The GR20 traverses the island diagonally following the high granite barrier of mountains that form the natural boundary between the two regions of Corsica. The trail offers some fantastic scenery and an insight into the working mountain community. We reserve your accommodations, which are a variety of camps, refuges, gites or shepherds' cabins, situated in places of exceptional beauty. All meals are prepared for you by your hosts. We are able to get your main luggage bag to you during part of the trek, so you do not have to carry a heavy load. It is a real bonus to take advantage of this and certainly adds to the enjoyment of the walking.

Day 1
In the afternoon, transfer by minibus to the Col de Bavella, passing through the villages of the Alta Rocca. The journey takes approximately 2h30. Time to settle into the gite before the evening meal.

Day 2
Walk along the GR20 alpine variant to pass through the very heart of the Bavella massive. Rose granite needles tower above, a chaotic jumble of granite surrounds you. Descent into Asinau valley.
7km, 5h00, +750m, -550m.

Day 3
Optional ascent to the dramatic summit of Monte Alcudina (2134m). The view is panoramic, you can see your route stretching out ahead. The plateau of Cuscionu, dotted with shepherds cabins that were once the homes of many shepherds’ families.
8km, 3h00, +560m, -560m.

Day 4
You leave Crocce crossing the strikingly green pozzines along a small river. You join the mountain ridge which will lead you to Usciolu refuge. The high airy views are superb.
13km, 5h00, +820m, -600m.

Day 5
This walk offers some great views down across the flat eastern plains and sea lagoons. You follow the ridge before a descent that winds rapidly down in and out of the forest to the Col de Verde.
15km, 6h00, +980m, -1430m.

Day 6
Today the trail leads through a fantastic forest of high pine trees. You walk on the lower flanks of the dominating massif the Monte Retondo to arrive at Capanelle.
13km, 5h00, +650m, -350m.

Day 7
Today the last stage of the southern section of the GR20 follows a long undulating trail past several shepherds’ cabins. We pull uphill to the Col Palmente where we can enjoy views of the east coast and sea lagoons. We head down through a forest on a well graded path to Vizzavona.
15km, 6h00, +250m, -900m.

Start
Inside Ajaccio's ferry terminal at 2 pm.
End
Around 2pm, at the SNCF train station in Vizzavona, after your last hike. Possibilities of catching a train or bus to Ajaccio, Bastia and Calvi.
How to get there
Ajaccio ferry terminal or airport.
Accommodation
Refuge, gite in small communal dormitories, camping in two men tents in the vicinity of shepherds' cabins. If you are doing the GR South and North we offer a night on half board at Vizzavona in the middle of the trek.
Breakfasts and evening meals are served in the accommodations. Picnics are usually a pre-cooked pasta/rice/lentil salad, with extra bread, cheese, meat and fruit.
Number of people
From 2
Level of difficulty
Extremely tough. Although this trek has become more accessible over the last few years. It is still the toughest long distance path in Europe. The GR20 is for walkers who are physically fit and have mountain experience. The paths are very stony with numerous steep uphill sections and descents that are particularly rough under foot. You need to be sure footed and have good endurance. The effective walking time is an indication of how long it will take once you add on the breaks. Walking speed varies enormously, the timings do not take into account stops en route, some days are particularly strenuous.
Guide
Self-guided walking.
Carrying
You will need to carry a back pack that will weigh a minimum of 13 kilos with a capacity of 35-50 litres. You will be carrying your personal gear, storm gear, sleeping bag, 2 litres of water and picnic. You will have access to your main luggage where possible. No access at Asinao and Usciolu.
Price includes
Accommodation on full board, internal transfers, travel dossier with maps and route notes.
Price does not include
Holiday insurance, drinks, lunch on day 1, additional activities, and travel.

Download fact sheet

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•   Gr_South_self_guided.pdf (753.2K)