North GR20
Find tranquillity on the high mountain ridges
Reach Pointe des Eboulis, the GR20’s apex
Journey amidst the serene forests of Vizzavona
Take in the stunning views of lakes and valleys
Revel in the accomplishment of navigating through Corsica’s rugged terrain
Tackle the toughest part of the GR20
Discover the hidden lakes on top of the Restonica Gorge
Test your balance on the GR20's rocky segments
Take in the views from Corsica's highest peak
Marvel at spectacular sunrises and sunsets along the trail
Reconnect with pristine nature in the valleys
Itinerary
Your adventure will begin in the enchanting forest surrounding Vizzavona. Take a moment to connect with nature, rest up and make sure you have everything you need to start your journey.
Hotel in Vizzavona
Head on out early on your first day. The route will take you on a lead-in trail that emerges near Canaglia, a serene hamlet nestled in the forest. A long day following a mountain torrent, open valleys and dense woodlands will take you to your first overnight stop at Refuge de Pietra Piana.
Refuge di Petra Piana
20km, 1240 elevation gain / 510 elevation loss
A mix of diverse terrains will make this day truly memorable. Though a shorter trek, it’s packed with breathtaking vistas and the natural beauty of the island. Starting from Petra Piana, a brief uphill climb will lead you to a high rocky ridge overlooking the refuge. The path will take you across a mountain col and along a high route, offering spectacular views of Corte, Corsica’s historic capital. As this section is relatively exposed, be wary of the winds. As you reach the small Brèche above Lake Capitello, you should begin your descent to reach the Manganu refuge.
Manganu Refuge
8,5 km, 780 m elevation gain, 1020 m elevation loss
Today’s route takes you through ancient forests and along clear streams. It’s a moderately challenging day that combines scenic beauty with a tangible sense of achievement. The GR20 path inclines gently, providing a relatively easy walk through forests and across areas of green, spongy ground until reaching Lake Nino at an elevation of 1743 metres. From there on, prepare for a panoramic ridge walk towards Col de St Pierre and Col de Vergio where you will spend the night.
Gite Castel di Vergio
16 km, 810 m elevation gain / 780 m elevation loss
Following the Golu valley, the GR20 trail midway crosses a stream and departs from the valley floor, ascending towards the ridge line. This segment will amaze you with unobstructed views of villages along the west coast against the backdrop of the island’s coastline visible in the sea. When you take it all in, you will follow the path to Ciuttolu di I Mori, Corsica’s highest refuge located at 2000 metres, where you can stop for a brief rest before you tackle a sharp descent where caution and technical knowledge are advised.
Refuge Vallone / Tighjettu Refuge
15 km, 810 m elevation gian / 780 m elevation loss
Make sure you are well rested as today includes a demanding high-altitude trek leading up to the foothills of Mt. Cinto, the tallest peak on the island. After several hours you’ll reach Bocca Crucetta, from which a ridge path will take you to the GR20’s apex — ‘Pointe des Eboulis’ at 2607 metres. The stunning panoramic views will make it worth the trouble and give you enough energy for another dramatic descent across challenging scree slopes before concluding in Haut-Asco for a well-deserved rest.
Haut-Asco Hotel or Gite
9 km, 1260 m elevation gain / 1230 m elevation loss
Your last day on the GR20 trail will be marked with another impressive climb to Bocca di Stagnu at the base of Muvrella peak. From here, you will already be able to see the view of Calvi bay, reminding you how close you are to completing your adventure. Feel free to stop at the Carozza refuge before fully descending along the part of Mare e Monti trail, catching a ride to Calvi and completing your journey.
10 km, 700 m elevation gain, 1630 elevation loss
Not enough? Why not spend a few more days here! Extend your holidays with a pre- or post-holiday extension. Accommodation, sightseeing, and activities can be arranged. Add as many extra days to your holiday as you wish.
Want to make some changes?
Self guided
Included in price
Description
Traverse the northern stretch of Europe’s most challenging hike!
This adventure promises a rich tapestry of landscapes, from verdant forests and serene lakes to rugged mountain passes, each step a testament to the hiker’s resilience and passion for the great outdoors. Exploring the north of Corsica is for those trying to get a taste of the iconic GR20 hike, with its alpine ambiance, steep ascents and spectacular views.
Not for the faint of heart, the north section of GR20 is a technically demanding hike across rocky mountains, which requires some experience and knowledge. Rewarding you with incredible panoramas and a sense of accomplishment that will last a lifetime, this segment of the GR20 is rightly labelled as the most beautiful.
Our service streamlines the complex logistics required for this challenging journey. We offer everything from accommodation bookings to comprehensive trail guides and possible luggage transfer services, ensuring a seamless and immersive adventure. This autonomy enables trekkers to explore the path at their preferred speed, backed by our in-depth knowledge and the assistance of our 24/7 support team.
Are you ready?
It’s time to embrace the challenge and set out on an adventure that goes beyond the ordinary.
Map
Start planning today!
Things to know
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.
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.
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.
Self-guided
HASSLE-FREE
UNBEATABLE SUPPORT
EXCEEDING YOUR EXPECTATIONS
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
Similar tours
