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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

Hut-to-Hut

Adventure

Long distance

Overview
Itinerary
What's Included
FAQ
Reviews

> 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

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

Info

Day

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

Info

Day

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

Info

See entire itinerary

Included

Full travel guide

We will send you on your way with a digital travel guide that includes a route description for the GR20 , interactive hiking maps, and the most important information applicable to your trek
Accommodation on the GR20

We will arrange your accommodation on the GR20 in mountain huts. The mountain huts along the GR20 offer basic shared accommodation and food. These refuges come under the regional Corsican natural park’s authority and can host 25-50 people depending on the hut. In case the mountain huts are fully booked, we will automatically book a tent for you. In Refuge d'Ortu di u Piobbu, you will spend the night in a tent in all cases.

Excluded

Traveling to and from

You have to make your own way to the starting point. The total amount does not include personal transport.
Transfers

Should you need any form of (public) transport on location, this is not part of the trekking package. This includes the use of taxi, bus, cable cars, gondolas etc.
Travel Insurance

Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.
Personal expenses

Personal expenses on such as souvenirs, drinks, and other similar expenses are for your own account.
Meals

Meals are not included in the price on the GR20 . You can get something to eat at the mountain huts along the way or you can get food from the towns below the trail. If you want to have a warm dinner at the hut, remember to ask for it as soon as you get to the hut.

Destinations

Trekking Type

GR20 Northern Half (from South to North)