Tour of Corsica by motorbike: 7 days on the most beautiful roads of the Isle of Beauty +Added to my favoriteItem already present New

From the citadel of Aiacciu (Ajaccio) to the cliffs of Bunifaziu (Bonifacio), via the Calanques de Piana and Cap Corse, this 700-kilometre trip takes you along some of Corsica's most legendary roads. Seven days of exceptional twists and turns to discover hilltop villages, authentic local produce and make unforgettable encounters with fellow motorcyclists , far from the beaten track. The promise of a journey marked by adventure and freedom.

Day 1: Aiacciu (Ajaccio) - Piana - Portu (Porto) (70 km)

View overlooking the Calanques de Piana in Corsica

Start your day with a morning tour of Aiacciu (Ajaccio): breakfast in a beachfront hut, visit the new farmers' market on Place César Campinchi. Then head north along the coastal road where endless sea and mountain views follow one after another. 

The afternoon is devoted to the Calanques de Piana , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This road carved into the red granite offers a festival of technical bends. On leaving the village of Piana, admire the ‘heart of the calanques’, sculpted by erosion. Don't miss Capu Rossu, a 400-metre cliff overlooking Arone beach .

End your day with a sunset in Porto, at the foot of the calanques.

 Day 2: Portu - Calvi - L'Isula (L'Ile Rousse) (115 km)

This route takes you to Balagne through a variety of coastal landscapes: sandy beaches, coves and wide bays. Wind your way through the hinterland. The route passes through medieval villages where artisans continue to practise traditional crafts such as pottery, leatherworking and the manufacture of traditional musical instruments. 

You have now arrived in Calvi, recognisable by its half-moon bay. Visit the Salt Tower, the city's former watchtower, and don't forget the Revellata lighthouse . It stands 100 metres high. The Adolphe Landry quay is the perfect place to take a break among the fishing boats and lively terraces of the city's restaurants. 

Continue on to L'Isula to enjoy an evening stroll along the Marinella.

Day 3: L'Isula - San Fiurenzu - Bastia (70 km)

Citadel of San Fiurenzu in Corsica

Cross the 'Desert' of the Agriates , a protected area covering 15,000 hectares. Once the ‘breadbasket’ of Cap Corse, this area protected by the Conservatoire du Littoral offers a unique landscape of rocky ridges and scrubland. Continue the route to San Fiurenzu, an ancient Genoese town founded in the 16th century. Its citadel protected Bastia from behind. Stop off at Patrimoniu, home to Corsica's first AOC (1968). The 450-hectare vineyards enjoy a microclimate thanks to the Sirocco (a hot, dry wind from the Sahara).

At the end of the day, explore the old quarters of Bastia, such as Terra Vecchia and the Old Port.

Day 4: Bastia - Aleria - Sulenzara (105 km)

The east coast offers a striking contrast to the previous days. The Aleria plain reveals another side of Corsica: vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see and Roman ruins bear witness to its rich past. Head back up towards Sulinzara, the gateway to the Aiguilles de Bavella . The first mountain roads appear, promising technical bends ahead.

Day 5: Sulinzara (Solenzara) - Portivechju (Porto Vecchio) - Bunifaziu (Bonifacio) (75 km)

Palombaggia beach in Portivechju

Head to the southern tip of the Isle of Beauty. In Portivechju, climb up to the Bastion de France to admire the old industrial port. It is home to converted cork factories. The legendary beaches of Santa Giulia and Palombaggia follow one after the other. The coastal road becomes wilder as you approach Bunifaziu. Consider continuing on to the Lion de Roccapina   towards Sartene. The pink granite rock in the shape of a lion dominates the sea. 

End the day in the medieval streets of Bunifaziu, a town perched on limestone cliffs.

Day 6: Bunifaziu - Zonza - Alta Rocca (145 km)

Leave the coast for Alta Rocca, land of the lords. The forest of Ospedale   welcomes you into its setting of hundred-year-old Laricio pines. Don't miss the Piscia di Ghjaddu waterfall or the Ospedale dam, a natural mirror reflecting the mountains. Granite villages dot the small, quiet roads. The highlight of the day: the seven peaks of the Bavella   massif, from Punta di l'Acellu (1,588 m) to Punta Lola (1,840 m). 

On the way, stop for the night in Zonza, a high mountain village.

Day 7: Zonza - Aiacciu (Ajaccio) (90 km)

Cuscione plateau with its pozzine in Corsica

The last stage of the motorbike tour of Corsica takes you through the heart of the island on scenic roads. From Zonza, take a detour towards the Bavella Pass to enjoy one last view of the rocky peaks. You can also head towards Quenza and stop for a hike to explore  the Cuscione plateau.

Then descend towards Aiacciu through the Taravu Valley, passing through picturesque villages such as Pitretu è Bicchisgià and Grussettu è Prugna. This more direct route allows you to enjoy the scenery while avoiding a long detour via Corti.

Practical tips for your motorbike tour of Corsica

Free drive around Corsica ©AUDRIC PRODUCTION

Avoid the months of April to June or September to October: the weather is mild and temperatures are pleasant, and the roads are quiet. In terms of equipment, a well-ventilated jacket, suitable gloves and sun protection are essential. Opt for waterproof panniers, as mountain storms can arise quickly. 

Before setting off, it is essential to have your motorbike fully serviced, as there are few garages in the interior of the island. Similarly, get into the habit of filling up as soon as possible, especially before tackling mountainous stages.

On the roads of Corsica. Hairpin bends follow one after the other, sometimes punctuated by treacherous gravel on the exit. Take your time, enjoy the ride and don't hesitate to take frequent breaks. In hot weather, it is best to set off early in the morning.

This 700-kilometre tour of Corsica offers a perfect summary of the island's treasures: historical heritage, authentic villages, legendary roads and 100% natural landscapes. Each stage brings its own sensations, for a total immersion in the soul and culture of Corsica.