Corsica Island Challenge
A Land Of Dramatic Climbs, Deep Gorges, And Jaw Dropping Coastal Roads
Five alluring Corsican trip highlights.
- Climb magnificent mountains to the back drop of the Mediterranean Sea.
- Cruise through tight gorges and lush national parks.
- Experience the terrain that wowed us all during the Tour de France.
- Benefit from experienced guides, coaches and vehicle support every day.
- Relax and enjoy the cuisine in some superb hotels on the coast and in the national park.
Corsica is the latest addition to our holiday schedule. The mix of coastal routes, gorges, mountains and superb climate make it a cyclists paradise.
Cycling Corsica Challenge
Cycling Corsica Holiday Summary:
Join this road cycling tour and embark upon our cycling Corsica island challenge; the unique destination offers beautiful mountain passes and gorges as well as amazing Mediterranean coastlines and turquoise waters often all in a single day. The island of Corsica has the perfect blend of exciting terrain and breathtaking scenery, with high quality accommodation to match.
The Mediterranean seasons make our cycling Corsica challenge the perfect shoulder season destination. Explore the whole island with 6 days fantastic cycling with full support. Ride through the spectacular national park and follow the superb roads around Cap Corse to Bastia for the best views of the island’s diverse landscape and sparkling waters. When you opt for a cycling Corsica holiday you will enjoy some of the best road cycling terrain in Europe.
We have carefully chosen the best places to stay after each fantastic day cycling Corsica; enjoy stylish hotels with great facilities.
As with all our itineraries, cycling Corsica is a fantastic adventure. You will always be fully supported by passionate and qualified professionals and your personal goals for the week are always of utmost importance.
Cycling Corsica Itinerary:
Porto Vecchio to Porto Vecchio
The oak clad forests of the Alta Rocca Mountains
Ride the coast and enjoy the fantastic road cycling conditions before turning inland for the first climb of the week. The Col de Bavella at 1218m is an exciting 30km ascent with some truly wonderful, unspoiled views of the surrounding Alta Rocca mountains. The climb is great and the descent back to Porto Vecchio is the perfect way to start your week cycling Corsica!
Porto Vecchio to Propriano
Three great climbs heading to the west coast
Day 2 is a more mountainous experience, as we leave Porto Vecchio and head towards Propriano on the west coast of Corsica.
Today’s three climbs, the Col de Bacinu, route to Levie and Col de Siu, will gradually increase in intensity but late in the day you will be rewarded with stunning views as we descend towards the west coast of Corsica and Propriano. The rugged landscape is juxtaposed with the smooth stretches of road and serene, still water of the Mediterranean Sea.
Propriano to Corte
Heading into the National Park and the stunning Restonica Gorge
After a restful night, we resume cycling Corsica with an action-packed day that includes the four climbs of the Col de Vaccia, Col de Verde, Col de Sorba and finally Col de Belle Granaje. We will head north in the morning sun, but you’ll be enjoying the shade as we move through the forested interior of Corsica’s national park. The gorges of the Restonica river are dramatic, covered in pine and birch trees, providing welcome shade throughout the day.
Corte to Calvi
The highest paved road on Corsica
We move from the centre of the island back to the coastline, towards the island’s famous West Coast. Summit the Col de Vergio at 1478m above sea level it is the highest paved pass on Corsica. After reaching the peak, you can enjoy the smooth, stunning descent towards the coast. We will take a route that weaves through the gorges and showcases some of the island’s most magical vistas. Corsica truly is the Mediterranean’s hidden cycling gem and today’s ride will provide you scenic views and memories that will last a lifetime.
Calvi to L’Île-Rousse
Superb views across the Mediterranean sea.
Day 5 is more relaxing, but the climb into the small village of Speloncato will give you a glimpse of Corsica’s long history. After the climb and obligatory coffee stop there are magnificent views across the Mediterranean Sea as you make your way around the high plateau before starting a stunning descent back to the coast and the unique Île de la Pietra. Relax and enjoy an indulgent evening before cycling Corsica’s magnificent Cap Corse the following morning.
