Complete GR20 Trek

Complete GR20 Trek Itinerary

Day 1 Taxi to Calenzana then trek to Bonifatu

After arriving in Calvi, take a taxi (included) to the village of Calenzana. This is the official starting point for the GR20 trail. Hike through the forest today, passing amazing scenic overlooks where you can see the historic villages of the Balagne region. After about 4 hours of walking, you’ll come to Bonifatu, your stop for the night.
Overnight Location: Hut in Bonifatu
Distance: 4 hours, 11 km, 700 m of ascent, 450 m of descent
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 Trek to Haut Asco

Get an early start after breakfast today and be prepared for a long day. Leaving Bonifatu, you’ll cross several rivers, then come to the famous Spasimata footbridge. This bridge is 30 m (98 feet) long and is a great location to take photos of the beautiful waterfall below it. Continue to the Muvrella Valley, named for a type of wild sheep also known as mouflon, where you’ll find a small lake. You’ll pass many incredible viewpoints where you can pause to appreciate the beauty of your surroundings. Finish today’s trek at the foot of Corsica’s highest summit, Monte Cinto (2,706 m / 8,878’).
Overnight Location: Le Chalet, Haut Asco
Distance: 8 hours, 9.5 km, 1,300 m of ascent, 600 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 Trek to Vallone

The traditional GR20 route has been rerouted to avoid the Cirque de la Solitude, an area which has been closed by park authorities since a huge landslide occurred there in 2015. Today’s trek is long and strenuous but crosses the amazing terrain around Monte Cintu and the Pointe des Éboulis (2,602 m / 8,537’). After you reach the Bocca Minuta (2,218 m / 7,277‘), which marks the end of the Cirque de la Solitude, you’ll descend into the Straciaconne Valley. Watch for the wild mouflon sheep that call this valley home. Stop for the night at the shepherd’s hut in Vallone, where you’ll spend a beautiful night camped out under the stars. Note that your bags will not be transferred to the Bergerie tonight, so you’ll take a small bag with you during the day. Your bags will be waiting for you in Verghio.
Overnight Location: Tent near mountain hut
Distance: 8.5 hours, 7.5 km, 1,200 m of ascent, 800 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Trek to Verghio

Explore the heart of the island of Corsica today as you hike through the Niolu Valley. Today’s views include some of Corsica’s most incredible and beautiful summits, the Paglia Orba (2,525 m / 8,284’) and the distinctive Capu Tafunatu (2,335 m / 7,661’). On a clear day, you can see an incredible view all the way to the Gulf of Porto. Then descend again into the Golo Valley and the Verghio forest. In Radule, visit the shepherd’s hut, and pause to refresh yourself in the natural pools along the trail. Spend the night at the Castel di Verghio.
Overnight Location: Castel di Verghio, Verghio
Distance: 6.5 hours, 13.5 km, 971 m of ascent, 1,017 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Trek to Manganu Refuge

Begin today by crossing the Col de Saint-Pierre (Bocca San Pedru in Corsican) and the Bocca a Reta. From this magical place, you’ll find a breathtaking view of the rugged coastline as it plunges into the sparkling blue Mediterranean. You can also see the Lake of Ninu, which was formed by a glacial crater and is surrounded by lush green vegetation. Watch for wild horses grazing peacefully beside the lake, which is surrounded by bright green pozzines. Spend your night at the Manganu Refuge.
Overnight Location: Tent near Mountain hut
Distance: 7.5 hours, 869 m of ascent, 689 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6 Trek to Petra Piana

Trek through a plateau filled with streams and pozzines, before arriving at the Capitellu Breach for jaw-dropping views of the Melu and Capitellu lakes. After putting in a strong effort on the way to Bocca Muzella at 2206m, you will make a descent into the Petra Piana refuge, where you will stay for the night.
Overnight Location: Tent near Mountain hut
Distance: 6 hours, 670 m of ascent, 465 m of descent
Meals: None

