our own secluded stretch of powdery white sand, spend time swimming or sunning before we begin a trek on the Sentier des Douaniers, a trail that cuts through the Désert des Agriates—a wild landscape of flowers, desert scrub, and salty air—and arrives at Loto Beach. Finish the hike with another dip, then refuel with a seaside lunch. After, return to Saint-Florent for an afternoon ride in the surrounding hills thick with maquis—a shrub that also became a general term for the French Resistance during the Second World War. This evening, dine at the hotel and catch a classic Mediterranean sunset over the port of Saint-Florent.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Oletta, Saint-Florent, Saleccia Beach, Loto Beach
Accomplished: 21 miles / 34 km, elevation gain: 2,591 feet / 790 meters; 4 miles / 7 km hiking
Accommodations: La Roya or La Dimora

Today, choose to begin riding straight away or transfer for a leisurely start to a delightful descent on the outskirts of L’Île-Rousse, which delivers us into the countryside dotted with sleepy villages. Our winding route on the littoral arrives at the stacked village of Pigna, where we’ll pass by local boutiques selling hand-blown glass, ceramics, and Corsican handicrafts, then stop for a tapas-style lunch overlooking the Bay of Calvi. Fresh goat cheese and fig jam, homemade breads, tapenades, pâté, and so much more are on the menu today. From here, transfer to our next hotel outside of Calvi, or finish riding right to the front door, gaining plenty of hard-won elevation along the way. Settle into your room for a three-night stay at La Ville Calvi before reuniting for a crisp glass of rosé. We’ll later shuttle to the cobbled city of Calvi for a delightful dinner at the port.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Désert des Agriates, Monticello, Corbara, Pigna, Calvi
Accomplished: 37 miles / 60 km, elevation gain: 3,523 feet / 1,074 meters
Longer Option: 52 miles / 84 km, elevation gain: 4,826 feet / 1,471 meters
Accommodations: La Villa Calvi

Another day of exploring lies ahead! We’ll begin atop the Col de Marsolino and descend by bike into the beach town of Galéria. A small boat is waiting to ferry us to the Scandola Nature Reserve, a breathtaking collection of ragged red cliffs reflected in the deep turquoise waters of Corsica’s gulf. Keep soaking in the scenery during a picnic lunch, then return to dry land in Calvi with time for souvenir shopping or a rest at the hotel. Tonight, choose a restaurant for dinner on your own in Calvi; your guides have a wealth of recommendations, whether you prefer a spot in the heart of town or a scenic option right on the beach.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Destinations: Galéria, Scandola, Calvi
Accomplished: 17 miles / 28 km, elevation gain: 1,689 feet / 515 meters
Accommodations: La Villa Calvi

Today, we will pedal into the picturesque inland countryside of Balagne, where charming villages perch on the hillsides. Our route winds along the plateau until we reach the hilltop village of Montemagiorre where we pause for a snack paired with stunning views. Close to Zilia, our culminating point for the day, we’ll explore an ancient olive mill where you might encounter the donkey that still powers the press wheel during harvest time. In Zilia, famous for its shortbread, thermal spring water, and wine, we’ll indulge in a lunch featuring fresh and homemade products. Departing from the foothills of Monte Grosso and returning to the coast, we will challenge our palates with a vertical tasting at a winery established in 1968, predating the birth of the Calvi AOC—a distinction used to certify the geographical origins of wines in France. Upon returning to the villa, take a dip in the pool or relax at the villa’s private beach. We’ll later reconvene for a final dinner in the hotel’s lovely indoor-outdoor restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Montemagiorre, Zilia, Calenzana, Calvi
Accomplished: 29 miles / 47 km, elevation gain: 2,391 feet / 729 meters
Accommodations: La Villa Calvi

Take your time enjoying an excellent breakfast at the hotel—you’ve earned it. Reflect on the amazing rides you just accomplished or keep your legs limber with a short spin in the area before your guides see you off at the Calvi airport.

Meals: Breakfast