Trekking in Corsica - GR20

This vacation begins in Ajaccio, the first transfer takes you directly up to Bavella, where you check in to your first accommodation. The region is known as Alta Rocca and Bavella is one of the most famous peaks on the island, known for its high mountain pass and mystical summits. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours. 

Accommodation in Bavella

From the high and mighty mountain pass, Col de Bavella, you take the route called the alpine variant. It leads up a steep slope before passing at the base of several granite peaks, such as Acellu, Ariettu or Vacca. It is truly a fantastic ridge walk. The trail is quite rough underfoot and also equipped with a chain that helps stability over the granite rocks. 

Accommodation in Asinau

You ascend to the magnificent ridge line of Monte Alcudina, whose summit reaches a proud height of 2134 meters. From here you are treated to a fantastic view and on a clear day you can see your route far ahead of you. You then descend towards the famous Cuscione plateau. This is the island's largest plateau spreading over approximately 50 square kilometers. This large wild space is a mixture of forests and open green landscape full of streams and fantastic pastureland during the summer months. 

Accommodation in Coscione

Today you take up the trail on the plateau and cross the wide open green pastures with their streams and small water holes. You make your way up through an ancient forest of dwarf oaks up to Col de l'Agnone. From here you possibly begin one of the best hikes, the trail is ambitious and it is hard to imagine that there is a way through. The trail tumbles back and forth over the ridge, from one side then to the other. 

Accommodation in Usciolu

This hike offers some truly special landscapes with fantastic views. From the refuge you continue along the ridge that separates the Taravo valley and Fiumorbu. The trail plunges down towards Col de Laparo. You pass the GR shelter, Prati (1820m). It is worth stopping to enjoy the airy view over the roof of the island and enjoy the lush terrain. It is sometimes possible to see the islands of Elba and Monte Cristo. The descent winds quickly in and out of the forest to your destination at Col de Verde. 

Accommodation in Col de Verde

The trail today is gently undulating and extends mainly through pine forest. These majestic tall straight lariccio pines with silver-smooth bark are a symbol of the island. Today's walk passes mainly along the flanks of the dominating mountain, Monte Renosu. A steeper section leads us to the small shepherd village of Traghjette. There is only one shepherd living here now following the older lifestyle of transhumance and producing cheese. A final short hike before you arrive at a ridge where you can see your stop for the night - the huts in Capanelle, which is a low-key ski resort in winter. 

Accommodation in Capanelle

This is the final stage on the southern part of the GR20, the hike gives you a calm day. You leave Capanelle and take a path that is more or less on the same level and along easy terrain. You pass by distant traditional stone huts and lush vegetation. You continue to Bocca Palmente, from where the view on a clear day is exceptional, at Monte d'Oro and the Rotondu tower above. You hike down into a thick forest of pine and beech trees for a relaxing descent, the trail runs back and forth and winds down to Vizzavona in the middle of the GR20. 

Accommodation in Vizzavona

Today is the first stage on the northern part of the GR20. The start of the hike depends on where your first night has been booked. You give yourself a slow, steady climb to Brèche de Muratellu. The path leads along Cascade des Anglais up to Muratellu, with fantastic views over Monte Rotondu before descending to L'Onda refuge. 

Accommodation in L'Onda

The high route follows the ridge, via the summit of Pinzi Corbini, to Petra Piana refuge. This is a short but challenging hike, steep and exposed. In bad weather there is an alternative in the lower valley. 

Accommodation in Petra Piana

From Petra Piana a short uphill takes you to the high ridge above the refuge. The trail is rocky, almost moon-like. The view is spectacular, with Corte, the island's historic capital in the distance and a series of wonderful glacial lakes to discover. From Brèche above Capitello lake you hike downhill to Manganu refuge which lies on the edge of the Camputile plateau. The shepherd's hut Vaccaghja lies 20 minutes further away across the plateau. 

Accommodation in Camputile

The GR20 is well marked and leads gently uphill, a relaxing hike through beech forest and over the green grass to Lac de Nino. Here you can make a morning stop to have a snack and relax by the lake. At 1743m this glacial lake lies in a lovely location, surrounded by spongy peat, with streams and springs, perfect pastureland for ponies and other animals in summer. The air is fresh, colored with the scent of alder and the fragrance from the high mountains. From the lake a classic hike leads along a high ridge with magnificent views and you can glimpse the sea. 

Accommodation in Col de Vergio

Following the GR20 you go to Radule, a mass of stone huts that are camouflaged against the mountain. In the middle of the valley your route crosses the torrent, a good place to take a break on the soft sun-baked rocks and a dip for the brave. The trail briefly leaves the valley bottom and goes up to the ridge edge. From here there are clear views over the villages dotted on the west coast and the island's indented contour in the sea. You can enjoy a high, alpine environment; these massifs are home to the wild mountain mouflon (a wild sheep). From the refuge you make your way towards Col de Foggiale. From the pass the GR20 falls steeply downward, a fantastic descent through a chaos of hard granite rock and large old pines. 

Accommodation in Melarie Valley

Today is a tough mountain hike at high altitude. You make your way upward towards the foot of Monte Cinto, the highest peak on the island. The climb is steep, rocky and slow. After a couple of hours you arrive at Bocca Crucetta, a ridge leads to the intimidating "Pointe des Eboulis" at 2607m. This is the highest point on the GR20, the view is completely spectacular. From here the path literally plunges down to the small lake on the other side. The trail continues downhill, the mountain, cliffs and stark interior give way to a river and forest as you approach the old ski station Haut-Asco. 

Accommodation in Haut Asco

From Haut Ascu a fantastic climb takes you to Bocca Di Stagnu (2010m) at the foot of Muvrella (2150m). From Lake Muvrella the view over Calvi bay is incredible. After Carozza refuge you continue the descent to Bonifatu. And after this adventure the journey is unfortunately over.