This version of the GR20 traverses the island diagonally following the high granite barrier of mountains offering some fantastic scenery. From Bavella to Asco, we reserve your accommodation, in 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 and we are able to get your main luggage bag to you at selected points during 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.
GR20 South & North (Lightened Pack)
Self guided walking
14 days / 13 nights
Level 1 2 3 4
Point to Point - 13 days walking
Camping, Simple Refuges & Shepherds' Cabins
Starting from 1560 €
- The ultimate GR in Europe
- Iconic peaks with breathtaking views
- Luggage transfers, Hotel upgrades available
- GR20 - Bavella, Vizzavona, Bonifatu
Groups, families or businesses
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Day 1 - Ajaccio to Bavella
This holiday starts on a Sunday in Ajaccio, the first grouped transfer will take you directly up to Bavella, where you check into your first accommodation. The region is known as the Alta Rocca and Bavella is one of the most famous peaks of the island, known for its high mountain pass and mystical summits. The journey takes approximately 2h30. Time to settle into the gite before the evening meal.
Day 2 - Bavella to Asinau
From the high mountain pass, the Col de Bavella you take the trail that is called the Alpine variant. It leads steeply uphill before passing at the base of several granite pinnacles, such as the Acellu, the Ariettu or the Vacca. It really is a superb ridge walk. The trail is rough under foot and equipped over a few metres with a chain that helps stability across the granite rocks. You plunge down into the valley before following an easy trail through the woods. After a river crossing you pull up hill, up to Asinau, bergerie, or refuge.
8km, 4h30, +650m, -660m.
Day 3 - Asinau to Coscione plateau
You head up to the magnificent ridge line of Monte Alcudina, who’s summit reaches a proud 2134m altitude. There are fantastic views and on a clear day you can pick out your route and see where you are heading. You leave the high ground and head down towards the famous Cuscione plateau. This is the largest plateau on the island and spreads some 50 square kilometers. This large wild space is a mix of forests and open spongy green land full of runnels of water, a great grazing land in the summer months. Your night stop is a shepherd’s cabin situated on the edge of the plateau.
14km, 6h00, +680m, -460m.
Day 4 - Coscione plateau to Usciolu
Today you pick up the trail on the plateau and cross the wide open green pasture with it’s streams and little water holes. You make your way uphill through an age old forest of dwarf oak trees up to the Col de l’Agnone. From here, you start possibly one of the best ridge walks, it is very exposed, the trail is ambitious and it is hard to imagine that there is a way through. The granite has been wonderfully sculpted by the elements and the decor is awesome. The trail topples back and forth over the ridge, to one side then the other. Usciolu refuge occupies a sheltered position a little lower down, it is a hive of mountain activity.
15.5km, 7h30, +770m, -1200m.
Day 5 - Usciolu to Col de Verde
This walk has some really special scenery with great views. From the refuge you continue along the ridge that separates the valley of Taravo and the Fiumorbu. The trail plunges down towards the Col de Laparo. You will pass the GR refuge, Prati (1820m) it is worth stopping to enjoy the airy rooftop views of the island and enjoy the lush, spongy fresh ground. It is sometimes possible to see the islands of Elba and Monte Cristo. The descent winds rapidly down in and out of the forest to your destination at the Col de Verde. (1289m)
15km, 7h30, +850m, -1250m.
Day 6 - Col de Verde to Capanelle
The trail undulates gently today and mainly contours through a forest of pine trees. These majestic tall straight lariccio pines with a silvery smooth bark are very much a symbol of the island. Today's walk is essentially traversing the flanks of the dominating mountain, the Monte Renosu. A steeper section leads us to the small shepherds’ hamlet of Traghjette. There is just one shepherd that lives here now following the age-old lifestyle of the transhumance and producing cheese. A last short walk before you arrive at a ridge where you can see your night stop and the cabins of Capanelle which is a low key ski station in the winter.
13km, 5h00, +710m, -400m.
Day 7 - Capanelle to Vizzavona
This is the last stage of the GR20 southern section, the walk makes for a leisurely day. You leave Capanelle (1568m) taking a path that is more or less on the same level and along easy terrain. You pass through some idyllic spots, past remote traditional stone cabins and a luxuriant vegetation. You continue to Bocca Palmente 1640m, from where on a clear day the views are exceptional, the looming massifs of the Monte d’Oro and the Rotondu tower above. You drop down into a thick forest of pine and beech trees for a relaxing descent, the trail loops back and forth lacing down to Vizzavona (920m) the midway point of the GR20.
14km, 5h30, +320m, -1000m.
Day 8 - 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 9 - 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 10 - 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 11 - Camputile plateau to Col de Vergio
The GR20 is well-marked, leading gently uphill, a relaxing walk through beech woods, and across the green spongy turf to the Lac de Nino. A morning stop to have a snack and relax on the banks of the lake. At 1743m this glacier lake is in a lovely, sheltered bucolic spot, surrounded by spongy peat, with runnels of water and wells, ideal grazing ground for ponies and other animals in the summer. The air is fresh, tinged with the scent of alder and the fragrance of the high mountains. From the lake a classic walk leads along a high ridge with magnificent views and the occasional blue glint of the beckoning sea. You drop down at the Col St Pierre, to join a flat horse shoe shaped trail to Castel di Vergio, the island’s small ski station.
