Corsica by bike, from Bastia to Ajaccio via the west coast

Western Corsica by bike, from Bastia to Ajaccio

Day 1: Bastia

Arrival in Bastia. Stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, visit the citadel, or stroll along the harbor.

Overnight in Bastia.

Day 2: From Bastia to Saint-Florent (26 or 86 km / +553m or +1153m)

This first leg takes you west towards Saint-Florent, considered the "Saint-Tropez of Corsica." Before arriving there, you'll have to cross the Teghime Pass, which peaks at an altitude of 533 meters. From the summit, you'll enjoy exceptional views of the Marana plain on one side and the Gulf of Saint-Flornet on the other.

If you prefer, a longer option offers an excursion to Cap Corse via the magnificent villages of Erbalunga and Nonza.

Overnight in Saint-Florent.

Day 3: From Saint-Florent to Monticello (48 km / + 883 m)

You reach Monticello by crossing the Agriates Desert and then following the coast. In the Agriates Desert, don't expect dunes or cacti, but rather a vast, wild scrubland typical of Corsica. The road then offers splendid panoramas of the Mediterranean. Before climbing to Monticello, take a well-deserved swimming break at Île-Rousse.

Overnight in Monticello.

Day 4: From Monticello to Galeria (66 or 78 km / + 690 m or + 933 m)

Head south towards Calvi. To reach this pretty coastal town, there are two options:

• A scenic mountain road that passes through authentic villages and offers beautiful sea views.
• A shorter option that follows the coast.

In Calvi, visit the citadel, take a dip on the large sandy beach, or enjoy a drink in the lively town streets. The route continues for 37 km along a coastal road renowned as one of the most beautiful in Europe for its breathtaking panoramas. Arrival in Galeria, a picturesque fishing village.

Overnight in Galeria.

Day 5: From Galeria to Porto (51 km / + 585 m)

Today's stage begins with the ascent of the Palmarella Pass. At the summit, the Gulf of Girolata is on full display. Continue, enjoying more magnificent views, to the Col de la Croix. The hardest part is over, and it's mainly downhill as you reach the villages of Curzu and Partinello before arriving in Porto.

Overnight in Porto.

Day 6: From Porto to Cargèse (31 km / +689 m)

Take advantage of this short stop to explore the Calanques de Piana in the morning and admire this magnificent natural masterpiece. After hitting the road, make your first stop in Piana, a hilltop village among the most beautiful in France. Continue to Cargèse, a former Greek colony by the sea.

Overnight in Cargèse.

Day 7: From Cargèse to Ajaccio (49 km / +752 m)

This is the final route of this cycling trip in Corsica. Enjoy one last time the panoramic views along the way. There's the option of a round trip via the beaches of the Gulf of Lava, with their fine sand and turquoise waters. If you arrive early in Ajaccio, there are many activities available:

• Napoleon's Birthplace and Museum
• Beautiful City Beaches
• Port Stroll
• Fesch Museum

Overnight in Ajaccio.

Day 8: Ajaccio

End of your stay after breakfast.

General Information:

• 8 days and 7 nights
• Accommodation comfort level: 2* and 3* hotels
• Child rates: contact us

Dates 2026:

Departures every day from April to October
Seasonality:

• Low season: April and October
• Mid season: May and June
• High season: September
• Peak season: July and August

Included:

• 7 nights
• 7 breakfasts
• Luggage transfer between each accommodation
• Digital roadbook with GPS tracks
• 7/7 telephone assistance

Not included:

• Lunches and dinners
• Transport to and from the departure point
• Personal expenses
• Visits other than those mentioned in the program
• Anything not specified in "included"

Options:

• Mountain bike or electric bike rental
• Additional night(s) in Bastia or Ajaccio at the beginning or end of the tour (on request) (request)
• Theft insurance for the rental bike
• Cancellation insurance

Level:

1 2 3 4 5 6

Terrain:

Hills. Expect elevation gain every day with a few passes to cross.

Route mainly on quiet roads.

Climate:

Corsica enjoys a Mediterranean climate. July and August can be particularly hot and dry. Ideal temperatures in May, June, and September.

Technical level:

• 26 to 86 km
• Unmarked route

Bibliography:

👉 Maps and guides on Corsica by bike

Meals:

• Breakfast: Hearty (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, milk, bread, butter, jam, orange juice)
• Lunches: Not included
• Dinner: Not included

Bicycle:

• Rental bicycle: If you rent a bicycle, it will be returned to you upon arrival at the first hotel. At the end of the tour, you must leave this bicycle at the last hotel and notify reception. We will arrange its return.
• Personal bicycle: We do not recommend bicycles with small tires. Hybrid bikes and mountain bikes are excellent. Remember to service your bicycle before leaving. At the end of the tour, you will be responsible for your own bicycle.

Assistance:

Telephone assistance is available 7 days a week. We can assist you in the event of a breakdown on a rental bicycle (except for punctures, which we do not cover).

Luggage:

This will be transported by our local representative or by taxi. Limited to one piece of luggage per person, maximum 20 kg.

Travel diary:

You will receive welcome documentation, a list of accommodations, vouchers, and access to our Respire Voyages app by email and post before your departure.

Transportation:

• By plane: Bastia Poretta Airport or Ajaccio Napoléon Bonaparte Airport
• By car: Take the ferry from Nice or Toulon to Bastia or Ajaccio

Cancellation insurance :
In order to guarantee the reimbursement of expenses in case of cancellation of your stay, you can take out a cancellation insurance. To learn more about the insurance, click here.