GR20 Corsica Trek
6 Days 5 Nights
The Essence of Corsica’s Legendary Trail From Vizzavona to Conca
This 6-day journey captures the very best of the southern GR20, offering a powerful mountain experience in a shorter timeframe. Starting in Vizzavona and finishing in Conca, the route follows high ridgelines, granite peaks, alpine plateaus, and fragrant Mediterranean maquis, revealing the dramatic contrast that makes Corsica so unique.
The southern section of the GR20 is slightly less technical than the north but remains a serious mountain trek, with long days, sustained elevation changes, and exposed ridge walking. Optional summit ascents — including Monte Renosu and Monte Alcudina — add adventure for those seeking an extra challenge.
With nights spent in mountain refuges and gîtes, hearty local meals, and expert guidance throughout, this trek is ideal for fit hikers who want a true taste of the GR20 without committing to the full traverse.
A compact, demanding, and deeply rewarding adventure — this is the GR20 distilled into six unforgettable days.
Trip Overview
Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Difficulty: ★★★★☆ (4 / 5) — Challenging
Key Difficulty Factors:
Technical Terrain: Rocky, uneven paths, steep ascents/descents, scree, and sections with chains and ladders, especially in the northern section.
Physical Demands: 6–8 hours of hiking daily carrying a weighted pack.
Mental Fortitude: Navigating loose rocks, landslides, strong winds, and sudden storms requires focus and adaptability.
Weather: Mountain conditions can change rapidly, with rain, fog, or even snow possible at higher altitudes.
Logistics: Basic mountain huts and campsites may be crowded, and some remote gîtes are more rustic.
Accommodation: Mountain huts
Season: July – October
The GR20 demands excellent physical fitness, mental resilience, and prior mountain trekking experience.
What Makes This Trek Special
A condensed southern GR20 experience — perfect for limited time
Dramatic granite ridges, alpine plateaus, and maquis landscapes
Optional ascents of iconic peaks such as Monte Renosu and Monte Alcudina
Spectacular ridge-top views across Corsica and toward the sea
Authentic nights in mountain refuges and gîtes
A legendary finish at Conca, the official end of the GR20
Camping Style
This trek primarily uses gîtes and mountain huts along the GR20 route. Most huts offer beds, blankets, and hot showers, while some more remote shelters provide basic dormitory-style sleeping arrangements with shared facilities. Nights can be cold, especially at higher altitudes, so hikers should bring warm sleeping layers. Luggage is transported between huts, allowing you to hike with a light daypack containing personal items and essentials for the day.
Food
Breakfasts, dinners, and gourmet trail picnics are provided daily. Meals highlight local Corsican ingredients, including cured meats, cheeses, fresh bread, and seasonal produce. Food is hearty and designed to restore energy after long hiking days. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated if requested in advance. Huts may have limited snacks or drinks available for purchase.
Facilities
Gîtes and huts vary in amenities. Most offer hot showers, toilets, and simple indoor spaces, while some high-mountain shelters have more basic facilities, often without running water or electricity. Power outlets and mobile signal are limited, and internet is usually unavailable on the trail. Be prepared for rustic conditions in remote sections.
Trail Conditions
The GR20 covers varied and rugged terrain:
Rocky ridges, scree slopes, steep ascents and descents
Narrow paths and alpine passes with chains and ladders
Potential hazards like loose rocks, landslides, or slippery surfaces after rain
Hiking poles and sturdy boots are highly recommended. Trails in the northern section are more technical and exposed, while the southern section features slightly gentler gradients, though still challenging.
Experience Level
High. This trek is suitable only for experienced and physically fit hikers. Participants should be comfortable with:
Multi-day trekking at altitude
Long days (6–8 hours) carrying a weighted pack
Technical sections with exposure to heights
Adapting to variable mountain conditions
No technical climbing skills are required, but a solid background in alpine hiking is essential.