16km, 6h00, +510m, -710m.
Day 12 - Col de Vergio to Melarie Valley
Following the GR20 you walk to Radule, a huddle of stone cabins well camouflaged against the mountain rock. The GR20 trail follows the Golu torrent up the valley towards its source. Mid way up the valley, your route crosses the torrent, a good place to take a break on the smooth sun-baked rocks, a paddle and a swim for the brave. The trail shortly leaves the floor of the valley and heads 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. The refuge Ciuttolu di I Mori (2000m), the highest refuge in Corsica, is situated between two daunting mountains the Tafanatu and Paglia Orba. You can enjoy a high, alpine environment; these massifs are home to the wild mountain mouflon (a wild sheep). From the refuge you head for the Col de Foggiale. From the pass the GR20 falls away steeply downhill, a stunning descent through a chaos of harsh granite rock and giant, grand, old pine trees. Once down to an altitude of 1400m, you cross the Viru torrent, and the approach to Vallone cabin begins.
14.5 km, 6h30, +810m, -780m.
Day 13 - Melarie Valley to Haut Asco
Today is a tough, high altitude mountain walk. You make your way uphill progressively to the foothills of the Monte Cinto, the highest summit on the island. The climb is steep, rocky and slow. After a couple of hours, you arrive at Bocca Crucetta, a ridge leads to the daunting ‘Pointe des Eboulis’ at 2607m this is the highest point on the GR20, the view is absolutely spectacular. From here, the path literally plunges down to the small lake the other side. The trail continues downhill, the scree, the rocks and austere décor gives way to a river and woods as you approach the old ski station of Haut-Asco.
9km, 7h00, +1260m, -1230m.
Day 14 - Haut Asco to Calvi
From 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. After Carozza refuge, you continue the descent to Bonifatu.
10km, 6h30, +700m, -1630m.
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 with luggage assistance every Sunday, departure without luggage assistance every day, 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.
Supplements/Discounts
Supplement for Hotel Upgrade (3 nights in double or twin rooms in Vizzavona, Col de Vergio & Haut Asco) : 155 € / person
Reduction without luggage assistance : 160€ / person
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.
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. Air tickets and boat reservations available, please ask for a quotation.
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. On the luggage transfer option, your follow on bag is transported by vehicle to Bavella, Coscione, Col de Verde, Capanelle & Vizzavona in the South & Col de Vergio, Haut Asco & Calvi in the North. There are fresh water springs en route so you do not have to be weighed down with litres of water.
Departures with luggage assistance are possible only on Sunday, without luggage assistance the departure is possible every day.
Our customers' reviews
Stephen-UK
We were very pleased to have walked the GR20 from South to North. It kept the sun behind us, built up our fitness and confidence, helped to create our daily trekking routines, gradually increased the impressiveness of the mountain landscapes, and saved the two hardest days until the end. As always, thanks again for your help.
David-Spain
At the beginning I was insecure as to whether to take a guided tour as I was fit but not very experienced walker. We chose a self guided trip with Corsica adventure and was frankly one of the best trips of my life. Well organized and beautiful landscape.
Kerstin-Denmark
It has been fantastic walking and climbing in our boots - we have seen the most fantastic nature and met a lot of great people. It has been thirteen amazing days. We had a great time! Every thing was very well organized before we started our trekking and during the trekking.
Jennie-NZ
We were extremely pleased with our trip it was fantastic! Great organisation and everything went well without any problems. We would recommend you to anyone wanting to walk the GR20 with some support but self guided.
Annette-UK
Generally good simple accommodation. Was good to have option of 3 days in hotel so had own room. Found constant pasta, bread, and sausage a little hard at times. Missed having vegetables, and little fruit although picnics in general were good. Some days were a little easier than others - was good to have a variety. Thank you - really enjoyed holiday and made good friends
Paul-UK
My friend and I have recently sucessfully completed the self-guided South to North GR20 (complete) organised by your company. It was a wonderful walk and a memorable mountain experience. We would like to record how impressed we have been with your English speaking section, throughout the whole planning and execution of the project. From our first contact with your company they were extrodinarily helpful, knowledgable and quick to respond to our many questions. We required extra assistance with several aspects of our trip from mapping, to transport arrangements and provision of extra items for the trip. They were always prompt and effective in dealing with these issues for us and this helped to make the walk problem free throughout. Even when we were on the trail the team were easy to contact and quick to help with hotel arrangements when we had to re-schedule a day because of bad weather, and confirming and paying for a taxi journey which was key to us catching our homeward flight on time. We are genuinely greatful for your professional and customer centred approach which helped us to complete this great walking trip.
Dex-UK
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I approached Corsica Adventure, to see if they could help with the trekking route GR20. They where fantastic, Sarah, the agent who I was dealing with was extremely helpful and the value was spot on. The stages and the hike, one word. Fantastic! Overall accomodation was good, I had no issues with bed bugs and all was clean. Overall the food was fuel, and to that end was very good. I personally became to dislike the strong smelling goat cheese by the end of the trip, but that was my personal taste.