What is the GR20? The GR20 is Corsica’s best-known long-distance trail and is regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful and most challenging mountain hikes. It stretches for about 180 kilometres through the Corsican mountains and offers a total elevation gain of around 12,000 metres.
The route is often divided into two main sections: the northern section from Calenzana to Vizzavona and the southern section from Vizzavona to Conca. The north is considered the most technical and demanding, while the southern section is somewhat gentler — without in any way being easy.
Who is the hike for? The GR20 suits those who have very good physical fitness, experience hiking in rough terrain, and respect for weather, height, boulder fields and exposed sections. Underestimating the route can lead to both extremely demanding and dangerous situations.
For many, Vizzavona is the natural midpoint of the trek. There is a railway station here, with connections to places such as Bastia, Ajaccio and Corte, which makes it practical to walk only half the route if you want a shorter version.
Contents of the guide
1. What is the GR20?
The GR20 is a true high-mountain trek that follows the ridges through the interior of Corsica. In Corsican it is called Fra li Monti, meaning “through the mountains”, and that describes the route very well. Here you pass through rocky passes, across ridgelines, past lakes, alpine meadows and refuges, surrounded by some of the wildest landscapes in the Mediterranean.
The classic traverse is normally completed in 14 to 16 days. Some very well-trained hikers go faster, but for most people it is more important to keep a steady pace and have enough strength for every day.
Along the route there are mountain huts and gîtes where you can stay overnight, eat and refill water. It is possible to sleep in tents near the huts, but not along the trail itself outside the permitted areas.
2. The story behind the GR20
The GR20 was created at a time when Corsica was marked by stronger environmental awareness, a clear local identity and a desire to highlight the island’s natural values. The idea of a continuous north–south mountain route was developed in the 1970s, and the establishment of Parc Naturel Régional de Corse in 1972 became an important turning point.
From the 1990s, the GR20 gained international recognition and gradually became one of Europe’s most prestigious hiking routes. Over time, the route also became an important economic resource for Corsica’s mountain areas, with increasing professionalisation among guides, hosts and accommodation providers.
Today, the GR20 attracts hikers from all over the world. Its popularity has also created challenges in the high season, including full huts and pressure on the natural environment. That is why reservation systems and stricter control of accommodation along the route have been introduced.
3. GR20 north or south?
GR20 North
The northern section runs from Calenzana to Vizzavona and is considered the most demanding part of the route. Here you find steeper climbs, more technical sections, boulder fields and spectacular high-mountain passes.
This is the section that truly gives the GR20 its legendary reputation. The scenery is dramatic, and many of the stages require strength, balance and focus.
GR20 South
The southern section runs from Vizzavona to Conca and is somewhat less technical, but still demanding. Here the altitude is a little lower, the climate is warmer and the terrain often flows a bit more smoothly.
For many, this is a good introduction to the GR20 if they do not want to take on the whole route. At the same time, the south also offers long days, demanding climbs and weather-exposed sections.
Many recommend starting in the south and walking northwards to get a more gradual introduction to the difficulty level. Others prefer the classic direction from north to south in order to “take on the hardest part first”. Both approaches work, but you should choose based on your experience, physical level and how comfortable you are in exposed terrain.
4. The classic route fra Calenzana til Conca
The classic route starts in Calenzana at about 275 metres above sea level and quickly climbs into the high mountains towards Refuge d'Ortu di u Piobbu. From there it continues through a series of the GR20’s best-known points: Carrozzu, Haut Asco, Tighjettu, Ciottulu di i Mori, Manganu, Petra Piana, l’Onda and Vizzavona.
After Vizzavona, the southern section continues via Capannelle, Prati, Usciolu, Matalza, Asinao and Paliri, and finally down to Conca, where the trek ends in a completely different landscape from the one in which it began.
This is a route that varies greatly from day to day. Some stages offer hard climbs among boulders and ridges, while others open out towards lakes, grasslands, forests and wide views over the island’s interior mountain world.
5. The 16 classic stages
Stage 1 – Calenzana → Ortu di u Piobbu
A brutal and honest opening to the GR20. The steep start sets the tone immediately and gives you a clear sense of how demanding the route really is.
Stage 2 – Ortu di u Piobbu → Carrozzu
A technical and airy stage with superb views. Carrozzu is one of the classic stops in the northern section.
Stage 3 – Carrozzu → Ascu Stagnu
A demanding and rocky day leading to the Asco area, where many get to feel the raw mountain character that makes the GR20 so special.
Stage 4 – Ascu Stagnu → Tighjettu
One of the key challenge stages on the GR20. A new route has replaced the old variant through Cirque de la Solitude.
Stage 5 – Tighjettu → Ciottulu di i Mori
A shorter day with beautiful scenery and views towards Monte Cintu. A classic high-mountain GR20 day.
Stage 6 – Ciottulu di i Mori → Manganu
A long stage with plenty of variation, including beautiful sections near Lac de Nino and more open high-mountain plateaus.
Stage 7 – Manganu → Petra Piana
A classic high-mountain day with steep sections and magnificent views over lakes and ridgelines.
