Strada di Bastelica and Col de Scalella Mountain Pass Route in Corsica

The Strada di Bastelica and Strada di Cavru roads are situated on the island of Corsica (French: Corse), a Mediterranean island belonging to France. This road section lies within the territorial region of Corse and passes through several small settlements including Strada di Cavru, Strada di Bastelica, Strada di Bucugnà, Strada di a Furesta, Strada di i Boccialacci, and Pont de Salicio. The route terminates near the village of Cauro. The road traverses mountainous terrain, reaching its highest elevation at the Col de Scalella mountain pass at 1193 meters (3,914 feet). The area is part of the Parc naturel régional de Corse, a regional natural park, and also intersects the Ligurian Sea Cetacean Sanctuary (Sanctuaire Pelagos). The road runs adjacent to the Le Prunelli river for approximately 11% of its length. An interactive map showing the road can be found at the end of this article.

The total length of the road section is approximately 39.6 kilometers (24.6 miles). The road surface is asphalt with an average quality rating of 3.2 out of 5, indicating a generally acceptable but not pristine surface condition. The road is moderately twisty, with a curviness rating of 2.26 on a scale where 3 is extremely curvy. Riders can expect a mix of gently curved and more pronounced bends, especially near the mountain pass.

Regarding lane configuration, about 28% of the road consists of a single lane, while roughly 49% has two lanes. The road width varies, with approximately 24% being narrow, 58% of medium width, and 16% wide. Around 17% of the route passes through inhabited areas, which may require additional caution due to local traffic and pedestrians.

The elevation along the route ranges from 370 meters (1,214 feet) at the lowest point to 1192 meters (3,911 feet) at the highest point near Col de Scalella. This elevation change contributes to the road's dynamic riding conditions and offers varied views of the surrounding natural environment.

The Col de Scalella mountain pass is a key feature of this route, situated at an elevation of 1193 meters (3,914 feet). This pass is well known locally and is referenced in French as Col de Scalella. The road crossing this pass provides a challenging and engaging ride for motorcyclists due to its elevation and curvature.

The route passes through the Parc naturel régional de Corse, a protected regional natural park that preserves the island's unique biodiversity and landscapes. More information about the park can be found on its official website Parc naturel régional de Corse and its Wikipedia page Parc naturel régional de Corse. Additionally, the road intersects the Ligurian Sea Cetacean Sanctuary, known as Sanctuaire Pelagos, which is a marine protected area dedicated to the conservation of cetaceans. Details about this sanctuary are available on its Wikipedia page Ligurian Sea Cetacean Sanctuary.

The road is located entirely on the island of Corsica, which covers an area of approximately 9,300 square kilometers (3,590 square miles). Corsica is known for its mountainous terrain and diverse natural environments. The route follows the Le Prunelli river for a portion of its length, a river that extends over 81 kilometers (50 miles) and is an important watercourse on the island. More information about the river can be found on its Wikipedia page Prunelli (fleuve).

The combination of mountainous terrain, river adjacency, and protected natural areas makes this road section a notable route for riders interested in varied landscapes and natural settings.

This article focuses on the road section detailed above, which can be visualized on the interactive map provided below. Riders should be aware that the road is a mountain pass route with moderate curviness and varying road widths and lane configurations. The asphalt surface quality is average, so caution is advised, especially in adverse weather conditions.

There are no specific reports of seasonal closures or tolls on this road, but riders should verify current conditions before travel. For information on road tolls and entrance fees in France, consult official French transport websites or local authorities.

For further exploration of the region, the village of Cauro near the road's endpoint offers a glimpse into local Corsican life. The island of Corsica itself is rich in cultural and natural attractions, making it a compelling destination for motorcycle touring.