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!
Upon arriving in Ajaccio, you’ll be transferred to Vizzavona (about a 1.5-hour drive), the starting point of your trek. Enjoy dinner and a restful night in a mountain hotel as you get ready for the adventure ahead.
Accommodation: Mountain hotel
Meals: Dinner
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, picnic lunch, 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
You’ll climb up to Bocca del Orro and walk across the Prato plateau with its alpine meadows. Following the ridgeline, you’ll have spectacular views of the Taravo valley to the west and the Tyrrhenian Sea to the east. You’ll then drop down through the St. Antoine forest to reach the delightful village of Cozzano.
Accommodation: Gîte in Cozzano
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 Porto Vecchio
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch
Walking: 16 km (10 miles), 7 hours
Elevation: +450 m / +1,476 ft | -1,400 m / -4,593 ft
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Figari airport, marking the end of your trip.
Meals: Breakfast
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!
Included:
Full GR20 self-guided hike (16 days):
GR20 North self-guided hike (10 days):
GR20 South self-guided hike (8 days):
Not included:
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.
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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 self-guided GR20 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), where your transfer to Calvi will be waiting.
If you’re doing the South GR20, your trip starts in Vizzavona. To get there, fly into Ajaccio Airport (AJA), where your transfer to Vizzavona will be waiting.
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.