Stage 8 – Petra Piana → L’Onda
Two alternatives offer a bit of choice: the classic trail or a more airy variant along the ridges.
Stage 9 – L’Onda → Vizzavona
A stage with several route options and the possibility of adding Monte d’Oro. Vizzavona marks the dividing line between north and south.
Stage 10 – Vizzavona → Capannelle
A long and steady climb that marks the start of the southern section. After Vizzavona, many experience a new rhythm in the landscape.
Stage 11 – Capannelle → Prati
A demanding mountain stage with the possibility of a detour to Monte Renosu for those who still have energy to spare.
Stage 12 – Prati → Usciolu
One of the most beautiful high-mountain stages in the southern section, with peaks above 2,000 metres and open views in every direction.
Stage 13 – Usciolu → Matalza
A transition stage that feels shorter, but still requires concentration. There are also possible variants here onwards towards Asinao.
Stage 14 – Matalza → Asinao
A newer stage that goes around Monte Incudine and offers beautiful, open sections in southern Corsica.
Stage 15 – Asinao → Paliri
Here you get to experience the Bavella massif, one of the most iconic mountain areas on the entire island.
Stage 16 – Paliri → Conca
The end of the great GR20 adventure. Even though the day is mostly downhill, 16 days are still felt in the legs.
6. How long does it take, and what does it cost?
As a general rule, you should allow 14 to 15 days to walk the full classic route. Daily stages are often between 10 and 15 kilometres, but that says very little about the difficulty. On the GR20, terrain and elevation difference matter far more than distance alone.
A typical stage takes between 5 and 8 hours, depending on the weather, your form, the weight of your pack and how technical the section is. Some people choose to combine stages, but this requires very good physical capacity and experience.
Approximate daily prices
Self-guided tour:
– approx. €75/day with reduced luggage
– approx. €95/day without luggage transfer
Guided tour:
– approx. €120/day with reduced luggage
– approx. €140/day without luggage transfer
Hotel-standard tour with guide:
– approx. €180/day
What affects the price?
The price is affected by how much you carry yourself, whether you sleep in a refuge, gîte or hotel, and whether you go independently or with a guide. Reservations in high season should be arranged early.
It also pays to have a realistic budget for food, cash along the way, transport to and from the starting point, and any extra overnight stays before or after the trek.
7. Preparation and the right equipment
The GR20 requires more than ordinary enthusiasm for hiking. To have a good experience, you need to arrive with physical capacity, mental resilience and equipment that can handle demanding mountain terrain. Start your preparations several months in advance.
Physical and mental preparation
- Build endurance with regular long hikes
- Train strength in your legs, core and balance
- Practice hiking with a pack in hilly terrain before departure
- Be prepared for heat, exposure, boulder fields and long days
Choosing a backpack
- Full route: 60–70 litres, around 10–12 kg
- Light pack: 50–60 litres, around 8–10 kg
- With luggage transfer: 30–40 litres, around 4–6 kg
Choose a backpack that is comfortable, adjustable, weather-resistant and compatible with a hydration system. Practical pockets and good attachment points make everyday life on the trail much easier.
Navigation
Even though the trail is well marked by the PNRC, you should always have at least two navigation solutions: a topoguide, detailed maps, and preferably GPS or a phone with offline maps downloaded. Remember that battery power is a limited resource on the route.
8. Practical tips on the trail
Cash: Cards are not accepted everywhere, and there are no ATMs along the route. Bring enough cash for your own expenses.
Water: In warm weather, aim to drink 3–4 litres a day. Water is often available in refuges and at some bergeries, but streams can be seasonal and should be filtered.
Power: Charging options are limited. Use flight mode, turn off Bluetooth and mobile data, and bring a power bank or solar panel.
Trail markings:
– Red and white: the main route
– Yellow-yellow: alpine variants
– Yellow: spurs to villages
Dangerous sections: The GR20 includes steep drops, loose stones, slippery surfaces and exposed passes such as Pointe des Éboulis and Brèche de Capitello. In some places there are chains. Concentration and respect for the conditions are absolutely essential.
9. Other great trails in Corsica
If the GR20 feels too demanding, there are fortunately other beautiful alternatives in Corsica. The island is full of hiking opportunities that combine sea, mountains, forest and village life at a gentler pace.
- Mare e Monti – a beautiful route that combines sea and mountains
- Mare a Mare – a cross-island route from sea to sea
- Shorter day hikes around Vizzavona, Corte and Bavella – great alternatives for those who want mountain atmosphere without taking on the whole GR20
For many travellers, this is a good choice if they want to experience Corsica’s nature without the most technical and physically demanding parts for which the GR20 is known.
The GR20 is an experience you never forget
The GR20 is far more than a long hike. It is an intense journey through Corsica’s mountain world, where each day brings new challenges, new views and a strong feeling of being far removed from the ordinary. This is a route that demands a great deal, but also gives a great deal back.
For those dreaming of a truly great hiking experience in Europe, the GR20 in Corsica is a classic in a class of its own. With good planning, the right equipment and respect for the mountains, this can become one of the most memorable hikes you ever do.