The GR20 traverses the island diagonally following the high granite barrier of mountains that form the natural boundary between the two regions of Corsica. The trail offers some fantastic scenery and an insight into the working mountain community. We reserve your accommodations, which are a variety of camps, refuges, gites or shepherd’s cabins, situated in places of exceptional beauty. All meals are prepared for you by your hosts. We are able to get your main luggage bag to you during part of the trek, so you do not have to carry a heavy load. It is a real bonus to take advantage of this and certainly adds to the enjoyment of the walking.

Day 1
In the afternoon, transfer by minibus to the Col de Bavella, passing through the villages of the Alta Rocca. The journey takes approximately 2h30. Time to settle into the gite before the evening meal.

Day 2
Walk along the GR20 alpine variant to pass through the very heart of the Bavella massive. Rose granite needles tower above, a chaotic jumble of granite surrounds you. Descent into Asinau valley.
7km, 5h00, +750m, -550m.

Day 3
Optional ascent to the dramatic summit of Monte Alcudina (2134m). The view is panoramic, you can see your route stretching out ahead. The plateau of Cuscionu, dotted with shepherds cabins that were once the homes of many shepherds’ families.
8km, 3h00, +560m, -560m.

Day 4
You leave Crocce crossing the strikingly green pozzines along a small river. You join the mountain ridge which will lead you to Usciolu refuge. The high airy views are superb.
13km, 5h00, +820m, -600m.

Day 5
This walk offers some great views down across the flat eastern plains and sea lagoons. You follow the ridge before a descent that winds rapidly down in and out of the forest to the Col de Verde.
15km, 7h00, +980m, -1430m.

Day 6
Today the trail leads through a fantastic forest of high pine trees. You walk on the lower flanks of the dominating massif the Monte Retondo to arrive at Capanelle.
13km, 5h00, +650m, -350m.

Day 7
Today the last stage of the southern section of the GR20 follows a long undulating trail past several shepherds’ cabins. We pull uphill to the Col Palmente where we can enjoy views of the east coast and sea lagoons. We head down through a forest on a well graded path to Vizzavona.
15km, 7h00, +700m, -1400m.

Day 8
First stage of the northern section of the GR20. An ascent to the Brêche de Muratellu (2100m). The path leads along the Cascade des Anglais to Muratellu, affording stunning views of the Monte Rotondu.
8km, 6h00, +1200m, -800m.

Day 9
The high level route following the ridge, via the summit of Pinzi Corbini (2021m / 6630ft), to the Petra Piana refuge (1840m / 6037ft).
7km, 5h00, +900m, -400m.

Day 10
From Petra Piana a short uphill section takes you to the high ridge above the refuge. The trail is rocky, almost lunar in ambiance. You take a mountain pass and continue on the high route. The views are spectacular, with Corte, the island’s historic capital in the distance and a series of wonderful glacier lakes to discover. Night camping.
8km, 6h30, +700m, -950m.

Day 11
Discover the Lac de Nino, a glacial lake surrounded by spongy peat with runnels of water and wells. The trail follows a high ridge with magnificent views and the occasional blue glint of the beckoning sea. Gite or hotel.
13km, 5h00, +600m, -700m.

Day 12
Ascent in the Golo Valley. A mountain ridge walk, offering spectacular views of the West coast, takes you to Ciuttolu i Mori refuge (2000m), the highest in Corsica. Descent via the Col de Foggiale to Vallone. Camping.
11km, 5h30, +950m, -980m.

Day 13
Discover the mythical Cirque de la Solitude. The geology, the closeness of the rocks and often billowing mist make this a dramatic and impressive section Gite or hotel.
8km, 6h00, +1050m, -1100m.

Day 14
Ascent to Bocca Di Stagnu at the foot of the Muvrella (2150m). The presence of the sea signals the end of the GR20. Without doubt one of the most spectacular parts of the trail. Descent through Bonifatu cirque.
9km, 6h30, +730m, -1560m.

Start
Inside Ajaccio's ferry terminal at 2 pm.
End
Around 5.30 pm in Calvi, after your last transfer from Bonifatu.
How to get there
Ajaccio ferry terminal or airport. If you're planning to arrive in Bastia or Calvi, the landing should be scheduled early enough so you can catch the bus or train.
Accommodation
Refuge, gite in small communal dormitories, camping in two men tents in the vicinity of shepherds cabins. Hearty breakfast and dinner at the accommodation. Picnics are usually a pre-cooked pasta/rice/lentil salad, with extra bread, cheese,meat and fruit.
Number of people
From 2
Level of difficulty
Very tough. This holiday is for walkers who are fit and in shape. There are numerous steep uphill sections and descents that are rough under foot. There are a couple of sections that have a hand chain to assist balance. You need to be sure footed and be able to walk confortably uphill for long sections without becoming breathless.
Guide
Self guided walk.
Carrying
A vehicle will transport your luggage, which you will have access to around every two days. You have to carry your sleeping bag and personal belongings for the nights in refuges, not accessible by road.
Price includes
Accommodation on full board, internal transfers, travel dossier with maps and route notes.
Price does not include
Holiday insurance, drinks, lunch on day 1, additional activities and travel.