What you get on this adventure: An experienced, International Mountain Leader with extensive knowledge of the area 15-day GR-20 Corsica trekking tour All accommodation (details in the itinerary) All breakfasts and packed lunches Most dinners (except on Day 1, 7, 13, and 14) All transportation during the tour Round-trip Bastia airport transfers Luggage transfers on all but 2 nights What’s not included: Transportation to Corsica Dinners on Day 1, 7, 13, and 14 Travel insurance Personal drinks and snacks Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

Your guides firmly believe the GR-20 in Corsica deserves its reputation of being 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. 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. The GR-20 is a very remote trek, making it difficult to “sit out” a day if you’re feeling tired. All days are long (some 9-10 hours of hiking) and you can’t go too slowly. If you’re thinking of joining the GR20 trek, make sure you are ready for two weeks of very long and challenging days. Your guides put together this trip in a way that they organize your breakfasts, lunches, and most dinners, and instead of rustic mountain huts, you will stay at hotels and privately-run gîtes—with your luggage delivered daily.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Day pack large enough to carry things you’ll need throughout the day — no need for huge backpacks, your luggage will be delivered to you daily Hiking poles Week’s worth hiking clothing Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Lightweight hiking boots or shoes Spare clothes for layering Waterproof rain jacket Sunhat Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Headlamp or flashlight Sunglasses 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.

What’s the accommodation like?

Generally speaking, accommodation on the GR20 is notoriously bad. Usually you’d stay in overcrowded and “rustic” mountain huts, but for this trip, your guides have carefully selected an assortment of hotels and privately-run gîtes (traditional rental homes). This makes the trip and overnights extremely comfortable in comparison to other companies. Still, do not expect luxury—the accommodation is basic, simple, and clean, and your luggage will be delivered daily . This is a massive bonus of this guided trip, as you don’t have to carry with you 40-lbs backpacks. If you need more information on accommodation, as you want to make sure you will enjoy your holiday, feel free to contact us .

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For this trek, the maximum client-to-guide ratio is 10:1. It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The cost does not decrease as the group grows. Trekking the GR20 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.

Deposits and cancellation policy

A 15% non-refundable deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 10 weeks (70 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to seventy (70) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, only Client’s deposit will be forfeited. For cancellations thirty-one (31) to seventy (70) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total price of the trip. For cancellations thirty or less days in advance, Client is not entitled to any refund. Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to your GR20 adventure in Corsica, fly into Bastia-Poretta Airport (BIA) . Make sure to arrive before 1 pm (13:00), as that’s when the group transfer departs from Bastia to the seaside town of Calvi. It’s also worth checking out flights going directly to Calvi Airport (CLY) . If you won’t make the group transfer from Bastia Airport, contact your guides in time so they can make arrangements.

Safety measures in France

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans. We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in France, please refer to France’s Foreign Travel Advice . If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

Guided GR20 Corsica hiking tour in France

Corsica | France

Trekking the Full GR20 in Corsica

5.00 ()

Season

June through October

Nearest city

Bastia, Corsica is 2 hours away

Duration

15 days

Skill level

Advanced

Accommodation

Hotels, camps & refuges

Guides

Emma Jack, Tom Greenall, Cloud 9 Adventure

From $4,700 () / 15 days

Got any questions? or Talk with us

Overview
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Reviews
Things to know

The infamous GR20 is often regarded as the toughest trek in Europe—are you sure you’re up to the task? This 180-kilometer trail (110 miles) meanders across the jagged spine of Corsica’s mountains, revealing spectacular scenery, million-dollar views, and your unrelenting spirit. Scrambling, exposed sections, steep drops, chain and wire-assisted climbs—the GR20 will keep testing your limits over two weeks of long and challenging days. Having a professional International Mountain Guide by your side means having an extra degree of safety, detouring to unparalleled gems that most hikers miss out on, and getting the best possible accommodation. Ready to traverse this mythical long-distance trail reserved only for the boldest ones?

Many ups and downs = spectacular views

Abundant vegetation, incredible scenery, and stunning wildlife throughout
Best possible accommodation

Enjoy a carefully selected assortment of hotels, gîtes, camping spots, and refuges
Magnet for experienced hikers

Attracting people from all over the world, finishing the GR20 is a huge feat for any thru-hiker

Itinerary

Conquer steep ascents and plunging descents on this 180-km trail that follows the granite backbone of mountains that divide the island in two—many of which soar above 2,000 m above sea. Join your guide on the mighty GR20 trek from the north-west to the south-east of the island, starting your tour in the beautiful Calvi! This challenging adventure also includes luggage transfers, most meals (all breakfasts and lunches, most dinners) and a selection of the best accommodation available, providing you with all the comfort along the way.

