Mountain biking in Corsica: your sporting vacations in Corsica
Want to combine sport and vacations? Go mountain biking in Corsica! Corsica is the perfect place for a sporting vacation, whether you're on your own, with a partner or the whole family. Between the sea and the mountains, set off to conquer the valleys, explore the trails to your heart's content and discover picturesque landscapes. At every stop, you'll appreciate the authenticity and generosity of Corsica, with activities to suit all tastes!
Mountain biking in Corsica: prepare your sporting vacation
When to come to Corsica?
Located just over an hour's flight from Paris, Corsica offers a Mediterranean climate with fine weather 8 months out of 12. To enjoy pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, it's best to book early for May-June and September-October. From mid-July to the end of August, trails are crowded, beaches are crowded and hotels are often fully booked.
Where to go?
There's a wide choice of places to choose from. In Upper Corsica or Southern Corsica, on the coast or in the heart of the Corsican mountains... choose your itinerary according to your level and what you want to visit or do during your stay in Corsica! For the more sporty, Corsican mountain bike tours in the Niolu or on the Cuscione plateau will be perfect, while for amateurs, an itinerary exploring the coastline or a few mountain villages is just the thing.
What to expect
Bicycle tours can sometimes take you into remote areas. So you'll need to be well-prepared if you want to be as self-sufficient and safe as possible. If you're bringing your own mountain bike, remember to carry out any necessary maintenance and repairs before you come. You should also bring a small supply of snacks (cereal bars, etc.), as well as a first-aid kit and protective gear. Chestnut country (and enemy of your tires), beware of flat tires! A minimum of equipment such as a pump, spare inner tube, repair kit, set of tire levers, quick links and a set of wrenches won't go amiss.
A good water bottle that can hold enough water will be essential, and you can fill it up in the fountains.
Mountain biking in Haute Corse : a few suggestions
Would you like to discover the Balagne region by mountain bike? Here are a few tips to explore and visits not to be missed during your journey in Haute Corse.
Whether you're on the road or off the beaten track, a mountain bike tour is sure to be a great way to discover the region and improve your performance and technique! In an exceptional natural environment, let go and let your senses be awakened to appreciate the simple pleasures of life.
- Castagniccia Mare E Monti mountain bike trail (south of Bastia)
With its 124 km of tracks and trails and its 14 trails, the Castagniccia Mare e Monti mountain-biking site , certified by the French Federation in Corsica, welcomes mountain-biking enthusiasts all year round. In addition to trails classified by level of difficulty, the site also offers 670km of road circuits.
Placesto visit: Bastia (citadel, old port, churches, etc.), walks in the unspoilt chestnut forest and visits to the picturesque villages of Castagniccia.
What to do: swim in the rivers and on the coast, taste local produce and discover the skills of craftsmen and producers.
- Tour of Cap Corse (extreme north of the island)
From Maccinaggio , 34 km of intermediate trails await you for a beautiful loop between sea and land, in the direction of Tollare beach.
Places to visit: Tour d'Agnello, Tour Santa Maria, villages of Centuri, Tollare, Barcaggio and Macinaggio,
What to do: Hike the Sentier des douaniers, discover Capendula Bay and Santa Maria (long swims possible), cruise to the Finocchiarola Islands nature reserve.
- The Ostriconi balconies (Balagne)
The Balcons de l'Ostriconi trail is one of the most beautiful in Corsica! Offering superb panoramic views of the Agriate desert, Cap Corse and the mountains, it's a veritable ridge run. A technically challenging course , but definitely worth the detour!
Places to visit Murato's San-Michele church, the village of Lama in the Ostriconi, Ile Rousse and its old lighthouse.
Things to do: Swimming and lounging on the splendid Saleccia and Lodo beaches, kayaking or horseback riding in the Agriate desert.
- Calvi - Algajola - L'Île Rousse
Located in the north-west of the island, Balagne offers an unrivalled gentle way of life, with its mountain villages and crystal-clear seaside. Here, you'll have a choice of different routes, whatever your level. Departing from Calvi, a 22 km outing awaits you to reach the pointe de la revellata and the Alga beach, breathtaking scenery!
- Places to visit Calvi citadel, Ile Rousse lighthouse, the villages of Sant'Antonino, Pigna, Lumio, Monticello, Montemaggiore, Calenzana...
- Things to do: Swimming and lounging on the Calvi beach, tasting local produce, sea walks.
Mountain biking in South Corsica
South Corsica combines the charm of the Mediterranean coastline with the beauty of mountainous landscapes. An island charm renowned for its beautiful beaches and turquoise sea, but also for its magnificent panoramas shaped by the winds! Bonifacio, Ajaccio, Porto-Vecchio, ... Come and discover Corsica's most beautiful towns by mountain bike , and make the most of your stops to enjoy every moment.
Ajaccio: a cultural itinerary not to be missed
Our advice would be to start in Ajaccio, a city of art and history. A magnificent region with an outstanding cultural and natural heritage, Ajaccio offers many facets to discover along the way! Looking for a nature break? Mountain biking is possible all year round, weather permitting! Depending on your preferences, you can do short loops to get yourself in shape:
Ajaccio - Capo di feno (29.52 kilometers - Moderate)
Ajaccio - La Parata (20.08 kilometers - Easy)
Baie d'Ajaccio : Sentiers des crêtes et des douaniers (25km - Moderate)
Sights: Gulf of Porto, Lake Bracca, Capitello tower, village of Bocognano, La Parata peninsula, municipal library, Place d'Austerlitz, Genoese tower of Capo Nero, Palais Fesch...
Things to do: taste sausages, goat's and sheep's cheeses, enjoy a beer made with chestnut flour... , cruise the Sanguinaires islands, stroll through the Rospa-Sorba or Vizzavona forests, hike the Chemin des Crêtes, climb Monte Gozzi, stroll through the Chiavari forest...
Bonifacio: Crossing an open-air museum
Located at the southernmost tip of Corsica, the town of Bonifacio is a sight to behold! Nicknamed the "city of cliffs", Bonifacio is a meeting place for thrills and extremes. A unique Corsican town, perched 80m above the sea, where history has left its mark. As well as offering the chance to go mountain biking in the medieval Upper Town and on the Place du Vieux Marché, the city's surroundings are also well worth a visit. Take an 18 km jaunt to Capo di Feno, where you can swim in some beautiful, intimate coves.
What to see: Grotte di Bonifacio, citadel, King of Aragon's staircase, Pertusato lighthouse
Whatto do: Boat trips to the Lavezzi Islands, kitesurfing, lounging on the Petit Spérone beach or La Plage de Rondinara, strolling around the marina.
Numerous courses in Porto-Vecchio
A true seaside destination, Porto-Vecchio is Corsica's party capital. A lively town by day and night, where festival-goers can visit the old town, take part in various cultural events, go night shopping or indulge in romantic strolls around the marina. At the height of the day, snooze in the shade on one of the many beaches and coves in the Gulf. By mountain bike, set off from the beach at Saint Cyprien towards the Cavu valley inland for 44 km along roads, paths and trails that border the river and natural basins.
Sights: the citadel, Chiappa lighthouse, Oriu di i Canni, the 3 fountains at Lecci.
Thingsto do: walk in the village of Monaccia d'Aullène, Heritage Trail in the village of Serra di Scopamena
Electric bike holidays
Whether in Haute Corse or Corse du Sud, Corsica invites you to experience unforgettable moments of discovery and pleasure. Corsicatours offers 2 one-week tours for an authentic vacation of encounters in unspoiled nature.
Once again, remember to book early, as the Isle of Beauty is a very popular destination, especially in high season.
