New for 2023 - At the heart of the Corsican hills, the GR20 is a mythical trail, with a reputation of the most difficult in Europe. This hike offers the best sections of this unforgettable experiece, ideal for mountain hiking lovers. We invite you to discover the best trails of the northern GR20, all whilst staying in hotels never too far from the trailhead.
GR20 Best of the North (Hotel)
Self guided walking
7 days / 6 nights
Level 1 2 3 4
Point to Point - 6 days walking
Mountain Hotels
Starting from 1360 €
- The best sections of the GR20 North
- Comfort in hotel rooms on the trail
- Alpine sections of the GR20
- GR20 - Vizzavona, Corte, Vergio, Asco
Groups, families or businesses
Tailor this holiday to your needs READ MORE
Day 1 - Vizzavona
Go directly to your hotel at Vizzavona hamlet. If you arrive in the morning, we suggest a warm-up discovery hike in the Vizzavona forest on the GR20 south towards Bocca Palmente.
13km, 6h00, +690m, -690m.
Day 2 - Vizzavona to Punta Muratello
The GR20 leaves Vizzavona station and goes up along the Agnone river crossing the Cascade des Anglais. The route becomes steeper with magnificent natural pools which invite you to swim until the Tortetto footbridge. The route then becomes very mineral. The objective of the hike is the breche de Muratello which offers a beautiful view of the mountains. After your hike, transfer to Corte where you spend the night.
15km, 7h00, +1200m, -1200m.
Day 3 - Restonica Lakes to GR20
Transfer to reach the Grotelle sheepfolds via the Restonica gorge. The high granite walls are planted with laricio pines, majestic lords of these mountains. Departing from the sheepfolds, you start the ascent to the Melo and Capitello lakes before climbing the gap that leads to the GR20. You stay on the ridge before switching back to the lakes and the valley. Transfer back to Corte. Night in Hotel Corte.
9km, 6h00, +700m, -700m.
Day 4 - Lac de Nino to Vergio
Transfer through the Scala di Santa Regina to reach the Poppaghja forest house in the heart of the majestic Valdu-Niellu forest. This will be the starting point of the hike. Going up the valley, you will discover the sheepfolds of Colga before reaching the Col de la Forge (bocca â Stazzona). You can then enjoy the view of the pozzine, the lake and, in the background, the high massif of Rotondo (2622m) and Cintu (2706m). The return is via the GR20 to the Col de Vergio. Night in Hotel Castel di Vergio.
13.5km, 6h00, +900m, -550m.
Day 5 - Vergio to Ciottollu di i Mori
From the hotel, the forest is sparse as you approach the Radule sheepfolds to give way to laricio pines. It is a mineral universe that is offered to you. The GR20 sinks into this valley whose rocks bear witness to a past of glaciations, to reach the highest refuge of the GR Ciottulu di i Mori at 1990m. The return is by the same route. Transfer to reach your Haut Asco accommodation. Transfer to reach your Haut Asco accommodation. Night in Haut Asco.
15km, 7h00, +650m, -850m.
Day 6 - Monte Cinto
It will be necessary to make an early start to attack the north face of Monte Cintu, the highest point of the island at 2706m, following the GR20. A very technical ascent through scree, slabs and boulders. At the end of the effort, the comfort of an emblematic summit which offers beautiful views of the island's mountains. Overnight in a hotel in Haut Asco.
11km, 9h00, +1300m, -1300m.
Day 7 - Haut Asco to Bonifatu
From Ascu-Stagnu you will have to climb in the morning to reach Bocca Di Stagnu (2010m) at the foot of the Muvrella (2150m). The proximity of the sea announces the end of the GR20. At the level of the small Muvrella lake, the view of the bay of Calvi is superb. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful passages of the GR20. Shortly before the Carrozzu refuge, crossing the Spasimata footbridge will be an opportunity to experience some chills. This descent to Bonifatu, which overlooks the Spasimata stream, is very spectacular and quite strenuous. Transfer to reach Calvi.
12km, 7h00, +650m, -1530m
This itinerary is an example of the itinerary we aim to adhere to, correct at time of publication. Should situations arise that are beyond our control, such as severe weather conditions, or other factors that could put your safety at risk, it may be possible for the itinerary to be modified.
Departure every Sunday from late May to mid September. 2 persons minimum.
Please select your departure date in the calender below to see the price and click on the button to the right to make a reservation.
Prices : €1360pp June & September €1400pp July & August
Price includes
Accommodation on full board (nights 1 to 6), picnic day 7, travel dossier with A4 copies of IGN maps and walking notes and GR20 pocket map. PLEASE NOTE some of these documents cannot be sent by file transfer.
Price does not include
Reservation fee of €5pp, travel insurance, drinks, picnic day 1, transfers to Vizzavona, travel to Corsica.
Starts
At your hotel in Vizzavona, after 14h.
Ends
Saturday at Calvi after your last hike, around 15h.
Access
Ajaccio, Airport or Port. Bastia or Calvi Airport or Port.
Accommodation
- Good Mountain hotels in twin / double room.
- Simple Continental breakfast (tea, coffee, milk, longlife bread, butter, jam).
- Evening meals (based on local specialties - a starter, soup or smoked meats, main course or pasta or rice with a sauce, cheese, a fruit or a sweet pudding.).
- Picnics (please bring a tupperware for rice, pasta, lentils, couscous salad)
Should you have any food allergies, special requests or dietary requirements, please advise at time of booking.
Number of participants
Reservations for minimum of 2 participants. NB. For safety reasons we do not accept solo hiker reservations on Self-Guided treks.
Level
Tough The walks are long between 6-9 hours a day, maybe more. You can expect steep uphill and downhill sections with maybe up to 1000m altitude gain some days. The temperatures will range and weather conditions can be severe. You are fit and have good trekking experience. See our level ratings.
PLEASE NOTE THIS WALK IS VERY TESTING, YOU NEED TO BE SURE FOOTED AND HAVE APPROPRIATE SCRAMBLING EXPERIENCE. YOU NEED TO KNOW HOW TO PLACE YOUR FEET ON ROCKY GROUND.
Guiding
Self-Guided Walking. We provide you with a Travel Dossier complete with IGN map and Topoguide created by our team. During your hike our 24-hour assistance service will also be able to answer all your questions and, if necessary, bring you useful tips for the smooth running of your stay.
Luggage transfers
During this walk you will carry only a smaller GR20 day sack with a water bottle, camera, picnic, trailfood, sun and wet weather gear. Luggage is transported by vehicle, point to point.