Self-Guided Hike Along the GR20 Trek in Corsica

Included:

• • Full GR20 self-guided hike:
    • Accommodation in gîtes d’étape (dormitory style), refuges, and tents for 14 nights (4 nights can be in rooms for two, depending on availability, for an additional fee)
    • 11 breakfasts, 10 picnic lunches, 11 dinners
    • Transfer from Calvi to Calenzana on Day 1
    • Information package with GPS tracks and route notes on an app (smartphone required)
    • Local hotline
  • GR20 North self-guided hike:
    • Accommodation in gîtes d’étape (dormitory style), refuges, and tents for 7 nights (4 nights can be in rooms for two, depending on availability, for an additional fee)
    • 5 breakfasts, 4 picnic lunches, 5 dinners
    • Taxi transfer from Calvi to Calenzana on Day 1
    • Route notes and maps on an app (smartphone required)
    • Local hotline
  • GR20 South self-guided hike:
    • Accommodation for 7 nights in gîtes d’étape (dormitory style) and refuges
    • All meals (7 breakfasts, 6 picnic lunches, 7 dinners)
    • Route notes and maps on an app (smartphone required)
    • Local hotline

Add-ons:

• • Any transfers at the end of the trek — can be arranged for an additional fee
  • Luggage transfers — see more information in the FAQ or upon checkout
  • 4 nights of double room accommodation (valid for the Full GR20 and for the North GR20 only)

Not included:

• • Flights to Corsica
  • Transfer not outlined in the included section (including in times of bad weather or injuries)
    • Transfer to Vizzavona for starting the South GR20
    • Transfers from endpoints of the hiking tours onwards (Conca or Vizzavona)
  • Luggage transfers — possible to arrange at an additional cost
  • Optional activities
  • Beverages
  • Entrance fees to tourist sites
  • Insurance
  • Accommodations
  • Some meals (those not outlined in the itinerary)
  • Guide gratuities — optional
  • Travel and medical insurance

*Please note that accommodations are subject to availability and it may not be possible to book the exact accommodations listed day-by-day in the itinerary (in case there is a detailed list).

If you have any special dietary requirements, please make sure to bring a good supply of food containing protein. It’s not always possible to get a good balanced meal in the mountains, especially in the remote huts.

The GR20 in Corsica is regarded by many as the hardest trek in Europe. It’s a very tough trek with long walking days in succession, meaning that you must be very fit and already have experience with high mountain hiking over several days. There’s also a lot of scrambling and on occasion you will need to use fixed chains and ladders, so it’s not suitable for those with vertigo. Being able to read and follow map instructions is also a must.

That being said, a great thing about this adventure is that you can either choose to do the full GR20, the North or the South Portion!

• • With the full GR20, you’ll be doing 14 full days of trekking (luggage transfer possible for 10 out of 14 nights at an additional price).
  • With the North GR20 it goes down to 8 days of hiking (luggage transfer possible for 4 nights out of 8)
  • And with the South GR20, you also have 8 days of hiking, but with luggage transfers included throughout the whole hike.

In general, keep in mind that the GR20 is a very remote trek, making it difficult to “sit out” a day if you’re feeling tired. To see what you can expect, you have a day-by-day distance and duration breakdown in the itinerary—all days are long, so make sure you’re ready for a week or two of consecutive long and challenging days.

Keep in mind that you’ll come across numerous large drops, so you have to be sure that you’re not going to make a clumsy slip. Some ascents are very long, some descents very steep, so that’s something to consider if you have sore knees. Walking poles come in very handy on the GR20, as they reduce the shock on your legs.

Would you feel more comfortable having a professional mountain guide by your side? This guided GR20 trekking tour might be the top choice then!

