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The GR20 in Corsica
For keen hikers, the internationally renowned GR20 trail is a bucket-list mountain walk. Crossing Corsica from northwest to southeast, the GR20 is 170 kilometres long with an average altitude of between 1000m and 2000m. It is one of the hardest mountain walks in Europe and not for the faint-hearted!
Key information - GR20 North & South
Starting in Bavella in the south region and finishing in Calenzana near Calvi in the north, the GR20 path follows the mountain ridge that cuts across Corsica and attracts around 10,000 hiking enthusiasts every year. This legendary trail cuts through a diverse range of landscapes, including forests, granite moonscapes, windswept craters, glacial lakes, torrents, peat bogs, maquis and snow-capped peaks.
Duration
14 nights, 13 days' walking 6-9 hours a day.
Difficulty level
Tough - read more on our walking gradings here.
Accommodation
Camping, simple refuges and sheperds' cabins - all shared dorms with limited showers and WCs.
Walking type
Self-guided.
Start and finish points
Bavella to Haut Asco. Fly into Figari / out of Calvi.
Departure dates
Sundays from June-September.
What do we include in the GR20 itinerary?
Contact us on 01489 866992 to book your GR20 walking tour.
What's included in your package?
- Return flights: London to Figari / Calvi to London
- 13 nights' on Full Board
- Final night bed and breakfast
- Luggage transfers on specific days
- Map and route notes
- 24 hour assistance service provided by our walking specialist partner
Not included:
- Meals not stated in the trip notes
- Drinks
- Travel insurance
- Return airport transfers from/to other arrival airports
GR20 route map
A bucket list mountain walk
Our 14-night package tackles 13 of the full 16 GR20 sections and traverses the island diagonally, travelling from south to north. This challenge will test your fitness and resilience to the max.
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 must be fit and have good trekking experience.
The GR20 is becoming more and more popular, but it remains the most difficult trek in Europe. To overlook this could put inexperienced walkers in danger. There is a need to prepare for this trip properly and to not overestimate your ability. The GR20 is for hikers in very good physical shape who already have the experience of high mountain trekking over several days, and are able to manage to self guide their walking with all that that involves: determination, effort, map skills and orientation, be aware and can handle adjustments in the weather.
This walk is very challenging, You need to be sure footed and have appropriate scrambling experience – you need to know how to place your feet on rocky ground.
Luggage moving and day sack
During this trek, you will carry a 35-45 litre rucksack with a water bottle, sun and wet weather gear, camera, Food containers for picnics, trail food, all your overnight gear including cutlery, washbag, clean items of clothing, and sleeping bag.
Your main luggage is transported by vehicle from Bavella, Cuscionu, Verde, Capanelle and Vizzavona, Vergio and Haut Asco.
There are fresh water springs en route, so you do not have to be weighed down with litres of water.
For safety reasons, we do not accept single-person reservations.
For the full itinerary, trip notes, technical information and kit list, view our factsheet below.
Getting prepared
We recommend at least three sessions a week of aerobic exercise and regular hill walking. It is good to get in some hill walks on rough, uneven terrain to build up ankle strength. Train to walk downhill; get used to knowing where to put your feet. Aim to progress walking downhill at a reasonable pace, two walking poles will reduce the shock on your legs.
Relevant walks you should have undertaken before the GR20:
1. Ascending Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) by Crib Goch
2. Descending from Blencathra in the Lake District by Sharp Edge
3. Scrambling along the Aonach Eagach ridge end of Glen Coe in the Scottish Highlands
Where you'll be staying
You will be staying in a mix of dorms and tents within Gites and refuges, on your last night in Calvi, you will be staying in a 2-star hotel before heading home.
What we love about this itinerary
The challenge!
This route is famous and known for being the most difficult mountain walk in Europe. Therefore, the rewarding feeling once you complete the route, is amazing!
The scenery
Corsica's unique terrain makes the GR20 a stunning walking route, with endless breathtaking views to take in during the hike, you will be wowed at every turn.
Getting back to nature
Some nights you will be camping, so this itinerary is perfect for those who love to be out in nature, enjoying the simple pleasures.
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Need help planning your perfect holiday? With just a simple phone call, you will be connected to someone who knows Corsica like the back of their hand. Speak to us today for an unforgettable holiday.
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