North GR20

This North section of the GR20 hike starts in Vizzavona, which is often considered the halfway point between the north and south section.

Vizzavona is accessible by train as the main train line crosses Corsica diagonally. If you arrive at Ajaccio airport, you can catch a direct train to Vizzavona. Same goes if you arrive at Bastia Airport.

Your North GR20 route will end in Calenzana, from where you can catch a ride to Calvi.

A lot of hikers choose to hitchhike from Calenzana to Calvi, but there are generally taxis and buses available, waiting to take hikers back to the city.

You can choose to add extra days to your trip and relax after your hike, or you can head straight to the Calvi airport, from which you can return to the mainland.

From June through September is the prime time for trekking the GR20. In June, hikers you enjoy moderate temperatures and the lowest likelihood of encountering snow in the north. The months of July and August introduce warmer weather, requiring an early morning start to beat the heat. September, meanwhile, presents cooler temperatures but with an increased possibility of stormy weather.

Our tours have been classified on a difficulty scale ranging from 1 to 5, with 1 representing the least challenging and 5 indicating the most strenuous.

This rating system gives an idea of the physical fitness required and the amount of hiking involved. The majority of our tours are suitable for individuals who engage in regular physical activity and are capable of hiking for approximately five to seven hours each day.f

The term "technical difficulty" refers to the level of skill needed to navigate the trail. A rating of 1 suggests the path is even and broad (similar to a gravel road), whereas a rating of 5 indicates the trail is rough and narrow, possibly requiring the use of hands for progress. Essentially, a higher rating necessitates greater agility and proficiency in climbing or scrambling techniques.

Regardless of the time you decide to embark on the GR20 hike, be prepared to face a variety of weather conditions. It's common to experience a diverse range of temperatures within a single day, including thunderstorms, cold, fog, heat, and sunshine. To ensure you're equipped for any situation, it's crucial to bring suitable gear and clothing for the season. Keep an eye out for weather alerts and consult with refuge guardians each morning before taking on a new segment of the route.

Although some accommodations might provide blankets in pillows, you should still pack a sleeping bag. To help you figure out what to pack, we have created a special packing list for the GR20.

The GR20 is certainly one of the hardest long distance walks out there, partially due to its location. When evaluating your fitness level before taking on the full GR20 hike, you should keep in mind that it is a relatively remote trail stretching through the very centre of Corsica, making it difficult to stop the hike before reaching the halfway point in Vizzavona. Once there, you can choose to end your hike early and be proud of yourself for what you've accomplished.

If you can't continue the tour due to an injury, it is best to call the local emergency services, available at the 112 number. If you are near one of the refuges, you can also ask the refuge guardian for assistance.

The GR20 is a very popular hike with a relatively short season and is estimated that over 10.000 hikers hike the trail every year. Due to limited spatial availability in most of the refuges (most of them have a capacity of roughly 35 indoor sleeping options), it is advised that you book your tour early as accommodations along the route tend to fill up quickly. We would recommend you book the tour a couple of months in advance, preferably before winter if you are planning your hike in the following year.