Overview
A two week, guided walking holiday along the famous Corsica GR20 long-distance walking trail, travelling in a small group and for experienced hikers. GR stands for Grandes Randonnées, a network of long-distance trails throughout France and this certainly is one of the grandest and toughest, taking a challenging two weeks to complete. Walk all of the 180km trail on this walking holiday, supported by an expert mountain leader, with luggage transferred for you on most days except in very elevated locations, as you take in the magnificent landscapes, walking from Calenzana in the north to Conca in the south.
Please note: solo hikers are welcome on this GR20 trip, as the self-guided Corsica GR20 option is restricted to people travelling together.
- Aiguilles de Bavella
- Cascades des Anglais
- Monte Cinto
- Pointe des Éboulis
- Cirque de Bonifatu
- Golo Valley
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Calvi
Arrive at your hotel in Calvi town centre. If you arrive early, take the opportunity to visit Calvi’s historical centre, dominated by St-Jean-Baptiste Cathédrale. We also recommend exploring its 13th-century fortress, Calvi’s 6km beach, the promenade and port. The welcome meeting with the mountain leader and other group members is at 17.00. Dinner is in a restaurant in Calvi.
- Accommodation: Les Arbousiers or similar in Calvi
- Meals included: dinner
Day 2: Calenzana – Bonifatu | 14km
This is the first day on the GR20, starting with a private bus transfer to the village of Calenzana, the trail’s starting point. The route winds through the narrow streets of Calenzana, with views over the Figarella Plain and the bay of Calvi. The paths soon become more mountainous, and the scrubland gradually gives way to pine forests. Follow one of the old sections of the GR20 to a ridge near the Santucci shepherd’s cabin, before turning off towards the Bonifatu Cirque.
- Walking for the day: 14km, 5h 30mins, ↑1,120m ↓830m
- Accommodation: gîte at Auberge de la Forêt in Bonifatu
- Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Day 3: Bonifatu – Haut Asco | 11km
This is a demanding mountain stage with views of the sea and the island’s highest summits. Hike along the trail as it works its way around the edge of Cirque de Bonifatu, which boasts a panoramic view of all the area’s highest peaks, such as Punta Ghialla and Capu a u Carrozzu. The first part, through the forest, leads to Carrozzu Refuge and the Spasimata footbridge as far as Lake Muvrella. The ascent continues to Col de Stagnu (1,979m) which marks the entrance to Asco Valley, an ancient glacial cirque that has become a ski resort, where you will spend the night.
- Walking for the day: 11km, 7h 30mins, ↑1,600m ↓690m
- Accommodation: gîte at Hôtel-Restaurant Le Chalet in Haut Asco
- Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Day 4: Haut Asco – Vallone | 9km
Today is a challenging, high-altitude mountain walk. The first challenge is to cross Pointe des Éboulis (2,607m), the highest point on the GR20. Here begins a long climb up the north face of Monte Cinto, the highest summit on the island at 2,706m, with views of the sea and the high peaks. Continue to Col de Crucetta, which marks the entrance to Mélarie Valley and then Niolu, aka the great shepherds’ valley.
On this day, you don’t have access to your bag, but you can put your belongings in a 40-litre canyon bag, which is carried by mules.
- Walking for the day: 9km, 7h 30mins, ↑1,230m ↓1,260m
- Accommodation: tent at Auberge U Vallone in Vallone
- Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Day 5: Vallone – Vergio | 14.5km
The path weaves steeply uphill through rocky terrain that’s peppered with giant pine trees to Col de Foggiale. Continue up through Golo Valley and head to Ciuttolu di I Mori (2,000m), the highest refuge in Corsica, sheltered between two mountains, Capu Tafanatu and Paglia Orba. With views across the western coast, the trail heads down to the ridgeline and then to the valley floor. Follow the River Golo down the valley towards its source and continue to Castel di Vergio, the highest hotel in Corsica at 1,400m.
