Cycling trip Cap-Corse
The American Palace
On this six-day electric bike tour, take the time to visit this ‘island within an island’, a region of Corsica that is still off the beaten track.
The Cap Corse is a mountain that slopes gently to the sea on the Tyrrhenian side in the east and steeply to the sea on the Mediterranean side in the west. Unlike the rest of Corsica, the Cap Corsins are a seafaring people. A poor and arid land, exile was a necessity. Two centuries ago, many Cap Corsicans emigrated to America to try their luck. The luckiest and most resourceful returned home, as they always have, to flaunt their success and wealth.
These Cape Corsicans, who came to be known as “Americans”, built imposing buildings, oversized tombs as if in search of immortality, “tombs to be seen from the other side”, as well as sumptuous houses in the style of South American architecture, the palaces of the Americans.
For this itinerary, we’ve chosen to take the small coastal roads that will allow you to visit the sacred sites of the Cap Corse, with its churches and convents, as well as the hamlets overlooking the sea, which is always just a few turns away… Swimming, sumptuous buildings, meals by the sea, a night in an American palace and the customs trail are all part of the Cap Corse tour, a unique way to discover a magical world.
by electric bike or gravel bike
Along cliff-top roads and swimming in turquoise water.
Stay at the Palais des Américains Cap-Corse 6 days / 5 nights
Dates
From 1 April to 31 May 2025
From 1 June to 30 June 2025
From 1 July to 31 August 2025
From 1 September to 15 August 2025
From 15 September 2025
*Price per person based on 2 people
Prices*
990 €
1050 €
1130 €
1050 €
990 €
Prices for 4 or more people
910 €
970 €
1 050 €
970 €
910 €
Day 1: In the heart of Bastia
When you arrive in Corsica, we will welcome you and give you the bicycles, equipment and panniers. We will explain how an electric bike works and give you our best advice for your stay.
The cycling holiday starts in Bastia, a city of Mediterranean beauty. Leaning against the mountains, old, intricate buildings tumble down to the seafront and surround the old port. It is peaceful and pleasant to stroll along the pontoons where small boats bob up and down. Your footsteps will naturally lead you to the market square, past the emblematic church of Bastia. You will then come to Place Saint-Nicolas, the meeting place for Bastians of all ages.
Overnight in a hotel in the heart of Bastia. Your electric bikes will be safe in an enclosed courtyard.
Day 2: Erbalunga and the inland villages of the Cap Corse
Cycling along the coast, you will get your first glimpse of the idyllic Cap Corse as you round a bend: the marina of Erbalunga. A small fishing port surrounded by pastel-coloured façades right on the water’s edge, crowned by a Genoese tower perched on a green slate headland. The first ‘American’ houses are a reminder of the village’s former role as a wealthy Corsican trading port.
You then continue along the Tyrrhenian coast on an electric bike, before turning inland into a more authentic region, both mountainous and rural. The villages are made up of scattered hamlets with a variety of religious architecture: monasteries, bell towers, churches and chapels.
Overnight stay in Cagnano. Don’t forget to recharge the batteries of your electric bikes.
Distance: 36 km Height gain: +500 m
Day 3: The small harbours of the Cap Corse
Continue your cycling holiday in the ‘Cap de l’intérieur’ with the crossing of the Luri, a well-kept valley thanks to dynamic agriculture. If you are more sporty, you can make a detour to the Sénèque tower for a panoramic view of the Cap Corse and the two seas.
The route then returns to the more rugged and arid coastline, alternating with seascapes, until it reaches the more recent one of Macinaggio. This is the start of the Cap Corse customs officers’ trail, a wonderful path that runs along the sandy beach of Tamarone, the islands of Finocchiarola and then Santa Maria with its weathered tower. Park your bikes and walk part of this Corsican coastal path.
The road then heads inland towards Rogliano. Made up of several very old hamlets, Rogliano boasts some impressive buildings: several ‘maisons d’Américains’ (houses built by Americans), a castle, the large church, the convent of San Francesco, chapels, bell towers, towers and wash-houses.
Spend the night in an admirable ‘maison d’Américain’, the Palazzu Nicrosi.
Distance: 32 km; Height gain: +650 m.
Long route: Distance 25 km; Height gain +900m.
Day 4: towards the top of the Cap Corse
Your electric bikes will take you gently to the northern tip of Corsica. The road winds for 8km through the scrubland, with the coast and the island of Giraglia, a huge rock topped by a tower and a lighthouse, in sight.
Then you cross the Serra Pass at the Mattei mill. From here you can enjoy a wonderful view of the two seas, all the islands of Tuscany, the ridge of the Cap Corse and Corsica.
