Bastia / Centuri

Cyclists keen on challenges and exploration, relish immersing yourselves straight into the wild side of Corsica on this most northerly stage of the GT20 cycle route. Keep your bathers to hand, as between Bastia and Cinturi it’s easy to stop for a dip. This first exciting stretch of the route, 54km in length, initially leads you via secretive creeks and picturesque villages before you then tackle the inland terrain of the wide Cap Corse Peninsula. Prepare to take on a 700m positive shift in elevation, although the first 35km provide a fairly easy warm-up. The real physical challenge comes in crossing Cap Corse from east to west.

The Route

Set out along the GT20 cycle route from Bastia following the D80 road, the main thread for this stage, providing splendid views over the Mediterranean. The first stretch along the coast offers fairly easy cycling, despite the odd climb and the odd deceptively flat-seeming section, a feature all along the way. The overall cumulative gain in elevation is almost 700m. At kilometre 25, the little port of Porticciolo makes an ideal place to stop and enjoy the local cuisine. On the climb to reach U Macinaghju, the first stretch is gentle, but the way gets harder approaching the Col de la Serra – prepare for 12km with a 3% average gradient, but with sections between 4% and 5%. The descent to Cinturi is narrow and winding. The reward at the end – exploring this little port renowned for lobster.

Don't miss

• Bastia: designated a Ville d’Art et d’Histoire for its cultural riches; the Vieux Port, or historic harbour; the Citadel; the Jardin Romieu; the Voie Douce Aldilonda (a central waterside way hugging the sea, free of motorized traffic)
• Centuri (Cinturi): the little port; the Moulin Mattei (a windmill 3km from Cinturi) at an iconic spot on the Cap Corse Peninsula