Day 7 Trek to l’Onda

A short stage with panoramic views will see you trek between the Monte Rotondo and Monte d’Oro Massifs. Extra caution will be needed to traverse the narrow passages and windy corridors, but on a clear day you will experience beautiful views that extend out to the Gulf of Ajaccio.
Overnight Location: Camping near mountain hut
Distance: 5 hours, 560 m of ascent, 965 m of descent
Meals: None

Day 8 Trek to Vizzavona

On the last day along the northern section of the GR20, you will make your way towards Vizzavona through the beautifully scenic Agnone Valley at the base of the majestic Monte d’Oro. Once you have crossed the Turtettu footbridge, you will pass by countless streams and small waterfalls set along the forest, before eventually arriving at the end of the trail in Vizzavona.
Overnight Location: Refuge at Vizzavona
Distance: 6.5 hours, 630 m of ascent, 1140 m of descent
Meals: Dinner

Day 9 Trek to Capanelle

Begin your walk in a grove of beech trees in the forest of Vizzavona. Then climb to the Palmente Pass where you’ll find incredible views overlooking the Diana and Urbino Lakes. Continue along the eastern slope and you’ll come to a shepherd’s hut at Alzeta. Follow a traditional mule path to reach Capanelle and your gite for the night.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut at Capanelle
Distance: 5 hours, 14 km, 1,155 m of ascent, 715 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 Trek to Col de Verde

Leaving Capanelle in the morning, continue your hike to the sheepfolds of Traghjete. From here, trek to the Ghialgone plateau. When you reach the I Spiazzi footbridge, you can choose to stop to take a refreshing dip in the stream before continuing through the Marmano forest. In Col de Verde (Corsican Bocca di Verde), you’ll stop for dinner and a good night’s rest in a gite.
Overnight Location: Relais San Petru di Verdi
Distance: 5 hours, 12 km, 600 m of ascent, 900 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 Trek to Cozzano

Begin your day with a climb to the Bocca d’Oro pass, then hike across the alpine fields of the Prato plateau. This ridgeline offers a spectacular view of the beautiful Taravo River and the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea to the east. Complete this incredible day with a hike to Cozzano via the forest of St. Antoine. Eat dinner and spend the night in a gite in Cozzano.
Overnight Location: Bella Vista, Cozzano
Distance: 8 hours, 18 km, 970 m of ascent, 1,300 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 Trek to Basseta

Get an early start today and begin your hike by climbing the Bocca di l’Usciolu. Follow the ridgeline and notice how the wind has sculpted the rocks to create a dreamlike landscape. Descend again through an ancient forest of alder trees, most of which are more than 100 years old. The vegetation begins to change as you approach the Cuscione plateau. When you reach Basseta, where there is a shepherd’s hut, you’ll eat dinner and spend the night in a gîte.
Overnight Location: Bergeries, Basseta
Distance: 6.5 hours, 12 km, 910 m of ascent, 505 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 Trek to Bavella

As you continue to cross the Cuscione plateau, you’ll find the landscape gentler and full of grassy grazing lands and pozzines. Leaving this, you’ll climb up Mount Incudine (2,134 m / 7,001’), then descend again through the Asinao Valley. Here you’ll find the distinctive granite peaks known as the Needles of Bavella. Spend the night here in Bavella.
Overnight Location: Hut at Bavella
Distance: 9 hours, 23.5 km, 1300 m of ascent, 1,400 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 Trek to Conca

Day 7 of the tour begins with a laidback walk through the forest in the Southern Massif of Bavella to reach the refuge of Parliri. From here, you will make your descent of the dramatic mountain terrain on the way into Conca, where you can stop for a photo op next to the sign marking the end of the trail!
Overnight Location: Gite in Conca
Distance:7 hours, 450 m of ascent, 1,400 m of descent
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15 Departure Day

Sadly, your GR20 trekking adventure reaches its end after breakfast. Airport transfers can be arranged for an additional fee. Have a pleasant journey!
Overnight Location:None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast