GR20 Full Version (from South to North)

This stage starts in the open pastures around Matalza, climbing back up into the higher granite hills of the Monte Incudine massif. After an easy start across the plateau, the route passes streams and pools, as well as scattered shepherd's huts, before becoming steeper towards the crest. The day concludes at the spectacularly situated Refuge d'Usciolu, which boasts sweeping views of the mountains and the southeastern Tyrrhenian landscape below.

From here, the path heads north across grassy terrain dotted with rocks and grazing animals, soon joining a clearer trail alongside A Basseta. After crossing small streams and passing swimming ponds, the ascent begins in earnest along a narrow, rocky path, climbing through low pines and heather. The route continues to ascend towards the Agnone Pass (1,620 m), passing Punta Scadatta (1,834 m) and Punta d'Usciolu (1,815 m) along the undulating crest. There are distant views of Monte Formica (1,981 m) and the jagged ridges above Zicavo.

As the ridge narrows, short rocky sections and easy scrambles lead between weathered granite towers along the famous Arête de la Monda. A final traverse along the crest brings the stone buildings of the refuge into sight, clinging to the skyline. Upon arrival, you can enjoy open views in every direction from the terrace before settling in and tackling the next demanding stage at a high altitude.

The challenging, high-level adventure continues as the route follows the granite crest from Usciolu to the airy pastures around Prati. For much of the day, the route remains close to the ridge, involving repeated ascents and descents between rocky pinnacles and grassy saddles. The views extend over wooded valleys and out to the distant sea, and the path finally reaches open slopes where the refuge stands alone above the tree line.

From here, a stony trail heads north along the narrow crest, weaving between weathered blocks and short scrambly steps and offering 360° views. The route undulates past rocky knolls and small cols, offering wide panoramas towards Monte Furmicula (1,981 m). After Punta Bianca (1,954 m), the route descends via a challenging zigzag section to the grazing grounds near the Bocca di Laparo pass (1,520 m). It then climbs again through scattered pines and old bergeries to reach the broad ridge leading towards the uplands of Punta di Campitellu (1,937 m) and Punta della Cappella (2,041 m).

As the terrain becomes gentler, the path traverses open grassland and low shrubs, offering full views of the eastern plain. A final easy downhill section brings the low stone buildings of the Refuge de Prati into view. Set on a windy hillside, it is surrounded by grazing animals. On arrival, you can enjoy a well-deserved break on the terrace.

This route starts on the airy ridge around the refuge and heads towards the Capannelle ski plateau. First, you will descend for a long time from open, grassy slopes into wooded valleys. This is followed by a gentler middle section along tracks and paths, crossing multiple streams. Finally, a climb takes you back up to the high country, ending among ski lifts, pastures and shepherd's huts beneath the broad dome of Monte Renoso.

From the refuge, the path briefly follows the crest before dropping steadily from the Bocca d’Oru pass (1,840 m), offering expansive views of the Fiumorbo valley and the distant eastern plain. The descent continues on stony paths through pine and beech forests, crossing small streams and passing shepherd's huts near the Relais San Petru di Verde, which is a pleasant place to take a break before continuing your trek. Easy tracks then guide you through the undulating Marmano Forest, where occasional clearings reveal the surrounding ridges and meadows.

After crossing the Ruisseau de Casso stream, the route turns uphill and climbs along small wooded paths. The gradient eases as you reach the open plateau around Capannelle, where you can enjoy views of Punta dell'Oriente (2,112 m) and the surrounding summits. A final short ascent will bring you to your hut, where you will find yourself in a peaceful mountain setting.

This transition stage starts at the open ski plateau of Capanelle and descends gradually through the beech forests around Vizzavona. After reaching a panoramic pass, the route crosses high pastures and rocky terrain, providing stunning vistas of the central spine of Corsica. Later, the terrain softens and the path drops into deep woodland alongside streams, finally reaching the famous mountain village located in the main island corridor.

