Here's our advice on how to prepare for the GR20, Corsica's most legendary hike.
What is the GR20? Why do it?
The GR20 is a long-distance hiking trail, requiring several days to complete in its entirety, and is marked by the Fédération Française de Randonnée. Of course, you can also choose to do just one or several stages of one of Corsica's most beautiful walks.
The GR 20 crosses Corsica from north to south, passing through the Corsican Regional Nature Park, where you'll be invited to limit your ecological footprint. It's one of France's most legendary long-distance hikes, but also by far the most difficult, due to its steep gradients and technical nature.
Detailed GR20 itinerary
Follow our advice below to prepare for the GR20 according to the official itinerary, which is detailed in 16 stages.
How do I get to the starting point?
Depending on whether you start the route from the north or south, there are two starting points for the GR20:
- Calenzana (north): the two nearest airports are Calvi and Bastia, with flights less than 2 hours from Paris. You'll then have to hitchhike to Calvi, just outside Calenzana, by bus, train or cab.
- Conca (south): the two nearest airports are Ajaccio and Figari. There are then options for reaching Conca by environmentally-friendly means of transport, including a direct bus from Figari airport or a shuttle service provided by the Tourist Office from Porto-Vecchio. From Ajaccio, take the shuttle first to Porto-Vecchio.
A third starting point is in Vizzavona, halfway along the route, so you can complete only half of the GR20.
From Calenzana to Ortu di u Piobbu
- Distance : 10.5 km
- Elevation gain : 1 360
Starting from Calenzana, which is not far from beautiful beaches, you'll begin this first difficult stage with its steep gradient. It takes 6 hrs 30 mins to walk, or 5 hrs downhill from the south.
From Ortu di u Piobbu to Carrozzu
- Distance: 6.5 km
- Elevation gain : 780 m
This stage is slightly more downhill than uphill, and takes around 7 h, or 5 h if you take it from the south.
From Carozzu to Ascu-Stagnu
- Distance: 7.8 km
- Difference in altitude : 790 m
The stage between Carozzu and Ascu-Stagnu is one of the most most beautiful things to see in Haute-Corsethanks to its superb scenery and, in particular, the Spasimata footbridge. Although a little easier than the previous two, it's still a tough 6-hour walk, or 4 hours 45 minutes if you go the other way.
Ascu-Stagnu to Tighettu
- Distance: 7.9 km
- Difference in altitude : 1 220 m
Among our tips for preparing the GR 20, please note that this isone of the most difficult stages of the trail. An alternative path takes you to the summit of Monte Cinto, the highest point on the island at 2,706 m, and adds an extra 1 h 30 of difficult walking. The official stage requires an 8-hour walk in either direction.
From Tighjettu to Ciottulu di i Mori
- Distance: 6.5 km
- Elevation gain : 620 m
This fairly easy stage requires a 4-hour walk in either direction.
From Ciottulu di i Mori to Manganu
- Distance: 22.7 km
- Difference in altitude : 650 m
Although this is a long stage, it's fairly easy, and will take 8 hrs either way.
Manganu to Petra Piana
- Distance: 8.5 km
- Difference in altitude : 830 m
First climb to the Capitello breach, at 2,270 m altitude. This is a rather difficult stage, requiring around 6 hours each way.
From Petra Piana to Onda
- Distance: 10 km
- Difference in altitude : 490 m
There are two options for this stage: the official route through the valley, or a more alpine and more difficult stage, but one that also offers landscapes perfect for hiking.
Onda to Vizzavona (half of the route)
- Distance: 10.8 km
- Elevation gain : 851 m
This stage consists of a fairly steep climb for the first third, followed by a gentler descent for the remainder of the route. Allow around 6 hrs each way.
From Vizzavona to Capannelle
- Distance: 15, 8 km
- Difference in altitude : 890 m
The stage takes around 5 hours in either direction.
Capannelle to Prati
- Distance: 20 km
- Difference in altitude : 911 m
Once again, this is a stage with a variation, as an alternative itinerary allows you to enjoy all the beauty of Corsica by climbing to the summit of Monte Renoso. This alternative route takes 8 h, while the official route takes 6 h.
Prati to Usciolu
- Distance : 10.8 km
- Difference in altitude : 700 m
This magnificent stage allows you to discover all the beauty of Corse-du-Sud. Allow around 6 hrs in either direction.
Usciolu to Matalza
- Distance : 10.9 km
- Difference in altitude : 290 m
This stage and the next used to be one longer stage, now split into two. Hardy riders can therefore complete it in one go. The official stage lasts around 5 h in either direction.
Matalza to Asinau
- Distance: 9.7 km
- Elevation gain : 625 m
This stage is quite short, as it used to be associated with the previous one before being split in two. Allow 4 hours each way.
Asinau to Paliri
- Distance: 14.2 km
- Elevation gain : 415 m
Once again, this stage includes an alpine variant to reach the famous Aiguilles de Bavella. The alpine variant takes 5 hrs 30 mins, compared with 6 hrs 30 mins for the official route.
Paliri to Conca
- Distance : 13 km
- Difference in altitude : 180
Allow 5 hrs, or 6 hrs 30 if you start in Conca. Afterwards, you'll have completed your GR20 and deservedly enjoyed a swim on Corsica's most beautiful beaches!
Practical tips for hiking the GR20
To organize your hike in complete safety, follow our advice on preparing for the GR20.
What equipment do I need for the GR20, and what should I pack in my rucksack?
To be well prepared for this route in Corsica, take along :
- Good hikingboots
- Lightbackpack
- Hiking poles
- Warmtechnical clothing, even in summer due to the altitude
- Lightsleeping bag
- Water bottle
- Headlamp
- First-aid kit
How do I prepare physically for the GR20?
An essential tip for preparing for the GR20 is not to omit physical preparation. Enjoying Corsica as a hiking destination is well worth the effort, as it takes 2 to 3 months of physical preparation. At weekends, you'll spend one or two days hiking in the mountains, followed by weight training during the week, accompanied by regular walking.
What expenses do I need to anticipate?
Bivouacs are forbidden on the GR20, but it is possible to sleep in tents in dedicated areas around refuges. Otherwise, refuges allow you to sleep on site, and also offer meals costing between €15 and €20. Breakfasts cost between €8 and €10. However, some hikers choose to complete the GR20 in total autonomy, sleeping in their own tent at the foot of the refuges and bringing their own food. Even though they add a considerable weight, they limit their expenses considerably. In your budget, don't forget to take into account transport to and from the starting and finishing points.
When is the best time to do the GR20?
June is an excellent time to do the GR20, as the days are longest and the weather is already warm, but the trail is not as busy as in July and August.