- Walking for the day: 14.5km, 6h 30mins, ↑780m ↓810m
- Accommodation: gîte at Hotel Castel de Vergio in Vergio
- Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Day 6: Vergio – Manganu | 16km
The GR20 plunges into Valdu Niellu forest and then up over Col Saint-Pierre, with panoramic views to the Gulf of Porto and Gulf of Sagone. At A Reta Pass (1,881m) the view opens out onto Lac de Nino (1,743m), perfect for a snack break and where you may even be joined by grazing ponies. At the entrance to Camputile Plateau, you arrive at Manganu Refuge.
Today you don’t have access to your bag, but we provide you with a duvet and a sheet. You carry only a change of clothes and toiletries for the night.
- Walking for the day: 16km, 6h, ↑740m ↓540m
- Accommodation: tent at Refuge de Manganu in Manganu
- Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Day 7: Manganu – Corte | 14km
The route starts following the course of a small stream and leads to Col Alle Porte (2,220m), with views onto Restonica Valley and Capitello and Mélo Lakes. Continue into the valley as far as Grotelle cabins, a location dotted with dry-stone buildings, and the old Restonica road. You are then transferred by private bus to the town of Corte, former capital of the Corsican nation.
- Walking for the day: 14km, 7h, ↑750m ↓1,350m
- Accommodation: Hotel de la Paix in Corte
- Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Day 8: Corte – Vizzavona | 9km
This is a transition day before embarking on the southern part of the GR20. In the morning, take the train to Vizzavona and hike to Cascades des Anglais and the Passerelle de Tortetto, at the foot of Monte d’Oro massif. The route then follows the banks of the River Agnone through the heart of Vizzavona Forest. In the afternoon, after crossing Vizzavona Pass, you come to your accommodation in Vizzavona.
- Walking for the day: 9km, 4h 30mins, ↑620m ↓450m
- Accommodation: Hôtel-Restaurant Monte D’Oro in Vizzavona
- Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Day 9: Vizzavona – Col de Verde | 26.5km
Start early for the longest stage of your trip in terms of distance. Walk along gentle rocky paths that have been home to shepherds for a long time and which lead you to Ghisoni-Capanelle ski resort. Begin the ascent of the Renoso Massif (2,352m) via a footpath that winds through a heathland to Col de Verde (1,289m).
- Walking for the day: 26.5km, 10h, ↑1,300m ↓1,160m
- Accommodation: gîte at Relais San Petru Di Verde in Col de Verde
- Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Day 10: Col de Verde – Cozzano | 20km
From Col de Verde, the ascent goes in and out of the forest to Col d’Oru (1,846 m), and before passing Refuge de Prati, you get some superb views out as far as the islands of Elba and Montecristo. This is the start of a ridge crossing, offering views of the east coast, Costa Verde, and the Taravo Valley. The day’s highest point is near Punta della Cappella (2,041m) and you may need to scramble at certrain points here. At Col de Laparo, leave the GR20 and head down the valley to the village of Cozzano, a hive of activity in the heart of the mountains.
- Walking for the day: 20km, 8h 30mins, ↑890m ↓1,480m
- Accommodation: gîte at Gîtes “Anita & Filles” in Cozzano
- Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Day 11: Cozzano – Plateau du Coscione | 19km
From Cozzano, take the path that joins the GR20 at Col d’Usciolu (1,733m). This is where the crossing of the Arête Des Statues begins, a path through granite rocks shaped by the erosion of the nearby Tyrrhenian Sea, with scenic views all along the way. The path then loses altitude and plunges towards the Coscione Plateau, the largest plateau on the island. This vast wild space is a mix of forest, rocky outcrops and grazing land for horses, cattle and wild boars. Tonight’s stop is a shepherd’s cabin located on the edge of the plateau.
- Walking for the day: 19km, 9h 30mins, ↑1,400m ↓590m
- Accommodation: shepherd’s cabin at Bergerie de Croci in Plateau du Coscione
- Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Day 12: Plateau du Coscione – Village de Bavella | 14km
Start the route over meadows and then walk all the way up to Col de Stazzunara (2,025m), with panoramic views over Aiguilles de Bavella, Sardinia and the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio. The path drops down ito Asinao Refuge. Start the crossing of the Aiguilles or Tours de Bavella, the iconic granite pinnacles at Col de Bavella, before arriving at Bavella.
