Galéria / Porto

Enjoy a gentle start on this sixth stage southwards on the GT20 cycle route, first presenting a flat stretch that provides splendid views up to La Paglia Orba, one of the highest mountains in the Massif du Cintu Range. In fact, between Galéria and Portu, you’ll be totally immersed in spectacular landscapes looking down on the coastal Scandola Reserve. The way climbs for 11km towards the Col de Palmarella, a pass. The route wends through rocks, with steep cliffs to the side. Explore the villages of Osani, Partinello and Serriera, as well as the spectacular coastal formations of the Calanche de Portu. The festival of natural colours is an utter treat.

The Route

This is a long stage, just over 50km in length. The cumulative positive elevation amounts to 722m. To get back in the direction of Portu, first, you need to double-back on yourself, cycling along the last 5km of the previous stage to get onto the D81 road. Enjoy a stretch on the flat before having to tackle the Col de Palmarella, involving 11.3km with a positive shift in altitude of 379m and slopes at a gradient of between 3% and 8%. The Palmarella Pass presents plunging views down on the coastal Scandola Reserve. Next, you descend into the region of Western Corsica. You follow a route cut through the rocks to reach A Bocca Croce (a pass also known as the Col de la Croix). The descent to Portu provides stunning views down on the Portu Gulf.

Don't miss

• Galéria: a perched village offering amazing views over the Mediterranean; a shaded place perfect for a stopover; the Fango Valley; the Tour Génoise (a Genoese Tower); the Réserve Naturelle de Scandola, a UNESCO-listed nature reserve
• Porto (Portu): the port; the Tour Génoise (a Genoese tower); the Portu Gulf and Calanche de Piana