Corsica – GR20 trekking

Day 1: Arrival in Corsica
We meet during the day in Calenzana, the starting point of the GR20. This is where we stay for the first night before setting off on the first stage the next morning. Over dinner together, we get in the mood for a great week of trekking and talk through the first stages and what awaits us on the coming days of the tour.

⌂ Hotel Calenzana

Day 2: Starting the GR20
The next morning we set off for the start of the GR20 in Calenzana. The first stage leads us gradually into the rugged mountains of Corsica. At the end of the stage, the Refuge de l´Ortu di u Piobbu, we spend our first night in our own tent or in one of the rental tents. A beautiful spot that leaves you wanting more straight away.
Walking time: 7 h | ↑ 1,550 m | ↓ 250 m
⌂ Refuge de l´Ortu di u Piobbu

Day 3: Over the 2,000-metre mark
On the second day of trekking we go over the 2,000-metre mark for the first time, heading ever deeper into the mountains of Corsica. This stage is already one of the most demanding on the entire GR20, and it gives us a very good idea of what lies ahead in the coming days. Finally, via the Bocca di l´Innominata, we descend to the Refuge Carozzu, our accommodation for the night. In the forest there are again pitches for tents as well as sleeping places in the hut.
Walking time: 7 h | ↑ 750 m | ↓ 1,000 m
⌂ Refuge Carozzu

Day 4: To Haut Asco
The next stage starts straight away with a longer ascent. Once we reach the pass, a technically demanding descent follows down to Haut Asco. After an intense day of hiking we reach the end of the stage. This small ski resort has good infrastructure with a hotel and restaurant, and for the first time in a while there is mobile reception at our overnight stop.
Walking time: 5 h | ↑ 850 m | ↓ 700 m

⌂ Haut Asco

Day 5: Queen stage on Monte Cinto
Today we reach the highest points of the GR20 and tackle the queen stage. The route takes us into the high-alpine world around Monte Cinto. Very fit and fast groups have the option of also bagging Monte Cinto, the highest summit in Corsica. Afterwards we head downhill, past the Refuge Tighiettu, to the Bergerie de Ballone, today's stage destination.
Walking time: 8 h | ↑ 1,250 m | ↓ 1,200 m

⌂ Bergerie de Ballone

Day 6: Towards Castel de Vergio
The day starts more gently on good paths. We pass beautiful natural rock pools that invite you to linger. This is followed by an ascent to the Bocca di Fogialle; the rest of the stage runs downhill or gently uphill to today's destination, the Hotel Castel de Vergio. After several nights on a sleeping mat and in a sleeping bag, we treat ourselves to the luxury of a bed and hot showers again.
Walking time: 6.5 h | ↑ 850 m | ↓ 850 m

⌂ Hotel Castel de Vergio

Day 7: Pastures and long trails
Today the longest stage in terms of distance is on the programme. Good paths lead us across pastures where wild horses roam and past wind-tousled trees. It is a beautiful area where, unlike the first few days, we do not have to cover quite so many vertical metres. Our stage destination is the Refuge de Manganu.
Walking time: 6 h | ↑ 650 m | ↓ 450 m
⌂ Refuge de Manganu

Day 8: Ridge route to Petra Piana
The first section climbs steadily. Continuing along the mountain ridge, with constant ups and downs and plenty of scrambling terrain, we reach our accommodation, the small and cosy Refuge de Petra Piana. With its views of Lac de Melo and Lac de Capitello, this stage is one of the most beautiful on the entire GR20.
Walking time: 6.5 h | ↑ 850 m | ↓ 600 m
⌂ Refuge de Petra Piana

Day 9: Variant to l´Onda
On this stage we have two options. In fine weather, the route over the Pinzi Corbini is practically the only sensible choice: a beautiful path along the ridge with a magnificent panorama. This variant of the GR20 is shorter with less ascent, but a few short sections are technically a little more demanding. The route through the Manganello valley is the better choice in bad weather; it is longer but technically easier.
Walking time: 4.5 h | ↑ 400 m | ↓ 850 m
⌂ Refuge de l´Onda

Day 10: Final stage to Vizzavona
Our last day on the GR20 has come. Once more we have a good few vertical metres and kilometres to cover before we reach the village of Vizzavona. A taxi will pick us up here and take us back to Calenzana, where we will raise a glass over dinner together to a successful trek and some wonderful days.
Walking time: 6 h | ↑ 700 m | ↓ 1,200 m

⌂ Hotel Calenzana

Day 11: Individual journey home
After breakfast it is time to say goodbye to Corsica and the GR20. Anyone who wishes can extend their trip or set off on the journey home.

Info: There is hardly any mobile reception on the GR20. You usually only get a signal briefly at the highest points of the stages. At the accommodation, with a few exceptions such as Haut Asco, Castel de Vergio and Petra Piana, you are often without mobile coverage and have plenty of time to chat and swap stories with the other hikers. At all the huts, and sometimes at the bergeries along the stages, you can buy provisions such as local sausages and delicious Corsican cheese. There is also a simple dinner and breakfast, or good cooking facilities for self-caterers. Tip: The complete GR20 continues over further day stages all the way to Conca. If you would like to do the complete GR20, just send us an enquiry and we will put together an individual offer.