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7 tips for preparing your GT 20!
Everything you need to know to plan for your GT 20 trip
1/ Choose your type of trip... and the length of time
Depending on your budget and your physical condition, you can cycle the GT20 partly or totally, from north to south, and also in the opposite direction. The more experienced will be able to cover the entire route in less than 5 days, while cyclists of lesser physical condition can extend the 12 planned stages. Numerous agencies specialising in "bike trips" will offer you the opportunity to experience all or part of the GT20, with partial or total support.
Our advice: The ideal period to set off on the route is pre-season, from April to mid-July, when the days are long, the temperatures mild and the roads less busy than in high season. The post-season, September and October, also offers suitable weather conditions.
2/ Choose your accommodation
Depending on your budget and your itinerary, you can stay with locals or stay in classic accommodation such as hotels, camping, lodges or residences.
Bivouacking, very tempting so you can set out again in the early hours of the morning, is not recommended along the route because it is regulated and even prohibited in some municipalities.
Note: Leaving from Porto, campsites are fewer and you should consider guest houses or hotels. You can book as you go, but it is preferable to plan ahead of your trip because of demand and limited availability in certain stopover towns (especially Ghisoni).
3/ How many kilometres per day?
Depending on your physical condition, your goals and your desires, cycling the GT20 can take between 5 and 12 days.
As Corsica is a mountain in the sea, remember that you must also add the significant differences in height to the distance travelled as this will vary your average speed considerably. Indeed, on some sections with a significant height difference, it is better to be modest! (Stage 7 Porto - Verghju is 34 km with 1486 m of elevation gain).
In order to take full advantage of certain locations that you will pass through, it is recommended you follow the suggested stages, 12 in total, which will represent an average daily distance of 50 km.
On the fringes of a stopover town: combine a cycling holiday with outdoor activities along the route by cycling in the morning and devoting your afternoon to activities such as hiking or canyoning. Also discover the rich heritage of a stopover town or enjoy a day of rest along the route.
4/ Choose your bike
If you plan to ride your own bike, consider fitting it with suitable equipment, namely a 50-34 chainring and a 12-32 cassette.
If you choose to rent, find the list of rental companies here.
If you rent an Appebike you can find a list of charging points by region here .
5/ Plan equipment according to climatic hazards
You will mainly cycle on balcony roads on the first part of the route, so will not experience large temperature variations.
Be aware: When leaving Porto, you will take mountain roads and several passes at an altitude of more than 1000 m which may have some surprises in store for you (cold, rain, wind). It is advisable to take suitable clothing with you.
6/ Get to your starting point
You can get to Bastia, the departure city, by boat or plane: Here are the maritime and airline companies serving the island.
Note: getting there by air is more expensive and more restrictive (a bag will be necessary for transporting your bike).
7/ Orientation on the route
Directional signage was deployed in August 2021 for the entire route and in both directions. You should also use GPS navigation and download the GPX files of the different stages to your smartphone or GPS device.
See the layout of the GT 20 >>
Note: In the near future, specific GT20 guides will be available to accompany you and help you discover all the tourist points of interest, as well as services and tips along the route.