If you arrive at Bastia Airport anytime prior to 1 pm (13:00), a two-hour group minibus transfer will take you to the seaside town of Calvi. Alternatively, you can also land in Calvi Airport if possible. Use the afternoon to either explore the lovely town of Calvi or go for a dip in the sea.

Accommodation: 3* hotel
Take a short taxi journey to the village of Calenzana, the official starting point of the GR20. Today you have a shorter day, which is an excellent warm-up for the journey ahead, and it also provides you with fantastic views of the coast and surrounding villages. You can bathe in rock pools before tackling the final climb to Bonifatu.

Accommodation: Gîte
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 5 hours
Elevation change: +800 m / +2,625 ft | -540 m / -1,772 ft
An early start today brings you to a climb up the Cirque de Bonifatu, sheltered from the sun by lush woods. Once you reach the Carrozzu refuge, take a breather before tackling the famous Spasimata footbridge—a 30-meter long bridge hanging above a waterfall! Then grab onto the fixed cables and chains and work your way up the Spasimata slabs to arrive at the Muvrella (Corsican for mouflon) valley. You might even spot some mouflons! After Lac de Muvrella, a steep climb takes you to the Bocca di a Muvrella (2,000 m), followed by a short, but difficult section to your second pass, the Bocca di Stagnu (2,010 m). From here you can see the western coastline along with the mountains that guard the entrance to the Cirque de la Solitude. Tackle a very steep, partly scrambly descent down to the old ski station of Haut Asco (1,422 m).

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 9 hours
Elevation change: +1,480 m / +4,855 ft | -600 m / -1,968 ft
Following a huge landslide in 2015, today’s route no longer takes the Cirque de la Solitude—it’s been closed by the park authorities, and it’s unlikely to open. So there’s a new route (making what used to be a tough day into an even tougher day) up to Monte Cinto, Corsica’s highest peak. Reach the remote Lac du Cinto and then continue up to a high pass, the Bocca Crucetta at 2,450 m. From here, have a long descent to the Tighjettu refuge and down to the Bergeries de Vallone, an old shepherd’s hut with nearby rock pools for bathing.

Accommodation: Camping (tent provided there, you don’t have to carry it)
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 7 hours
Elevation change: +1,600 m / +5,250 ft | -1,600 m / -5,250 ft
Today starts with an easy stretch of walking through the laricio pine forest before it gets a bit more scambly in order to reach the Bocca di Foggialle, not far from the refuge Ciottulu di i Mori and at the foot of the impressive Paglia Orba peak. Great views span out here, both behind the Calacuccia Lake and in front of the Golo Valley. From here, wind your way down to the river Golo, perfect for a dip in some fantastic rock pools. Keep going down, follow the river for a while before traversing the forest to reach the Castel di Vergio, an old ski station where there’s a choice of a gîte or hotel, and a small shop.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 6.5 hours
Elevation change: +970 m / +3,182 ft | -1,020 m / -3,346 ft
Another long day ahead, but today is especially beautiful as the scenery is starting to change. Climb up to Col St. Pierre (1,452 m) and make your way to the spectacular Lac de Nino (1,743 m). Surrounded by pizzones (little ponds surrounded by grassy meadows), it’s an ideal grazing area for horses, cattle, and wild pigs. After Lac de Nino, stop at the working goat farm of Vaccaja (1,621 m) before diverting from the GR20 to make your way to the Refuge de Sega. Rock pools make this a great location, and by being off-the-beaten-path you avoid the crowds.

Accommodation: Refuge
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 8.5 hours
Elevation change: +965 m / +3,166 ft | -1,200 m / -3,937 ft
A shorter day allows you to take your time as you make your way down the beautiful Tavignano Gorge, with some great swimming spots, to the historic town of Corte. You should have a bit of time to explore the town and have a free evening tonight to eat out in a local restaurant.

Accommodation: 3* hotel
Meals: Breakfast and picnic lunch
Hiking: 5.5 hours
Elevation change: +730 m / +2,395 ft | -1,400 m / -4,593 ft
You’ve now reached the southern section of the GR20! The walking becomes a bit easier as there is less scrambling and more chances to look at the views. Start with either a train journey or a private transfer to Vizzavona (up to 1 hour), where you will rejoin the GR20 and climb up to the Bocca Palmente (1,640 m) through shady beech and pine forests. There you are greeted with fantastic views to the coast and behind you to Monte d’Oro. Make your way past the Alzeta shepherds’ huts to the U Cardu ridge, from where you’ll see the Monte Renoso, tomorrow’s objective.