A clear path then takes you gently across grassy slopes and rocky terrain, passing bushes and low pines, to Bocca Palmente, a mountain pass at 1,640 metres, the highest point of the day. In front of you lies the wooded Vecchio valley. The trail then begins a steady descent across stony ground and grazing clearings, passing old shepherd's huts and viewpoints overlooking the forested valleys below. Further on, the route enters thicker woodland, following winding forest paths past mountain springs.

As the gradient eases and the track broadens, you will pass the first signs of civilisation. The sounds of the railway and road grow louder as the path continues through woods of tall beeches and chestnut trees. Finally, you will emerge near the Vizzavona station. Rest up before continuing the northern half of the journey.

The walk begins in the forests around Vizzavona, climbing towards the granite ridges below Monte d’Oro. After an easy start alongside the river, the path gets steeper, passing waterfalls and old shepherd's huts on the way to a high crest offering sweeping views of central Corsica. The day concludes at the Refuge de l'Onda, a picturesque stone hut nestled in a valley surrounded by pastures and rocky peaks.

From there, the trail enters a dense forest of beech and pine, following a clear path up the L'Agnone valley. It passes the Cascades des Anglais, where water tumbles over smooth slabs to form inviting pools. Beyond the waterfalls, the climb becomes more sustained and challenging. It rises via switchbacks through Pointe Muratello (2,138 m) to a stonier mountainside, offering increasingly impressive views of Monte d’Oro (2,389 m).

The route then leaves the crest behind, traversing above a broad, grassy basin before descending across rocky terrain. The Refuge de l’Onda appears on a knoll, surrounded by stone walls, grazing animals and the circling mountain peaks. When you arrive, you can relax on the terrace and enjoy the evening light fading from the ridge.

This stage connects the pastoral valley surrounding the Refuge de l’Onda with the high cirque of Petra Piana. Starting with a descent through pine trees and granite slabs, it leads to the secluded Manganellu Valley, where the river has carved out clear pools and waterfalls. This is followed by a long climb alongside the river upstream into increasingly alpine terrain, ending at a small stone refuge nestled beneath imposing peaks such as Monte Rotondo (2,622 m).

From the refuge, the path drops down a stony trail, passing terraces and sheepfolds, and quickly enters a forest where it meets the Manganellu River. After crossing the bridge near the Bergerie de Tolla, the route turns upstream and alternates between shaded woodland and open slabs beside the river. Waterfalls and natural pools provide the perfect opportunity for a short break!

Further up, the trees become sparser and the climb becomes steeper, zigzagging through boulder fields and low pines. The views open up as you climb higher, revealing the surrounding ridges and the turquoise pools far below. A final push over rough granite steps leads to a hanging basin, where the Refuge de Petra Piana sits on a grassy shelf. Enjoy your stay in this dramatic mountain setting.

This is one of the most spectacular days out in the high mountains, taking you from the rocky cirque of Petra Piana to the open basin of Manganu. After a steady climb to a panoramic ridge, the path runs above the Restonica Valley, offering sweeping views of Monte Rotondo on your right and the glacial lakes below. A long descent across boulder fields and gentle wetlands then leads to the grassy plateau where the next refuge is located.

From there, a challenging trail ascends over broken granite to Bocca Muzzella (2,210 m), the day's main ascent, which offers superb views. The route then follows an airy ridge towards the Brèche de Capitello, undulating between passes such as the Col de Rinoso (2,170 m) and rocky knolls above the Lacs de Rinoso, Capitello and Melo. This is one of the most impressive passages of the GR 20! Short, sometimes steep sections over slabs and scree alternate with easier traverses across patches of turf and small tarns as you head west towards the Manganu basin.

Eventually, the path descends more decisively, leaving the ridge and dropping into a wide hollow filled with grass, streams and peat bogs. Faint tracks then lead you across the wet ground to drier pastures dotted with granite boulders. Refuge de Manganu is located on a small hill above the plateau. Surrounded by grazing animals and distant peaks, it is the perfect place for those seeking a quiet night in the heart of the mountains.

