> Complete the route from south to north
> Includes an extra day to ensure proper acclimatization
> Full GR20 route in 16 days
The GR20, also known as Fra li Monti, is a legendary GR (Grande Randonnée) hiking trail that traverses the stunning Mediterranean island of Corsica, stretching approximately 180 km from north to south with a staggering altitude gain of 12,000 meters. Renowned as one of the most challenging GR routes in the world, it promises an unforgettable adventure. Are you up for the challenge?
Why Both Directions?
The GR20 can be hiked in either direction—north to south or south to north. While the classic route starts in Calenzana in the north and ends in Conca in the south, this version begins in the south and finishes in the north. Choosing this direction offers a quieter trail, fewer crowds, and the chance to experience the stunning Corsican landscape in a unique way.
Camping: during this trek, you can also spend the night at camping sites. Contact our trekking experts to find out more about this option!
Today the trail starts in Refuge de Paliri (1055 m) and ends in Refuge d'Asinao (1530 m). The highest point is at Col de Pargulu, at 1662 m.
Highlights:
- Aiguilles de Bavella (1611 m)
- Quenza (813 m)
The trail starts in Refuge d'Asinao (1530 m) and climbs straight up to Bocca Stazzunara. Here, you can choose to visit the summit of Monte Incudine (2134 m), but note that the usual route heads the other way towards Refuge de Matalza (1410 m).
Highlights:
- Zivaco (750 m)
- Bergeries de Croce
This section of the GR20 starts in Refuge de Matalza (1410 m) and runs via Bergeries de Bassetta to Refuge d'Usciolu (1750 m).
Highlights:
- Bergeries de Bassetta
- Platau de Coscione
This section starts in Refuge d'Usciolu (1750 m) and ends in Refuge de Prati (1820 m). The highest point is Punta della Capella at 2041 m.
Highlights:
- Monte Grosso (1895 m)
- Palneca
- Ciamannace
This section of the southern half of the GR20 starts in Refuge de Prati (1820 m) and ends in Bergeries de Capannelle (1586 m). The highest point is at Col d'Oru (1840 m). Gite u Fugone is the hut where you will stay in Bergeries de Capannelle.
Highlights:
- Monte Renoso (2352 m)
- Lac de Bastani (2089 m)
- Lac de Rino (1882 m)
- Monte Grosso (1895 m)
- Pozzi (1783 m)
- Punta Capanella (2032 m)
The last stage of the southern half starts in Bergeries de Capannelle (1586 m) and descends to Vizzavona (920 m). The highest point is Col de Palmente at 1640 m.
Highlights:
- Monte d'Oro (2389 m)
- Monte Calvi (1461 m)
- Ghisoni (665 m)
- Lac de Bastani
- Monte Renoso (2352 m)
Welcome to the more technical, northern section of the GR20. This section starts in Vizzavona (920 m) and ends at Refuge de l'Onda. The highest point is at 2141 m, with a total ascent of 1100 m and a descent of 750 m. The route is 10 km long and takes about 6 hours.
Highlights:
- Canaglia
- Tattone
- Quagno
- Lac d'Oro (1970 m)
- Bocca du Porco (2159 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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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
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)
