On the trail of the GR20 North

Your GR20 adventure begins in Calenzana, a small Balagne village surrounded by olive groves and the traditional starting point of Corsica’s famous long-distance hiking trail. This morning, your taxi driver will meet you in Calvi and transfer you to the trailhead in Calenzana.

From the village, the trail gradually gains altitude as you make your way towards the Bonifatu Forest. The route takes you through the rugged landscapes of northern Corsica, with beautiful views over the surrounding Balagne villages along the way. This first stage is a great introduction to the GR20, allowing you to gradually immerse yourself in the spectacular scenery and mountain atmosphere of Corsica.

On reaching Bonifatu, settle into your mountain lodge and enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by the forest.

Approx. 11 km – 4 hours of hiking
Elevation gain: +700 m / descent: -450 m

Dinner and overnight stay at the Bonifatu mountain lodge. Breakfast and a packed lunch are provided for the following day.

Leaving the Bonifatu Forest behind, you embark on one of the most demanding and spectacular stages of the GR20. The trail quickly gains altitude, leading through a rugged mountain environment with several river crossings along the way.

One of the highlights of the day is the famous Spasimata footbridge, followed by the route towards the Muvrella Valley, named after the Corsican mouflon. A small mountain lake lies at the heart of this impressive landscape, surrounded by rocky peaks and unspoilt wilderness. Magnificent views unfold throughout the hike as you make your way deeper into Corsica’s high mountains.

The trail then continues through this dramatic mountain scenery before reaching Haut Asco, a former ski resort nestled in the Cinto mountain range. This long and challenging stage is a true immersion into the wild landscapes of the northern GR20.

Approx. 9.5 km – 8 hours of hiking
Elevation gain: +1,300 m / descent: -598 m

Dinner and overnight stay at the Haut Asco mountain lodge. Breakfast and a packed lunch are provided for the following day.

Leaving Haut Asco behind, you continue your journey through the high mountains of Corsica towards Vallone. To bypass the currently closed Cirque de la Solitude, the route crosses the slopes of Monte Cinto before reaching the Pointe des Éboulis at 2,607 metres, the highest point on the GR20.

This challenging ascent is rewarded with breathtaking views across Corsica’s rugged peaks and valleys. You then begin the descent towards the small Mélarie Valley, a remote and peaceful area where you may be lucky enough to spot Corsican mouflon in their natural habitat.

At the end of the stage, you reach Vallone and its traditional shepherd’s hut, set beside a mountain stream in an unspoilt natural setting. Spend the evening surrounded by the tranquillity of the mountains and, weather permitting, enjoy an unforgettable view of the Corsican night sky.

Approx. 9 km – 8 hours of hiking
Elevation gain: +1,200 m / descent: -800 m

Dinner and overnight stay in a tent at Vallone. Breakfast and a packed lunch are provided for the following day.

Today, your GR20 journey takes you through the Niolu, a spectacular mountain region in the heart of Corsica known for its rugged landscapes and authentic character.

The trail passes beneath the imposing peaks of Paglia Orba and Capu Tafunatu, two of the most recognisable landmarks in this section of the GR20. In clear weather, the high points of the route reveal breathtaking views stretching as far as the Gulf of Porto. You then descend towards the Golo Valley, following a remote and wonderfully unspoilt section of the Corsican mountains.

Along the way, a series of natural rock pools offers the perfect opportunity for a refreshing break before you continue towards Vergio and your mountain accommodation.

Approx. 14 km – 6 hours 15 minutes of hiking
Elevation gain: +975 m / descent: -1,020 m

Dinner and overnight stay at the Vergio mountain lodge. Breakfast and a packed lunch are provided for the following day.

After a relatively gentle start, the GR20 gradually leads you higher into the Corsican mountains. You cross the Bocca San Pedru mountain pass, where the scenery suddenly opens up. On a clear day, the Mediterranean coastline comes into view, stretching across the horizon above the deep blue waters.

On the opposite side of the pass, a remarkable glacial cirque reveals one of the great natural highlights of the Corsican mountains. The trail reaches Lake Nino, one of the most iconic landscapes along the GR20. Surrounded by pozzines – distinctive wet mountain meadows found in Corsica’s highlands – the lake creates a peaceful setting where wild horses roam freely. Keep your eyes open and you may be lucky enough to spot them grazing around the lake.

The route then continues across the high mountain landscape towards Manganu Refuge, your accommodation for the night.

Approx. 16 km – 6 hours of hiking
Elevation gain: +870 m / descent: -689 m

Overnight stay at Manganu Refuge. Dinner, breakfast and a packed lunch can be purchased directly at the refuge.

Today’s stage begins with a steep and rocky ascent towards the Brèche de Capitellu. As you climb higher, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic. From the mountain pass, you are rewarded with magnificent views over Lake Melu and Lake Capitellu, set among the rugged peaks of the upper Restonica Valley.

The trail then continues towards Bocca Muzella at an altitude of 2,206 metres. After reaching this high point, you descend towards a small mountain plateau where Petra Piana Refuge comes into view, surrounded by the striking rocky landscapes of this section of the GR20.

Although relatively short, this is a demanding stage with some of the most impressive mountain scenery of your GR20 trek.

Approx. 8.5 km – 6 hours of hiking
Elevation gain: +670 m / descent: -465 m

Overnight stay at Petra Piana Refuge. Dinner, breakfast and a packed lunch can be purchased directly at the refuge.

Today’s shorter stage offers a spectacular high-altitude traverse between the Monte Rotondo and Monte d’Oro mountain ranges. The trail follows an airy and panoramic route, with wide views across the surrounding valleys and rugged Corsican peaks.

A few sections can become more challenging in strong winds, although an alternative route is available if conditions require it. On a clear day, the views extend all the way to the Gulf of Ajaccio, creating a striking contrast between the dramatic mountain scenery and the Mediterranean Sea.

After this scenic mountain walk, you reach Onda Refuge, where you spend the night surrounded by the peaceful landscapes of Corsica’s interior.

Approx. 7 km – 4 hours 30 minutes of hiking
Elevation gain: +560 m / descent: -965 m

Overnight stay in a tent at Onda Refuge. Dinner is provided. Breakfast and a packed lunch can be purchased directly at the refuge.

Your final stage in the northern section of the GR20 takes you through a beautiful combination of rugged mountain scenery and Corsica’s lush forests. Leaving Onda Refuge, you enter the magnificent Agnone Valley, overlooked by the slopes of Monte d’Oro.

The trail follows a wild and unspoilt landscape towards the Turtettu footbridge. Further on, you reach the famous English Cascades, a series of waterfalls and natural pools flowing through the forest of Vizzavona. From here, the route continues to Vizzavona, a key point on the GR20 marking the transition between the northern and southern sections of the trail.

A memorable way to complete this amazing week.

Approx. 10 km – 5 hours 30 minutes of hiking
Elevation gain: +630 m / descent: -1,140 m

Dinner and overnight stay at the Vizzavona mountain lodge. Breakfast is provided for the following day.

End of your GR20 adventure in Vizzavona, Corsica, you can reach Calvi, Ajaccio and Bastia by train.