GR20 trips
There are many different versions of the GR20 available and one of the most important things to consider with your trek is to make sure that you choose the right version for you and see whether you'd like a guided, self-guided, authentic or comfort version of the hike.
Go it alone or with a local agency?
This will depend on what you really want to do and what you want to include in your trip. If you’d like
a guide and luggage transfers, then it is always worth asking a
local agency what they can offer you. It’s also more convenient if you don’t want to have to make the bookings by phone or by email in French.
Europe Active is a Corsican agency dedicated to
trekking and hiking holidays.
If you’re a real adventurer and really want to build this project from scratch and plan every single detail, then we recommend that you plan your GR20 by yourself. However, if you’re stuck with something, don’t hesitate to contact a local agency or the PNRC to book refuges. The refuges require booking in advance.
Guided GR20
There are many local guides in Corsica, with an AEM qualification delivered from the French state. If you wish to go on a guided trip, note that this qualification is compulsory. Most guides speak French, Corsican and Italian. Not many speak German and English and if they do, make sure to book your trip early with them or to book your trip with a local agency, who hires English-speaking guides.
Guides will usually have excellent knowledge of the Corsican mountains, the local fauna and flora, the history and sometimes even the local legends. They’ll also know the accommodation owners well.
Having a guide with you is a brilliant way to discover Corsican culture and to make sure your trip goes smoothly. If you’re not very experienced, it is also a good opportunity to learn from a professional in the field, who’ll be more than happy to give you tips on walking techniques.
Self-guided GR20
We recommend self-guided versions for experienced mountain walkers who prefer to make sure that they walk the trail at their own pace. You might want to walk faster or slower than usual depending on what you want out of your trip. It’s also a good option if you’re a bit curious and want to go off-track or on that other trail that you’ve heard so much about. For example, why not include a climb up the Monte Cinto or the Monte d’Oro? Or why don’t you explore the magnificent Paglia Orba and the Capu Tafunatu near the refuge Ciottolu a i Mori?
The great thing with a self-guided version is that you’re free to do whatever you want.
Authentic GR20
Authentic (or standard) versions of the GR20 include nights in mountain huts or refuges. These huts are owned and run by the Natural Regional Park of Corsica (PNRC). There are only accessible via trails located in high or low mountain regions. This type of accommodation is not accessible by vehicle. Huts offer very basic accommodation and food (between June and September). They usually have one large dormitory with long wooden bunks, equipped with thick mattresses, where 25-50 people can sleep. Huts sometimes don’t have access to electricity or hot water. Sleeping in a tent is also possible but only near the huts. Sanitary facilities can be limited.
GR20 in comfort
Comfort versions of the GR20 include nights in gîtes, which are privately owned accommodation. Gîtes usually have a few dormitories where 4-6 people can sleep and share a bathroom. They also offer good traditional Corsican meals. Picnics can also be prepared for your walk the next day. Gîte owners really try to offer good, comfortable and clean accommodation, with access to hot water. They also enable walkers to sit in a common area or living room, which is not always the case with huts.
Check all GR20 comfort versions with Europe Active.
GR20 with luggage transfers
A few local agencies offer you luggage transfers in their GR20 packages. These come in really handy if you prefer to walk the trail without having to carry a heavy 25kg pack on your back. Basically, before your walk, you just leave your luggage at the reception and you carry a lightened rucksack. Luggage is then transported directly to the next accessible accommodation so that, when you arrive in the evening, you’ll have access to your main luggage.
Comfort trips with luggage transfer with Europe Active
GR20 with backpack
For purists or hikers that really want to live the challenge of their life, we recommend that they choose without luggage transfers.
Check Europe Active GR20 North trip and GR20 South trip.
