Overview
An eight day, self-guided walking holiday along the famous Corsica GR20 north section of the island’s iconic long-distance trail. GR stands for Grandes Randonnées, a network of long-distance trails throughout France and this certainly is one of the grandest and toughest, with the northern section considered more challenging than the south. Walk from Vizzavona to Calvi on the north coast, staying at a variety of camps, refuges, gîtes or shepherd’s cabins, all in superb locations. Highlights include Plateau du Camputile, Monte Cinto and Pointe des Éboulis, the highest point on the GR20 at 2,607m. This is a full board trip, with luggage transfers when possible.
- Plateau du Camputile
- Cascades des Anglais
- Monte Cinto
- Pointe des Éboulis
- Bocca Di Stagnu
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Vizzavona
Vizzavona is the midway point for the GR20 so it is often a hive of activity for walkers setting out or finishing up their treks. After checking into the accommodation, take a stroll through the woods or relax at the nearby rock pools.
- Accommodation: Hôtel-Restaurant Monte D’Oro in Vizzavona
- Meals: dinner
Day 2: Vizzavona – Petra Piana | 16-20km
Embark on a steady ascent to Brêche de Muratellu (2,100m). The path leads alongside the Cascade des Anglais up to Muratellu, with a high-level route via the summit of Pinzi Corbini (2,021m) to Petra Piana refuge (1,840m). This is a short, but challenging ridge walk that is steep and exposed. In bad weather, there is an alternative lower valley option. Tonight, camp in the vicinity of Refuge de Petra Piana (1,840m).
- Walking for the day: 16km, 9h, ↑1,240m ↓1,120m or 20km, 9h, ↑1,800m ↓510m
- Accommodation: a tent at Refuge de Petra Piana in Petra Piana
- Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Please note: Due to no road access, your main luggage will be transported directly to the accommodation on day four
Day 3: Petra Piana – Plateau du Camputile | 10km
From Petra Piana, a short uphill section leads to the high ridge above the refuge where you get views of Corte, the island’s capital and several glacial lakes. Descend to Refuge de Manganu, on the edge of the Plateau du Camputile. A little further across the plateau is your camp for the night.
- Walking for the day: 10km, 5h, ↑610m ↓860m
- Accommodation: a tent at Refuge de Manganu in Plateau du Camputile
- Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Day 4: Plateau du Camputile – Col de Vergio | 16km
The GR20 leads gently uphill through beech woods and across spongy green turf to Lac de Nino (1,743m), perfect for a snack break where you may even be joined by grazing ponies. Continue along a high ridge before dropping down to join a flat horseshoe-shaped trail to Castel di Vergio, the highest hotel in Corsica at 1,400m.
- Walking for the day: 16km, 6h, ↑510m ↓710m
- Accommodation: a gîte at Hotel Castel de Vergio or similar in Col de Vergio
- Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Day 5: Col de Vergio – Albertacce | 14km
Follow the River Golo up the valley towards its source. The trail shortly leaves the valley floor and heads up to the ridgeline, with views across the west coastline. The refuge Ciuttolu di I Mori (2,000m), the highest refuge in Corsica, is sheltered between two mountains, Capu Tafanatu and Paglia Orba. From the refuge, head for Col de Foggiale. The path then weaves steeply downhill through rocky terrain that’s peppered with giant pine trees.
- Walking for the day: 14km, 6-7h, ↑810m ↓780m
- Accommodation: a tent at Auberge U Vallone in Albertacce
- Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Please note: Due to no road access, your main luggage will be transported directly to the accommodation on day six
Day 6: Albertacce – Asco | 9km
Today is a challenging, high-altitude mountain walk. Trek to the foothills of Monte Cinto, the highest summit on the island at 2,706m. Arrive at Bocca Crucetta, a ridge that leads to Pointe des Éboulis (2,607m), the highest point on the GR20. From here, the path swoops down to Lac Cinto. After that, the trail continues downhill, where the scree and rocks give way to a river and woods as you approach your accommodation, a former ski station at the base of Haut-Asco ski resort.
- Walking for the day: 9km, 7h, ↑1,260m ↓1,230m
- Accommodation: a gîte at Hôtel – Restaurant Le Chalet in Asco
- Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Day 7: Asco – Calvi | 12km
Ascend out of Asco Valley to Bocca Di Stagnu (2,010m) at the foot of A Muvrella (2,150m). From Lake Muvrella, there are views over Calvi Bay. Drop down from here to the refuge at Carrozzu and continue the descent to Bonifatu. After a short transfer, arrive in Calvi for the final night.
