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
-
The GR20 in Corsica has the reputation of being the toughest trek in Europe— but you can make it a tad bit easier if you hike just the northern portion of it! Over the course of 10 days, you will hike independently and take it just as easy or as tough as you’d like to. Your guiding service will arrange accommodation and most meals for you, and luggage transfer as well whenever possible—making the trek a lot easier as you don’t have to carry your luggage every day, all day. Get to know the challenging Corsican mountains, learn about the way of life in the mountains, and marvel at the spectacular scenery and wildlife of this unique island! Your self-guided adventure starts in Calvi and ends in Vizzavona.
-
-
Meet with your taxi driver in Calvi this morning for your transfer to Calenzana. This little village, surrounded by olive trees, is the official start of the GR20. Walk through up through the forest of Bonifatu, past magnificent viewpoints over the villages of this beautiful region of the Balagne.
Accommodation: Gîte at Bonifatu
Meals: Dinner
Walking: 11 km (6.8 miles) / 4 hours
Elevation: +700 m / 2,300 ft | -450 m / -1,476 ft -
You’ll leave Bonifatu for one of the longest stages of the GR20 in terms of time. After crossing several rivers and reaching the famous Spasimata footbridge, you’ll arrive in the Muvrella Valley—named after the mouflon—with its picturesque small lake. The viewpoints along the way are numerous and simply stunning. The GR20 then descends to the foot of Monte Cinto, where you’ll spend the night at the Haut Asco ski resort.
Accommodation: Gîte at Haut Asco
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
Walking: 9.5 km (5.9 miles) / 8 hours
Elevation: +1,300 m / 4,265 ft ft | -598 m / -1,960 ft -
To break free from the solitude of the high mountains, you’ll climb across the slopes of Monte Cinto and reach the highest point on the GR20: Pointe des Éboulis. From there, you descend into the small Melarie Valley, where you might spot wild mouflons. Your accommodation for the night is a shepherd’s hut in Vallone, set beside a stream and under a sky full of stars—a truly idyllic spot to rest.
Accommodation: Tent in Vallone
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
Walking: 9 km (5.6 miles) / 8 hours
Elevation: +1,200 m / + 3,940 ft | -800 m / -2,625 ft -
Today, you’ll hike into the beautifully traditional region of Niolu, nestled in the heart of the island. The trail takes you beneath the dramatic Paglia Orba and the strikingly hollow Capu Tafunatu. On clear days, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over the Gulf of Porto before descending into the Golo Valley, where a series of natural pools await just before reaching Vergio.
Accommodation: Gîte at Verghio
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
Walking: 14 km (8.7 miles), 6 hours
Elevation: +975 m / +3,200 ft | -1,020 m / -3,346 ft
-
After a gentle start, you reach your first mountain pass at Bocca San Pedru—and then the magic begins. The coastline emerges, framed by the deep blue of the Mediterranean, while on the other side, a glacial cirque unveils one of the hidden gems of the Corsican mountains. Nestled among grassy pozzines, the serene Lac de Nino appears, often accompanied by the sight of wild horses grazing nearby.
Accommodation: Refuge at Manganu
Meals: To be paid on the spot, can be purchased locally
Walking: 16 km (10 miles), 6 hours
Elevation: +870 m / +2,855 ft | -689 m / -2,260 ft -
It’s a steep and rocky ascent to the Capitellu Breche, but the reward is worth it—breathtaking views over the Melu and Capitellu lakes nestled in the high Restonica valley. After a final push to reach Bocca Muzella (2,206 m), you descend to a small plateau where the Petra Piana refuge awaits, offering a well-earned rest in a rugged alpine setting.
Accommodation: Refuge at Petra Piana
Meals: To be paid on the spot, can be purchased locally
Walking: 8.5 km (5.3 miles), 6 hours
Elevation: +670 m / +2,200 ft | – 465 m / -1,525 ft -
This is a short but spectacular stage, offering panoramic views between the Monte Rotondo and Monte d’Oro massifs. Some sections can be tricky in windy conditions, though an alternate route is available. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of the Gulf of Ajaccio.
Accommodation: Tents at the refuge at Onda
Meals: To be paid on the spot, can be purchased locally
Walking: 7 km (6 miles), 4.5 hours
Elevation: +560 m / +1,840 ft | -965 m / -3,166 ft -
Your final day on the northern section of the GR20 is nothing short of spectacular. From the Onda refuge, the trail leads you through the enchanting Agnone Valley at the foot of Monte d’Oro. After crossing the Turtettu footbridge, you’ll pass the beautiful Cascades des Anglais before reaching your endpoint in Vizzavona.
Accommodation: Gîte at Vizzavona
Meals: Dinner
Walking: 10 km (6 miles) / 5.5 hours
Elevation: +630 m / +2,066 ft | -1,140 m / -3,740 ft -
End your GR20 adventure in Vizzavona! You can reach Calvi, Ajaccio, and Bastia by train—or continue on exploring the island!
Meals: Breakfast
-
-
-
Included:
-
- Full GR20 self-guided hike (16 days):
- Accommodation for 15 nights (4 nights in tents, 2 nights in 3-star hotels, 4 nights in mountain hotels, 4 nights in gîtes d’étape (dormitory style))
- 12 breakfasts, 10 picnic lunches, 10 dinners
- Transfer from Calvi to Calenzana on Day 1
- Transfer from Conca to Porto Vecchio
- Luggage transfers (except in Vallone, Manganu, Petra Piana, and l’Onda)
- Transfer from Bastia Airport to Figari Airport
- Route notes and maps on an app (smartphone required)
- Local hotline, everyday from 8am to 8pm
- GR20 North self-guided hike (10 days):
- Accommodation for 9 nights (4 nights in tent, 5 nights in hotels, double occupancy)
- 6 breakfasts, 4 picnic lunches, 5 dinners
- Taxi transfer from Calvi to Calenzana on Day 1
- Luggage transfers when possible (not in Vallone, Manganu, Petra Piana, and l’Onda)
- Airport transfers from Bastia Airport and to Ajaccio
- Route notes and maps on an app (smartphone required)
- Local hotline, everyday from 8am to 8pm
- GR20 South self-guided hike (8 days):
- Accommodation for 7 nights (5 nights in gîtes d’étape (dormitory style), 2 nights in hotels)
- All meals (7 breakfasts, 6 picnic lunches, 6 dinners)
- Airport transfers from Ajaccio and to Figari
- Transfer from Conca to Porto Vecchio
- Luggage transfers every day
- Route notes and maps on an app (smartphone required)
- Local hotline, everyday from 8am to 8pm
- Full GR20 self-guided hike (16 days):
Not included:
-
- Flights to Corsica
- Transfer not outlined in the included section (including in times of bad weather or injuries)
- Optional activities
- Beverages
- Entrance fees to tourist sites
- Some meals (those not outlined in the itinerary)
- Guide gratuities — optional
- Travel and medical insurance
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.
-
-
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…
-
- Accommodation
- Meals as under “what’s included”
- Luggage transfers
- Airport transfers
- Smartphone travel app use during trip with detailed route notes and maps
- Local hotline, everyday from 8am until 8pm
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:
-
- 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.
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!
-
Have more questions?
Read our FAQ