This version of the GR20 traverses the island diagonally following the high granite barrier of mountains offering some fantastic scenery from Bavella to Bonifatu.

Recognised as the most splendid and renowned GR, this high-altitude route criss-crosses Corsica, mainly following the island's crest line. The southern part of the GR20, with its gentler terrain and less dramatic changes in altitude, offers a sampling of mountain landscapes with a very alpine feel, crossing plateaux and rounded valleys. The northern section then crosses the highest passes, skirts numerous glacial lakes, and runs at the foot of mountains that stand like impassable barriers. Beware: the GR20 is a very sporty route, and the self guided version is reserved for experienced walkers with mountaineering experience.

Highlights

  • From Bavella to Bonifatu
  • Luggage access
  • Possibility of carrying a lightened pack
  • Point to point - 13-days walking
  • Start in Ajaccio and end in Calvi
Duration
14 days/ 13 nights
Type of holidays
Hiking-Walking
Access
Ajaccio
Level
4 - Tough
Carrying
Lightened pack

Itinerary

Day 1

Ajaccio to Bavella

Welcome in Ajaccio. Meeting with a member of our team for a presentation of the tour. Grouped transfer to Bavella ( the journey takes approximately 2h30 ) and settle into the gite before the evening meal.

Night
Night in Bavella
Day 2

Bavella to Asinau

Departing from the Col de Bavella, this beautiful stage marks the start of your trek on the GR20. Following the red and white marks, you'll head into the heart of the Aiguilles before taking the alpine route to the Col de Pargulu. You'll pass the foot of the most imposing towers of Bavella. Heading north, the GR20 will take you down into the Asinao valley and its sheepfolds, where you will spend the night.

Distance
7 km
Duration
5h00
Ascent / descent
+710 m / -480 m
Night
Night in Asinau
Day 3

Asinau to Coscione plateau

The GR20 quickly reaches the Asinao refuge and then climbs a rocky path to the summit of Alcudina. The summit, over 2000 metres high, offers a striking contrast between the rugged terrain of the Aiguilles Bavella and the green landscapes of the Cuscione. The route then descends the hillside, winding its way between the rocks to the Col de Chiralba. From here, you'll head out onto the green grasslands of the Cuscionu plateau. This magnificent journey through the gentle topography of this plateau will take you to Croci.

Distance
7 km
Duration
3h30
Ascent / descent
+600 m / -550 m
Night
Night in Croci
Day 4

Coscione plateau to Usciolu

This stage offers a wide variety of breathtaking panoramas. After crossing the Cuscionu plateau and following the right bank of the Padulelli stream, you will reach the Bocca di l'Agnone. From here, the GR20 mainly follows the ridge, offering views of the upper Taravo to the west and the Tyrrhenian Sea to the east. At an altitude of 1,800 metres, you'll reach the Arête des Statues with its strikingly beautiful granite formations. After a few slightly technical sections between the rocks, you'll reach the Usciolu refuge.

PS: At the start of the season, if there's a lot of snow, this stopover could be scheduled in the village of Cozzano.

Distance
14 km
Duration
6h00
Ascent / descent
+660 m / -460 m
Night
Night in Usciolu
Day 5

Usciolu to Col de Verde

The stage reveals breathtaking panoramas of the Tyrrhenian Sea as your backdrop. The day begins with a steep, winding ridge climb to Punta Bianca (1954m). As you approach Monte Formicule, scree appears, alternating with steep sections. From the Bocca di Punta Mozza, the GR20 enters the forest and descends towards the Bocca di Laparo. In the second half of the stage, the route becomes gentler. However, you will have to climb up to the Bocca de Rapari, the Punta di Campitellu and the Punta della Cappella (2041m) before reaching the green meadows of the refuge di u Prati. A gentle climb then takes you to the Bocca d'Oru (1845m) before beginning the final descent to the Col de Verde.

Distance
16 km
Distance
8h00
Ascent / descent
+830 m / -1200 m
Night
Night at Col de Verde
Day 6

Col de Verde to Capanelle

This moderate level stage, mostly shaded, takes you to the foothills of the Renoso massif. The well-marked path initially winds through the pines and beech trees of the Flasca forest. After crossing the footbridge over the Marmano stream, the path gradually rises to reveal the alpine meadows of Ghjalgone. These more open spaces offer breathtaking views of the heart of the island. Finally, a climb to the Traghjette sheepfolds will precede your arrival at the Capanelle gîte, located at the Ghisoni ski resort.

Distance
13 km
Duration
5h00
Ascent / descent
+710 m / -400 m
Night
Night in Capanelle
Day 7

Capanelle to Vizzavona

Most of the route is under forest cover. Following a path used by shepherds, you'll come across the Alzeta and Scarpaceghje sheepfolds, which are still occupied in summer. The GR20 then climbs to the Col de Palmente at 1640m. The splendid views of the mountains, with Monte d'Oru in front of you and the plain stretching eastwards, will be one of the highlights of the day.

