Can you walk only half of the GR20?

Yes. Vizzavona is the midpoint and has rail connections, allowing the northern or southern section to be walked separately.

France Travel Guide

GR20 in Corsica

Q: Should you walk north or south first?

The northern section is more technical. Starting in the south provides a more gradual introduction, while the classic direction runs from Calenzana in the north to Conca in the south.

The complete guide to one of Europe’s most legendary and demanding long-distance trails.

The GR20 crosses Corsica from Calenzana in the north to Conca in the south, through rocky ridges, high passes, lakes, forests and small mountain refuges.

This guide covers the northern and southern sections, all 16 stages, equipment, accommodation, timings and safety.

The GR20 is no ordinary hike. It demands excellent fitness, experience in rough terrain and respect for weather, altitude and exposed sections. For those who prepare properly, the reward is one of Europe’s greatest mountain experiences.

Choose your GR20 experience

Decide whether to tackle the full route, walk one half or begin with shorter mountain hikes.

Full routeCalenzana to Conca in 14–16 days→ Most demandingGR20 North to Vizzavona→ Shorter optionGR20 South from Vizzavona→ PlanningSee timings and elevation for every stage→ Before departureTraining, backpack, navigation and equipment→ Less demandingOther hiking routes in Corsica→

GR20 – route, planning and key choices

Get a quick overview before exploring the details.

What is the GR20?Length, duration, difficulty and who the route is suitable for.

North or southThe difference between the technical north and the gentler south.

The classic routeFrom Calenzana via Vizzavona to Conca.

16 stagesTimings, elevation and a short assessment of each day.

PreparationPhysical training, backpack, equipment and navigation.

AccommodationRefuges, gîtes, tents and booking arrangements.

Safety and weatherWater, power, trail markings, exposed sections and sensible safety margins.

Other hiking routesMare e Monti, Mare a Mare and shorter day hikes.

What is the GR20?

The GR20 is a true high-mountain trek following the ridges through Corsica’s interior. In Corsican it is called Fra li Monti, meaning “through the mountains”, which describes the route perfectly. You cross rocky passes and ridgelines, passing lakes, alpine meadows and refuges amid some of the wildest scenery in the Mediterranean.

The classic traverse normally takes 14 to 16 days. A few exceptionally fit hikers move faster, but for most people it is more important to maintain a steady pace and preserve enough energy for every day.

Mountain refuges and gîtes along the route provide places to sleep, eat and refill water. Tents may be used beside approved refuges, but wild camping along the trail outside designated areas is not permitted.

LengthApprox. 180 km

DurationUsually 14–16 days

LevelVery demanding

Who is the trek suitable for?

The GR20 is suitable for hikers with excellent fitness, experience of long mountain days and confidence on boulder fields, steep passages and weather-exposed terrain.

Experienced mountain hikers
Strong endurance and physical strength
Ability to carry a backpack for several days
Respect for the weather and your condition each day

Today the GR20 attracts hikers from around the world. Its popularity has also created pressure during the high season, including full refuges and strain on the natural environment. Booking systems and tighter management of overnight stays have therefore been introduced.

This should not be your first multi-day high-mountain trek. Test your equipment, footwear and backpack on several long hikes before departure.

Understand the route before setting out

GR20 North – technical, rugged and spectacular

The northern section runs from Calenzana to Vizzavona and is regarded as the most demanding part of the GR20. Expect steep climbs, boulder fields, exposed ridges and several technical passages.

This is the section that gave the GR20 its legendary reputation. It is best suited to experienced mountain hikers with excellent fitness and confidence in rough terrain.

Calenzana to Vizzavona
Most technical terrain
Major elevation changes
Requires experience and concentration

GR20 South – a gentler rhythm, but still demanding

The southern section runs from Vizzavona to Conca and is somewhat less technical than the north. The terrain remains physically demanding, but the rhythm is often steadier and the landscape more open.

For many hikers, the southern section is a good choice for a shorter GR20 experience without the most exposed passages of the north.

Vizzavona to Conca
Somewhat less technical
Warm and long days
Bavella as a highlight

The classic route – from Calenzana to 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 passes many 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 before descending to Conca, where the trek ends in a completely different landscape from the one in which it began.

The route changes dramatically from day to day. Some stages involve hard climbing among boulders and ridges, while others open onto lakes, grasslands, forests and broad views across the island’s mountainous interior.

Approximately 180 kilometres
14–16 days
Vizzavona as the midpoint
Great variety from day to day

Preparation – training, backpack and navigation

The GR20 requires more than ordinary enthusiasm for hiking. A good experience depends on physical capacity, mental resilience and equipment suitable for demanding mountain terrain. Begin preparing several months in advance.

Choose a backpack that is comfortable, adjustable, weather-resistant and compatible with a hydration system. Practical pockets and secure attachment points make daily life on the trail much easier.

Train on long hikes with a loaded backpack
Build strength and balance
Keep your pack as light as possible
Carry at least two navigation options

Accommodation – refuges, gîtes and tents

Refuges and gîtes along the GR20 provide beds, simple food and water. Capacity is limited, so book early for the high season.