- Walking for the day: 14km, 9h, ↑1,030m ↓1,310m
- Accommodation: Auberge du Col de Bavella in Bavella
- Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Day 13: Bavella – Conca and Porto-Vecchio | 18km
Leaving Bavella behind the route continues to Refuge Paliri at just over 1,000m. The GR20 follows the traces of an ancient transhumance route through a rocky landscape dotted with pine trees. The sea has never seemed so close and, at the end of the path, the first houses in the village of Conca appear. From Conca, you are transferred by private bus to Porto-Vecchio, arrival around 16.00.
- Walking for the day: 18km, 7h 30mins, ↑530m ↓1,500m
- Accommodation: Hotel Holzer or similar in Porto-Vecchio
- Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch
Day 14: Departure
The tour ends after breakfast. Depending on your departure time take the opportunity to explore Porto-Vecchio or extend your stay on the island.
What to expect
Accommodation
Locally-owned hotels (three nights), mountain gîtes (seven nights), shepherd cabins and camping in tents (three nights). 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 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 (see options and supplements below).
Click to view sample accommodation
- Les Arbousiers (Calvi)
- Gîte at Auberge de la Forêt (Bonifatu)
- Gîte at Hôtel-Restaurant Le Chalet (Haut Asco)
- Tent at Auberge U Vallone (Vallone)
- Gîte at Hotel Castel de Vergio (Vergio)
- Tent at Refuge de Manganu (Manganu)
- Hotel de la Paix (Corte)
- Gîte at Hôtel-Restaurant Monte D’Oro (Vizzavona)
- Gîte at Relais San Petru Di Verde (Col de Verde)
- Gîte at Gîtes “Anita & Filles” (Cozzano)
- Shepherd cabin at Bergerie de Croci (Plateau du Coscione)
- Gîte at Auberge du Col de Bavella (Village de Bavella)
- Hotel Holzer (Porto-Vecchio)
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 on the first. Evening meals based on local specialities are included on all days except on day 13, consisting 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 and the departure day, 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).
When to go
This guided tour has six departure dates in 2026. Please click ‘Dates and prices’ to check availability. Limited seats are available, and the groups can accommodate up to 12 people.
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.
To find out more about when to go and other details, take a look at our blog, Everything you need to know about the GR20 Trail in Corsica.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended airport for this tour is Calvi Sainte-Catherine Airport (CLY). The alternative airports are Aéroport Bastia Poretta (BIA), Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport (AJA) and Figari-South Corsica Airport (FSC).
By train or bus
- Taxi from Calvi Saint-Catherine airport to Calvi town centre (15mins).
- From Île-Rousse ferry terminal – possibility of taking the beach tramway, 40mins (link between Île-Rousse and Calvi).
- Ferries to Ajaccio and Bastia are available from Marseille and Nice. For more details see Corsica Ferries or Omio planner above.
- There are two trains a day from Bastia airport to Calvi (1h 30mins) and from Ajaccio airport to Calvi (2h 30mins). For more details, see the national rail operator Chemins de Fer de la Corse, or use the Omio planner above.
- Airport shuttle from Porto-Vecchio to Figari airport (40mins). More details here
- From Porto-Vecchio there are two buses a day to Ajaccio aiport (2h 30mins) and to Bastia airport (3h).
Inclusions
Included
- Accommodation for 13 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
- Luggage transfers between accommodations except on days four and six. We ask you to limit the weight of this bag to 12kg. Every day, you hike with your gear for the day and your lunch
- Local transfers: from Calvi to Calenzana by bus, from Frazzeta bridge to Corte by bus, from Corte to Vizzavona by train and from Conca to Porto-Vecchio by bus
- Experienced English-speaking mountain guide
- 24/7 phone support from our local office/representative in Ajaccio
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches and dinners not mentioned, 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 available on nine nights, except on days four, six, nine and 11
- Private room (double or twin) supplement available on six nights, except on days four, six, nine and 11
- Sleeping bags and hiking poles rental on request
