France
Country
7 days
Duration
Experienced
Difficulty
Hiking
Activity
Half-board with Lunchpack
Board
Yes
Luggage transfer
Classic
Accomodation
Self-guided
Tour type

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Corsican wilderness as we present the mesmerizing GR20 North trail. This extraordinary long-distance hike commences in the picturesque Vizzavona and transports you through a rugged, mountainous wonderland. Brimming with breathtaking landscapes and a formidable reputation as Europe’s finest and most demanding hiking experience, the GR20 North promises an adventure of a lifetime.

Tour Highlights:

  • Mountains – Idyllic Alpine Scenery: Immerse yourself in the splendor of Corsica’s Alpine beauty. The GR20 North is a visual delight, with majestic mountains that will leave you in awe. Traverse through a landscape characterized by stunning vistas, pristine valleys, and dramatic ridges. It’s a true paradise for nature lovers and those seeking to be inspired by the great outdoors.
  • GR20 Vizzavona, Col de Vergio, Bonifatu: The GR20 North is a route adorned with gems like Vizzavona, a charming starting point, and Col de Vergio, known for its commanding presence. Bonifatu adds to the allure with its serene surroundings. These waypoints will offer not only scenic splendors but also moments of tranquility and reflection as you hike through Corsica’s breathtaking terrain.
  • Europe’s Best and Most Challenging: The GR20 North has earned its place as Europe’s finest and most challenging hiking trail. Adventure seekers and experienced trekkers will revel in the demanding nature of the trail, which includes high ridges, deep chasms, and bare granite slopes. It’s a test of your endurance and a journey that will reward you with a profound sense of accomplishment.

The GR20 North invites you to explore a pristine world where every step brings you closer to nature’s wonders. You’ll experience the thrill of conquering Corsica’s mountainous terrain while indulging in the idyllic Alpine scenery. As the best and most challenging long-distance walk in Europe, it’s a badge of honor for avid hikers and a bucket-list adventure for those seeking an unforgettable escape into the heart of the wild. Whether you’re drawn to the breathtaking beauty of the Corsican mountains, the iconic GR20 waypoints, or the prospect of a challenging trek, this is your opportunity to embark on a journey of a lifetime. Get ready to conquer the GR20 North, where rugged landscapes and boundless adventure await.

Services

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
Half board with lunchpack
Luggage transfer*
Service hotline
Printed maps
App

 

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
Flight
Travel insurance

 

Additional information

MonthAugust, July, June, September
1

Day 1: Vizzavona

Vizzavona is the mid way point for the GR20. There is a forest with a small railway station nestled at the heart of it which is a hive of activity for walkers setting out or ˡ nishing up their GR20 treks. At the beginning of the 20th century the hamlet was a popular resort for the English, take the GR20 path towards the beautiful Cascade des Anglais Time and then setle into the accommodation. Gite accommodation in Vizzavona.

2

Day 2: Vizzavona to Petra Piana

The start of this walk is a lead in trail that will come out near to Canaglia, a hamlet in the forest. From here the path follows a mountain torrent with smooth rocks and enticing pools all the way to a shepherd’s cabin set in a grassy clearing, the perfect rest stop at Tolla. The GR20 leaves the forest and continues on, emerging in a beautiful open valley, in total contrast to the ˡ rst part of the walk. Night camping at the simple Petra Piana Refuge.

Tour data:
Distance: 20 km
Up: 1250m
Down: 510m
Time: 8 hours.
Services: No luggage access

Hotel name: Petra Piana refuge

3

Day 3: Petra Piana to Camputile Plateau

From Petra Piana a short uphill section takes you to the high rocky ridge above the refuge. The GR20 crosses a mountain col and continue on the high route, the views are spectacular, with Corte, the island’s historic capital in the distance and a series of wonderful glacier lakes to discover. From the small Brèche above Lake Capitello, plunge downhill to Manganu refuge situated on the edge of the Camputile plateau. Night camping at Manganu Refuge

Hotel: Manganu refuge

Services: No luggage access

Tour data:
Distance: 8.5 km
Up: 610m
Down: 860m
Time: approx 5 hours.
4

Day 4: Camptile Plateau to Col de Vergio

The GR20 leads gently uphill, a relaxing walk through beech woods, and across the green spongy turf to the Lac de Nino. At 1743m this glacier lake is in a lovely bucolic spot, surrounded by spongy peat, with runnels of water, ideal grazing ground for ponies in the summer. From the lake a classic ridge walk leads towards Col de St Pierre with magniˡ cent viewsand the occasional blue glint of the sea. Gite accommodation at Castel di Vergio or Hotel at a supplement.