Tents may be used at approved overnight sites. Wild camping along the trail is not permitted, and you should always follow local rules and instructions.

Book early
Basic standards
Tents at approved sites
Carry cash

Other trails – Corsica without the full GR20

If the GR20 feels too demanding, Corsica offers many beautiful alternatives. The island is full of trails combining sea, mountains, forests and village life at a gentler pace.

These routes are ideal for travellers who want to experience Corsica’s natural scenery without the most technical and physically demanding sections for which the GR20 is known.

Mare e Monti
Mare a Mare
Day hikes around Vizzavona
Corte and Bavella

Map of the GR20

The map shows the main points from Calenzana to Conca. The line is a simplified overview and does not replace detailed maps or an official topographic guide.

Select the markers for short descriptions. Always use official maps and current local information during the trek.

The 16 classic stages

Time and elevation gain say more than distance on the GR20. Terrain, weather, pack weight and your condition all affect how demanding each stage becomes.

Stage 1

Calenzana → Ortu di u Piobbu

6h 15m+1299 m-50 m

A brutal and honest opening to the GR20. The steep start sets the tone immediately and makes the route’s difficulty unmistakable.

Stage 2

Ortu di u Piobbu → Carrozzu

7h+780 m-917 m

A technical, exposed stage with superb views. Carrozzu is one of the classic stops on the northern section.

Stage 3

Carrozzu → Ascu Stagnu

6h+790 m-640 m

A demanding and rocky day leading into the Asco area, where the raw mountain character that makes the GR20 so distinctive becomes clear.

Stage 4

Ascu Stagnu → Tighjettu

8h+1225 m-1050 m

One of the GR20’s major challenge stages. A newer route has replaced the old variant through Cirque de la Solitude.

Stage 5

Tighjettu → Ciottulu di i Mori

4h+630 m-80 m

A shorter day with beautiful scenery and views towards Monte Cintu. A classic high-mountain day on the GR20.

Stage 6

Ciottulu di i Mori → Manganu

8h+650 m-1050 m

A long and varied stage, including beautiful sections near Lac de Nino and more open high-mountain plateaux.

Stage 7

Manganu → Petra Piana

6h 30m+670 m-475 m

A classic high-mountain day with steep sections and magnificent views across lakes and ridgelines.

Stage 8

Petra Piana → L’Onda

4h+390 m-800 m

Two options provide some choice: the classic trail or a more exposed variant along the ridges.

Stage 9

L’Onda → Vizzavona

6h 30m+850 m-650 m

A stage with several route options and the possibility of adding Monte d’Oro. Vizzavona marks the divide between north and south.

Stage 10

Vizzavona → Capannelle

5h 30m+900 m-225 m

A long, steady climb marking the start of the southern section. Beyond Vizzavona, many hikers notice a new rhythm in the landscape.

Stage 11

Capannelle → Prati

6h+890 m-600 m

A demanding mountain stage with the option of a detour to Monte Renosu for those who still have energy to spare.

Stage 12

Prati → Usciolu

6h+700 m-750 m

One of the southern section’s finest high-mountain stages, with peaks above 2,000 metres and open views in every direction.

Stage 13

Usciolu → Matalza

4h 30m+400 m-650 m

A transitional stage that feels shorter but still demands concentration. Several possible variants continue towards Asinao.

Stage 14

Matalza → Asinao

4h 30m+650 m-550 m

A newer stage around Monte Incudine, offering beautiful open sections in southern Corsica.

Stage 15

Asinao → Paliri

7h+440 m-910 m

This stage crosses the Bavella massif, one of the most iconic mountain areas on the island.

Stage 16

Paliri → Conca

5h+160 m-970 m

The conclusion of the great GR20 adventure. Although the day is mainly downhill, sixteen days of walking are clearly felt in the legs.

Time, costs and accommodation

How long does the trek take?

As a general rule, allow 14 to 15 days for the full classic route. Daily stages are often 10 to 15 kilometres, but this says little about the difficulty. On the GR20, terrain and elevation change matter far more than distance alone.

A typical stage takes between 5 and 8 hours, depending on the weather, your fitness, pack weight and how technical the terrain is. Some hikers combine stages, but this requires exceptional physical capacity and experience.

What affects the cost?

Costs depend on whether you hike independently or with a guide, how much you carry, and whether you stay in refuges, gîtes or hotels before and after the trek.

Also budget for food, transport, extra nights, cash along the route and unexpected changes.

Safety and practical advice

Water, power and cash

Carry enough cash, plan where to refill water and expect limited access to electricity. Streams may be seasonal, and water should be treated whenever you are unsure.

Weather and exposure

Start early, follow the forecast and turn back when conditions deteriorate. Boulder fields, slippery surfaces and exposed passes require concentration.

The main route is marked in red and white. Even so, carry a topographic guide, detailed maps and downloaded offline GPS maps as backup.