New for 2023 - This version of half the GR20 is for those wanting to do the whole of the northern section of the GR20 carrying their pack, from Vizzavona to Calenzana. The trail follows the high barrier of granite mountains that divide the island diagonally into two parts, it is about 100 km long. You have the option of carrying all your gear and we make the reservations for your food and accommodation. Alternatively, we can provide you with a luggage service which delivers your luggage at fixed points along the trek.
GR20 Vizzavona to Calenzana
Self guided walking
10 days / 9 nights
Level 1 2 3 4
Point to Point - 9 days walking
Camping, Simple Refuges & Shepherds Cabins
Starting from 780 €
- The complete Northern section of the GR20
- Luggage transfers available
- Long challenging alpine walking
- GR20 - Vizzavona, Vergio, Calenzana
Groups, families or businesses
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Day 1 - Arrive Vizzavona
Vizzavona is the mid way point for the GR20. There is a forest with a small railway station nestled at the heart of it which is a hive of activity for walkers setting out or finishing up their GR20 treks. At the beginning of the 20th century the hamlet was a popular resort for the English, take the GR20 path towards the beautiful Cascade des Anglais Time and then settle into the accommodation. Gite accommodation in Vizzavona or Hotel at a supplement.
Day 2 - Vizzavona to L'Onda
Today is the first stage of the northern section of the GR20. The start of the walk will depend on where your first night’s accommodation has been booked. You embark on a slow steady ascent to the Brêche de Muratellu (2100m). The path leads alongside the Cascade des Anglais up to Muratellu, affording stunning views of the Monte Rotondu, before descending to l'Onda refuge.
9km, 5h00, +970m, -740m.
Day 3 - L'Onda to Petra Piana
The high level route follows the ridge, via the summit of Pinzi Corbini (2021m), to Petra Piana refuge (1840m). This is a short but challenging ridge walk, steep and exposed. In bad weather there is an alternative lower valley option. Tonight you camp in the vicinity of Petra Piana refuge. (1840m / 6037ft).
7km, 4h30, +840m, -380m.
Day 4 - Petra Piana to Camputile plateau
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 pass a mountain col 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. From the small Brèche above Lake Capitello, we plunge downhill to Manganu refuge situated on the edge of the Camputile plateau. The shepherd’s cabin Vaccaghja, is 20 mins further on across the plateau.
8.5 km, 5h00, +610m, -860m.
Day 5 - Camputile Plateau to Col de Vergio
The GR20 leads gently uphill, a relaxing walk through beech woods, and across the green spongy turf to the Lac de Nino. At 1743m this glacier lake is in a lovely bucolic spot, surrounded by spongy peat, with runnels of water, ideal grazing ground for ponies in the summer. From the lake a classic ridge walk leads towards Col de St Pierre with magnificent views and the occasional blue glint of the sea. Gite accommodation at Castel di Vergio or Hotel at a supplement.
14.5km, 6h00, +570m, -750m.
Day 6 - Col de Vergio to Melarie Valley
The GR20 trail follows the Golu valley. Mid way up the valley, the GR20 crosses the torrent, and leaves the valley floor heading up to the ridge line. From here there are clear views of the villages dotted on the west coast and the indented outline of the island in the sea. From Ciuttolu di I Mori (2000m), the highest refuge in Corsica, between Tafanatu and Paglia Orba, the GR20 falls steeply through a chaos of harsh granite rock and giant pine trees. Night camping at Tighjettu Refuge or Vallone Shepherd’s Cabin.
13km, 5h30, +950m, -970m.
Day 7 - Melarie Valley to Haut Asco
Today is a tough, high altitude mountain walk. The GR20 makes its way uphill to the foothills of the Mt Cinto, the highest summit on the island. After a couple of hours, you arrive at Bocca Crucetta, a ridge leads to the ‘Pointe des Eboulis’, 2607m - the highest point on the GR20, the view is amazing. From here, the path literally plunges down to the small lake the other side and the trail continues downhill, across the scree before arriving at the gite or hotel at Haut-Asco.
7km, 8h00, +1200m, -1200m.
Day 8 - Haut Asco to Carrozzu
From the ski station at Haut Ascu, a superb ascent takes you to Bocca Di Stagnu (2010m) at the foot of the Muvrella (2150m). From Lake Muvrella the view over Calvi bay is incredible. From here you drop down to the refuge at Carrozzu. You arrive at Carrozu, a refuge surrounded by box trees, with great sunsets! Camp at Refuge. No access to bags.
7km, 5h30, +650m, -850m.
Day 9 - Carrozzu to Ortu di Pobbiu
The first part of this walk is outstanding, the ambiance is high and airy as you enter into a semi-circle of high mountains, the Cirque de Bonifatu. The trail works its way around the edge of this large cirque and the panoramic view of all the highest peaks is inspiring. The day breaks into two clear sections, the second half crosses an easier basin area that is dotted with woodland before arriving at the beautifully situated refuge at Orto di Pobbiu. No access to bags.
7km, 7h00, +950m, -750m.
Day 10 – Ortu di Pobbiu to Calenzana
From Ortu di Pobbiu the day is varied all the way to the end of the trek at the village of Calenzana. You are nearly there. This is the last day in the Bonifatu massif, the scenery is breath-taking from granite mountains, to thick dense forests, and low-level maquis scrub, and the views over the coastline and the Balagne are superb before arriving at the bustling village of Calenzana which is a hive of activity with walkers. Holiday ends after the trek, taxis available to Calvi.
11km, 6h00, +50m, -1360m.
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 everyday from early June 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 : €780pp
Price includes
Accommodation on full board (nights 1 to 9), picnic day 10, 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 accommodation in Vizzavona after 14h.
Ends
In Calenzana after your hike.
Access
Ajaccio, Airport or Port. Bastia Airport or Port, Calvi Airport or Ile Rousse Port.
Accommodation
- Simple Gites & Park Refuges, in dormitories or camping at refuges (showers and WC facilities are limited).
- 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. Food is limited for vegetarians, and special diets cannot be accommodated due to the remoteness of the trek.
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 trek you will carry a 35-45 litre rucksack with a water bottle, sun and wet weather gear, camera, tupperware with picnic, trailfood, all your overnight gear including knife, fork, etc, washbag, clean items of clothing, and sleeping bag. There are fresh water springs en route so you do not have to be weighed down with litres of water.