- Walking: 12km, 7h ↑650m ↓1,530m
- Accommodation: Les Arbousiers in Calvi
- Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch
Day 8: Departure
The tour ends after breakfast. Take public transport to Ajaccio or Bastia for onward travel or book a private transfer.
- Meals: breakfast
What to expect
Accommodation
Simple gîtes, refuges and camping in tents (three nights), with small, locally-owned hotels at the start and end of the tour. Refuges in Corsica are small, simple and rustic, with mixed-gender dormitories, a limited level of comfort and a lack of facilities (cold water showers only, limited and shared WC facilities, no blankets). Tents on the refuge grounds and have access to the refuge’s facilities. Tents are mixed-gender and can accommodate two travellers. Sleeping mats are provided for those staying in tents. The accommodation type at refuges (gîtes or tents) may change depending on availability. Hotel upgrades are possible for two nights.
Click to view sample accommodation
- Hôtel-Restaurant Monte D’Oro
- Tent at Refuge de Petra Piana
- Tent at Refuge de Manganu
- Gîte at Hotel Castel de Vergio
- Tent at Auberge U Vallone
- Gîte at Hôtel-Restaurant Le Chalet
- Les Arbousiers
Accommodation is subject to availability. In the event of a particular accommodation being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide you with the exact accommodation details upon booking confirmation.
Meals
A simple continental breakfast (tea, coffee, milk, bread, butter, jam) is included on all days except the first. Evening meals based on local specialities are included on all days except the last and usually consist of a starter, soup or smoked meats, main course, pasta or rice with a sauce, cheese, fruit or dessert. Picnic lunches are included on all days except the first, but please bring your own reusable sealable lunch box and backpack cutlery set.
If you have any food allergies, special requests, or dietary requirements, please advise when booking. Food options are limited for vegetarians and particularly vegans, and special diets are usually not accommodated due to the remoteness of the areas.
Difficulty and terrain
The GR20 is considered one of the most challenging treks in Europe, the most difficult trek in Europe for a reason. Please ensure that you are trip fit, and have undertaken extensive training to take it on. You should have solid experience of high mountain trekking over several days. The walks are long, between 6-9h a day, and sometimes more. You can expect steep uphill and downhill sections with up to 1,000m altitude gain some days, on rocky vertiginous terrain. The temperatures will vary and, as with all mountain treks, weather conditions can be extreme (read more about difficulty grades).
We strongly advise you only to follow marked trails and never try to shorten the path through unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed route notes and maps and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed information on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
When to go
This trip is available to commence on Sundays only between the beginning of June and the beginning of September. Other days are available on request only.
The climate of Corsica is Mediterranean on the coast, with mild, rainy winters and warm, sunny summers, while in inland areas, it gradually becomes colder with increasing altitude. The best time for hiking in the mountains is from June to September.
For more information, see our blog on the Best time to go to France.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended airport for this tour is Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport (AJA). The alternative airport is Calvi Sainte-Catherine Airport (CLY).
By train or bus
- Ferries to Ajaccio are available from Toulon. For more details see Corsica Ferries.
- Trains to Vizzavona are available from Ajaccio and Calvi. For more details, see the national rail operator Chemins de Fer de la Corse, or use the Omio planner above.
Inclusions
Included
- Accommodation for seven nights as listed in the itinerary
- Full board: breakfast, picnic lunch (please bring your own reusable sealable lunch box and backpack cutlery set) and dinner
- Group transfer transfer from Bonifatu to Calvi
- Luggage transfers on three walking days (can be opted out to reduce the cost)
- Tour materials: detailed roadbook including IGN maps, topo guide, a navigation app for smartphones, and GPS tracks
- 24/7 phone support from our local office/representative in Ajaccio
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Dinner in Ajaccio
- Drinks and snacks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on the spot)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
- eSIM data for international travel (get an eSIM)
Options, extras and supplements
- Single-room supplement is not available as you stay in dormitories or tents.
- We regret that this tour is not open to solo travellers
- Hotel upgrade for two nights (in Col de Vergio and Asco)
- Luggage transfers opt-out
- Sleeping bags and hiking poles rental on request
