Hiking the Full GR20 Trail in Corsica

Things to know

• Covid measures in Corsica

  57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

  We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Corsica, please refer to the Corsican Official Tourist website.

  Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • A professional, knowledgeable, medically-trained, wilderness guide
    • Transportation across the island
    • Transfer Calvi – Calenzana
    • Accommodations during the trip: 
      • 9 nights in gite d’etapes (dormitory style)
      • 3 nights in a refuge
      • 1 night in a tent
      • 1 night in a hotel (room for two)
    • 11 breakfasts, 11 dinners, 10 picnic lunches (free lunch and dinner in Corte)

  What’s not included:

  • • Transportation to and from Corsica
    • Transfer from Conca at the end of the trip
    • Luggage transfers
    • Transfers not included in this itinerary (including transfers due to bad weather or physical ailments)
    • Entrance fees to sites
    • Optional activities 
    • Drinks
• How fit do I need to be?

  GR20 is an advanced hike, meaning full day treks with steep descents and challenging switchbacks. Although it is becoming more and more popular, it remains one of the most difficult treks in Europe. To overlook this could put inexperienced walkers in danger. Do not overestimate your skills, and prepare for the trip. The GR20 is for hikers in very good physical shape who already have the experience of high mountain trekking over several days. Keep in mind, the weather in summer can be hot and you’ll also be packing a daypack filled with water and other things you’ll need throughout the day.

  It is recommended to do aerobic exercises at least 3 times a week. It is good to get in some hill walks on rough, uneven terrain, to build up ankle strength. Train to walk downhill, get used to knowing where to put your feet. Aim to progress walking downhill at a reasonable pace — two walking poles will reduce the shock on your legs.

• What do I need to bring?

  Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

  • • Day pack large enough to carry items for a few days of hiking (around a 40L bag)
    • Duffle bag with all the remaining items and clothing (max. weight 15 kilos)
    • Trekking poles — optional (but recommended)
    • Headlamp
    • Compact sleeping bag
    • Sleeping pad
    • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
    • Snacks and electrolytes
    • Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
    • Sandals or flip flops for beaches, river wading, or for wearing in the evening
    • Hiking socks
    • T-shirt and shorts (depending upon the likely weather)
    • Light trekking trousers (not jeans)
    • Spare clothes for layering
    • A warm sweater, polar or fleece
    • Puffy jacket or equivalent mid-layer
    • A good quality waterproof shell — GORE-TEX recommended
    • Waterproof pants
    • Warm hat and gloves
    • Swimsuit
    • Sunhat
    • Beanie
    • Gloves
    • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
    • Camp towel
    • A small Tupperware box (for stews or salads), a plastic mug, a spork
    • A waterproof plastic pouch for documents and identity papers
    • A small first-aid kit
    • Swiss army knife
    • Sunglasses
    • Mobile phone and charger
    • 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.

  Your guide will take care of your luggage transfers except on days 3 and 5. You only have to carry a daypack with your water, lunch, camera etc.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • The max guest-to-guide ratio for this tour is 12:1. It takes a minimum group of six participants for the tour to operate.
    • The price decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to hike with friends and family!

  If your hiking party is larger than six people, please contact us prior to booking to make arrangements. 

  Min. age requirements:

  • • Anyone over the age of 18 can join these day-hiking tours
    • Minors may be permitted to join private tours on a case-by-case basis.

  If you plan to hike with anyone under the age of 12, please contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  If the reservation takes place more than 30 days before departure, a 30% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 1 month (30 days) prior to departure. For reservations less than 30 days before the departure, 100% of the total amount is paid upon booking. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. 

  • • If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to thirty (30) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a full refund minus a 100 € ($110 USD) per person set-up fee cost. 
    • For cancellations twenty-nine (29) to sixteen (16) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the full price of the trip. 
    • For cancellations fifteen (15) to two (2) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the full price of the trip. 
    • After that deadline, 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

  Thanks to new low-cost airlines, Corsica is now accessible from several major cities in France in less than 1.5 hours. To be as close as possible to the departure of the GR20, we advise you to go to Calvi (for the North) and Figari (for the South).

  If possible, it is also wise to choose two different airports in Corsica for your GR20: if you start your hike in Calenzana, it is best to land in Calvi or Bastia. When you finish your hike in Conca, you should then choose Figari or Ajaccio Airport.

  For the Standard GR20 Hiking Adventure, you will meet your guide in the morning of your first day in Ajaccio before transferring to the col de Bavella. For the Comfort GR20 Hiking Adventure, your trip will start in the morning of your first day from Calvi. The exact location will be determined in communication with your guide. From there, you’ll head straight to your tour. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the hiking ability of the group.