Corsica Linea - Marseille to Bastia

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:

​On board, there are several types of sleeping options, ranging from simple reclining chairs to deluxe cabins with double beds. I chose a room with its own bathroom and a window, which turned out to be a very comfortable choice. The cabin had two cosy beds and a television, while the private bathroom came equipped with a shower and toilet. For convenience, the room was also stocked with bottled water and basic toiletries such as soap and shampoo.

At night, the ship becomes remarkably quiet, making it easy to drift off and enjoy a genuinely restful sleep.

The ferry leaves Marseille around 6 p.m. and arrives in Bastia the next morning at about 8 a.m. Sailing out of Marseille is a highlight in itself, and I’d strongly recommend heading to one of the outdoor decks as the ship pulls away from the port. The views are spectacular. Almost immediately, you glide past Fort Saint‑Jean, the Vieux Port, and the elegant Palais du Pharo, each landmark glowing in the late‑afternoon light.

​On the opposite side, the ship passes the Frioul Archipelago, a cluster of four rugged islands scattered just off the coast.For the rest of the evening, the ferry traces the French coastline, offering glimpses of dramatic cliffs and hidden coves as it passes places like the Parc National des Calanques and the naval city of Toulon. Eventually, the coastline fades into the distance and the ship begins its open‑sea crossing toward Corsica, leaving you with a peaceful night on the water.

The restaurant on board is surprisingly large and easily able to handle a big crowd. If you arrive about ten minutes before opening, you’ll usually find a queue already forming. I showed up roughly ten minutes after the doors opened and managed to get a table almost immediately, so timing makes all the difference.

The menu is varied, offering a generous selection of starters, main courses, and desserts. It’s worth noting that this isn’t a self‑service setup — you’re seated and served at your table, which gives the whole experience a more relaxed, restaurant‑style feel.

I chose the meat platter to start, followed by seabass, and finished with a delicious cheese selection for dessert. Everything was well prepared and pleasantly presented. 
I chose the meat platter to start, followed by seabass, and finished with a delicious cheese selection for dessert. Everything was well prepared and pleasantly presented.
There’s also a bar on board where you can order small snacks and sandwiches, perfect if you’re looking for something lighter or just want a drink while watching the sea slip by.

After a great meal and a bit of TV, I decided to turn in early. The night on board was wonderfully quiet, and by morning I felt genuinely refreshed as we approached Bastia. Cyclists were allowed to disembark first, which made the whole process quick and easy.

​The ferry terminal sits right in the heart of the city, so the moment you roll off the ship you’re greeted by Bastia’s waterfront and some of its most recognisable landmarks.I knew I had a full day ahead of me, with Calvi as my destination, so the early arrival worked perfectly. The day began with an immediate challenge: the climb up Col de Teghime at 536 metres. It’s a tough start, but the views make every pedal stroke worth it.

All in all, if you’re looking for a relaxed and scenic start to your holiday, taking the ferry to Corsica is hard to beat. It sets the tone for the adventure ahead — unhurried, atmospheric, and full of anticipation.