Corsica The Island Of Beauty

GR20, a once in a life time trek through the Island of Beauty

DAYS from 7 to 15

FROM €925 p/p

SKILL LEVEL Challenging

The GR20, a hiker’s gem that you cannot miss

This sumptuous route winds its way through the majestic landscape of Corsica, following the line that separates the island’s East coast from the West coast. As you make your way South, this trail will take you on a journey through beautiful mountains, valleys, and forests, while offering breathtaking views on the Mediterranean Sea.

The GR20 is a true gem for adventurers seeking to challenge themselves and to connect with nature. You will discover an incredible variety of landscapes, from stunning sunrises on the Mediterranean Sea, to the regenerative atmosphere of its centenary pine grove Laricio, without forgetting Tafoni sculptures engraved in the Ryolite’s red granites.

Tour Guide

Vincent

French State Diploma in Alpinism

Bilingual French-English

Location

Corsica,
France

Walking Grade

Challenging

1 2 3 4

Full crossing 15 days from 1750€

Next departure: 12th of June, 2024

Book Integral Crossing

Partial crossing 8 days from 925€

Next departure: 7th of July, 2024

Book Partial Crossing

Any Question?

We would love to hear from you

Send inquiry

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Maison Forestière de Bonifatu – Refuge de l’Ortu di u Piobbu
ARRIVAL

Arrival day! You will meet your guide at Calvi harbor at 10H30. We will then organize a transfer to the Forest House of Bonifatu, where our adventure starts. We will climb our first steep ascent to the Refuge de l’Ortu through a luxurious laricio and marine pine groove. Our track will progress along the Malaghia River and will give us the opportunity to cool down during our climb.

+1077M | 8KM | 5H WALKING
Day 2

Refuge Ortu di U Piobbu – Refuge Carrozzu
A fantastic day to discover the Corsican rough granitic mountains. The route progress at a close to 2000 meters altitude through jagged rocky slabs, ryolite peaks soaring to the sky. Stunning view at the Bocca de Innominata, a well deserved reward before starting a steep descent toward the Refuge Carrozzu.

Night in refuge or tent.

+774M | 8KM | 5H WALKING
Day 3

Refuge Carrozzu – Refuge Ascu
Another day on the mineral road of the northern Corsican massif. The day starts along the Spasimata River on huge granite slabs. Be careful walking in wet weather as the path can be slippery ! Ask your guide to comment on the incredible carvings on the granite rocks. The tafonis are the result of the combined chemical and wind erosion of the granite. A living testimony to the island’s rich geology.

We reach the Bocca di Muvrella at 1987 m. Here we have a perfect view of Monte Cinto, the highest point of the island.

Night in refuge or tent.

+900M | 6KM | 5H WALKING
Day 4

Refuge Ascu - Refuge Thighiettu
We will start early to take advantage of the fresh morning air to climb the 1200 meters to the Pointe des Eboulis. The most courageous can add a 2 hours walk to Monte Cinto through the granite rocks. A fantastic 360° view from the top of the island. Save your strength for the long and technical descent to the Thighiettu refuge.

Night in refuge or tent

+1190M | 8KM | 7H WALKING
Day 5

Refuge Thigiettu – Refuge Ciuttulu di Mori
A short stage, well deserved after the previous day ! Your guide will lead you to some secret corners of the Foggiale River, time to take advantage of the fresh water and relax in a wild and unspoilt environment

Night in refuge or tent

+652M | 6KM | 4H WALKING
Day 6

Refuge Ciuttulu di Mori – Refuge Manganu
We will pass by the Lake Nino, source of the Tavignano (the second largest river in Corsica, both in length and flow). It is surrounded by small peaty lakes, called pozzines. A typical and magical Corsican landscape.

Night in refuge or tent

+821M | 22KM | 8H WALKING
Day 7

Refuge Manganu – Refuge Pietra Piana
Certainly one of the most beautiful stages of our route. You will understand why the GR20 is one of the most famous treks in Europe. The Capitello Pass, carved into a sharp granite ridge, offers an incredible view on the glacial lakes of Melo, its deep blue waters surrounded by impressive rocky chaos. Magical scenery!

Night in refuge or tent

+838M | 10KM | 6H WALKING
Day 8

Refuge Pietra Piana – Refuge Onda
On the GR20, the good surprises come at the right time to relieve pain and relax: the natural pools! The Manganellu river runs alongside the GR20 trail and has many natural pools and basins along the way. Take advantage of your guide to find the most preserved ones.

Night in refuge or tent

+524M | 10KM | 5H WALKING
Day 9

Refuge Onda – Vizzavona
Again the atmosphere of the Corsican high peaks today until Vizzavona, which separates the northern part of the GR20 from the southern part of the GR20. Your guide will suggest you climb Monte d’Oro, one of the highest peaks in Corsica.

Night in refuge or tent.