Accommodation: 3* hotel
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 5.5 hours
Elevation change: +730 m / +2,395 ft | -1,400 m / -4,593 ft
Today you climb Monte Renoso—standing at 2,352 m, it’s the highest mountain in southern Corsica. It’s a true gem of a peak, with most people doing the GR20 missing out on it. Your guides claim the view from up there is their favorite of the whole trip: you can see both coasts, a great view of both coasts, a view of where you’ve been (Monte Cinto) and where you’re going (Incudine and Bavella). It’s a scenic climb, not too difficult (mainly walking rather than scrambling), with a steep descent down to the spectacular pozzine in the valley of I Pozzi. Make your way over to the plateau de Gialgone to rejoin the GR20, and reach Col de Verden in 2 hours. For those feeling tired today, you can skip climbing Monte Renoso and opt for an easier route.

Accommodation: Gîte
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 8 hours (or 5 without Monte Renoso)
Elevation change: +815 m / +2,673 ft | -110 m / -360 ft OR +600 m / +1,968 ft | -950 m / -3,117 ft
Start the day with a steep climb up to a high ridge enroute to the Refuge de Prati. You’ll be able to see both coasts, and on a clear day, across the Ligurian Sea as far as the island of Elba. You’ve got a scrambling part then, with some exposed sections, until the Col de Laparo. Divert from the GR20 in order to avoid staying in overcrowded and uncomfortable huts, and stop at a privately-run gîte in the typical Corsican village of Cozzano.

Accommodation: Gîte
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 8 hours
Elevation change: +750 m / +2,460 ft | -1,300 m / -4,265 ft
Climb up through chestnut forest to rejoin the GR20, where you will reach the Arête a Mondi. Follow to the Punta d’Usciolu (1,815m), the Punta di a Scaddatta (1,834m) and finally to the Bocca di L’Agnonu (1,570m). The route criss-crosses through exciting notches along the ridge, and consists of around 2 hours of scrambling, exposed at times, offering wonderful views. Start your descent past the sheepfolds of Bassetta, and continue along to the gîte at Il Croce. It’s quite a long day, but continuing to Il Croce instead of staying at Bassetta makes our day a bit easier tomorrow. In case of bad weather, travel on a lower route via the village of Zicavo

Accommodation: Gîte or camping
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 8 hours
Elevation change: +1,000 m / +3,280 ft | -550 m / -1,805 ft
Another long, but truly spectacular day. Climb up to the Col Incudine, from where you have views back towards Monte Cinto and Sardinia in front of you, along with Aiguilles de Bavella where you’re heading. From the col, it’s a very steep descent across slabs to the Refuge d’Asinau. A short easy section takes you through the woods before you make a diversion to tackle the Alpine variant of the GR20, through the heart of the Aiguilles de Bavella, a fantastic journey assisted by the occasional chain. In case of bad weather, take a transfer and do a shorter walk around Bavella.

Accommodation: Gîte
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 9-10 hours
Elevation change: +1,400 m / +4,593 ft | -1,400 m / -4,594 ft
The final day is a lovely way to end the GR20, with incredible views across granite peaks before entering a beautiful pine forest. Reach the refuge de Paliri fairly early on, and from there, the scenery remains rugged all the way to the little village of Conca, the end point of the GR20. After a celebratory drink, take a short transfer to Porto Vecchio and your hotel for the night.

Accommodation: 3* hotel
Meals: Breakfast and picnic lunch
Hiking: 7 hours
Elevation change: +700 m / +2,296 ft | -1,670 m / -5,480 ft
A free day to relax in Porto Vecchio, a town famous for its beautiful beaches. Take a boat trip, explore the historic citadel and cobbled streets, or enjoy a well-earned dip in the sea! Both Palombaggia and Pinarello beaches are famous for their white sand and wouldn’t look out of place in the Caribbean!

Accommodation: 3* hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Wake up early, your guides will aim to arrive at Bastia Airport until 10 am so people can take flights departing from noon onwards. You can also fly out of Figari Airport, it’s a lot close to Porto Vecchio than Bastia—the only reason your guides included Bastia transfer is because it usually offers a greater choice for connecting flights.

