GR20 Northern Half (from South to North)
Duration: 9 days
Trails: T4 trails
Distance: 15 - 20 km per day
Ascent per day: 500 - 1000 m ascent per day
> Tackle the northern half of the GR20
> Stay overnight in rustic mountain refuges
> Hike the trail from south to north
The GR20, known locally as *fra li Monti*, is a legendary long-distance hiking trail that traverses the rugged Mediterranean island of Corsica. Spanning roughly 180 km with a staggering 12,000 meters of elevation gain, it’s often hailed as the toughest GR trail in Europe.
Why Both Directions?
The GR20 can be hiked in either direction—north to south or south to north. While completing the entire trek takes about 15 days, you can opt for a shorter experience by dividing the trail into its northern and southern sections. The northern half, stretching over 9 days, begins in Vizzavona and takes you to Calenzana—or vice versa if you prefer. Known for its dramatic landscapes and steep ascents, this is the most challenging and popular segment of the GR20. Do you have what it takes to tackle this demanding adventure?
Camping: Prefer to camp along the trail? Many campsites are available! Contact our trekking experts to learn more about this option.
Itinerary
Day
1
Vizzavona - Refuge de l’Onda
Duration: 05:50 h
Distance: 10.9 km
Ascent: 1130 m
Descent: 670 m
This section of the GR20, marking the first stage of your journey, starts in Vizzavona (920 m) and climbs toward Refuge de l’Onda (1430 m), the gateway to the northern half of the trail. The route reaches a high point of 2141 m, offering breathtaking mountain views and a challenging but rewarding introduction to the GR20.
Highlights:
- Canaglia
- Tattone
- Lac d’Oro (1970 m)
- Bocca du Porco (2159 m)
Refuge de l'Onda
Day
2
Refuge de l’Onda - Refuge de Pietra Piana
Duration: 04:25 h
Distance: 9.95 km
Ascent: 850 m
Descent: 450 m
This section starts at Refuge de l'Onda (1430 m) and ends at Refuge de Pietra Piana. It is a relatively easy trek with 900 metres of ascent and 490 metres of descent. The route is 10 km long, and the average walking time is about 5 and a half hours. In the opposite direction, it takes about 5 hours.
Highlights:
- Tatton (600 m)
- Canaglia (600 m)
- Monte Rotondo (Ritundo; 2622 m)
Refuge de Petra Piana
Day
3
Refuge de Pietra Piana - Refuge de Manganu
Duration: 04:25 h
Distance: 8.44 km
Ascent: 540 m
Descent: 760 m
This section starts at Refuge de Pietra Piana (1842 m) and ends at Refuge de Manganu (1601 m). The highest point today is Breche de Capitellu, located at 2225 m. Brace yourself for 600 m of climbing and 820 m of descending. This stage is 10 km long, and the average walking time is about 6 hours or 6h30 in the opposite direction.
Highlights:
- Soccia (750 m)
- Orto (700 m)
- Lac de Creno (1310 m)
- Lavu Bellebone (2321 m)
- Lac de Capitellu (1930 m)
- Lac de Melo (1711 m)
- Col du Fer de Lance
- Monte Ritondo (2622 m)
Refuge de Manganu
Day
4
Refuge de Manganu - Refuge de Ciottulu di i Mori
Duration: 09:15 h
Distance: 24 km
Ascent: 1090 m
Descent: 720 m
This section starts at Refuge de Manganu (1601 m) and ends at Refuge de Ciottulu di i Mori (1991 m). Today's highest point is Col de Reta, located at 1883 m. You climb just over 1000 metres today and descend 650 metres. The trek takes about 8 hours either way.
Highlights:
- Guagnose
- Soccia (750 m)
- Orto (700 m)
- Lac de Creno (1310 m)
- Monte Ritondu (2622 m)
- Lac de Nino (1760 m)
- Col de Vergio (1477 m)
- Albertacce (840 m)
- Calasima (1100 m)
Refuge de Ciottulu di i Mori
Day
5
Refuge Ciottulu di i Mori - Refuge de Tighiettu
Duration: 03:00 h
Distance: 6.42 km
Ascent: 300 m
Descent: 640 m
This section of the GR20 starts in Refuge de Ciottulu di i Mori (1991 m) and ends in the lower Refuge de Tighjettu (1683 m). With less than 100 metres of climbing today, the ascent is minimal but windy. At 600 metres, there is significantly more downhill to tackle. At 4 hours either way, this is also a much shorter day.
Highlights:
- Col de Vergio (1477 m)
- Albertacce (840 m)
- Calasima (1100 m)
- Col des Maures (2155 m)
- Paglia Orba (2525 m)
Refuge de Tighjettu
Day
6
Refuge de Tighjettu - Refuge d'Asco Stagnu
Duration: 06:18 h
Distance: 8.45 km
Ascent: 930 m
Descent: 1150 m
This section starts at Refuge de Tighjettu (1683 m) and ends at Haut Asco (1422 m). The highest point is the Col de Minuta, which is at 2183 m. Today's total climb is 740 m, and there is a descent of a total of 999 m. The route is 8 km long, and the average walking time is about 6 hours in both directions.
Highlights:
- Calasima (1100 m)
- Lozzi (1029 m)
- Refuge de l'Erco (1667 m)
- Lac Du Cinto (2289 m)
- Punta Minuta (2556 m)
- Monte Cinto (2706 m)
Refuge d'Asco Stagnu
Day
7
Refuge d'Asco Stangu - Refuge de Carrozzu
Duration: 03:50 h
Distance: 5.02 km
Ascent: 560 m
Descent: 740 m
This stage starts at Refuge d'Asco at 1422 m and ends at Refuge de Carrozzu (1270 m). The highest point of the day is Col de Stagni, at 2010 m. The total climb is 638 m and the descent 790 m. The route is 6 km long and the average walking time is about 6 hours in both directions.
Highlights:
- Monte Cimo (2706 m)
Refuge de Carozzu
Day
8
Refuge de Carrozzu - Refuge d'Ortu di u Piobbu
Duration: 04:30 h
Distance: 7.53 km
Ascent: 910 m
Descent: 650 m
The penultimate stage starts at Refuge de Carrozzu (1270 m) and ends at Refuge d'Ortu di u Piobbu (1570 m). The highest point is the ridge at 2020 m above Col d'Avaratoli. 917 metres of ascent and 667 metres of descent are on the programme. This stage is 8 km long, with an average walking time of 5 hours and 7 hours in the opposite direction.
Highlights:
- Cirque de Bonifatu
Refuge d'Ortu di u Piobbu
Day
9
Refuge d'Ortu di u Piobbu - Calenzana
Duration: 04:55 h
Distance: 11.5 km
Ascent: 100 m
Descent: 1380 m
The last stage of the GR20! From Refuge d'Ortu di u Piobbu at 1570 m, it's one long descent to Calenzana, the endpoint and, for most people, the starting point of the GR20. 10 kilometers and about 5 hours of hiking, and then it's over.
Highlights:
- Cirque de Bonifatu
- Capu Jovu (Ghiovu, 1629 m)
- Capu di Pratu (828 m)
- Capu a e Vacche (624 m)
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