Make your way to Vizzavona, the starting point of your tour. Re-energize with dinner and spend a night in a mountain hotel as you prepare for the adventure!
Accommodation: Mountain hotel
Meals: Dinner
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If hiking the entirety of the infamous, 180-kilometer GR20 trek seems like too big of a bite at the moment, check out our 8-day, South GR20 portion. You still get to experience the tough trail, its quaint gîtes and refuges, and you get to do it at your own pace! Luggage transfer is also included in the price of the trip, and your guiding service organizes your accommodations and most meals—all that’s left to do is enjoy the trek. Although still quite challenging, the southern section of the GR20 is considered more accessible and slightly easier than the northern one. If you’re looking to experience the GR20 on your own terms and halve the time of the trail, this adventure from Vizzavona to Conca is something to consider!
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Today’s hike begins in the beech forests of Vizzavona, gradually climbing to Bocca Palmente, where sweeping views of the Diana and Urbino lagoons await. From there, the trail leads to the Bergeries d’Alzeta before following an old mule track that brings you to the gîte at Capanelle.
Accommodation: Gîte at Capanelle
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Walking: 14 km (8.7 miles) / 5 hours
Elevation: +1,155 m / +3,790 ft | -715 m / -2,349 ft -
From Capanelle, the trail leads you to the scenic sheepfolds of Traghjete before continuing across the Ghialgone Plateau. You’ll cross the I Spiazzi footbridge and pass through the lush Marmano Forest, eventually arriving at the Col de Verde.
Accommodation: Gîte at Col de Verde
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
Walking: 14 km (8.7 miles) / 5 hours
Elevation: +600 m / +1,970 ft | -900 m / -2,952 ft
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After an early morning departure, you ascend to the Bocca di l’Usciolu and walk along the mountain ridge, a dreamlike rocky landscape shaped by the wind. The path then descends through an ancient alder forest. As the lush vegetation becomes denser and more vibrant, you arrive at the Plateau de Cuscione, where a cozy shepherd’s hut awaits to host you for the night.
Accommodation: Gîte
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
Walking: 14 km (10 miles) / 8 hours
Elevation: +750 m / +2,460 ft | -1,300 m / -4,265 ft -
After an early morning departure, you climb to the Bocca di l’Usciolu and follow a ridgeline shaped by the wind into a surreal, rocky landscape. The trail then descends through an ancient alder forest, where the vegetation grows increasingly dense and untamed. Soon, you reach the Plateau de Cuscione and the welcoming shepherd’s hut where you’ll spend the night.
Accommodation: Shepherds hut
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
Walking: 16 km (10 miles) / 8 hours
Elevation: +1,300 m / +4,265 ft | -650 m / -2,133 ft -
The Plateau de Cuscione offers gentler terrain, with its rolling green pastures and unique pozzines (peat bogs). From there, you ascend the rocky slopes of Mount Incudine—over 2,000 meters high and the tallest peak in the south—before descending into the Asinao Valley. The trail then climbs again toward the dramatic granite spires known as the Needles of Bavella.
Accommodation: Gîte in Bavella
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
Walking: 15 km (9.3 miles), 8 hours
Elevation: +985 m / +3,231 ft | -1,100 m / -3,608 ft -
The day begins with a gentle forest path leading to the Paliri refuge. From there, you’ll tackle the final descent, surrounded by the fragrant aromas of the warm Corsican maquis. As you reach Conca, your journey comes to a close—you’ve completed the legendary GR20!
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Ponte Vecchio
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
Walking: 16 km (10 miles), 7 hours
Elevation: +450 m / +1,476 ft | -1,400 m / -4,593 ft -
A filling breakfast marks the end of your adventure. From Conca, you can take a shuttle to Porto Vecchio, and a bus to Bastia or Ajaccio. Contact your guiding company if you need a transfer!
Meals: Breakfast
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Please note that accommodations are subject to availability and it may not be possible to book the exact accommodations listed day-by-day in the itinerary (in case there is a detailed list).
Also note that your chosen dates for the tour are not guaranteed until confirmed by the guide. If the guide is unable to secure your preferred dates/accommodation, you’ll get a full refund!
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Included:
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- 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:
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- 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.
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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!
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- 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!
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Clothing
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- 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
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- 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.
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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…
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- 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.
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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!
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Group sizes and prices:
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- 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:
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- 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.
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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.
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We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors 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.
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