Clothing

• • Good pair of walking boots (that you used before), with ankle support and non-slip soles
  • Good quality walking socks
  • Sandals or flip flops for beachers, river wading, or for resting in the evening
  • T-shirt and shorts (depending on weather conditions)
  • Light trekking trousers
  • Clothes for layering (protection against cold, wind, or sun)
  • Warm sweater, polar, or fleece
  • Beanie and gloves (depending on weather conditions)
  • Waterproofs (such as an anorak or poncho — such as Gore-Tex)
  • Swimsuit and towel

Personal items & equipment

• • Sleeping bag (tents provided)
  • Backpack (either for all your belongings or as a daypack if you opt for luggage transfer)
  • Soft bag or with wheels — for luggage transfer only (make sure to bring only one bag with a maximum weight of 15 kg (33 lbs))
  • Plastic bags and covers to keep your kit dry
  • Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, SPF lip balm, hat or cap)
  • Small tupperware box, plastic mug, knife, fork
  • Swiss army knife or pen knife — optional, but recommended
  • Hiking poles — recommended
  • Water bottle or hydration bladder (at least 2L capacity)
  • Light torch
  • Small first aid kit including: rehydration salts to combat dehydration or fatigue, something for cuts, sprains, blisters, break, burns, stings, pain relief
  • Personal medication
  • Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, towel, toilet paper, biodegradable soap, earplugs)
  • Cash in euros
  • Maps (IGN maps of a scale and quality that allow you to see the route clearly. If you are on a self-guided tour, you will more than likely be given copies of sections of maps. These should be clear enough to guide you along the route alongside the route notes, but it’s strongly recommended that you have the correct maps for the area of your walk. Please contact us if you need advice.)
  • Compass (make sure you’re able to read it)
  • Smartphone and charger (may not always be possible to get a signal and charge it, but very useful and helpful)
  • Snacks (energy bars, dried fruit)
  • Waterproof plastic pouch to store your trip documents, personal identification, and insurance documents)
  • Camera — optional (but recommended)

Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

By going on this self-guided GR20 tour in Corsica, your guides take care of accommodation, most meals, route notes and maps. Luggage transfers are available at an additional cost—they make the hike much easier.

Other than that, self-guided walking requires individuals to use problem-solving skills, to be adaptable, and have a keen eye. Good knowledge of map reading and a good sense of direction is needed. There’s always a certain level of unknown when it comes to self-guided walking as well as a possibility of detouring. Still, with a methodical approach and good preparation on your part, you will find that potential problems can soon be averted. If you’re a first-time traveler, you’ll see that you soon get the hang of it, just as the majority of first-time travelers do.

The minimum number of people required for this self-guided tour is 2, and having two heads is often better than one when it comes to finding your way. In the event of problems or emergencies, your guiding service provides a 24/7 hotline service.

Though luggage transfers are not automatically included, they can be arranged at an additional cost! Due to the remoteness of some overnight spots, keep in mind that it won’t be delivered to you every night. You can add luggage transfers to your booking upon checkout.

• • For the Full GR20, it’s possible to transfer luggage 10 out of 14 nights. Depending on whether you’re a group of 2-3 people or you’re a group of 4 or more, the price changes—either $930 or $470 per person.
  • Access to your luggage for the North GR20 is possible on 4 out of 8 nights. If you’re a group of 2 or 3 people, the price for luggage transfers is $520 per person, i.e., $260 per person if you’re a group of 4 or more.
  • As for the South GR20, it’s possible to transfer luggage every day! The price for 2-3 people is $410 per person, and for a group of 4 people or more, it’s $210 per person.

Group sizes and prices:

• • For this self-guided GR20 tour in Corsica, it takes a minimum of 2 people to sign up for it to run. The maximum group size is set at 10.
  • Certain gîtes or refuges offer a double room instead of sleeping in larger, shared rooms. This can be added upon checkout, and is only valid for the Full GR20 and North GR20.
  • Please note that your chosen dates for the tour are not guaranteed until confirmed by the guide. If the guide is unable to secure your preferred dates/accommodation, you’ll get a full refund!

Self-guided GR20 hiking in Corsica can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:

• • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Depending on the tour you choose, starting points are different.

If you choose to do the full GR20 or the North GR20, your trip starts in Calvi. To get there, fly into Bastia-Poretta Airport (BIA) (further from Calvi than Calvi Airport, but better connections) or Calvi Airport (CLY). If you land in Bastia, you can take a bus, a train, or a taxi to reach Calvi. If you land in Calvi Airport, it’s best to take a taxi.

If you’re doing the South GR20, your trip starts in Vizzavona. To get there, you can fly into Bastia Airport, Calvi Airport, or Ajaccio Airport (AJA). From there, you can either take the bus, train, or a taxi to Vizzavona.

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!