When to do the GR20 north?

The best time to do the northern part of the GR20 is generally from June to September, when the weather conditions are most favourable and the temperatures pleasant for hiking. July can be a good alternative to avoid the early season crowds. The busiest periods are late June and early September. It is important to note that, depending on the year, snow can remain until early summer on many of the high altitude sections.

What type of accommodation is available on the GR20 North?

Accommodation is mainly in PNRC refuges, with the option of sleeping in dormitories or tents. At Asco, Vergio and Vizzavona, the GR20 crosses the road, offering the possibility of sleeping in private gîtes or hotels. However, this may mean that the stages are divided up differently.

Mare e Monti - Sea and Mountains hikes in Corsica

7 holidays found for:
Mare e monti

Mare e Monti North - Piana to Calvi

Hiking-Walking

Explore the Calanques de Piana and the Scandola reserve, discovering villages and wild coves. Free-roaming tour, 5 days of moderate walking. Accommodation of your choice either in a gîte and hotel** depending on the stage, or in a hotel** for all nights.

Level

2 - Moderate

Access

Ajaccio

Carrying

Without bags

Next departure

01/04/2025

6 days

from690€

Minitrip Calanques de Piana

Hiking-Walking

Discover the Gulf of Porto, the calanques of Piana and a UNESCO-listed heritage site for a memorable getaway. This is a self-guided tour, with 3 days of moderate walking. Hotel ** and ***.

Level

2 - Moderate

Access

Ajaccio

Carrying

Without bags

Next departure

01/04/2025

4 days

from460€

Randonneurs sur le Mare e Monti Nord Complet liberté

Mare e Monti North - Calvi to Cargèse

Hiking-Walking

A sea and mountain itinerary via Bonifatu, Girolata, Porto and Evisa. A self guided itinerant tour, 7 days of sustained walking. Accommodation of your choice either in a gîte and hotel** depending on the stage, or in a hotel** for all nights.

Level

3 - Challenging

Accesses

Calvi / Ile Rousse

Bastia

Carrying

Without bags

Next departure

01/04/2025

8 days

from1 070€

Citadelle de Corte au départ de la grande traversée

The great Corte to Calvi Journey

Hiking-Walking

Corte, Evisa, Porto, Piana, Girolata, Calvi... one of the most beautiful crossings. 10 days of walking at a steady level. Accommodation in ** and *** hotels.

Level

2 - Moderate

Accesses

Ajaccio

Bastia

Calvi / Ile Rousse

Carrying

Without bags

Next departure

01/04/2025

10 days

from1 350€

Mare e Monti North from Girolata to Calenzana

Hiking-Walking

A beautiful crossing of the Balagne following the Mare e Monti Nord. Self-guided point to point tour, 4 days' walking at an athletic level. Accommodation in dormitory or private room.

Level

3 - Challenging

Comfort

Dormitory

Hotel ** / Ch. d'Hôtes

Accesses

Bastia

Calvi / Ile Rousse

Carrying

Without bags

Next departure

01/04/2025

5 days

from620€

The great Ajaccio to Porto Vecchio journey

Hiking-Walking

Between the gulfs of Ajaccio and Porto-Vecchio, discover traditional Corsica via the Mare a Mare trails. A self-guided tour with 8 days of moderate walking. Accommodation in **and*** hotels and guest houses.

Level

2 - Moderate

Comfort

Hotel ** / Ch. d'Hôtes

Accesses

Ajaccio

Porto-Vecchio / Figari

Propriano

Carrying

Without bags

Next departure

15/04/2025

9 days

from1 245€

Mare e Monti South - Ajaccio to Propriano

Hiking-Walking

From Ajaccio to the Gulf of Valincu, discover the interior of Corsica as well as the west coast. Admire coves, Genoese towers and snow-capped mountains...This is a self-guided tour with 3 days of easy walking. Accommodation in ** and *** hotels.

Level

2 - Moderate

Accesses

Ajaccio

Propriano

Carrying

Without bags

Next departure

15/04/2025

5 days

from730€

FAQ

Tra Mare e Monti trails are clearly marked with orange paint stripes on rocks, walls and trees, and sometimes with the letters TMM. There are also signs at junctions to help you find your way around. Despite this obvious signposting, it's advisable to take a detailed map and GPS with you, especially when exploring the variants of the trail.

The best time to go on a Mare e Monti is from the beginning of April to the end of October, when the accommodations are open. Spring and autumn are particularly recommended for small-group hikes, as these are ideal times for those who fear the heat. During the summer, it's essential to pack enough water and set off early in the morning to avoid the heat.

Accommodation on the Mare e Monti route is open mainly from the beginning of April to the end of October. Most of it consists of gîtes d'étape, which offer sleeping accommodation in dormitories or double rooms. As well as gîtes, other accommodation options are available, such as hotels, bed & breakfasts and campsites.

The Mare e Monti trails are suitable for everyone. They are some of the most beautiful walks on the island, focusing on wild, unspoilt areas. The Mare e Monti Nord is easily accessible, being just 10km south of Calvi. The Mare e Monti Sud starts very close to Ajaccio, and the return journey by bus at the end of your stay is very easy to organise.

For hiking on the Mare e Monti, we recommend you take the following equipment:

hiking boots,
clothing suitable for the mountains (fleece, windproof jacket, etc.),
gloves and a hat,
a rucksack, walking poles,
topographical map, compass and GPS,
a first-aid kit and a headlamp,
Water and snacks, sun screen and sunglasses,
a knife and rain gear.

In Corsican, "Mare è Monti" means "Sea and Mountains." In the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional de Corse, you can explore two routes along the coast: the Mare e Monti Nord (from Calenzana to Cargèse) and the Mare e Monti Sud (from Porticcio to Propriano).

The Mare e Monti routes offer a unique experience, blending the beauty of the sea and mountains, with breathtaking coastal and mountain panorama.

Christina and the team were fantastic in assisting us after our first day’s walk and our changed plans.

Geoffrey 15/10/2024 Mare e Monti South - Ajaccio to Propriano

Very good stay. Very well organized. No complaints.

Translated from French by Deepl

Brigitte 11/10/2024 Mare e Monti North - Piana to Calvi

Our group really enjoyed our stay, especially the quality of the accommodation and hiking, and the friendly atmosphere.

Philippe 11/10/2024 Mare e Monti North - Piana to Calvi

A very well-made app with a good level of help for hikers.

Jean-Philippe 07/10/2024 Mare e Monti South - Ajaccio to Propriano

A breathtaking and varied route, a very good choice of hotels (location, service), the luggage transfer a little luxury, a very efficient and avail...

Benoit 28/09/2024 Mare e Monti North - Piana to Calvi

It was excellent....

David 25/09/2024 The great Corte to Calvi Journey

Good stay, which went as described....

Didier 24/09/2024 The great Corte to Calvi Journey

Height gain and length of stages in accordance with tour description

Patrick 24/09/2024 The great Corte to Calvi Journey

Excellent evening meals and very copious breakfasts, however, we found the stages long.

Paulette 20/09/2024 Mare e Monti North - Calvi to Cargèse

Levels sometimes seem to be underestimated.

Gilles 11/09/2024 Mare e Monti North - Calvi to Cargèse

Mare e Monti : South or North

Between sea and mountains with our self guided tours.