Corsica GR20 North

The trip begins in Calvi from where you will have a morning (9am) transfer organised to Calenzana. This little village, surrounded by olive trees, is where the hike begins. (We suggest buying picnic supplies in Calvi before setting out). The walk today is spectacular, with several river crossings as well as magnificent viewpoints of the typical towns of the Balagne region. It is an excellent warm up for the GR20 offering superb views of coastal Corsica.

Overnight gite. Double room option possible*

Distance: 11km/6.9mi, + 700m/2297ft, - 450m/1476ft

We can assist with booking your pre-tour accommodation in Calvi on request - please ask for details.

After breakfast, you will leave Bonifatu for one of the longest days of the trek. You will cross several rivers before reaching the famous footbridge of Spasimata, which is 30m long and is suspended above a waterfall that has the honour of being on many postcards of the GR20. The trail takes you to the Valley of the Muvrella and its small lake. The viewpoints are numerous and are particularly impressive from the passes. You will arrive at the foot of Monte Cinto, the highest summit of Corsica, where you will spend the night.

Overnight gite. Double room option possible*

Distance: 9.5km/6mi, + 1300m/4265ft, - 598m/1962ft

As the Cirque de la Solitude has been closed to the public since 2015, you will cross the Great Barrier Reef via Monte Cintu and through the Pointe des Éboulis. From Bocca Minuta, you descend to the small valley of Straciaconne where you may have the chance to observe mouflons (the wild sheep). Dinner is at the shepherd hut in Vallone, an ideal setting with the backdrop of a starry sky for the night.

Overnight: tent.

Distance: 9km/5.59mi, + 1200m/3936ft, - 800m/2625ft

Note: carry your overnight gear as your main luggage is not available on this day - it is transferred Haut Asco to the accommodation in Verghio.

After waking up to views of the surrounding mountains, the day begins with a gentle walk through a forest of giant Laricio pines before a long climb up the Bocca di Fuciale. Your setting for the day is the valley of the Niolu, located at the heart of the island. You walk past the foot ofone of the most beautiful summits in Corsica, the Paglia Orba and the strange Capu Tafunatu. When the weather is good, there is a stunning viewpoint over the gulf of Porto before descending into the small valley of the Golo. The shepherd’s hut of Radule and a series of natural pools punctuate your walk towards the forest and the Castel di Verghio.

Overnight gite. Double room option possible*

Distance: 14km/8.69mi, + 970m/3186ft, - 1015m/3337ft

Note: luggage transfers are not available to the refuges (next 3 nights) - your luggage will delivered to the accommodation in Vizzavona. You need to carry your gear required in your rucksack.

This morning pass Bocca San Pedru between the sky and the sea. Then magic happens after passing Bocca a Reta. To the east, the coastline stands out against the deep blue of the Mediterranean. On the other side, a glacial cirque is revealed, which hides, in a green setting, one of the jewels of the Corsican mountains. Bordered by its pozzines (mountain waterhole), Lake Nino welcomes a herd of wild horses.

Overnight: tent (near the refuge)

Distance: 16km/9.94mi, + 869m/2851ft, - 689m/2260ft

Note: no luggage transfer days 5-7 and no access to your main luggage, carry your overnight needs in your rucksack. Your main luggage is transferred Verghio to Vizzavona.

Streams and rocky bars follow one another before you reach a plateau of pozzines. Then the Capitellu breach will offer you a breathtaking view of the Melu and Capitellu lakes. After some effort to reach Bocca Muzella (2206m), you will descend to reach a small plateau where the Petra Piana refuge is located.

Note meals are not included at this refuge - all are payable locally.

Overnight: tent (near the refuge)

Distance: 8.5km/5.28mi, + 670m/2198ft, - 465m/1526ft

Note: no luggage transfer

A rather short, aerial and panoramic stage between the massifs of Monte Rotondo and Monte d'Oro. Be careful however as there are some tricky passages in strong winds! On a clear day, you will have the chance to see the Gulf of Ajaccio.

Meals are not included at this refuge - all are payable locally.

Overnight: tent (near the refuge)

Distance: 7km/4.34mi, + 560m/1837ft, - 965m/3166ft

Note: no luggage transfer

Last day on the northern part of the trail. A magnificent stage awaits you from the Onda refuge towards Vizzavona, passing through the magical Agnone valley at the foot of Monte d'Oro. After the Turtettu footbridge there is a multitude of small waterfalls and streams. Between forest and the clinking of water, you will make your way towards Vizzavona. Your luggage will be at the gite waiting your arrival.

Overnight: gite

Distance: 10km/6.2mi,+ 630m/2067ft, - 1140m/3740ft

Trip concludes in Vizzavona after breakfast