Corsica Bike Tour

Your guides will greet you at the airport in Bastia, then transfer you to lunch by the sea in Erbalunga. This ancient village is known as a “painter’s nest” for the way artists seem to gravitate to its charms. After our bike fitting and safety briefing, you’ll see the scenic appeal as we warm up on Cap Corse, a finger of the island that points toward France. The ride is filled with crumbling Genoese watchtowers and the air carries the scent of wild thyme and mint. Keep pedaling to our five-star hotel, where you can settle into your room, take a dip in the pool, or stroll out to the beach. If you prefer, continue cycling along the coast to the village of Macinaggio, stopping for a drink before returning via the same route. Tonight we toast to a vibrant week and indulge in a Corsican feast at our hotel that highlights local produce.

Meals: Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Bastia, Pietranera, Lavasina, Erbalunga, Porticcio
Accomplished: 10 miles / 16 km, elevation gain: 820 feet / 250 meters
Longer Option: 22 miles / 35 km, elevation gain: 2,030 feet / 619 meters
Accommodations: Hotel Misíncu

Wake up to an exhilarating view of the Mediterranean and take a moment to sip a cup of coffee, gazing at the island of Elba in the distance. Ride out from our hotel this morning and head across the Cap Corse, following the peninsula’s eastern side before turning inland to reach the forested town of Luri. Cruise back out towards the gulf and keep riding down the coast to Pino and Nonza, each with their own stellar views. After lunch in Nonza, our roller coaster ride continues to the Patrimonio region where—of course—we must try the eponymous wine at a petite domaine in the center of town. Upon our arrival in Saint-Florent, we’ll check into our seaside hotel, explore the old town and its marina, and have a satisfying meal of super-fresh fish.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Luri, Pino, Nonza, Patrimonio, Saint-Florent
Accomplished: 42 miles / 68 km, elevation gain: 5,055 feet / 1,541 meters
Longer Option: 50 miles / 80 km, elevation gain: 6,196 feet / 1,889 meters
Accommodations: La Roya

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

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 to the stacked village of Pigna, where we’ll explore local boutiques selling hand-blown glass, ceramics, and Coriscan handicrafts, then stop for a tapas-style lunch overlooking the Bay of Calvi. 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. Choose a restaurant for dinner on your own in Calvi; your guides have plenty of recommendations in the heart of town or right on the beach.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
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 Signoria

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. If you prefer, squeeze in one last loop ride in the surrounding area. We’ll gather back together for a final dinner in the hotel’s lovely indoor-outdoor restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Calvi, Galéria, Scandola
Accomplished: 17 miles / 28 km, elevation gain: 1,689 feet / 515 meters
Longer Option: 34 miles / 55 km, elevation gain: 2,877 feet / 877 meters
Accommodations: La Signoria

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