This long mountain crossing links Manganu to the dramatic cirque located beneath the peaks of Paglia Orba (2,525 metres) and Capu Tafunatu (2,335 metres). Gentle slopes, vast plateaus and river valleys alternate with steeper ascents, ensuring a constant variety of terrain. Highlights include the wetlands around the Lac de Nino lake and the sculpted pools of the upper Golo River. The day concludes at a spectacularly located refuge on a rocky outcrop above the valley.

From here, the path gradually climbs across open ground to reach Bocca a Reta (1,883 m), passing through Pianu di Campotile, which is filled with old bergeries, bathing and resting areas, and the broad hollow of Lac de Nino, where horses and cows graze amongst peat bogs and clear streams. A descending traverse then leads across pozzines and into a scattered forest. Eventually, the path joins a clearer trail that drops through pine trees via the Saint-Pierre Pass (1,450 m) towards the road at Castelo di Vergio.

After this, the route passes through a wooded area before ascending the valley on a rocky path alongside the Golu River, passing waterfalls and polished rock pools. Look up from time to time to catch a glimpse of the blue sea on the horizon!Higher up the valley narrows and the climb steepens on zigzags over boulders and short rocky steps, with ever wider views back towards the central spine of Corsica.

The final section traverses a stony slope to reach Refuge de Ciottulu di i Mori, perched high above the river with cliffs and ridges all around. Here you find a simple dining room, water and dormitories, plus unforgettable sunset views over the surrounding peaks.

This shorter stage descends from the high perch of the previous refuge towards the wild valley below Paglia Orba (2,525 m) and Capu Tafunatu (2,335 m). The route begins with superb balcony views of cliffs and ridges, then drops into a narrow river valley where clear pools among smooth granite slabs invite a pause. A final ascent leads into a quiet side basin where the next refuge stands surrounded by steep granite walls.

From the refuge the path heads down towards the Foggiale Pass (1,962 m), which boasts one of the most iconic panoramas of the GR20. Then, a steep, zigzagging descent takes you to the Golo Valley, crossing stony slopes with constant views of the Paglia Orba massif. As you descend, the terrain becomes softer and the trail follows the riverbed. Here you'll cross rapids along smooth rock slabs, distant waterfalls and natural swimming spots set among pines and boulders. In warm weather, you may be tempted to pause and dip your feet in the clear water.

The route then continues through sparse woodland and grassy areas, passing small meadows where horses and cows can often graze. Along the way, you will also come across the Bergerie de Ballone, a convenient shepherd's hut. The route then turns into a tributary valley where you will encounter a steeper, rockier path for the final short climb alongside a stream. The refuge suddenly appears on a grassy terrace backed by cliffs and scattered pines. Once you arrive, you can enjoy the sound of the water below and the views of the steep surrounding valley walls as the evening light fades.

From the rocky bowl surrounding Tighjettu, you go straight into a long climb towards the skyline beneath Monte Cinto (2,706 m). Here you'll cross slabs and broken ridges while enjoying views of the Corsican interior. After reaching the Pointe des Éboulis (2,607 m), the highest col on the entire GR20 route, the landscape changes as you descend steeply on scree past secluded alpine lakes towards the wooded basin of Haut Asco.

From the refuge, the path follows the Crucetta stream, climbing steadily via granite steps and short scrambling sections towards Monte Cinto. To one side, views open up to Capu Rossu (2,498 m) and Capu Larghia (2,475 m), while the wild Crucetta valley lies below. Further up, the trail turns towards Bocca Crucetta (2,452 m), a lofty viewpoint overlooking the dark cirque of Lac du Cinto, a ridge near Capu Falu (2,540 m). You will then continue over unstable scree to Pointe des Éboulis, where you can enjoy sea views.

