Why Corsica has become a cycling destination

For a long time, cycling in Corsica was limited to a few brave cyclists on roads designed for cars. Then the island structured its offerings, signposted its routes, and embraced an obvious fact: it has everything a cyclist looks for.

Demanding mountain passes, ridge roads, the sea in your line of sight for hours, villages where you can stop for a two-euro coffee, and a climate that allows for riding from April to October.

The GT20, or A Traversata Maiò, was born from this ambition. A grand cycling crossing, from north to south, entirely signposted and on paved roads from start to finish. A cycling equivalent to the GR20, without the walking but with the same landscapes.

On a bike, Corsica doesn't cheat. Every meter of elevation is paid for, every descent is earned. That's why you remember it for the rest of your life.

The GT20 by the numbers

• Distance: approximately 598 kilometers.
• Cumulative elevation gain: approximately 10,000 meters.
• Official stages: 12 stages.
• Surface: 100% asphalt, no dirt trail sections.
• Signposting: present along the entire route.
• Direction: from north to south, from Bastia to Bonifacio.

To give you an idea: 10,000 meters of elevation is more than the climb to Everest from sea level. Spread over twelve days, it's doable for a regular cyclist. Compressed into five, that's another story.

The route, from Cap Corse to Bonifacio

The route begins with a loop around Cap Corse starting from Bastia, traverses the Balagne region, then joins the island's spine to descend to Bonifacio.

Major points of passage:

• Bastia, then up the Cap via the east coast and Centuri at the tip.
• Saint-Florent and the Gulf of Nebbio.
• Belgodère and Calenzana, the heart of inland Balagne.
• Galeria, then the coastal road towards Porto, overlooking the Gulf of Porto and Scandola.
• Col de Vergio, the highest road pass in Corsica and gateway to the Niolu.
• Corte, the historical capital, at the halfway point.
• Ghisoni and Zicavo, the wildest part of inland Corsica.
• Zonza and the Bavella Pass, in the Alta Rocca.
• Bonifacio and its cliffs, the terminus.

The section between Porto and the Col de Vergio is considered by many to be the most beautiful of the entire route. It is also one of the hardest.

The true difficulty

The GT20 is aimed at all types of cyclists, but at different paces.

• Seasoned cyclists: the route can be completed in 5 to 8 days by doubling or tripling stages. It's a true feat, with days reaching 2,000 meters of elevation gain.
• Regular cycle tourists: the 12 official stages, one per day, allow you to enjoy the villages and swimming breaks.
• Beginners and families: this is possible with an electric-assist bike, provided you carefully plan your charging points, which are rare in the interior.

What makes Corsica difficult by bike isn't just the slopes themselves, but three combined factors: the absence of flat terrain (you're either climbing or descending, never anything else), the summer heat on exposed roads without shade, and the narrowness of the roads, which requires constant vigilance.

When to go

• April to June: the best window. Ideal temperatures, blooming maquis, quiet roads, and full waterfalls.
• September to mid-October: the other great period. The sea is still warm, the light is superb, and traffic has died down.
• July and August: not recommended. Overwhelming heat on exposed roads, dense and aggressive traffic, and accommodation is fully booked and expensive.
• Winter: the coastline remains rideable, but high-altitude passes can be snowy or closed.

If you can only come in summer, leave very early in the morning and stop around noon. Riding between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM on a ridge road in August isn't courage; it's a mistake.

Bringing your bike

• By ferry: the simplest solution. Bikes are easily boarded, often for a modest extra fee. Book early during high season.
• By plane: possible with a bike bag or box, but rates and restrictions vary by airline. Check before booking.
• On-site, by train: the Corsican Railways serve Bastia, Corte, and Venaco, among others—very useful access points for joining or leaving the route. Bikes are accepted depending on the train and passenger volume; inquire before boarding.
• Local rentals: several rental shops offer road bikes and e-bikes in major cities, a good option to avoid transport issues.

Our field tips

• Carry more water than you think you need. Refill points are rare in the interior, and some villages have no shops.
• Plan for appropriate gearing. Some inclines exceed 10%; with a loaded bag, it changes everything.
• Be visible. Narrow roads, blind turns, and wide camper vans make lights and bright colors essential, even in broad daylight.
• Watch out for semi-wild animals, like cows and pigs on the road, especially in the mountains and in the early morning.
• Book your stages in June and September. Accommodation is limited in inland villages.
• Descend with caution. Most accidents in Corsica happen on descents, not climbs: watch for uneven surfaces, gravel, and tightening turns.
• Eat local. Cured meats, cheese, chestnuts: it's dense, it's delicious, and it sustains you on the climbs.

Frequently asked questions

What is the GT20?

It is the Great Corsican Crossing by bike, also called A Traversata Maiò: approximately 598 km and 10,000 m of elevation gain, in 12 stages, from Bastia to Bonifacio, entirely signposted and on paved roads.

How many days does it take to do the GT20?

Twelve days according to the official plan. Experienced cyclists complete it in 5 to 8 days by grouping stages together.

Is the GT20 accessible to beginners?

Yes, provided you pace yourself and, ideally, use an electric-assist bike. You must anticipate charging stops, which are rare in the island's interior.

What is the best time to cycle in Corsica?

From April to June and from September to mid-October. July and August should be avoided due to heat and traffic.

Is the GT20 entirely on roads?

Yes, the route is 100% on asphalt and signposted along its entire length. No trail sections are necessary.

Cycling and TAFANELLI

Ten thousand meters of elevation doesn't negotiate. You either prepared for it, or you pay the price. It's a relationship with effort that we understand well: don't cheat, do things in the right order, and accept that results take time.

That is also how we make our pieces. Premium organic cotton 280g/m², made in France, hand-screenprinted, one piece at a time. Not for performance, but to last.

The post-exertion wardrobe:

• The La Trinità t-shirt: mare, muntagna, machja (sea, mountain, maquis), exactly what the GT20 traverses.
• The "Corsica 1755" t-shirt: island pride.
• The TAFANELLI cap: for a coffee at the top of the pass.

And if your route passes near one of our locations, stop by: the list is on our retailers page, from Calvi to Bonifacio.

To prepare for the crossing:

• Corsica by van, complete itinerary
• The Corsican train, U Trinighellu
• The GR20, complete guide
• Monte Cintu, the roof of Corsica
• TAFANELLI, a Corsican brand and Mediterranean wardrobe

While passing through Corsica, a customer becomes a friend.

A DOPU,
TAFA