If you're thinking of exploring Corsica by bike, then you absolutely need to know about the GT20, the Great Crossing of Corsica. We already know what you're thinking: Corsica by bike? Can I make it? Absolutely! All you have to do is choose the mode that best suits you and your needs and you're set. Here we explain how.

What is the GT20 and how to cycle it

The GT20, or the Great Crossing of Corsica by bike, is the new cycling version of the legendary GR20 trail, a dream of thousands of walkers, which crosses the island from North to South and which, thanks to the two wheels, can be travelled in full in less time.

The official route covers about 600 km, from Cap Corse to Bonifacio and offers a real immersion in the wild nature, as well as in the most authentic soul of the island. Thanks to the incredible scenery it crosses, the newly born GT20 is already among the most beautiful cycle routes in Europe. Here you cycle between turquoise waters and peaks covered in snow, ancient villages and conifer forests. 

Now we'll explain how to travel it depending whether you are a slow traveller or a sportier cyclist.

The Crossing of Corsica by bicycle

The Crossing of Corsica by bike is a must-have adventure for any cycle tourist. The entire route is divisible into about 12 stages, all characterized by constant ups and downs along the jagged coasts overlooking the sea and the mountains of the interior, where you can reach up to 1500 meters in altitude. Therefore, to enjoy all this on a muscle bike, it is better to start with a good basis of training, which allows you to tackle each single stage calmly.

The entire route is on the road, there are no bike paths, except for some short stretches in cities, and it is perfectly signposted by over 500 signs. In the northern part of the island, the course of the GT20 intersects that of the Road of Authentic Senses (Route des Sens Autenthiques), along which local artisans and producers gladly open the doors of their shops and farms to share their knowledge and let travellers discover the most authentic Corsica.

One of the important things to consider before departure is the correct planning of the stages: in different areas Corsica is pure wild nature, beautiful, but difficult if you need to find food and accommodation for the night.

Another thing to take into account is the weight of the luggage, which adds to the differences in level of the route; if you are not seasoned cycle tourists, it is better to consider a luggage transport service, whether you travel on your bike or decide to rent one.

The Crossing of Corsica on an electric bike

Even if you don't have the training necessary to tackle bike stages of at least 50 km, with a difference in height that in some cases can exceed 1000 meters, you can still decide not to give up this wonderful experience by choosing to travel on an e-bike.

The assisted pedaling will help you on the climbs and make you faster on distances, allowing you to travel longer stages than those you are used to with your muscle bike.

Starting from the city of Calvi, capital of the fascinating region of Balagne, you will easily snake through the creeks of the coastline until you reach the pulsating heart of a natural environment of rare beauty: Corte, the ancient capital of the island. But to discover the real wild soul of Corsica you will have to cross the mountains of the center of the island, to finally surrender to the sublime view of Bonifacio, which will welcome you towering from the white cliffs of its fjord.

And after fuelling up with wonder, thanks to the e-bike, in the evening you will still have the energy to search for the best restaurant where to taste the many specialties of Corsican cuisine.

The Crossing of Corsica on a racing bike

If, on the other hand, you are trained and used to grueling kilometers and differences in level, there is no reason not to throw yourself into this incredible cycling adventure that is rewarding and training at the same time.

The advice, of course, is to travel the entire GT20, from Bastia to Bonifacio, passing from the east coast to the west of the finger through the scenic Col de la Serra and exploring the center of the island, where you reach 1467 meters above sea level of the Col de Vergio.

However, if you don't have the 12 days necessary to cover all the stages of the route, we suggest you focus on the north part of the island, between Bastia and Calvi, where the route is certainly more varied and where you can take advantage of the beautiful stretches along the coast, those through the wine region of Patrimonio, the "desert" of the Agriates and Ile Rousse. A combination of bike, sea and good food that is hard to find elsewhere.

In this case too, whether you choose to travel with your own bike or decide to rent it (pro, full carbon models available), it is better to plan a luggage transport service from hotel to hotel.

Are you itching to set off to discover this wild island by travelling the GT20? Look now on Cyclando for the version that suits you!