Descending towards Centuri, the landscape changes. Exposed to winds and storms, the coastline is steep, rugged and jagged, influencing even the architecture of the ports and villages.
Spend the night in the small port of Centuri, famous for its lobsters. For one night, your electric bike trip will give you the unforgettable feeling of being at the end of the world, here at the tip of the Cap Corse.
Distance: 16 km; Height gain: +150 m
Long route: Distance 32 km, Height gain +500 m
Day 5: From Centuri to Nonza
The route takes you past the truly extravagant palaces of the Americans, which stand out in the landscape. Equally surprising are the monumental tombs. Built ostentatiously on the most beautiful headlands, they resemble the Capitol, a boat or a pyramid.
The impressive road runs along the west coast of the Cap Corse and takes you to small harbours with houses, a monastery or a tower, on the edge of beautiful white sandy beaches. The next stop is Canari, a town steeped in Corsican industrial history, with a bell tower lighthouse in a divine setting. Then comes the spectacular arrival at Nonza, a rebel fortress built almost vertically above the sea.
Overnight in a mansion in the heart of Nonza, a listed village.
Distance: 39 km; Height gain: +600 m.
Long route: Distance 50 km, Height gain: +1000 m
Day 6: Around Patrimonio
You will finish this tour of the Cap Corse by electric bike with beautiful views, small marinas and beautifully located churches such as those in Farinole and Patrimonio. Thanks to its limestone soil, Patrimonio is the centre of Corsican viticulture, with numerous vineyards. The more adventurous can make a small detour to the port of Saint-Florent, well sheltered at the end of the gulf. Saint-Florent is an ancient city which the Genoese fortified with a citadel. All you have to do is cross the Santo Stefano pass to reach your first citadel, that of Bastia.
You can end your trip in either Saint-Florent or Bastia.
Distance: 40 km; Height gain: +600 m
Long route: distance 25 km, Height gain +250 m
Accommodation:
- 1 night in an American Palace
- 2 nights in a ★★★ hotel
- 2 nights bed and breakfast.
- Breakfast served on site.
- Rental of the Riese & Müller Charger 4 bike with Bosch Performance Line CX engine.
- The necessary accessories: helmet, anti-theft device, tool kit and two rear panniers per person (capacity 48 litres per pair).
- You will receive a day-by-day itinerary, a 1:25,000 scale map of the route and practical information.
- Lunch picnic.
- Dinner: choice of local restaurants.
- Cancellation and repatriation insurance, unless you have taken this option.
Any changes you make to the programme are at your own expense.
To get to Corsica, you can take advantage of the sailboats of Sailcoop.
By opting for this low-carbon mode of transport, Altipiani will give you a 5% discount on your stay. Sailcoop will also give you a 5% discount on a one-way crossing and 8% on a return trip.
To get to Corte, take the train from the main Corsican cities: Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi and L’Île-Rousse.
Train timetables: https://cf-corse.corsica/
If you are coming by plane, be aware that connections with Figari airport are complicated.
Stay at the Palais des Américains Cap-Corse 6 days / 5 nights
Day 1: In the heart of Bastia
When you arrive in Corsica, we will welcome you and give you the bicycles, equipment and panniers. We will explain how an electric bike works and give you our best advice for your stay.
The cycling holiday starts in Bastia, a city of Mediterranean beauty. Leaning against the mountains, old, intricate buildings tumble down to the seafront and surround the old port. It is peaceful and pleasant to stroll along the pontoons where small boats bob up and down. Your footsteps will naturally lead you to the market square, past the emblematic church of Bastia. You will then come to Place Saint-Nicolas, the meeting place for Bastians of all ages.
Overnight in a hotel in the heart of Bastia. Your electric bikes will be safe in an enclosed courtyard.
Day 2: Erbalunga and the inland villages of the Cap Corse
Cycling along the coast, you will get your first glimpse of the idyllic Cap Corse as you round a bend: the marina of Erbalunga. A small fishing port surrounded by pastel-coloured façades right on the water’s edge, crowned by a Genoese tower perched on a green slate headland. The first ‘American’ houses are a reminder of the village’s former role as a wealthy Corsican trading port.
You then continue along the Tyrrhenian coast on an electric bike, before turning inland into a more authentic region, both mountainous and rural. The villages are made up of scattered hamlets with a variety of religious architecture: monasteries, bell towers, churches and chapels.
Overnight stay in Cagnano. Don’t forget to recharge the batteries of your electric bikes.
