Tackle one of Europe’s greatest trekking challenges on the GR20, Corsica’s legendary high-level route that runs the length of the island’s mountainous spine from Calinzana in the north to Conca in the south. Often described as Europe’s toughest trek, this 190km (118-mile) trail is best suited to experienced hikers as it follows rugged granite ridges and remote cols, with steep ascents, scrambling sections and exposure to rapidly changing mountain weather. 

This expertly crafted Cicerone guidebook is the essential companion for anyone planning to tackle the GR20, whether you aim to complete the full route in 16 days or focus on one half. The trek is commonly split into the northern section, widely considered the most challenging with its rugged alpine terrain and exposed scrambles, and the southern section, which is still demanding but generally less technical. The guidebook combines detailed route descriptions with practical planning advice to help you take on this iconic adventure safely and confidently.

• The trail is split into 16 stages (5 to 20km per stage) with high-level and low-level alternatives for some sections, so you can make the journey your own 
• Detailed route descriptions and elevation profiles are supported by a separate map booklet featuring 1:25,000 IGN mapping with the route line clearly marked for navigation out on the trail 
• Tips from experienced author, Paddy Dillon, on safety measures, what to pack and when to go are provided, essential when tackling such a tough trek 
• Accommodation listings are included for each stage with clear guidance on advance booking where required
• Downloadable GPX files are provided as a digital navigation option for use on smartphones and GPS devices

More than just a walk, the GR20 is a true test of endurance, resilience and spirit. With this trusted Cicerone guidebook in your pack, you’ll be fully equipped to face the challenge, embrace the unpredictability and experience the raw beauty of Corsica’s mountains. Plan well, walk wisely, and step into an adventure that will stay with you long after the final descent to the Mediterranean.

GR20 - Quick Facts

Trail name: GR20 (Grande Randonnée 20)
Location: Corsica, France
Total distance: ~190 km / 118 miles
Typical duration: 14–16 days
Start: Calinzana
Finish: Conca
Trail type: Long-distance mountain trail with scrambling
Difficulty: Extremely challenging
Terrain: High mountain ridges, rocky paths, granite slabs, scree, forested valleys
Navigation: Well waymarked, map booklet, and GPX files recommended for safety 
Best season: June to September
Accommodation: Mountain refuges, camping areas and occasional gîtes

Author Highlight

“The GR20 climbs high into the mountains and stays there for days on end, leading ordinary trekkers deep into the sort of terrain usually visited only by mountaineers. The scenery is awe-inspiring, with bare rock and sheer cliffs in some parts, contrasting with forests, lakes and alpine pastures in other places.” 

- Paddy Dillon, author of Trekking the GR20 Corsica  

Map key

Overview map

Route summary table

Introduction

Geology

Brief history

Getting to Corsica

Getting around Corsica

Getting to the GR20

When to trek

How to trek

Maps

Mountain weather

Path conditions

Mountain rescue

What to take

Services along the route

Food, drink and fuel

Language

Currency

Using this guide

Plants and wildlife on Corsica

Maquis

Trees

Flowers

Wildlife

The GR20

Stage 1A         Calinzana to Refuge d’Ortu di u Piobbu (high-level)

Stage 1B         Calinzana to Refuge d’Ortu di u Piobbu (low-level)

Excursion        Ascent of Monte Corona from Refuge d’Ortu di u Piobbu

Stage 2A         Refuge d’Ortu di u Piobbu to Refuge de Carozzu (high-level)

Stage 2B         Refuge d’Ortu di u Piobbu to Refuge de Carozzu (low-level)

Stage 3           Refuge de Carozzu to Ascu Stagnu

Stage 4           Ascu Stagnu to Auberge U Vallone

Link route        Auberge U Vallone to Albertacce

Stage 5           Auberge U Vallone to Hôtel Castel di Vergio

Excursion        Ascent of Paglia Orba from Refuge de Ciotullu di I Mori

Stage 6           Hôtel Castel di Vergio to Refuge de Manganu

Link route        Bergerie de Vaccaghja to Corti

Link route        Refuge de Manganu to Soccia

Stage 7           Refuge de Manganu to Refuge de Petra Piana

Link route        Brèche de Capitellu or Bocca a Soglia to Bergeries de Grottelle

Excursion        Ascent of Monte Ritondu from Refuge de Petra Piana

Stage 8A         Refuge de Petra Piana to Refuge de l’Onda (low-level)

Stage 8B         Refuge de Petra Piana to Refuge de l’Onda (high-level)

Link route        Bergerie de Tolla to Tattone and Vizzavona

Stage 9A         Refuge de l’Onda to Vizzavona (low-level)

Stage 9B         Refuge de l’Onda to Vizzavona (high-level)

Stage 10         Vizzavona to Bergeries d’E Capanelle

Link route        La Foce to Bocca Palmentu

Stage 11A       Bergeries d’E Capanelle to Bocca di Verdi (low-level)

Stage 11B       Bergeries d’E Capanelle to Bocca di Verdi (high-level)

Stage 12         Bocca di Verdi to Refuge d’Usciolu

Link route        Refuge d’Usciolu to Cuzzà

Stage 13         Refuge d’Usciolu to Refuge de Matalza

Link route        Tignosellu to Zicavu

Link route        Zicavu to Refuge de Matalza

Stage 14         Refuge de Matalza to Refuge d’Asinau

Alt Stage 13/14           Refuge d’Usciolu to Refuge d’Asinau (variant)

Stage 15A       Refuge d’Asinau to Bavedda (low-level)

Stage 15B       Refuge d’Asinau to Bavedda (high-level)

Stage 16         Bavedda to Conca

Appendix A     Facilities along the route (Calinzana to Conca)

Appendix B     Facilities along the route (Conca to Calinzana)

Appendix C     Accommodation list

Appendix D     Basic language notes

Appendix E     Useful contacts

Appendix F     The Cirque de la Solitude

Seasons

Possible June to mid-October; June or September is ideal, with July and August being the hottest and busiest months. Snow and ice make the trail exceptionally dangerous.

Centres

Calinzana, Ascu Stagnu, Vizzavona, Conca. Detours can be made to Corti, Cuzzà and Zicavu.

Difficulty

The GR20 is a challenging walk involving plenty of hands-on scrambling, through isolated mountain terrain. Take note of weather conditions and avoid lingering snow and ice early in the season, or thunderstorms at any time. The GR20 is for experienced, fit walkers prepared to carry backpacking kit.

Must See

Great mountain views; optional ascents of Monte Cinto and Paglia Orba; optional detour to the ancient mountain capital of Corti

February 2024

Link Route to Bergeries de Grotelle

November 2023

Alternative Stage 13/14

June 2023

Booking accommodation

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