+650M | 10KM | 5H WALKING
Day 10

Vizzavona – Campanelle
We have the chance to cross one of the richest forests in France: the territorial forest of Vizzavona. The shapes and dimensions of the hundred-year-old Laricio pines are impressive, as are those of the beech trees. We will observe the rich natural fauna of the forest: the Corsican nuthatch, wild boars, the green woodpecker, etc.

Night in refuge or tent.

+1115M | 14KM | 8H WALKING
Day 11

Campanelle – Refuge du Prati
The GR20 is a ridge line that separates the waters flowing to the west of the island from those flowing to the east. The 5 most famous peaks on this line are Monte Cinto, Monte d’Oro, Monte Retondo, Monte Renoso and Incudine. Today we will leave the main GR20 route to climb Monte Renoso. A rewarding ascent that will take us over the aerial ridge of Pietradione and the Pozzi shepherd’s huts.

Night in refuge or tent.

+1064M | 17KM | 8H WALKING
Day 12

Refuge di Prati – Refuge d’Usciulu
A ridge line route with beautiful scenery. An opportunity for your guide to comment on the geological history of the island, which was once part of the main continent and was separated by the movement of the African and Iberian tectonic plates. It is an ideal moment to become aware of the finiteness of human beings in the face of the immensity of geological time.

Night in refuge or tent.

+677M | 10KM | 5H WALKING
Day 13

Refuge Usciulu – Refuge Asinau
Today we propose a variant of the GR20 to climb Monte Incudine, a wild and rocky peak at 2134 metres. The landscape is made up of a huge rocky slab dotted with boulders. The panorama is breathtaking: you can enjoy a 360° view over the whole of the Corsican mountains, with even views of the bays of Ajaccio, Valinco and the east coast of the island.

Night in refuge or tent.

+799M | 19KM | 8H WALKING
Day 14

Refuge Asinau – Refuge Parili
Another unforgettable day through the Aiguilles de Bavela, one of the island’s diamonds. We will follow a magical trail winding through the granite needles that soar into the island’s sky. Your guide will suggest alternative routes if you feel uncomfortable with the cabled passages along this route.

Night in refuge or tent.

+616M | 14KM | 6H WALKING
Day 15

Refuge Parili – Conca
Sunrise at the Parili is an incredible spectacle. We strongly advise you to wake up early and we guaranty you that you will not regret it. This is our last day and logically mostly a downhill track through pines and mediterranean flora.

Optional: Possible night in Conca for departure the next day.

Transfer to Calvi harbor by bus.

+394M | 12KM | 4H WALKING

Download Trip Itinerary (PDF)

What to expect

A guided trek across challenging terrain staying in refuge or tent

This trip requires a good level of fitness and previous mid-level mountain trekking experience is recommended. We walk off-piste and in places the terrain is uneven and the passages can be slippery. Weather conditions are generally warm and pleasant with moderate rainfall possible. Accommodation is included in the trip. You will be staying in mountain refuges in dormitory style bedrooms or tent.

A good level of fitness and previous trekking experience is recommended
Overnight accommodation: tent or refuges
Generally fine weather but conditions can change very quickly

What’s included?

An all inclusive walking tour

Your trip includes transfers, accommodation in tent or mountain refuges, breakfast, lunch and evening meals. All you need to do is get yourself to the meet point and we’ll take care of the rest!

Overnight accommodation
Transfers from Calvi harbor to departure point
Breakfast, lunch and evening meals

FAQs

How fit do I need to be?

This tour does require a good level of fitness and previous trekking experience is recommended. Trekking days are longer, terrain can be difficult and descents can be demanding.

What happens if I can’t complete a stage?

No problem! We have transportation available so you can skip a stage if you feel unsure and meet the group at the next checkpoint.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Our guides can change your route or program to suit weather conditions.

What equipment do I need?

Suggested equipment for this trip:

Medical kit:

Antiseptic wipes
Bandages
Pain, inflammation & diarrhoea medication
Compeed (or equivalent) for blisters
Survival blanket

Clothing & footwear:

Optional:

Binoculars
Navigation tools

Do I need insurance?

Yes! You need travel insurance and medical insurance with coverage for mountain sports. Please remember EU E111 medical coverage is no longer valid.

When do the tours operate?

We operate our tours May-October inclusive.

Can I book a private tour for a larger group?

Absolutely! We operate private tours for groups of 10+. Please get in touch to find out more.

Full crossing 15 days

Next departure: 12th of June, 2024

Book Integral Crossing

Partial crossing 8 days from 925€

Next departure: 7th of July, 2024

Book Partial Crossing

Any Question?

We would love to hear from you

Send inquiry

Contact us to confirm departure dates

Make an enquiry

Corsica The Island Of Beauty

The GR20, a hiker’s gem that you cannot miss

Tour Guide

Location

Walking Grade

Full crossing 15 days from 1750€

Partial crossing 8 days from 925€

Any Question?

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11

Day 12

Day 13

Day 14

Day 15

What to expect

A guided trek across challenging terrain staying in refuge or tent

What’s included?

An all inclusive walking tour

FAQs

Full crossing 15 days

Partial crossing 8 days from 925€

Any Question?

Contact us to confirm departure dates