Distanze: 1780 km
Nr of days:
Year: 2017

The Corse Finger & the D80:

This journey begins with the northern Corsica exploration.The famous Island's finger could be easily explored along the D80 with possible deviation inside for the most adventurous. On the east side the  recommended stops  are Brando and Macinaggio.
Let's head up north to Tollare and Barcaggia (turn right on D153-D253 at Ersa's height) before going back riding the west side to Centuri, a traditional fishermen's village, Canari, Nonza famous for its black sandy "graffiti" on the beach and its church on the main road. The romantic San Fiorenzo will wait for you at the end of this first part of the journey. In short, a day dedicated to slow rhythms and incredible beaches hidden behind every curve! Watch out: there are few pumps here, so be sure to have enough gasoline in your tank!

Riding South-West along the D81:

The first day is just a foretaste of the variety of landscapes we will encounter then.The second stop (San Fiorenzo - Calvi 83 km) starts with a mountain escape through ​​the famous desert des Agriates. If you go at dawn - as we do- you  will find yourself alone enjoying this amazing road. After the mountain again the sea appears in its turquoise blue: a refreshing stop at the Plage de Ostriconi or further at the bay of Lozari si mandatory, before arriving at Calvi Late in the afternoon. For those who do not like to leave their bike parked for long time, he can choose to scount the craftsman's route. A route that runs between Isola Rossa and Calvi in ​​the hinterland, Where several villages Promote a specific "art-trade". In Calvi do not miss the sunset from the Old Town fortress!
On the third day we decide to go South - west (Calvi-Ajaccio 150 km): the first stretch of road is in good condition, then the surface becomes less smooth but still safe. The bays accessible by boat keep you in a good company along  the whole route. It is worth a stop for a traditional breakfast at Marina Argentella hotel, the few beachfront tables and the manager's kindness will allow you to relax for a while before restart. Follow the D81, one of the most exciting road for motorcyclists !!  From this point on, we recommend in order:

  • Vallè du Fango: a "almost" lost paradise created by a creek that flows into a canyon and you can also swim in it !
  • Col de Palmarella and the road between Osani and Porto: a Great curvy road!
  • The Calanques of Piana, 12 km and 39 incredible curves among red rocks;
  • Tiuccia bay if you want to refresh yourself before arriving in Ajaccio;

The south & Bonifacio:

The beaches in the south are very nice but too famous and therefore crowded. Bonifacio is quite pretty, perched on the cliffs eroded by the wind, with its chic marina. Go downstairs that you may find after the market square, it offers a different perspective on the city (cost £ 2.50) and do not miss the opportunity to dive under the cliffs between the stacks!
South means Bonifacio and much more: enjoy a coffee in Sartene, with its typical architecture, or a beer in Zonza, a crossroads of hiking routes of all kinds. We did not have a chance but, for those who stay longer in the island, we absolutely recommend a couple of treks in the area.

Exploring the hidden treasure of the centre on the D69:

The 6° stop (Porto Vecchio-Corte 215 km) is the most spectacular one. Starting from Solenzara to go back to the bends of the Col de Bavella, the famous "dolomitic" landscape of Corsica. We followed D69 to Zicavo trough lots of curves and breathtaking views. The woodlands becomes less dense and opens to a lunar landscape. Keep going on the D 69, you will cross Col de Verde, Ghisoni, Col de Sorba .... till Corte! 215 kms that require a whole day. This roadway really gratifies any motorcyclists as it is made of curves and bends, just pay attention around Zicavo where you may find wild boars even on the road itself!
Corte: considered the moral capital of Corsica and the stronghold of independentist, today it remains a pleasant city full of historical buildings and craft workshops. The main square and the medieval fortress deserve a stop as well as the surrounding area: Restonica canyon or Tavignano valley.

 

 

 POINT OF INTEREST:  Capo Corso, Agriates, Bonifacio, Corte, Bavella