Arrive in Bastia Airport and transfer to Calvi (approximately 2.5 hours). Get ready for tomorrow, as that’s when the hiking starts!
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Calvi
Can you resist the tempting call of Corsica’s GR20, Europe’s mythical long-distance trail? Spanning 120 miles of treacherous mountain terrain, across narrow ridges and rocky climbs, the trek goes up and down—accumulating 35,000 vertical feet! Choose between a self-guided tour of the rocky northern portion, the more accessible southern portion, or choose the hard mode and trek the entire GR20 in two weeks. With overnights and most meals arranged for you, this self-guided hike will be a carefree experience, letting you enjoy the oregano-infused air, glowy alpine lakes, and views of the Mediterranean in the distance. Make GR20 an adventure to remember!
Included:
Not included:
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!
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
Personal items & equipment
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.
Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!
Self-guided tours are perfect for those who enjoy exploring on their own terms—at their own pace, and with the company they choose. By joining this Mare a Mare North tour, we take care of…
Rather than joining a guided group, you’ll navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the tour operator. For a hassle-free journey with everything arranged for you in advance, there’s no better option!
As a self-guided tour is built around your preferred travel dates, your guide will take care of arranging accommodations and details after you book. Note that exact accommodations and dates might shift slightly, so don’t make any travel arrangements until the details of your adventure are confirmed.
Luggage transfers are included in the tour.
For the Full GR20, it’s possible to transfer luggage 10 out of 14 nights. Access to your luggage for the North GR20 is possible on 4 out of 8 nights. As for the South GR20, it’s possible to transfer luggage every day!
Group sizes and prices:
Self-guided GR20 hiking in Corsica can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
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!
Deposits
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible