Overview
The celebrated long-distance GR20 Trail in Corsica is like an aristocratic artery running through its own kingdom. At 180km, it’s also considered one of the toughest of the GR routes in France, but you are rewarded with some of the country’s most exquisite elevated landscapes, coastal panoramas and Corsican cultural heritage. This 14 day, self-guided trekking holiday covers the complete trail, starting in Bavella in the south and finishing at Calvi in the north of the island. Trekking highlights, and there are many, include the red granite needles, or Aiguilles de Bavella, the highest point on the GR20 at Pointe Eboulis (2,607m) and Camputile Plateau. Accommodation is mostly mountain huts or gîtes, with four nights in tents, full board with luggage transfers on eight walking days.
- Aiguilles de Bavella
- Plateau du Coscione
- Cascades des Anglais
- Monte Cinto
- Pointe des Éboulis
Itinerary
Day 1: Arival in Ajaccio – Village de Bavella
This holiday starts on a Sunday in Ajaccio port, with a transfer by public bus directly to Village de Bavella to check in to the first accommodation. The journey takes approximately 2h 30mins. The region is known as Alta Rocca, and is home to the Aiguilles de Bavella, one of the most famous peaks on the island. Settle into the gîte before an evening meal.
- Accommodation: Auberge du Col de Bavella in Village de Bavella
- Meals: dinner
Day 2: Village de Bavella – Asinau | 7km
Start walking on the Variante Alpine trail. It leads steeply uphill before reaching the base of the iconic granite pinnacles, Punta di Pargulu, Punta di a Vacca and Punta di l’Acellu, which are collectively known as the Aiguilles de Bavella. The trail is rough underfoot and is equipped for a few metres with a chain to help stability across the granite rocks. Drop into the valley before following an easy trail through the woods. After crossing Ravin de Gialghiccia, ascend the other side of the valley up to the refuge for the overnight stop.
- Walking: 7km, 5h, ↑750m ↓550m
- Accommodation: Bergerie d’Asinao (Chez Aline) in Asinau
- Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Please note: due to no road access, your main luggage is transported directly to the accommodation on day three.
Day 3: Asinau – Plateau du Coscione | 8km
Walk up to the ridgeline of Monte Incudine, with a summit at 2,136m. From here, descend towards Plateau du Coscione, 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: 8km, 3-4h, ↑560m ↓560m
- Accommodation: Bergerie i Croci in Plateau du Coscione
- Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Day 4: Plateau du Coscione – Usciolu | 13km
Pick up the trail on the plateau and cross the wide-open green pasture. Head uphill through a forest of dwarf oak trees up to Col de l’Agnone. From here, start one of the more challenging, very exposed ridge walks. The trail topples back and forth over the ridge, to one side then the other taking you as far as Refuge d’Usciolu which is at a slightly lower elevation.
- Walking: 13km, 5h, ↑820m ↓600m
- Accommodation: a tent at Refuge d’Usciolu in Usciolu
- Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Please note: due to no road access, your main luggage is transported directly to the accommodation on day five.
Day 5: Usciolu – Col de Verde | 15km
From the refuge, continue along the ridge that separates Taravo Valley and River Fiumorbo. The trail leads towards Col de Laparo. Before passing Refuge de Prati, you get some superb views out as far as the islands of Elba and Montecristo. The descent winds rapidly down in and out of the forest to Col de Verde (1,289m).
- Walking: 15km, 7-8h, ↑850m ↓1,250m
- Accommodation: Relais San Petru Di Verde in Col de Verde
- Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Day 6: Col de Verde – Bergeries de Capanelle | 12km
Walk along a gently undulating trail through pine forest that flanks Monte Renosu. A steeper section of the trail leads to the small shepherds’ hamlet of Traghjette. Just one shepherd lives here now, following the traditional lifestyle of transhumance and producing cheese. Continue on to your gîte in Bergeries de Capanelle, which is a ski station in winter.
