> Complete the southern half of the GR20
> Spend your nights in mountain huts
> Enjoy the beautiful Plateau de Coscione
The GR20, also known as fra li Monti, is a GR (Grande Randonnée) hiking trail that crosses the Mediterranean island of Corsica and runs roughly from north to south. The whole route is about 180 km long with an altitude difference of 12,000 m. Widely regarded as one of the toughest GR routes, this trail challenges hikers with its rugged, technical terrain.
Why both ways?
You can walk the GR20 in either direction, north to south, or south to north. The full trek takes 15 days. However, if you want to do a shorter version of the trek, you can do so. The GR20 can be divided into the northern and the southern half. The southern half is 7 days long and starts from Conca. Instead of going all the way to Calenzana, you will finish your adventure in Vizzavona. You can also do it the other way around, starting from Vizzavona and ending in Conca. The southern section of the GR20 is lighter than the northern section, which is considered the toughest half. If you want to get a taste of the GR20 but you prefer a quieter and lighter trek, the southern half of the GR20 is a great option.
Camping: during this trek, you can also spend the night at camping sites. Contact our trekking experts to find out more about this option!
The route starts in Conca, a village surrounded by stone houses with stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. It then quickly heads into the Corsican hills. After a long ascent through maquis and pine forest, the first of the inland peaks come into view as the route gradually gains height. The day concludes at the secluded Paliri Refuge, nestled on a rocky outcrop beneath soaring granite pinnacles.
Leaving Conca, the path climbs through forests and small orchards, passing patches of holm oak and cistus and crossing several shaded streams. Further up, the landscape becomes increasingly rocky, and the trail winds over granite slabs. As you go along, you will come across springs, natural balconies with stunning views of the eastern coast, and a small natural pool which is perfect for a relaxing break. You will also catch glimpses of imposing peaks such as Punta Monte Sordu (1,171 m) and Monte Bracciutu (974 m), which indicate that the final push to the refuge is approaching.
From there, a nearly level traverse and a final stretch through pines and granite blocks will lead you directly to the hut. The building stands on a terrace overlooking the sea and the nearby spires, creating a true Mediterranean high-mountain atmosphere. Here, you will find rocky terraces from which to watch the sunset.
This route links the secluded Paliri refuge with the remote Asinau Refuge, passing through the granite heart of southern Corsica. It features pine forests, rocky ridges, and views of the Bavella spire, with the Monte Incudine (2,134 m) massif dominating the horizon at the end of the day.
The undulating trail ascends amid pine forests and granite boulders, offering natural balconies with views of the horizon. After skirting several rocky pinnacles, the trail descends into shaded ravines, where small streams and ponds provide welcome rest spots. It then climbs again through a fragrant forest, passing through clearings with views of nearby and distant summits, until it reaches the famous Bavella Pass (1,220 m), located beneath the spectacular Aiguilles de Bavella. This is a great spot for resting and taking pictures!
From the halfway point, the route descends to the lowest point of the day. It passes Crête de Pargulu and several viewpoints and streams before a final, long, intense ascent to the hut. The path then turns and crosses stony slopes and pastures, where herds of cattle and semi-wild horses are often seen.
A final ascent along a narrow, rocky path through the woods leads to a broad ridge dominated by Monte Incudine, where the Asinau Refuge can be seen. Here, you can enjoy open views of the valleys and relax in comfortable surroundings.
This stage links the Asinau Refuge, perched high above the valley, with the Matalza Refuge on a pastoral plateau. After climbing steeply to the crest of Monte Incudine, the landscape opens up to reveal views of the mountain and the peaks of southern Corsica. This is followed by a long and varied descent, crossing meadows, forests and river valleys, before reaching wide pastures where cows and horses graze freely.
From the refuge, the trail ascends stony slopes to reach the ridge above the Chiralba Pass (1,790 m), which is the highest point of the day. Here, there are stunning views of the Aiguilles de Bavella and the island’s interior. The descent then begins through a green valley of pines and beeches, crossing clear streams and passing old sheepfolds. In summer, you can cool off in natural pools and rock slides.
Further down, the path becomes gentler as it enters an area of soft pastures and stone walls, where the first shepherds' huts appear. A final, almost level stretch leads directly to the Matalza Refuge, which sits on a wide, grassy plain offering sweeping views of the Monte Incudine massif. Here, you will find a very peaceful setting.
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. Well done!
