Vive la Corse!

Cycling through Corsica this past week has been nothing short of incredible. I’m currently sitting in a cozy hotel room in Bonifacio, reflecting on the experience while the group prepares to head to Sardinia tomorrow. Each day of the tour has left a distinct impression, but Corsica? Corsica is something else entirely.

Corsica’s beauty is something I didn’t fully grasp until I was right in the heart of it. The island is a patchwork of contrasts, from the rugged mountain peaks to the crystal-clear waters that hug its coastlines. One moment you’re cycling along dramatic cliffs with sweeping views of the Mediterranean, and the next, you’re winding through lush, green forests that feel worlds away. The diversity is astonishing—each corner of the island reveals a new landscape, a new vibe. Whether it’s the vibrant coastal towns like Calvi or the peaceful, tucked-away mountain villages like Zonza, Corsica constantly keeps you in awe. Every turn of the road offers something different, and the island feels wild and untamed in the best way possible. Corsica is not just a destination; it’s an adventure for all the senses.

We started in Bastia, making our way west to Calvi—a beautiful coastal town where the Mediterranean stretched endlessly in front of us. From there, the landscape became wilder as we cycled through Porto Ota, nestled between rugged cliffs and blue waters. By the time we arrived in Ajaccio, a well-deserved rest day awaited us. It was a perfect moment to recharge, explore the city, and indulge in local cuisine. But, if I’m being honest, Zonza stole my heart.

Zonza was a place I wish we could have stayed just a little bit longer. The charm of the village combined with the breathtaking mountain views – it was serene and captivating all at once. Even the weather couldn’t dampen the experience. We cycled through heavy rain that day, and setting up our lunch spot was a challenge, to say the least. But sometimes, it’s the unexpected that adds flavour to the adventure, and in this case, the rain highlighted the beauty around us in a way I hadn’t expected.

And then came Bonifacio. Cycling 66 km from Zonza was no joke. On paper, it looked like an easy day, but the wind was fierce. Every pedal stroke felt like pushing through a wall. Yet, as tough as it was, the view coming into Bonifacio made it all worth it. Perched atop limestone cliffs, the town feels almost otherworldly, as if defying gravity with its dramatic positioning over the sea.

As we prepare to sail off to Sardinia, I’m feeling a mix of exhaustion and excitement. Corsica was demanding, but it delivered in ways that only cycling can—through challenge, beauty, and the satisfaction of seeing the world unfold at a slower, more intentional pace. Sardinia, here we come!

RELATED
TOUR

Viva Italia

It has been said that ‘All roads lead to Rome’ and the Viva Italia cycling tour is simply more proof that this may indeed be the case...