Meals: Breakfast

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Meet your guides

5.00

Emma Jack

Emma has been leading treks and expeditions ever since 2005. She's led trips all over the world, but Corsica, Nepal, and the Alps remain her top three trekking destinations and Tour du Mont Blanc trek her favorite route. In 2009, she made the first ever ski descent of Manaslu, the 8th highest mountain in the world. Emma is fluent in French, Russian, and Spanish.

5.00

Tom Greenall

Tom is a qualified International Mountain Leader, Wilderness First Responder and Ski Guide. Based in Les Houches, Tom guides many of Cloud 9’s snowshoeing and trekking trips in the Chamonix area, but also further afield, such as in Japan. When not guiding, Tom can be found climbing up, skiing or biking down alpine peaks. He also makes eco-friendly wooden skies—Tom is the founder of the award-winning eco-ski company, Idris Skis.

5.00

Cloud 9 Adventure

Offering a diverse range of trips in the Alps, Pyrenees, Dolomites, Jura and beyond, Cloud 9 Adventure is all about conveying their passion for adventure travel among some of the world’s most magnificent mountain landscapes—and as far away from the crowds as possible.

5.00 (2 reviews)

Erric Reynolds about Cloud 9 Adventure on Trip Advisor

Cloud 9 planned everything for our group: Food, lodging, baggage transportation and excellent hiking plans. The food and service in the hotels was great and staffs were friendly and helpful! I would highly recommend Cloud 9 for anyone planning a trip.

Jessica Hope about Cloud 9 Adventure on Trip Advisor

What an incredible experience. Our guide was fantastic, teaching our kids so many things along the way. Highly recommend!

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, International Mountain Leader with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 15-day GR-20 Corsica trekking tour
  - All accommodation (details in the itinerary)
  - All breakfasts and packed lunches
  - Most dinners (except on Day 1, 7, 13, and 14)
  - All transportation during the tour
  - Round-trip Bastia airport transfers
  - Luggage transfers on all but 2 nights
What’s not included:
- - Transportation to Corsica
  - Dinners on Day 1, 7, 13, and 14
  - Travel insurance
  - Personal drinks and snacks
  - Guide gratuities — optional
Your guides firmly believe the GR-20 in Corsica deserves its reputation of being 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. 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.

The GR-20 is a very remote trek, making it difficult to “sit out” a day if you’re feeling tired. All days are long (some 9-10 hours of hiking) and you can’t go too slowly. If you’re thinking of joining the GR20 trek, make sure you are ready for two weeks of very long and challenging days. Your guides put together this trip in a way that they organize your breakfasts, lunches, and most dinners, and instead of rustic mountain huts, you will stay at hotels and privately-run gîtes—with your luggage delivered daily.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Day pack large enough to carry things you’ll need throughout the day — no need for huge backpacks, your luggage will be delivered to you daily
  - Hiking poles
  - Week’s worth hiking clothing
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
  - Spare clothes for layering
  - Waterproof rain jacket
  - Sunhat
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  - Headlamp or flashlight
  - Sunglasses
  - 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.
Generally speaking, accommodation on the GR20 is notoriously bad. Usually you’d stay in overcrowded and “rustic” mountain huts, but for this trip, your guides have carefully selected an assortment of hotels and privately-run gîtes (traditional rental homes). This makes the trip and overnights extremely comfortable in comparison to other companies. Still, do not expect luxury—the accommodation is basic, simple, and clean, and your luggage will be delivered daily. This is a massive bonus of this guided trip, as you don’t have to carry with you 40-lbs backpacks.

If you need more information on accommodation, as you want to make sure you will enjoy your holiday, feel free to contact us.
Group sizes and prices:
- - For this trek, the maximum client-to-guide ratio is 10:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate.
  - The cost does not decrease as the group grows.
Trekking the GR20 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.
A 15% non-refundable deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 10 weeks (70 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
- - If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to seventy (70) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, only Client’s deposit will be forfeited.
  - For cancellations thirty-one (31) to seventy (70) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total price of the trip.
  - For cancellations thirty or less days in advance, Client is not entitled to any refund.
  - Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.
To get to your GR20 adventure in Corsica, fly into Bastia-Poretta Airport (BIA). Make sure to arrive before 1 pm (13:00), as that’s when the group transfer departs from Bastia to the seaside town of Calvi. It’s also worth checking out flights going directly to Calvi Airport (CLY).

If you won’t make the group transfer from Bastia Airport, contact your guides in time so they can make arrangements.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.

Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in France, please refer to France’s Foreign Travel Advice.

If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!