Col de Bavella Mountain Pass Road from Solenzara to Zonza in Corsica

The road runs on the island of Corsica, a French Mediterranean island known for its rugged terrain and natural beauty. It connects the village of Solenzara on the eastern coast to the village of Zonza inland. The route passes through the Parc naturel régional de Corse, a protected regional natural park, and intersects with the Sanctuaire Pelagos, a marine protected area. The road also runs through the Canyon de Pulischellu valley, adding to the varied landscape along the way. An interactive map showing the road can be found at the end of this article.

The road is approximately 38 kilometers (23.8 miles) long and primarily surfaced with asphalt of good quality, rated 4.4 out of 5. It is mostly a two-lane road (about 80%) with a small portion of one-lane sections (around 4%). The width varies, with the majority being wide (about 60%), some middle width (26%), and a smaller portion narrow (11%). The road is very twisty, with a curviness rating close to 2 on a scale where 3 is extremely curvy. It passes through inhabited areas for roughly 11% of its length. Speed limits vary, with a maximum speed around 80 to 50 km/h (50 to 31 mph), reflecting the challenging terrain and road geometry.

This route is classified as a mountain pass road, featuring two significant passes. The Bocca di Larone pass sits at an elevation of 608 meters (1,995 feet), while the Col de Bavella is the highest point on the road at 1,218 meters (3,996 feet). The elevation range along the road spans from a low of 17 meters (56 feet) near the coast to the high mountain passes, providing a varied riding experience with steep climbs and descents. The Col de Bavella is well known and documented, with a dedicated Wikipedia page in French (Col de Bavella).

The road passes through two protected areas: the Parc naturel régional de Corse (Parc naturel régional de Corse) and the Sanctuaire Pelagos (Ligurian Sea Cetacean Sanctuary). These parks protect diverse terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Along the route, riders can find multiple viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys, including the Canyon de Pulischellu. The road’s passage through these natural areas enhances the riding experience with opportunities to observe Corsica’s unique flora and fauna.

The road section described here is a popular route for motorcyclists seeking a challenging ride through Corsica’s mountainous interior. It is important to note that the road is located on an island, which may affect travel logistics. There are no known tolls or entrance fees specifically for this road, but conditions may change, so riders should verify current information before traveling. For more details on Corsican road tolls and fees, consult official French transport resources. The interactive map below provides a visual overview of the route and its key features.