The descent begins steeply, winding down gullies and ledges to Lac d'Argento. Later, the path eases off, zigzagging down to Lac de Capitellu. Here, you will cross a wooden bridge over the Tighiettu stream, which leads to the Asco Valley floor, where water runs over pale slabs and small cascades. The final section passes through an open pine forest and ski pistes before reaching the hut.

Starting from the Asco ski station, this route may seem short, but it is intense. You climb out of the pine forest and into a rocky, high valley beneath Muvrella Peak (2,148 m). Soon, you will find a secluded mountain lake before crossing a broad pass. From here, the route descends for a long time, following slabs and ledges alongside a clear stream until you reach the Spassimata stream. The Refuge de Carozzu is tucked away among the pines on a balcony above the valley.

From the hut, follow the stony path and soon leave the trees behind to enter a challenging area of rough granite towards the Bocca di Stagnu pass (2,010 m), which overlooks the Asco Valley. The trail takes you via stepped boulders and, at times, easy slabs towards the Muvrella Pass (1,990 m), which is located beneath the Muvrella Peak. The path then leads you to the secluded Lac de la Muvrella, nestled in a cirque below the summit.

Further from the lake, the route descends to a windy saddle where you catch your first glimpse of the Lamitu Valley and the deep valleys to the north.The descent continues with a traverse of polished slabs, protected by chains, which lead into Spasimata. Here, you will hop over pools, follow ledges above the river and cross the famous swing footbridge, which is located just above a small waterfall. The perfect spot for a photo!

Beyond the bridge, the path winds through pine trees and boulders, with the sound of water never far away. A final section through the forest leads to the Carozzu clearing, where the terraces of the refuge overlook the cliffs and the winding valley below.

Leaving the pine-covered area around the refuge, the route heads straight towards higher ground. A steady climb will take you to a rocky balcony above the valley, where you can enjoy early views of the distant ridges and, on clear days, the sea. At Bocca Avartoli, the landscape opens up to reveal a wild mix of bare summits, deep gullies and slabs of grey granite. Beyond the main crest, the terrain gradually becomes softer as you descend and the path angles towards the next hut.

From there, you follow a stony path alongside a mountain stream, weaving between pines and boulders. The trail then steepens, forming tight zigzags as it quickly ascends rough granite steps to Bocca di L'Innominata (1,865 m). Later, you will reach Bocca Avartoli (1,898 m), where there are multiple climbing passages until the Col d'Avartoli pass (1,898 m). From there, you traverse towards Bocca Piccaia (1,920 m), enjoying a grandstand view of the Parc Naturel Régional de Corse. Springs and old stone ruins provide an opportunity to pause before the route descends for a long time, with the horizon widening towards the western coast.

The descent alternates between rocky ledges and softer forest paths, with short scrambly sections where it is useful to use your hands. As you descend, the pines and maquis return. A final undulating traverse across a grassy shoulder will lead you straight to the refuge, nestled among twisted pines. Time for a well-deserved rest!

This stage takes you from the high granite perches down into the warm foothills of the Balagne region. Gradually, forested ridges and rocky outcrops give way to maquis and ancient terraces, and the Mediterranean comes into view on the horizon. As the day progresses, the views widen to encompass Monte Grosso and the gulf near Calvi, before the path finally descends into the tiled roofs and bell towers of Calenzana.

From the refuge, the trail crosses challenging, pine-dotted rocky slopes before beginning a long descent along a stony crest. Passing the passes of Bocca à U Bassiguellu (1,486 m) and Bocca à U Saltu (1,220 m), it continues along balconies and gullies, offering expansive vistas of deep valleys and the distant coastline. Further down, the path winds through shrubs, old stone walls and abandoned fields. It crosses small streams and passes wayside crosses as the landscape becomes more cultivated and gentle.

As you approach the valley floor, the route joins wider tracks and enters the outskirts of Calenzana. Narrow lanes lead past chapels and shaded squares to the village centre, where you will find fountains and cafés under plane trees. Here, you can put down your backpack and celebrate with a drink on a terrace overlooking the Balagne hills.