Take a deep breath—Corsica’s GR20 North doesn’t just welcome hikers; it tests them. Forget easy trails and cozy lodges; the GR20 North tour is the real deal for serious adventurers. We’ll cross Corsica’s toughest terrain over 10 unforgettable days, hiking up heart-racing ridges, swimming in hidden rivers, and conquering mountain passes that feel like they’re straight from an explorer’s journal. This is the ultimate trek—from scaling the Pointe des Éboulis to discovering lakes with wild horses grazing nearby, each day’s challenge brings incredible rewards. Ready to earn some serious bragging rights?
Dive into the heart of Corsica on the legendary GR20 North tour, known as one of Europe’s most challenging trails. Over 10 days, we’ll hike rugged ridges, cross wild rivers, and climb steep, rocky terrain to reach some of the island’s most breathtaking vistas. From remote mountain lakes like Lac de Nino, where wild horses roam, to unforgettable nights camping under the stars, this journey is all about pushing boundaries and discovering Corsica’s raw beauty. Guided by local experts, we’ll take on high passes, iconic landmarks like the Spasimata footbridge, and reach the GR20’s highest point, the Pointe des Éboulis. This is a once-in-a-lifetime journey for those craving a challenge in one of Europe’s wildest settings!
On Day 1, everyone will arrive in Corsica individually for the first night in Calvi.
Today, you’ll meet with your guide and transfer to Calenzana. This little village, surrounded by olive trees, is the official start of the GR20. We’ll walk up through the forest of Bonifatu, past magnificent viewpoints over the villages of the Balagne region.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch (picnic), dinner
Hiking: 11 km / 6.8 mi, about 4 hours
Elevation: +700 m / +2,297 ft, -450 m / -1,476 ft
Accommodation: Dormitory at Bonifatu
We’ll leave Bonifatu for one of the longest stages along the GR20 (time-wise). Crossing several rivers before reaching the famous Spasimata footbridge, we will arrive in the Valley of the Muvrella (mouflon) with its small lake. The viewpoints are numerous and simply superb. The GR20 continues down to the foot of the Monte Cinto, where we will spend the night in the ski resort of Haut Asco.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch (picnic), dinner
Hiking: 9.5 km / 5.9 mi, about 8 hours
Elevation: +1300 m / +4,265 ft, -600 m / -1,968 ft
Accommodation: Dormitory at Haut Asco
On Day 4, we’ll climb crossing the slopes of Monte Cintu and over the highest point on the GR20, the Pointe des Éboulis. We’ll drop down to the small Melarie valley where we may have the chance to see mouflons. Our accommodation, the shepherds hut in Vallone, is in an ideal setting by a stream, with the backdrop of a starry night sky. You will NOT have access to your main bag this day.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch (picnic), dinner
Hiking: 9 km / 5.6 mi, about 8 hours
Elevation: +1200 m / +3,937 ft, -800 m / -2,625 ft
Accommodation: Tent at Vallone
Today we’ll walk to the beautiful and traditional Niolu, located at the heart of the island. We’ll pass below the Paglia Orba and the strange Capu Tafunatu. When the weather is good, we can get a stunning viewpoint over the gulf of Porto before plunging into the Golo Valley where we will find a series of natural pools before reaching Vergio.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch (picnic), dinner
Hiking: 14 km / 8.7 mi, about 6 hours
Elevation: +975 m / +3,200 ft, -1,020 m / -3,346 ft
Accommodation: Dormitory at Vergio
Today we start on an easy path, and then we’ll pass our first Col at Bocca San Pedru, where the coastline stands out against the deep blue of the Mediterranean. On the other side, a glacial cirque is revealed, hiding one of the jewels of the Corsican mountains. Later on, we’ll walk to Lac de Nino, where we can see wild horses. You will NOT have access to your main bag this day.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch (picnic), dinner
Hiking: 16 km / 10 mi, about 6 hours
Elevation: +900 m / +559 ft, -700 m / -435 ft
Accommodation: Refuge at Manganu (tents or basic dorms)
It’s a sharp and rocky climb up to the Capitellu Breche, from where we’ll have superb views of the lakes of Melu and Capitellu in the high Restonica. After some efforts to reach Bocca Muzella (2,206 m / 7,237 ft), we will descend to reach a small plateau where the Petra Piana refuge is located. You will NOT have access to your main bag this day.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch (picnic), dinner
Hiking: 8.5 km / 5.3 mi, about 6 hours
Elevation: +670 m / +2,200 ft, -465 m / -1,525 ft
Accommodation: Refuge at Petra Piana (tents or basic dorms)
Today a rather short, aerial and panoramic stage between the massifs of Monte Rotondo and Monte d’Oro awaits us. There will be some tricky passages when the wind blows! On a clear day, we will have the chance to see the Gulf of Ajaccio. You will NOT have access to your main bag this day.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch (picnic), dinner
Hiking: 7 km / 4.3 mi, about 4.5 hours
Elevation: +560 m / +1,837 ft, -965 m / -3,166 ft
Accommodation: Refuge at Onda (tents or basic dorms)
This is our last day on the northern part of the trail. A magnificent stage awaits us from the Onda refuge towards Vizzavona, passing through the magical Agnone valley at the foot of Monte d’Oro. After the Turtettu footbridge, we’ll pass the Cascades des Anglais before arriving at Vizzavona.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch (picnic), dinner
Hiking: 10 km / 6.2 mi, about 5.5. hours
Elevation: +630 m / +2,066 ft, -1,140 m / -3,740 ft
Accommodation: Dormitory at Vizzavona
Day 10 marks the end of our GR20 adventure. You can reach Calvi, Ajaccio, and Bastia by train.
Included:
Add-ons (if applicable)
Not included:
GR20 North tour 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. You’ll hike from 7 to 16 km / 4.3 to 10 miles, i.e. from 4.5 to 8 hours almost every day of the tour. 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.
Before the tour starts, it’s 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.
The paths are well-marked but the terrain is very technical (rocky and uneven). You need to be sure-footed and have plenty of relevant mountain experience.
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Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
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.
Group sizes and pricing
GR20 North hiking tours 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.
The starting point of your GR20 North tour is Calvi. To get there, most people fly into Calvi Sainte-Catherine Airport. From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Calvi.
For the GR20 north tour, you will meet your guide in the morning of your first day in Calvi for your transfer to Calenzana. More information will be provided by the guides before the tour starts.
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
You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
