Cycling day trip from Porto-Vecchio to Zonza

Get ready for a seriously rewarding ride! This route takes you from the stylish waterfront town of Porto-Vecchio up into Corsica’s dramatic interior, finishing in the lovely mountain village of Zonza. You’ll leave the turquoise Mediterranean behind, rolling past cork oaks, pine forests, and wild granite outcrops as you tackle some major elevation gain—nearly 2,000 meters of ascent!

The route is a real mixed bag: while about a third follows busy roads (especially near Porto-Vecchio), you’ll soon branch onto quieter lanes, rugged tracks, and even a few gravel stretches. Expect some rough patches, so a gravel or adventure bike would be a good call. Make sure to soak in the views as you climb—Corsica is famous for its wild scenery.

Don’t miss a wander through Zonza when you arrive; it’s a popular base for hikers heading into the Aiguilles de Bavella, one of the island’s most iconic mountain formations. Reward yourself with a hearty Corsican meal—you’ll have earned it!