Hotel: Le Castel di Vergio

Tour data:
Distance: 16 km
Up: 510m
Down: 710m
Time: 6 hours

5

Day 5: Col de Vergio to Melarie Valley

The GR20 trail follows the Golu valley. Mid way up the valley, the GR20 crosses the torrent, and leaves the valley ˢ oor heading up to the ridge line. From here there are clear views of the villages doted on the west coast and the indented outline of the island in the sea. From Ciutolu di I Mori (2000m), the highest refuge in Corsica, between Tafanatu and Paglia Orba, the GR20 falls steeply through a chaos of harsh granite rock and giant pine trees. Night camping at Tighjetu Refuge or Vallone Shepherd’s Cabin.

Hotel: Tighjetu Refuge or Vallone Shepherd’s Cabin

Services: No luggage access

Tour data:
Distance: 14.5 km
Up: 810m
Down: 780m
Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
6

Day 6: Melarie Valley to Haut Asco

Today is a tough, high altitude mountain walk. The GR20 makes its way uphill to the foothills of the Mt Cinto, the highest summit on the island. After a couple of hours, you arrive at Bocca Cruceta, a ridge leads to the ‘Pointe des Eboulis’, 2607m – the highest point on the GR20, the view is amazing. From here, the path literally plunges down to the small lake the other side and the trail continues downhill, across the scree before arriving at the gite or hotel at Haut-Asco.

Hotel: Hotel Le Chalet

Tour data:
Distance: 9 km
Up: 1260m
Down: 1230m
Time: 7 hours

7

Day 7: Haut Asco to Calvi

From Haut Ascu, a superb ascent takes you to Bocca Di Stagnu (2010m) at the foot of the Muvrella (2150m). From Lake Muvrella the view over Calvi bay is incredible. After Carozza refuge, you continue the descent to Bonifatu. Transfer to Calvi where you ˡ nish your trek.

Services: transfer to Calvi

Tour data:
Distance: 10 km
Up: 700m
Down: 1630m
Time: 6 hours and 30 minutes

Equipment and clothing to bring for Alpine hikes and runs
We’ve compiled a list of essential items you’ll need to take on your adventure in the Great Outdoors. While each trip has its own minimum requirements, we have split the list into “need-to-have” and “nice-to-haves”.

Need to have:

Lightweight, waterproof shell
Sunscreen with a high factor
Smartphone with a relevant trip app and a WhatsApp and code number for your local representative
Survival blanket
Thin hat, cap, and thin gloves (merino or similar)
Daypack for hiking (tours with luggage transport)
Duffel bag or similar (trips with luggage transport) — DO NOT pack in suitcases.
30 L rucksack on trips up to six days (without luggage transport)
40 L rucksack on trips of more than six days (without luggage transport)
Quick-drying inner layer
Shorts (quick drying)
Technical t-shirt (quick drying)
Fleece sweater for cool evenings
A pair of comfortable jogging bottoms or similar for the cabins
Good mountain shoes — trail running shoes or hiking boots
Light towel
Water bottle (1.5 L)
A pair of thick socks or light slippers (you can often borrow a pair in the cabins)
Sunglasses
A few energy bars, fruits or similar snacks for the trip
Sheet liner — can also be purchased on-site (only if you are staying in a dormitory)
Small first aid kit
Comped or similar
Sleeping bag (on selected tours)

Nice to have:

Walking poles
Power bank
Chocolate
Sandals for the cabins
Plastic bags to keep things dry

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