Cycling Holiday in Corsica, France

Corsica is a wonderfully unique island. Part of France but also largely influenced by Italy, the 'jewel of the Ligurian Sea' is full of quiet towns, rolling hills and jagged mountain regions. The coastline is surprisingly dramatic, with the many miles of beautiful coastal roads suddenly veering up into the mountains. Of course, this makes for a fantastic 8-day cycling holiday, giving you the chance to combine relaxing rides along the coast (including a circuit of the beautiful 'Cap Corse') with tougher days up along mountain ridges. You'll also get to visit many of the towns and villages that give Corsica such a unique culture.

The trip is self-guided trip ideally aimed at those looking to challenge themselves with an independent cycling holiday. This means the trip takes extra planning, with only your various accommodations sorted and a map and route guide to help you along the way. Of course, this means you're able to explore the island at your own pace, pausing for a coffee, some local cuisine, or simply to admire the views wherever you like along the way.

Here's a brief overview of the itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrive Bastia
• Day 2: Head north and cross the tip of the Cap Corse. Follow the coast before cycling over the the west coast
• Day 3: Pass villages and churches as you head for Saint-Florent and the beautiful beach of Saleccia
• Day 4: Cycle the scrubland of the Desert des Agriates then on to the village of Monticello
• Day 5: A tough climb to Speluncato, then up to the pass of the Bocca di a Battaglia and Olmi Cappella
• Day 6: An easy day along quiet country roads towards the town of Ponte Leccia
• Day 7: Today, you can either follow the main road to Bastia or take to the hills and explore Castagniccia
• Day 8: End in Lucciana