Distance: 36 km Height gain: +500 m
Day 3: The small harbours of the Cap Corse
Continue your cycling holiday in the ‘Cap de l’intérieur’ with the crossing of the Luri, a well-kept valley thanks to dynamic agriculture. If you are more sporty, you can make a detour to the Sénèque tower for a panoramic view of the Cap Corse and the two seas.
The route then returns to the more rugged and arid coastline, alternating with seascapes, until it reaches the more recent one of Macinaggio. This is the start of the Cap Corse customs officers’ trail, a wonderful path that runs along the sandy beach of Tamarone, the islands of Finocchiarola and then Santa Maria with its weathered tower. Park your bikes and walk part of this Corsican coastal path.
The road then heads inland towards Rogliano. Made up of several very old hamlets, Rogliano boasts some impressive buildings: several ‘maisons d’Américains’ (houses built by Americans), a castle, the large church, the convent of San Francesco, chapels, bell towers, towers and wash-houses.
Spend the night in an admirable ‘maison d’Américain’, the Palazzu Nicrosi.
Distance: 32 km; Height gain: +650 m.
Long route: Distance 25 km; Height gain +900m.
Day 4: towards the top of the Cap Corse
Your electric bikes will take you gently to the northern tip of Corsica. The road winds for 8km through the scrubland, with the coast and the island of Giraglia, a huge rock topped by a tower and a lighthouse, in sight.
Then you cross the Serra Pass at the Mattei mill. From here you can enjoy a wonderful view of the two seas, all the islands of Tuscany, the ridge of the Cap Corse and Corsica.
Descending towards Centuri, the landscape changes. Exposed to winds and storms, the coastline is steep, rugged and jagged, influencing even the architecture of the ports and villages.
Spend the night in the small port of Centuri, famous for its lobsters. For one night, your electric bike trip will give you the unforgettable feeling of being at the end of the world, here at the tip of the Cap Corse.
Distance: 16 km; Height gain: +150 m
Long route: Distance 32 km, Height gain +500 m
Day 5: From Centuri to Nonza
The route takes you past the truly extravagant palaces of the Americans, which stand out in the landscape. Equally surprising are the monumental tombs. Built ostentatiously on the most beautiful headlands, they resemble the Capitol, a boat or a pyramid.
The impressive road runs along the west coast of the Cap Corse and takes you to small harbours with houses, a monastery or a tower, on the edge of beautiful white sandy beaches. The next stop is Canari, a town steeped in Corsican industrial history, with a bell tower lighthouse in a divine setting. Then comes the spectacular arrival at Nonza, a rebel fortress built almost vertically above the sea.
Overnight in a mansion in the heart of Nonza, a listed village.
Distance: 39 km; Height gain: +600 m.
Long route: Distance 50 km, Height gain: +1000 m
Day 6: Around Patrimonio
You will finish this tour of the Cap Corse by electric bike with beautiful views, small marinas and beautifully located churches such as those in Farinole and Patrimonio. Thanks to its limestone soil, Patrimonio is the centre of Corsican viticulture, with numerous vineyards. The more adventurous can make a small detour to the port of Saint-Florent, well sheltered at the end of the gulf. Saint-Florent is an ancient city which the Genoese fortified with a citadel. All you have to do is cross the Santo Stefano pass to reach your first citadel, that of Bastia.
You can end your trip in either Saint-Florent or Bastia.
Distance: 40 km; Height gain: +600 m
Long route: distance 25 km, Height gain +250 m
Accommodation:
- 1 night in an American Palace
- 2 nights in a ★★★ hotel
- 2 nights bed and breakfast.
- Breakfast served on site.
- Rental of the Riese & Müller Charger 4 bike with Bosch Performance Line CX engine.
- The necessary accessories: helmet, anti-theft device, tool kit and two rear panniers per person (capacity 48 litres per pair).
- You will receive a day-by-day itinerary, a 1:25,000 scale map of the route and practical information.
- Lunch picnic.
- Dinner: choice of local restaurants.
- Cancellation and repatriation insurance, unless you have taken this option.
Any changes you make to the programme are at your own expense.
To get to Corsica, you can take advantage of the sailboats of Sailcoop.
By opting for this low-carbon mode of transport, Altipiani will give you a 5% discount on your stay. Sailcoop will also give you a 5% discount on a one-way crossing and 8% on a return trip.
To get to Corte, take the train from the main Corsican cities: Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi and L’Île-Rousse.
Train timetables: https://cf-corse.corsica/
If you are coming by plane, be aware that connections with Figari airport are complicated.
Prices & Dates
Price per person based on 2 people
Prices for 4 or more people
