All you need to know about Corsica by motorcycle

Corsica is a dream destination for bikers looking for wide open spaces, winding roads and thrills. If you’re planning a motorcycle trip to Corsica, here are a few tips to help you prepare for your trip and make sure you don’t miss out on any of the island’s beauty.

Rent a motorcycle in Corsica or bring your own?

The first question you need to ask yourself is whether you’d prefer to rent a motorcycle locally or bring your own. There are pros and cons to every option, depending on your preferences, budget and length of stay.

If you choose to rent a motorcycle in Corsica, you’ll be able to choose from a wide range of models, suitable for all types of riding and terrain. You’ll also benefit from services such as insurance, assistance, equipment and advice. You won’t have to worry about transporting your motorcycle, or about all the formalities involved. Your time to enjoy the island will be maximized by having come quickly by plane. Airport transfers are often arranged by the rental company. On the other hand, renting a motorcycle in Corsica comes at a price, which can vary depending on the season, duration and model chosen. You’ll also need to book in advance, especially in high season, and respect the conditions of the rental contract.

If you prefer to bring your own motorcycle, you’ll need to allow time and budget to reach one of the ports on the Corsican mainland. Then plan to take the ferry, which means booking your ticket, paying for the passage and organizing yourself to keep to the timetable. You’ll also need to make sure that your bike is in good condition and ready for Corsican roads, that you have all the necessary documents and that you’re covered by appropriate insurance. The advantage of bringing your own motorcycle is that you’ll be able to enjoy your usual vehicle, which you’re comfortable with and which suits your desires. You can also be more flexible about the length of your stay.

The different seasons in Corsica and their advantages for a motorcycle holiday

Corsica enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Each season has its own charms and specificities, which can influence your choice for your motorcycle holiday in Corsica.

Summer is the most popular season for tourists, who come to enjoy the sun, sea and entertainment. It’s also the ideal season to admire the coastal scenery, beaches and calanques. On the other hand, summer is also the hottest, driest and busiest season. So you’ll have to cope with sometimes high temperatures and sometimes congested roads. You’ll also need to book your accommodation and motorcycle hire further in advance, and budget accordingly.

Spring and autumn are intermediate seasons, offering more pleasant weather conditions for motorcycling in Corsica. Temperatures are mild, with plenty of sunshine and moderate rainfall. It’s also the time to discover green Corsica, with its forests, mountains and lakes. You’ll also enjoy a quieter atmosphere, with fewer tourists and less traffic. You’ll find it easier to find accommodation and motorcycle rentals, and you’ll benefit from lower rates.

Winter is the coolest and wettest season in Corsica, but also the most authentic. Enjoy the charm of Corsican villages, traditions and gastronomy. You can also admire the snow-capped peaks, which offer a striking contrast with the sea. However, you’ll need to be careful about driving conditions, which can be trickier on a motorcycle, with slippery roads, fog and even the occasional snowfall. You’ll also need to check the availability of accommodation and motorcycle rentals, which may be closed in low season.

Risks specific to motorcycling on Corsican roads

Corsican roads are renowned for being a biker’s paradise, but also for presenting certain specific risks, which you need to be aware of and anticipate to ride safely.

Corsican roads are often narrow, winding and mountainous. They therefore require careful driving, adapted to speed, road surface, visibility and traffic conditions. It’s more important than ever to respect safety distances, speed limits, priorities and road signs. You also need to be aware of other road users, including cyclists, pedestrians, wild and stray animals and farm vehicles. Avoid dangerous overtaking, sudden braking and unexpected changes of course.

Corsican roads are also subject to the vagaries of the weather, which can alter driving conditions. So make sure you know what the weather’s going to be like before you set off, and adapt your equipment and driving accordingly. Watch out for rain, which can make the roads slippery, wind, which can destabilize the bike, thunderstorms, which can cause trees or rocks to fall, and snow, which can block roads or passes. You also need to be aware of temperature variations, which can be significant between the coast and the interior.

These are the exception rather than the rule, and most of the time, fortunately, driving on Corsican roads is a pleasure.

The most beautiful places on the island by motorcycle

Corsica is full of wonderful places to discover on a motorcycle, so you can appreciate the diversity and richness of the island. Here’s a selection of the most beautiful places on the island by motorcycle, which aren’t necessarily the best-known, but are well worth the detour.

Cap Corse: the northern tip of the island, offering exceptional panoramic views of the sea and mountains. You can tour Cap Corse by motorcycle, taking the coastal road along picturesque villages, fishing ports, beaches and coves. You can also venture into the hinterland, where you’ll discover wild landscapes, forests, vineyards and Romanesque chapels.

Calanques de Piana: spectacular rock formations overlooking the Gulf of Porto. You can admire the calanques of Piana by motorcycle, following the corniche road, which winds between the pink granite cliffs. You can also stop off at several viewpoints, offering breathtaking vistas of the sea and mountains. The best time to enjoy the Calanques de Piana is at sunset, when the rocks take on flamboyant hues.

The Aiguilles de Bavella: these impressive mountain peaks rise to over 2,000 meters above sea level. You can reach the Aiguilles de Bavella by motorcycle, via the Col de Bavella, one of Corsica’s most beautiful passes. Enjoy the winding road through pine forests, streams and waterfalls. You can also stop off at the pass, which offers magnificent views of the needles and surrounding valleys.

Bonifacio: Corsica’s southernmost town, perched on a white limestone cliff. You can visit Bonifacio by motorcycle, strolling through the medieval citadel overlooking the port and the sea. You can also admire the fortifications, the churches, the marine cemetery and the King of Aragon’s stairs. You can also visit the Pertusato lighthouse, which offers a splendid panorama of the Bouches de Bonifacio and Sardinia.

The Agriates Desert: a wild, unspoilt region stretching between Saint-Florent and Ostriconi. You can explore the Agriates desert by motorcycle, and perhaps take a trip on the track through the maquis, rocks and dunes.

You’ll be able to discover magnificent landscapes, such as the paradisiacal beaches of Saleccia and Loto, or the historic remains of the Mortella tower and Santa Maria fort. You can also appreciate the desert’s flora and fauna, home to endemic and protected species.

Motorcycle facilities in Corsica

Corsica is an island that welcomes many motorcyclists, and therefore has a number of facilities to facilitate their stay. You can benefit from :

• Dedicated parking lots for motorcycles, allowing you to park easily and sometimes free of charge in towns and tourist sites.
• Specialized accommodations for bikers, offering services such as garaging and washing. You can also take advantage of advice, maps, guides and tours to help you organize your motorcycle rides.
• Motorcycle clubs and associations organize gatherings and events open to the public throughout the year. Find out more.

In conclusion

A motorcycle holiday in Corsica is a unique and unforgettable experience, allowing you to discover the island of beauty from a different angle. By following these tips, you’ll be able to prepare your trip well and not miss a thing of the island’s beauty. Don’t wait any longer, book your motorcycle holiday in Corsica now and get ready to experience intense emotions and thrills!