L’Île-Rousse to Bastia
A new best view around every bend
The best for last, despite a breath-taking week cycling Corsica, day 6 is one of the best and most scenic days imaginable on a bike. We will guide you around Cap Corse, the northern peninsula of Corsica. The island’s mountains are diverse, but the fantastic calm waters in every shade of blue imaginable truly do steal the show. You’ll think you’re in paradise from the views from your saddle as we turn each bend and are rewarded with yet another exquisite view. This truly is the best way to finish your holiday cycling Corsica, so we will retire to the hotel for celebratory drinks before departure the following morning.
Cycling Corsica Challenge Trip Accommodation:
Hotel Costa Salina
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Overlooking the harbour, the hotel enjoys exceptional views of the Mediterranean sea and the old town of Porto Vecchio. You’ll get your first glimpses of how spectacular the island truly is whilst relaxing in large, comfortable rooms and a serene location, the perfect way to kick off the exhilarating experience of cycling Corsica.
Hotel Bartaccia
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For tonight, this 4* hotel has an abundance of local tradition and is a shining example of Corsican culture and authentic, warming hospitality. This hotel has superb grounds, including a pool, as well as unique interiors and exceptionally comfortable rooms.
Hotel Dominique Colonna
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After three days of cycling Corsica, you will have seen some of the island’s most stunning vistas. From this hotel, you can sit around the pool, sipping a drink and soaking up those views in utter luxury. Located in the heart of the Restonica Valley, the 4* Hotel Dominique Colonna is an exclusive spot on the banks of the river. Enjoy intimate surroundings, a truly fantastic dining experience and warm, contemporary rooms. We are truly proud to feature the Hotel Dominique Colonna, it will be one of the most memorable places you stay during this cycling season.
Hotel L’Onda
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Nestled in the North West of the island, the Hotel L’Onda is surrounded by world-class beaches and the iconic Mediterranean bay. Just a short walk from our overnight stop, the walled city has traditional terracotta rooftops that contrast the bright, turquoise water. The evening meal will be spent taking in these views and overlooking the harbour before retiring to the comfortable, friendly Hotel.
Hotel La Pietra
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In a unique location the Hotel La Pietra is magnificently located and provides some of the best views during sunrise & sunset. Witness spectacular, post-card Mediterranean moments from the hotel’s terrace and enjoy the food at the hotel’s restaurant or unwind in the onsite spa.
Hôtel L'Alivi
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The final nights 4* hotel is situated just outside of Bastia. The Hotel L'Alivi is a coastal accommodation with spectacular views guaranteed from comfortable rooms or the terraces. This is the perfect spot to celebrate completing the cycling Corsica week!
The Holiday Includes
Not Included
Trip Cost
| Double Occupancy | Single Supplement | Deposit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 Sept 2020 | 1850.00€ | 550.00€ | 400.00€ |
Bike Rental
Prices from : 45.00€ / per day
Bike hire is available for this trip to Corsica although it is recommend that you bring your own bike where possible. A variety of models and specifications are available depending on your needs. Bikes always have a set up suitable for riding in the type of terrain that you will find in Corsica
If you do rent we’ll come with you to the shop in the rental location to collect the bike and make sure it’s set up optimally.
If you would like to rent a bike for this Corsica road cycling holiday let us know when you first contact us.
3 Month Pre Corsica Trip
Prices from : 180.00€ / per month
Why not invest time and energy in a private cycling coach for 3 months to tune your fitness ahead of your trip to Corsica. There’s still time to enhance your performance and gain all the one to one coaching benefits even if you’ve had to leave things late because life’s taken over.
The British Cycling Level 3 coaching qualification is the highest recognised coaching certification in UK cycling and working with a Level 3 coach will:
- Optimise performance gains from the realistic time you have available to train ahead of your Corsican road cycling holiday.
- Ensure you focus only on areas that will really improve your cycling in the build up to your trip to the island of Corsica.
- Improve not only physical but also tactical and psychological awareness & strength all of which contribute to you maximising the fun you have on this trip to Corsica.
