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I had planned to visit Corsica for a long time, and the decision was made to visit Corsica by bicycle and cross the island from North to South. Having already cycled from Girona (Spain), I arrived early at the port in Marseille. Checking in with Corsica Linea is very easy. You cycle/ or drive towards the ticket booth and hand over your documentation and passport. In return, you receive a few documents for you to use on the ferry. The ticket for the crossing is actually cheap, with a price in the month May around 40euro. This off course doesn't include a vehicle or room. I opted for the crossing, a bicycle (€12), a room with shower/ toilet and window (around €70) and a three-course dinner (€34.9). It is advisable to book your meal in advance as it is cheaper than paying for the meal on the ferry. Also, where there is no need to book a room, we would advise to get a bed so you get a decent rest. If you book a room and a meal, you get tickets for both together with your embarkation voucher at check-in. I decided to skip the terminal and start queuing between the cars. Once we got closer to departure, cars, motorbikes and bicycles were allowed to progress towards the ship. Bicycles and motorbikes were allowed to embark first. A special room is available to store the bikes safely. Leaving the deck behind and heading upwards a few decks, I followed the signs towards my room. A simple keypad provides you with access to your room. The bedroom: Where there are different types of sleeping options ranging from a chair to a deluxe bedroom with double bed, I had opted for the room with bathroom and window. The room had two comfortable beds and a television where the bathroom provides you with a shower and toilet. For your convenience, the room is supplied with bottles of water and some soap/shampoo in the bathroom. At night, the ship tends to be very quiet and a good night rest is provided.
The ferry leaves Marseille around 6pm and arrives the next morning in Bastia around 8pm. Leaving Marseille is just fabulous, and i would highly recommend to head one of the outdoor decks to admire the city and its surrounding coastline. One of the first views you get upon the ship's departure is that of Fort Saint-Jean, Vieux Port de Marseille and Palais Du Pharo. On the other site, you pass Frioul Archipelago, a group of four islands located of Marseille. The entire evening, the ferry keeps following the French coastline passing places like Parc National des calanques and Toulon to eventually start its crossing to Corsica.
The restaurant on the ship is large and can easily cater for a huge number. When you arrive 10 minutes before the restaurant opens, there tend to be a line forming already. I went about 10 minutes after the restaurant opening and got a seat almost immediately. The menu is varied with plenty of starters, main courses and desserts. It needs to be noted that this is not a self-service restaurant , but that you actually gets service at your table. I opted for the meat platter followed by seabass. As desert, i enjoyed a delicious cheese table. On the ship is also a bar where you can also order some small snacks and sandwiches.
After a great meal and some TV, I decided to go to bed early enough. After a quiet night, I arrived refreshed in Bastia where the cyclists were allowed to embark first. The terminal in Bastia is actually right in the city, so you can straightaway admire some of the landmarks in the city.
I knew I had to get to Calvi that day, so the early departure was handy. It meant starting the day with a climb up Col de Teghime (536 meter). All by all, if you are looking for a relaxed start to your holiday, the ferry might just be the way to travel to Corsica.
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The Forêt d'Aïtone is a stunning piece of nature on Corsica. The forest of a diverse range of pines is located at a height of 800 to 2000 meters and covers an area of 24 square kilometers. A recommended route is to follow the road from Porto to Évisa, a stunning road that gradually climbs higher and higher towards the beautiful village of Évisa. Located at the western part of the forest, Évisa is surrounded by chestnut trees. And these chestnut trees form the basis for the annual chestnut Day which is celebrated every November. The chestnuts of this region have a rich flavour and are distinguished from other chestnuts by the fact that they don't have compartments. And it must be said that chestnuts can be found in many Corsican dishes throughout the year. Where i visited this village during early May, it was nice and quiet. But in the summer season, it can get rather busy in the village as it is located at one of the crossroads of many hiking trails,...
Forêt d'Aïtone is the perfect spot to go hiking. With its many walking routes, you can admire the beauty of the area and more than likely bump in some local wild boars or other animals that roam the forest. Walks: a) Sentier des Chataigniers: This linear rail takes you through the heart of the chestnut grove. Along the route are educational panels explaining the history of the chestnut trees since the Genoese times. (duration approx. 2 hours - 6.1km). b) Évisa to Ota: this point-to-point path takes you away from Forêt d'Aïtone, but brings you through the stunning Spelunca Gorges. The path runs along streams. (duration approx. 2 hours - 6.4km) c) Mare e Monti / Mare a Mare Nord: Both these long distance path (multi-day hikes) traverse through Évisa and are both stunning routes that bring you along some of Corsica's most stunning scenery.
Another interesting place to visit is the Cascades d'Aïtone, a series of waterfalls where you find the clearest of water, perfect for a refreshing dip in the summer. And when we say, refreshing, it is really refreshing with temperatures never really going above 11 degrees Celcius. The stunning Laricio pines provide great shade in the summer, and climbing higher and higher, you will eventually reach Col de Vergio (Bocca di Verghju) located at a height of 1478 meters making it Corsica's highest paved pass. A good way to reach the col is to cycle from Porto, a 34.5km constant climb with the most stunning views. I done this route in early May, a time when temperatures are not to high and the tourist season is only commencing making the roads much quiet. Still , this route is popular with bikers who tend to travel around Corsica in groups. The climb is never to steep (maximum gradient 6%) making it an easy enough climb, still come prepared with some food and plenty of water.
The stunning Forêt d'Aïtone should be on everyone's bucket list. It doesn't matter if you want to hike, cycle or drive, the area is worthwhile discovering.
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About the AuthorWe are Peter & Dolores De Bie. We love the great outdoors, discovering new parts of the world and writing about our adventures along the Wild Atlantic Way and further afield Categories
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