Calenzana / Galéria

Ruddy rocks and rough maquis scrubland mark this fifth stage of the GT20 cycle route, linking Calinzana to Galéria in 31km. The main difficulty is the climb to the Col de Marsulino, but the view across Calvi Bay from the top of the pass is phenomenal. Then descend towards the riverbed of the Fango, to arrive, finally, in the peaceful port village of Galéria. For those keen on nature, the Scandola Reserve, a paradise for divers, and the port of Girolata, are only accessible on foot or by sea, but are well worth the detour.

The Route

What better incentive to motivate you on a cycling stage than to know that the stopover at the end offers wonderful watery coastal delights! This is a short stage, just 31km in length, but involving 420m of positive shift in altitude, particularly as you have to tackle two passes. Past Moncale, the first, the Col de Bocca Di Neraghia, stands at 283m in altitude, while that of Marsolino is at 443m in altitude, the way to the latter not very long but quite demanding, with an average gradient of 7%, and some stretches at 10%. There’s then a long straight descent crossing the Fango Valley, with views onto two iconic Corsican mountains, the Paglia Orba and Capu Tafunatu. Finally, the route brings you close to the sea. Once in Galéria, you can enjoy a whole variety of nautical activities.

Don't miss

• Calenzana (Calinzana): a perched village providing extraordinary views over the Mediterranean, a shaded place ideal for a stopover, and also at the northern start of the GR20 hiking trail!
• Galéria: a perched village offering amazing views over the Mediterranean; a shaded place perfect for a stopover; the Fango Valley; the Tour Génoise (or Genoese Tower); the Réserve Naturelle de Scandola, a UNESCO-listed nature reserve