GR20 Southern Half (from North to South)

From the airy ridge around the refuge, this long day leads from jagged granite to the grazing lands of the Cuscionu plateau and back into serious mountains again. The morning follows high ground with sea views in clear weather, before dropping to wide, marshy meadows where ponies and cows roam between streams. Later, a steady climb brings you onto the shoulder of Monte Incudine (2,134 m), followed by a final descent towards the remote shepherd country around the next refuge.

From the buildings a cairned path follows the crest over Punta di l’Usciolu and Punta Scaddatta (1,834 m), with early glimpses of the Tyrrhenian coast. After Bocca di l’Usciolu (1,805 m) the terrain becomes gentler and the trail drops towards the Cuscionu plateau, crossing springs and wet grassy hollows. Passing bergeries and low stone walls, you wander among scattered pines and free roaming animals while the skyline of Monte Incudine slowly grows ahead.

Near Bocca Stazzunara (2,021 m) the path swings onto rough slabs and begins a sharper descent, with views stretching to the Aiguilles de Bavella. Stony zigzags lead across gullies and patches of maquis before the gradient finally eases. The buildings of the refuge and surrounding bergeries appear on a grassy shoulder above the Asinao valley, a relaxed place to soak tired feet in the stream and watch the sun drop behind Monte Incudine.

From the Refuge d'Asinau, you leave the rugged, high mountains behind as you head southeast along a beautiful, varied route. First, the path descends into the valleys below the slopes of Monte Incudine (2,134 m) before climbing up to the Bavella Pass (1,218 m). As you continue, you will catch more and more glimpses of the jagged Aiguilles de Bavella and, in the distance, the sea. By the time you reach the Refuge d'I Paliri, it will feel as though you have crossed a long mountain ridge.

From the hut, you will descend via rocky paths and low pine trees, crossing multiple mountain streams. You will lose altitude via undulating terrain as you descend past gorges, waterfalls, and viewpoints towards the valley, surrounded by the Aiguilles de Bavella. Next, you will climb briefly through the forest and across open slopes to the village of Bavella and its col. Here, you will briefly pass terraces, a chapel and crowds before retreating back into tranquillity.

After Bavella, the path becomes gentler and you follow a varied route through pine forests, passing granite formations, ponds and vistas of the islands. Small ascents and descents will take you past viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the peaks and the sea. Finally, the Refuge d'I Paliri comes into view, nestled on a balcony surrounded by rounded rocks and parasol pines. Here, you can rest and admire the views from the hut.

As you leave the rocky cirque of the Refuge de Paliri behind, you begin your final undulating descent towards the sea. Jagged peaks gradually shrink from view behind you while the blue of the Mediterranean gradually comes into view on the horizon. The route winds from granite slabs into a pine forest filled with the scent of maquis, swapping cliffs and ridges for warm air and birdsong. By the time you reach Conca, the remote world of the GR20 trail appears to be perched high above you.

The trail starts with a mostly flat, stony descent between sculpted granite blocks, contouring beneath rounded towers and scattered pines. A short but steep ascent brings you close to Punta di Monte Sordu (1,117 m), after which you drop into a forest. Here, you follow earthy paths and the occasional rocky step past clear streams, ponds, and small waterfalls. Short, gentle climbs break up the descent and offer final balcony views of Corsica’s central ridge and the distant coastline.

Lower down, the terrain softens into wider tracks lined with trees, heather, and cistus. Old walls, terraces and the first houses signal your approach to Conca. A final stretch along lanes leads into the village, where inviting cafés and fountains beckon you to pause. Now is the time to look back at the mountains and celebrate the end of your journey.