Corsica
Corsica: The Overland Story
The Corisca Overland Tour, takes us on an awe-inspiring exploration of Corsica's picturesque landscapes.
With the thrill of discovery propelling us forward, we are set to undertake the ultimate road trip, unveiling charming towns, historic sites, and breathtaking coastal vistas on this Mediterranean island.
Starting in the port city of Bastia, we will navigate through the winding streets and delve into Corsica's rich history. From the impressive Calanche Cliffs to the enchanting Bonifacio, our journey will expose us to the diverse beauty of Corsica's coastal scenery and mountainous terrain.
As we meander further south, the rugged beauty of Corsica's coastline, with its hidden coves and turquoise waters, will leave an indelible mark on our adventure. The historical significance of sites such as the Citadel of Corte and the ancient Aleria Roman ruins will transport us through time, offering a glimpse into the island's past.
Join us on this unforgettable tour, where Corsica will reveal its treasures, inviting us to experience the ultimate Mediterranean road trip!
Island Escape
Forget everything you know about touring in Europe. If you’re tired of endless traffic jams on the Côte d'Azur or the constant paranoia of your bike being swiped while exploring Italy, it’s time for a change. Picture this instead: an island that blends French flair with Italian zest, all while somehow remaining a hidden gem. Welcome to Corsica!
Corsica is like the cool, misunderstood cousin of France and Italy—forever overshadowed but with a cheeky grin and a taste for adventure. Imagine if Italy and France had a love child that inherited all the rugged charm and drama of its parents but also decided to go off the grid and forge its own path. That’s Corsica—a land where the mountains seem to battle the sea, and every twisty road hides a new tale of grandeur.
Rocky Start
In search of the ultimate escape, my wife Emily and I hopped on our BMW R 1250 GSA and set off to give Corsica the spotlight it deserves. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t just the island’s dramatic landscapes that took our breath away—it was also realizing we’d been missing out on some of the best roads in Europe!
We began our journey from Toulon, boarding an overnight ferry to Bastia. Feeling fancy at the time of booking, we opted for a cabin with a small window—both a blessing and a curse. The view of the dark, choppy sea was nice, but the constant bashing of a loose rope against the glass kept us from a good night’s sleep.
Abruptly awoken by the ship captain’s announcement of our early morning arrival, we scrambled for a quick coffee and suited up for the adventure ahead.
The ferry docked in Bastia, and turning right, we headed north towards Cap Corse. No transit roads, no motorways—it felt like we’d docked straight into motorcycle heaven! Riding beside the sea with waves crashing on the rocks and salty spray seasoning us and the bike, we were wide awake.
Coastal Ride
Soon, we gained altitude as the coastal road morphed into a dramatic balcony route, hugging cliffs with dizzying drop-offs that demanded focus.
Convenient bike parking was the perfect excuse to stop for a coffee break in the picturesque town of Nonza. Two double espressos at a quaint café while savoring the view of the black sand beach and rugged coastline left us raring to go again. A steep climb to the historic Paoline Tower rewarded us with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the charming village below.
An hour and a half of twisties scrubbed the sides of the tires as we rode into L’Île-Rousse. Founded in the 18th century by Pascal Paoli, this historic town boasts cobblestone streets and vibrant market squares. After a day of riding, there’s nothing better than enjoying a cold beer and reflecting on the day’s adventures. Its rich history, inviting atmosphere, and scenic beauty made L’Île-Rousse the perfect spot to unwind before continuing our journey.
Soon, we gained altitude as the coastal road morphed into a dramatic balcony route, hugging cliffs with dizzying drop-offs that demanded focus.
Convenient bike parking was the perfect excuse to stop for a coffee break in the picturesque town of Nonza. Two double espressos at a quaint café while savoring the view of the black sand beach and rugged coastline left us raring to go again. A steep climb to the historic Paoline Tower rewarded us with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the charming village below.
An hour and a half of twisties scrubbed the sides of the tires as we rode into L’Île-Rousse. Founded in the 18th century by Pascal Paoli, this historic town boasts cobblestone streets and vibrant market squares. After a day of riding, there’s nothing better than enjoying a cold beer and reflecting on the day’s adventures. Its rich history, inviting atmosphere, and scenic beauty made L’Île-Rousse the perfect spot to unwind before continuing our journey.
Golden Hour
Riding the D81B is an exhilarating experience—not because it’s fast, but because it clings precariously to the rugged coastline, with breathtaking views. Sharp curves and low stone walls offer little protection from sheer drop-offs into the sea below. Rusted car wrecks resting at the bottom of the chasm hint at the road’s unforgiving nature.