- Walking: 12km, 4h, ↑580m ↓350m
- Accommodation: Gîte U Fugone in Bergeries de Capanelle
- Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Day 7: Bergeries de Capanelle – Vizzavona | 16km
This is the last stage of the GR20 Trail’s southern section. Leave Bergeries de Capanelle, taking a path along easy terrain as the massif of Monte d’Oro towers above. Continue to Bocca Palmente (1,642m) passing remote traditional stone cabins and rich vegetation. Drop down into a thick forest of pine and beech trees as the trail loops back and forth, lacing down to Vizzavona (920m), the midway point of the GR20.
- Walking: 16km, 5h, ↑190m ↓860m
- Accommodation: a gîte at Hôtel-Restaurant Monte D’Oro in Vizzavona
- Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Day 8: Vizzavona – Onda | 10km
Start out on the first stage of the northern section of the GR20 Trail. Embark on a slow, steady ascent to Punta Muratello (2,138m). The path leads alongside the Cascades des Anglais, a series of rock pools and chutes of water that make up the River l’Agnone. After crossing Ravine de Baccane, there are views of Monte d’Oro, before descending down to Refuge de l’Onda.
- Walking: 10km, 6h, ↑1,220m ↓710m
- Accommodation: Refuge de l’Onda in Onda
- Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Please note: due to no road access, your main luggage is transported directly to the accommodation on day 11
Day 9: Onda – Petra Piana | 7km
Follow the ridge via the summit of Pinzi Corbini (2,021m) to Refuge de Petra Piana (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: 7km, 4-5h, ↑680m ↓260m
- Accommodation: a tent at Refuge de Petra Piana in Petra Piana
- Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Day 10: Petra Piana – Plateau du Camputile | 10.5km
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 where camp is for the night.
- Walking: 10.5km, 7h, ↑700m ↓940m
- Accommodation: a tent at Refuge de Manganu on Plateau du Camputile
- Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Day 11: Plateau du Camputile – Col de Vergio | 14.5km
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: 14.5km, 6h, ↑570m ↓750m
- Accommodation: a gîte at Hotel Castel de Vergio in Col de Vergio
- Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Day 12: Col de Vergio – Albertacce | 13km
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: 13km, 5-6h, ↑950m ↓970m
- Accommodation: a tent at Auberge U Vallone in Albertacce
- Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Please note: due to no road access, your main luggage is transported directly to the accommodation on day 13
Day 13: Albertacce – Asco | 7km
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: 7km, 8h, ↑1,200m ↓1,200m
- Accommodation: a gîte at Hôtel-Restaurant Le Chalet in Asco
- Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Day 14: Asco – Calvi | 12km
Ascend out of Asco Valley to Bocca Di Stagnu (2,010m) at the foot of A Muvrella (2,150m). After Carozza Refuge, continue the descent through Bonifatu Forest. Transfer to Calvi where the tour ends. Extend your stay in Calvi or continue on to Ajaccio for departure.
- Walking: 12km, 7h, ↑650m ↓1,530m
- Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch
What to expect
Accommodation
Simple gîtes, refuges, shepherd cabins and camping in tents (four 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 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 three nights.
Click to view sample accommodation
- Refuge de l’Onda
- 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
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 and Bastia are available from Marseille and Nice. For more details see Corsica Ferries.
- From Calvi, there are trains to Ajaccio. For more details, see the national rail operator Chemins de Fer de la Corse, or use the Omio planner above.
- Regular busses operate between Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport and Ajaccio. For more details, see Muvitarra, or use the Omio planner above.
Inclusions
Included
- 13 nights accommodation
- Full board: breakfast, picnic lunches (please bring your own reusable sealable lunch box and backpack cutlery set) and dinner
- Transfer from Ajaccio Port to Village de Bavella by public bus and shared transfer from Bonifatu to Calvi
- Luggage transfers on eight 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
- Lunches and dinners in Ajaccio and Calvi, drinks and snacks
- Luggage transfers on days two, four, eight, nine and 10 due to lack of road access to accommodations
- 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 three nights (in Vizzavona, Col de Vergio and Asco)
- Extra night in Calvi after the tour
- Opt out of luggage transfers
- Sleeping bags and hiking poles rental on request
