Discover Balagne by Bike: 5 Unmissable Routes from Domaine Acciola
The Balagne region, with its varied landscapes and winding roads, is a real paradise for road bike enthusiasts.
If you’re looking for sporting challenges and beautiful landscapes, the itineraries we propose offer a unique immersion in the heart of this unspoilt region of Corsica.
However, it’s important to remember that the roads can be narrow, sometimes rough, and shared with vehicles and animals, including cows that may be on the road. Caution is therefore advised, and it is essential to adapt your route according to your abilities.
Each outing can be shortened if necessary, and we advise you not to set off alone, to stay well hydrated, and to always take plenty of food with you.
Times and speeds are estimated.
Circuit 1: A short 22 km outing with beautiful views of Speloncato and Nessa.
- Level: Intermediate
- Running time: 01:09
- Distance: 22.8 km
- Average speed: 19.8 km/h
- Ascent: 370 m
- Negative altitude difference: 370 m
From Domaine Acciola, turn left and continue on a relatively flat road for 6 km to the village of Ville-Di-Paraso. Then turn right for the 3 km climb to Speloncato, a hilltop village with views over the valley below. Take a break in the village square, with its welcoming cafés, before descending for 4 km. Rejoin the original road, pass the Domaine and continue towards Nessa. A final climb takes you to the top of the village, from where you can admire the valley before descending to Feliceto, where you can enjoy a coffee break at the panetteria if you’re passing in the morning. All that’s left is to retrace your steps for the 2 km flat stretch back to the estate.
Route 2: 55 km loop with a seaside section and a beautiful climb through Pigna.
- Level: Expert
- Running time: 02:40
- Distance: 55.2 km
- Average speed: 20.7 km/h
- Ascent: 730 m
- Negative altitude difference: 730 m
Start by turning left out of the Domaine and ride for 14 km to Belgodère, a picturesque village where you’ll want to stop and fill your water bottles at the fountain. Then a quick 8 km descent brings you to Losari, by the sea. Follow the coast to Île-Rousse, where you can skirt the shoreline before embarking on a challenging climb to Corbara. Passing through Pigna rewards you with charming lanes and spectacular views. After passing through Aregno and Cateri, the road becomes easier, and you can take advantage of the flatness to return to the Domaine via several typical villages.
Route 3: A long loop along the south side of the Bocca di Battaglia, offering spectacular views.
- Level: Expert
- Running time: 05:19
- Distance: 99.5 km
- Average speed: 18.7 km/h
- Ascent: 1,990 m
- Negative altitude difference: 1,990 m
This tour begins with a gradual ascent to the Col de la Battaglia, a challenge for experienced cyclists with a steady climb that becomes steeper and steeper. Once at the summit, the view from the Bocca di Battaglia is breathtaking, with a panorama that extends over the entire region. The descent to Olmi e Cappella is fast and technical, followed by a crossing of the chestnut forest, a typically Corsican landscape. The return journey takes in Belgodère and Lac de Codole, where a pause is in order to admire this man-made lake surrounded by mountains. A final climb takes you back to Feliceto, before returning to the Domaine.
Route 4: A circuit with magnificent views of the Balagne region via the north ramp of the Bocca di Battaglia
- Level: Expert
- Running time: 04:41
- Distance: 87.0 km
- Average speed: 18.6 km/h
- Ascent: 1,720 m
- Negative altitude difference: 1,720 m
From the Domaine, head towards Feliceto. As you leave the village, turn right downhill towards Île-Rousse.
After a series of winding bends, you’ll skirt the Reginu plain for around 3 km before climbing towards Santa Reparata di Balagna, then Occiglioni.
Continue on to Corbara, where a fine descent offers a beautiful view of the bay of Ghjunchitu before reaching the Fogata traffic circle. Cross over to Île-Rousse and continue for 9 km to the Belgodère fork in Losari, where you turn right for a moderate climb of 9 km to Belgodère.
From here, a second 15 km climb takes you to a 19 km plateau through Olmi e Capella. The final ascent, a 6 km climb with gradients of up to 10%, takes you to the Col de la Bataille (Bocca di Battaglia), the highest point of this tour.
Finally, enjoy the fast, technical descent back to Speloncato and the Domaine.
Route 5: Grand tour from Lumio to Pioggiola
- Level: Expert
- Running time: 04:42
- Distance: 114 km
- Average speed: 24.3 km/h
- Ascent: 2,010 m
- Negative altitude difference: 2,010 m
A challenge for seasoned cyclists, combining long climbs and technical descents, with exceptional panoramic views.
Begin with a gentle start from the Domaine towards Feliceto, Muro and Avapessa, taking advantage of the flat terrain to warm up your legs. Continue towards Cateri and Lavatoggio before descending to the Lumio junction. Turn right to follow the coastline, enjoying magnificent views of the Mediterranean as far as Algajola. From there, turn right and prepare for a steady climb to Aregno, Pigna and Corbara.
Once in Corbara, a beautiful descent awaits you, passing through Santa Reparata di Balagne and Occiglioni before reaching Monticello. Then descend to the plain and turn left to drive towards the coast at Losari. Soon after, turn right to tackle the climb to Belgodère, where the real effort begins.
From Belgodère, you follow the itinerary of circuit 4, with a 15 km climb leading to a plateau through Olmi e Cappella. The final ascent takes you to the Col de la Bataille, the highest point of this loop, before a steep, technical descent via Speloncato, finally bringing you back to the Domaine.
Each itinerary allows you to discover a variety of landscapes and test your limits on the roads of Balagne. Don’t forget that these itineraries can be adapted to suit your level and desires, and that it’s always wise not to set off alone. We wish you all the best!
Enjoy an unforgettable stay in the Balagne region at Domaine Acciola