GT20 Centre from Calvi to Corte

Arrive, check into your hotel and take a free tour of the town. Calvi, proudly standing in front of its luminous harbour and surrounded by mountains, is one of the most beautiful marine sites in Corsica. Its citadel, perched between the gulfs of Calvi and Revellata, contrasts with the peaceful landscape. A popular seaside resort, it boasts a six-kilometre beach lined with pine trees and a renowned port of call. The town is divided into a fortified upper town and a lively lower town.

Leaving Calvi, the route to Galéria takes you inland along the GT20, which rises gradually through the maquis to the Marsolinu pass (443 m), before descending to the Fango river and then to the village of Galéria. Once in Galéria, you can enjoy a boat trip to the Scandola nature reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, a unique experience offered by a number of local boatmen.

Leaving Galéria, you'll follow the Fango river for a few kilometres, in pursuit of Corsican trout, before gradually climbing to the Palmarella pass, which marks the border between Haute-Corse and Corse-du-Sud. From here, the route plunges into the Gulf of Girolata, then the Gulf of Porto, following a spectacular route between mountain and sea with breathtaking views. Before descending to the village of Porto, you'll pass through a formation of red porphyry, the volcanic rock that gives the famous Calanches de Piana their distinctive shade.

You'll head up the Spelunca valley to discover Ota, the historic port of Porto. This gentle climb will take you through some remarkable gorges, crossed by the river of the same name. The route takes you to the village of Evisa, renowned for its chestnut cultivation, protected by a PDO, and for its rich natural heritage. The area is rich in biodiversity, including the Aïtone forest, perfect for swimming and hiking. The Col de Vergio, the highest road pass on the island, will be a not-to-be-missed stopover on your way to your accommodation a few kilometres beyond the pass.

A day dedicated to crossing the Niolo micro-region, entirely downhill. You'll begin by winding your way through an imposing fir forest, dominated by Corsica's highest peaks, to reach the village of Albertacce, then Calacuccia. The Golo, which forms the lake at Calacuccia, gradually becomes a narrow, winding river, giving rise to the spectacular Scala di Santa Regina gorges. You'll wind your way between mountains and river in this grandiose setting, before crossing a small pass that will take you to Corte.