15 days for a motorcycle road trip: Corsica or Norway?

Hey everyone,

I’ve got 15 days off in June and I’m pretty undecided about where to go for a motorcycle road trip. Two strong desires are pulling me in different directions: Corsica or Norway.

Corsica has been a dream of mine for a long time: legendary roads, stunning landscapes, a unique vibe, and the perfect mix of sea and mountains. At the same time, I’m wondering if 2 weeks might be *too much* for Corsica—risking feeling like I’ve seen it all too quickly, especially on a bike. Since I also have an extra week free in May, I could use that specifically for Corsica. Maybe splitting it into two trips would make more sense? If so, which routes or regions would be the most interesting to plan for a 7-day trip?

On the other hand, Norway is *super* appealing. The landscapes look incredible, totally different from anything I’ve experienced, and it’d be a real “wow” trip. I know 15 days is still short for such a vast country. Getting all the way to the North Cape seems pretty much impossible in that time, but I’m curious about what realistic routes could be planned.

So I’m wondering: Is it better to save Norway for next year, take 3 weeks off, and do it *properly*? Or are 15 days enough for a first amazing taste of the country?

I’d love to hear about your experiences—whether it’s Corsica (ideal duration, routes) or Norway (what’s realistic in 2 weeks on a bike). Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

I’ve been dreaming about Corsica for a long time: legendary roads, landscapes, atmosphere, sea and mountains combined. At the same time, I’m wondering if 2 weeks might be ‘too much’ for Corsica, risking running out of things to do quickly, especially on a motorcycle?

Hi there,

First, we’d need to know what you mean exactly by road trip? I don’t know Norway, but I’ve lived in Corsica for 48 years—though I’m not a biker myself.

June has become a VERY busy month for tourism in the island for many years now. You’ll see lots of bikers. Their usual routine is ride, ride, ride, never getting off the bike, and if they do stop, they don’t take their eyes off it. If that’s your style, you could easily do a lap of the island in 3 days—but what’s the point?

To see the beautiful sights and landscapes in Corsica, you *have* to walk a little, get off the main roads, and take your time.

In nearly 50 years here, I still haven’t seen all of Corsica… It’s hard to give advice when we don’t know what motivates you!

One sad note: many (and more and more) bikers/visitors have accidents during their stay in Corsica. Their road bikes aren’t suited to the island’s roads, and they often get tempted/swept up by the (unreasonable) speed of local bikers who know the area well… and try to keep up with them. Also, watch out for the many stray animals…!

Happy thinking, good choice, and have a great "road trip"! Cheers,

Puma2A



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Hello, Thank you so much for your message and for taking the time to share your experience and perspective on Corsica. Your comments are very insightful and really make me think. When I talk about a "road trip," it’s definitely not about racking up miles without ever getting off the bike. I’ve already had the chance to discover Corsica, but very briefly, passing through Ajaccio and Bastia, and I have great memories of it. That made me want to come back to get to know the island better, taking more time. My idea is to ride at a relaxed pace, without excess, just to get around and enjoy the scenery, with regular stops. I’d also like to be able to leave the bike behind from time to time to walk a bit and access places that are unreachable on two wheels. Of course, the motorcycle will remain at the heart of the trip, since this project aims to combine two of my great passions: traveling and riding. But the goal is absolutely not to "do the island tour" quickly. I’m also very mindful of the points you mentioned regarding safety, road conditions, and the presence of animals. These are important factors that I take very seriously. Thanks again for your message and advice—they’re really helpful.

hi, you didn’t say how you’re traveling in terms of accommodation and budget? I’d go for Corsica without hesitation if you don’t want to rack up too many miles and really enjoy the trip

Hey, the issue with Norway is that the cost of living there is really high. Just as much if not more than Switzerland :(

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Watch out! The cost of living in Corsica is significantly higher than on the French mainland... it might be lower than in Switzerland, but I can't say for sure. (Never been to Switzerland.) Every time I return to the "French mainland" and go to a small restaurant or a market, I'm really struck by the price difference compared to small restaurants in Corsica or the Ajaccio market.

Cheers.



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Hi there,

A small detail about the cost of living in Corsica: Check out fuel prices here: https://mon-essence.fr/ville/14735-ajaccio?gtf=sp95

And just to clarify: There’s no SP 98 in Corsica, and no fuel sold in supermarkets (nowhere on the island).

Happy planning!

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Hi there,

Renting a motorcycle for Norway, then? (Otherwise, it’s too far... I drove there from France by car, but that took a month.)

Norway: prices are *very* (very) high, the weather is more than uncertain (riding a motorcycle in the rain isn’t my idea of fun...), the food is meh, but the landscapes are stunning! Crowded at some spots, but not in the wilderness. More exotic. In 15 days, you’ll need to focus on one area.

Corsica: prices are much more reasonable than in Northern Europe, beautiful landscapes, great roads—but they attract lots of motorcyclists (plus cyclists), so expect company on two wheels. Great food, lovely weather, and you can go for a swim. Less exotic, though. In 15 days, you can really explore the island.