Distance
14 km
Duration
5h30
Ascent / descent
+310 m / -1000 m
Night
Night in Vizzavona
Day 8

Vizzavona to L'Onda

The GR20 climbs through a dense beech forest towards Pointe Muratello. At the start of the stage, you will follow the course of the Agnone stream as far as the Bergeries de Torteto and its footbridge a little further on. This valley is also home to the famous Cascade des Anglais waterfall, which you'll discover shortly after setting off. Once you've reached the ridge, you'll pass close to the imposing Monte d'Oro. A descent offering breathtaking views of the northern peaks of the island takes you to the Onda refuge.

Distance
9 Km
Duration
5h30
Ascent / descent
+970 m / -740 m
Night
Night in Onda
Day 9

L'Onda to Petra Piana

The GR20 descends through the Vivario communal forest to reach the Manganello valley. Following the river and its many pools, the path crosses the Bergeries de Tolla and then the Bergeries de Gialgo before reaching the refuge. If the weather is fine, you can opt for an alpine option, via the Serra di Tenda ridge and the Punta di Pinzi di Corbini. This fairly aerial option offers vast panoramic views of the west coast and the imposing massifs of northern Corsica.

Distance
7,5 km
Duration
5h00
Ascent / descent
+850 m / -450 m
Night
Night in Petra Piana
Day 10

Petra Piana to Camputile plateau

The GR20 winds through alders on the southern flank of the A Maniccia summit. After a sustained climb, you'll reach the Bocca Muzzella pass, perched at an altitude of 2,206 metres. From here, the high mountain route to Bocca Alle Porte is a perfect example of what the GR20 is famous for. In the heart of the Rotondo massif and the highest peaks in central Corsica, you'll have breathtaking views of the Melo and Capitello lakes. Following a long ridge line, oscillating between the western and eastern slopes, a descent through vast scree and technical sections will take you to Bocca Soglia. As you approach the Brèche de Capitellu, you'll find some more technical sections, some of which are equipped with chains. The end of the stage will be more serene, with a descent along the stream feeding the Zoicu, leading to the footbridge at the Manganu refuge.

PS: At the start of the season, if there is persistent snow, the stage may be modified for safety reasons.

Distance
8,5 km
Duration
5h30
Ascent / descent
+780 m / -1020 m
Night
Night in Vaccagja
Day 11

Camputile plateau to Col de Vergio

This stage offers hikers a break from the technical challenges of the previous days. The first part of the route takes you over the soft pozzines of the Camputile. These natural peat bogs attract herds of horses and cows as you cross the plateau. It's in this bucolic atmosphere, in the heart of the mountain scenery, that you'll reach Lake Nino. From the Bocca A Reta, the GR20 follows the ridges of San Tomghiu down to the Col San Pretu. At the end of the route, you'll arrive at your gîte nestling in the forest below the Col de Vergio.

Distance
16 km
Duration
6h30
Ascent / descent
+514m / -740 m
Night
Night at Col de Vergio
Day 12

Col de Vergio to Melarie Valley

The first part of the stage takes you to the Ciuttulu di Mori refuge, nestling at the foot of Paglia Orba with its imposing rhyolite rock formations. First, the GR20 crosses the Valdu Niellu biological reserve and passes the Radule sheepfolds, famous for their waterfalls. After crossing a footbridge to change banks, the path climbs gradually, following the Golo river to the refuge. In the second half of the day, the route first climbs the ridge to the Bocca di Foggiale. To reach the Vallone sheepfolds, you'll have to descend into the Melarie valley, first through crumbly rocky passages, then along a gentler path beneath the Lariccio pines.

Distance
14,5 km
Duration
6h30
Ascent / descent
+810 m /-780 m
Night
Night in Vallone
Day 13

Melarie Valley to Haut Asco

Heading north, you'll reach the Tighjettu refuge in 30 minutes, before beginning a 3-hour climb with over 1,000 metres of ascent to Bocca Crucetta (2,456m). From the pass, you can admire the majestic Lac du Cinto and its firn, which remains covered in snow for much of the summer. The GR20 then continues towards the scree slope and Lac d'Argentu. There are several tricky sections equipped with chains, handrails and ladders. You arrive in Asco on a wooded path that winds under the Laricio pines, which are particularly dense in this region.

PS: If the snow persists early in the season, this stage may quickly become impassable. A transfer will be organised to avoid the dangers.

Distance
9 km
Duration
8h00
Ascent / descent
+1260 m / -1230 m
Night
Night in Haut Asco
Day 14

Haut Asco to Calvi

The route zigzags between huge rock formations, climbing past Laricio pines to reach the Bocca Stagnu pass. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the island's mountainous terrain, before reaching the Col de la Muvrella and its intimate lake. Then, you'll begin a grandiose descent towards the Bonifatu cirque, an unspoilt natural setting. This section will mark the end of your adventure on the GR20. At the end of this stage, a bus will be ready to take you to Calvi and its emblematic citadel.