A neglected surface and a dusting of fine gravel turn every corner into an adrenaline-pumping moment. Stopping for a moment, you hear the wind whipping off the cliffs and waves crashing far below. It’s the kind of road adventure motorcyclists crave—wild, exposed, and utterly unforgettable.
With the sunlight fading, we pressed on, riding the famous D81 to Porto. The empty road, bathed in golden light, surpassed every picture we’d seen. Further along, more car wrecks clung to the cliffs—silent reminders of the road’s dangers. Yet, despite its reputation, it may be one of Europe’s most magnificent and secretive roads. Off-season, it feels like it belongs to you alone.
Europe’s Best Rides.
In Porto, we doubled back toward the Calanques de Piana, drawn by the promise of a perfect sunset. We found a spot perched on the cliff edge, unpacked our gear, and cooked dinner as the red granite formations glowed in the fading light. As the sun dipped below the horizon, it was one of those priceless moments that define motorcycle travel—untouched and shared with the road.
The next morning, we rode the D81 from Porto to Piana on a coffee quest. Carved directly into the rocky cliffs, this stretch offers sheer red and orange rock faces on one side and steep drops to the sea on the other. Tight, winding, but smooth—ideal for a crisp morning ride. The cool air carried the scent of salt and pine. Remote, quiet, and iconic—this road is a must for anyone seeking Europe’s best rides.
This is Corsica
‘Wild Corsica’ lived up to its name as we took the D84 toward Corte. Towering mountains, deep gorges, and a perfect mix of sweeping bends and rugged terrain made for a dream ride. It was easy to slip into a trance, flicking the bike left and right, only to be snapped back by a herd of goats or a drove of wild pigs.
Corte, nestled in the mountains, was a highlight. Perfectly preserved and wonderfully rough, it was like stepping back in time. We wandered through the old town’s narrow streets, where crumbling stone buildings and faded shutters told stories of Corsica’s rugged past. The citadel, perched high above the town, offered incredible views of the surrounding valleys and jagged peaks—honestly, it felt like standing in the heart of the island. There was a raw, untamed beauty to Corte that made it easy to see why it was once Corsica’s capital.
The next morning, we set off on the D69, tackling the stunning Col de Sorba. Tight switchbacks and constant elevation changes made it a rider’s dream. A detour to Cuccuruzzu, an ancient archaeological site, offered a glimpse into Corsica’s distant past.
Rejoining the D268, we rode into Bavella Canyon—Corsica’s most dramatic landscape. Towering rock spires, rugged cliffs, and golden light set the scene. The road was a playground—tight corners, hairpins, and constant elevation changes. The Bavella Needles loomed overhead, glowing in the sunset. This was motorcycling at its best.
Beautiful Bonifacio
Arriving on the East Coast for the first time, we were struck by the contrast—mountains and villages replaced by hotels and holiday homes. Porto-Vecchio was lovely but felt more touristy than wild. We pressed on to Bonifacio for a two-night stay.
Bonifacio completely blew us away—literally perched on top of these towering white limestone cliffs, it’s the kind of place that makes you stop and just stare. The view is next-level, especially if you brave the King of Aragon’s Staircase. There’s a whole legend that it was carved overnight during a siege, but honestly, even if that’s just a story, it doesn’t make those 187 steep, worn steps any less impressive. Climbing down felt a bit sketchy but the views over the turquoise water were 100% worth it.
Wandering the old citadel felt like stepping into a medieval film set—narrow cobbled streets, ancient stone buildings, and that kind of quiet where you know these walls have seen some serious history. Apparently, Bonifacio was hit by pirate raids back in the day, and you can almost imagine it happening as you explore. We found a little café tucked into one of the alleys and just sat for a while, soaking it all in.
Down in the harbor, the vibe totally changes—super lively, lined with boats, and the smell of seafood everywhere. It’s the perfect place to sit, grab a cold Pietra beer or a glass of rosé, and watch life go by.
We also found out you can hop on a boat trip from the port out to the Lavezzi Islands, which are basically giant granite boulders dumped into the sea. If you’re into swimming or snorkeling, the water’s crystal clear and it feels like a little slice of paradise.
Heading Home
Our final day took us north to Ajaccio, Corsica’s capital. Bustling, yet somewhat run-down, it lacked the tranquility we had grown to love. It’s best as a brief stopover—a place to refuel and restock.
As we boarded the ferry back to the mainland, our motorcycle secured below deck, Corsica slowly disappeared into the horizon. What remained were memories of untouched beauty, rugged landscapes, and wild adventure—a Mediterranean gem that had captured our hearts.
