24 December 2007
Corsica is a land of diversity, from its wonderful white sand beaches to its charming villages. With the GR20, a trekking route that crosses the whole island, visitors can discover another side of Corsica: the wild nature, the mountains and cascades.
More and more people are taking this journey, from refuges to refuges, on a 200 km long path. Along torrents, tops and circuses, visitors travel through the middle of the Regional Corsican Park with the Mediterranean Sea for horizon.
Calenza, not far from Calvi, is the main starting point and Conca, near Porto Vecchio, the final destination. The whole journey takes on average ten to fifteen days, depending on trekking experience. Although some of its parts are known to be quite difficult, especially on the northern side, everyone can do the GR20.
The best period is in autumn or spring, when nature is at its best and temperature reasonable. Good shoes, a sleeping bag, a tent, a first aid kit, light clothes but also warm ones for cold nights are essentials. Food reserves must be carried as the refuges are not selling any.
All along the way, the GR20 is surrounded by natural marvels, revealing the diversity of Corsica' nature: lakes, mountains, holes of clear water and "Liricio" pines, which can reach 150 ft high.