Distance
11 km
Duration
7h00
Ascent / descent
+690 m / -1600 m

Programs have been drawn up according to the latest information available at the time of writing: imponderables are always possible and situations beyond our control may alter the course of the program.

Dates and prices

Departure from late may to mid September. 2 persons minimum.

With luggage assistance: departure every sunday

Without luggage assistance: departure every day 

Please select your departure date from the calendar below to find out the rate and begin your booking.

Pick a date
Price includes

Accommodation on full board (nights 1 to 13), picnic day 14, travel dossier with IGN maps, topo guide and access to our guidance application, transfer from Ajaccio on public bus to Bavella.

Price does not include

Reservation fee of 5€ / person, travel insurance, drinks, picnic day 1, travel to Corsica.

Supplements/Discounts
  • Supplement for Hotel Upgrade (3 nights in double or twin rooms in Vizzavona, Col de Vergio & Haut Asco) : 155€ / person.
  • Discount without luggage asssitance: 160€ / person.

Insurance

We offer comprehensive multi-risk insurance specifically adapted to our adventure trips (contract no. 7482 Assurinco). The rates are as follows: 4.00% of the price of the trip for French residents, 6% of the price of the trip for residents from the European Union (EU) outside France. For non-EU residents, the rate is €90 per person. See insurance details.

Group discount

Groups of 3 people or more can benefit from a discount. Please contact us for details.

Technical informations

Starts

Ajaccio port & bus station opposite the CCI building at 14h.

Ends

Around 6.00 pm in Calvi, after your last transfer from Bonifatu.

Access

Ajaccio, Airport or Port. If you arrive into Bastia or Calvi please ask for details of transport connections. 

Accommodation

Dormitories in refuges and gîtes or in tents equipped with mattresses (showers and WC facilities are limited - sleeping bag is required).

Meal

  • Simple Continental breakfast (tea, coffee, milk, longlife bread, butter, jam).
  • Picnics (please bring a tupperware ).
  • Evening meal, often based on local specialities, including starter, main course and dessert.

Number of participants

Reservations for minimum of 2 participants.

Level

Tough - mountain trekking experience essential. Numerous steep climbs with off-trail sections, on ridges, slabs and rocks. Snow-covered passes at the start of the season. Handrails at Bavella and in the Cinto massif.

Warning The GR20 is a very sporty itinerary, and the free version is reserved for experienced hikers. Even if we've improved walking comfort, the ascents/descents  and technical difficulties of the terrain are still there!

 

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

  • With bag (you carry your own personal belongings): departure every day.
  • With lightened pack (an assistance vehicle carries your luggage, which you will find again on D3, D5, D6, D7, D11, D13 and D14): departure every Sunday. For departure on a day other than Sunday, please contact us for a quote.

The digital roadbook

Once you have confirmed your holiday, you can download our application. It's easy to use and it offers a number of functionalities:

  • Precise route guidance with alerts in the event of deviations.
  • View your starting point, accommodation, current position, mileage.
  • Discover points of interest via interactive content with descriptions, photos and audio. 
  • In an emergency, send an SOS alert with your GPS coordinates. 
  • Contact function to share messages, photos and videos with our team during your stay.

Extensions

Take advantage of a stay extension during your tour with Corsica Aventure.

If you'd like to discover Corsica before or after your holiday, our team can offer you ideas for accommodation and activities. If you prefer to arrive a few days earlier or extend your stay for a few days, we can book your extra nights on the island, depending on your arrival city.

Here are a few hotels we recommend for those of you who would rather organise their extra days themselves:  

Ajaccio

  • Hôtel Le Dauphin 2*/ Tél : 04 95 21 12 94.
  • Hôtel Kalliste 3* / Tél : 04 95 51 34 45.
  • Hôtel Albion 3* / Tél : 04 95 21 66 70.
  • Hôtel San Carlu 3* / Tél : 04 95 21 13 84.

Propriano

  • Hôtel Bellevue / Tél : 04 95 76 01 86.
  • Gîte-hôtel U Fracintu / Tél : 04 95 76 15 05.

Porto

  • Hôtel Kallisté / Tél : 04 95 26 10 30.
  • Hôtel Le Belvédère / Tél : 04 95 26 12 01.
  • Hôtel Le Méditerranée / Tél : 04 95 26 10 27.

Piana

  • Hôtel Les Calanques / Tél : 04 95 27 82 08.
  • Hôtel Les Roches Rouges / Tél : 04 95 27 81 81.

Calvi 

  • Hôtel Belvédère 3* / Tél : 04 95 65 01 25.
  • Hôtel Les Arbousiers 2* / Tél : 04 95 65 04 47.
  • Hôtel Christophe Colomb 3* / Tél : 04 95 65 06 04.
  • Hôtel Balanea 3* / Tél : 04 95 65 94 94.

Bastia

  • Best Western Montecristo Bastia / Tél : 04 95 55 05 10.

Map

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