6 Month Pre Corsica Trip
Prices from : 180.00€ / per month
Are you serious about making significant long term improvements to your riding? Investing time and energy in a cycling coach for 6 months is the most effective ways to increase your cycling performance ahead of your holiday or seasons goal.
The British Cycling Level 3 coaching qualification is the highest recognised coaching certification in UK cycling and working with a Level 3 coach will:
- Help you maximise performance benefits from the realistic time you have available to train for your Corsica cycling trip.
- Make sure that you focus on areas that will really improve your road cycling.
Before Trip
CORSICA
Corsica is known for its diverse and scenic coastline, hiking trails, and, being a French island, its cheeses. Its highest peak, the Monte Cinto, is second only to Mount Etna in elevation, of the all the islands in the Mediterranean.
In the northeastern tip of Corsica, Bastia is the main commercial town and also the main port offering routes to France and Italy. Bastia’s Old Port is located just south of the ferry pier. It has a quaint and timeless feel, so why not take a break at one of the terraces overlooking the sea and treat yourself to a glass of pastis or Corsican wine.
After Trip
CORSICA
Corsica is known for its diverse and scenic coastline, hiking trails, and, being a French island, its cheeses. Its highest peak, the Monte Cinto, is second only to Mount Etna in elevation, of the all the islands in the Mediterranean.
In the northeastern tip of Corsica, Bastia is the main commercial town and also the main port offering routes to France and Italy. Bastia’s Old Port is located just south of the ferry pier. It has a quaint and timeless feel, so why not take a break at one of the terraces overlooking the sea and treat yourself to a glass of pastis or Corsican wine.
Cycling Corsica FAQ's
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In Corsica how am I supported?
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There will always be vehicle support and experienced guides with you on the road when you're cycling in Corsica. We provide you with GPX or TCX files for your bike computers plus a comprehensive route pack for each day so that you can ride with complete confidence. We transfer your luggage between each stage as well.
With a ratio of 1:4 staff to riders you’ll never be short of help with anything this could range from, filling your bottles, providing nutritional and pacing advice or offering a little motivation. Once the day is complete we’ll help with arranging massages and providing information about the local area and anything else you may need.
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How fit do I need to be to ride in Corsica?
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The Corsican terrain is not as challenging as the Alps or Dolomites with the mountains being neither as steep or as high so altitude plays much less of a role. As always having a good pacing and nutritional strategy will ensure you have a fantastic week on the bike. To get the most enjoyment from this cycling Corsica trip, you'll wan't to try and train consistently in the months building up to the holiday.
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Is the Corsica trip itinerary flexible?
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There is a degree of flexibility in this multi stage trip to Corsica. The support vehicle ensures that you can ride with confidence and our guides on the road will help you with pacing and nutrition to ensure you go the distance. The routes are mainly fixed but there's always the ability to make things a little easier or harder based on how you're feeling. We always encourage riders to let us know if they'd like more or less of a challenge.
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How's the weather in Corsica?
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The weather is usually great in Corsica at the times of year we run the trip. However, in the mountains can always throw up surprises even in Corisca so it’s always best to come equipped with a selection of kit to cover all possibilities. Temperatures in the Corsican mountains as with all major mountain ranges vary from the valley floor to the summits of the climbs, in Corsica this is typically not as great as in the Alps mainly because the altitude you'll be reaching is never above the 1,500 meters point.
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Should I be concerned about slowing the group down?
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No don't worry about this. It's always best to focus on your own riding and we'll support you fully to ensure you acheive your goals each day. We are used to supporting and riding with groups of different ability so we'll take care of this side of things. You just have to ride and enjoy the week.
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Can I come on this cycling Corsica week on my own?
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Yes it’s absolutely fine to join this cycling Corisca trip solo. You can either share a room with another guest (of the same sex) or if available pay an additional supplement for single occupancy of a room.
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Is more help available to help plan the trip?
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Yes. We are always happy to help plan any aspect of your cycling Corsica trip. Please just contact us with any additional questions you may have.