Weather & Environment
Mountain weather is unpredictable. Expect rapid changes: cold mornings, warm afternoons, rain, fog, or even snow at higher altitudes. Temperatures vary significantly between night and day, and strong winds can occur along ridges. Layered clothing and waterproof gear are essential.
Pack Weight
A light daypack is recommended, containing personal essentials, water, snacks, a camera, and weather-appropriate clothing. Shared luggage is transported between huts, minimizing load while hiking. Carry only what you need for the day to stay agile on technical terrain.
Respect for Nature
The GR20 passes through protected natural areas. Hikers are expected to follow Leave No Trace principles:
Carry out all waste and litter
Respect flora and fauna
Stay on marked trails
Follow local guidelines and ranger instructions
This ensures the trail remains pristine for future adventurers and protects the unique Corsican ecosystem.
What’s Included
- ✔ Experienced local mountain guide
- ✔ Support team & luggage transport
- ✔ Accommodation in tents or Hut as per itinerary
- ✔ All meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch packed, Dinner)
- ✔ Showers as per itinerary
- ✔ Airport transfer
- ✔ Summit guidance
- ✔ Trekking permits & local fees
What’s Not Included
- ✕ International flights + France to Corsica
- ✕ Travel insurance (mandatory)
- ✕ Personal trekking gear
- ✕ Drinks & personal snacks
- ✕ Tips for guides & team (optional)
- ✕ Personal expenses in Corsica
- ✕ Any service not specifically listed in the itinerary
Trip Itinerary
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Meet in the late afternoon at Vizzavona train station. After a short transfer, we settle into our accommodation and take time to review the itinerary, check equipment, and prepare packs for the days ahead.
Dinner is shared together, offering the perfect opportunity to get to know the group and your guide.
Overnight: Gîte
Meals: Dinner -
We begin our trek heading south along forest paths and balcony trails through Corsican pine woodland. Two route options may be available depending on conditions and group fitness:
A classic GR20 route through forest and open ridgelines
Or a more alpine variant via the Pinzi Curbini ridges, with optional summit views
A beautiful first hiking day that sets the tone for the southern GR20.
Hiking time: ~5–6 hours
Overnight: Gîte
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Today offers another choice between routes:
Summit option: Ascend Monte Renosu (2,352 m), the highest peak in southern Corsica, crossing the stunning Pozzi plateau with its unique alpine wetlands
Classic option: Follow the GR20 through forest and open landscapes
Both routes reunite before reaching Bocca di Verdi.
Hiking time: ~5–6 hours
Overnight: Gîte / Mountain lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
A spectacular ridge day and one of the highlights of the southern GR20. After a steady climb, the trail follows high crests with sweeping views over Corsica to both the east and west coasts.
Optional ascents of Punta Capella (2,041 m) and Punta Furmicula (1,981 m) add to the alpine character of the day.
Hiking time: ~6–7 hours
Overnight: Mountain refuge or equipped bivouac
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
We start along granite ridges before descending onto the vast Cuscione plateau, then continue south toward the dramatic Bavella needle peaks.
Depending on conditions, there may be an optional ascent of Monte Alcudina (2,134 m) — the last 2000-metre summit of the GR20.
The day finishes at the iconic Bavella Pass.
Hiking time: ~7 hours
Overnight: Gîte
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
The final stage of the GR20. We descend gradually from the mountains into the fragrant maquis shrubland, with views opening toward the sea.
A refreshing swim is often possible along the way before reaching Conca, the official finish of the GR20.
Afternoon transfers to Porto-Vecchio or Santa Lucia di Portivechju mark the end of the adventure.
Hiking time: ~5 hours
Meals: Breakfast
Upcoming departure dates
| Departure | Finish |
|---|---|
| 03 May 2026 | 08 May 2026 |
| 17 May 2026 | 22 May 2026 |
| 31 May 2026 | 05 Jun 2026 |
| 14 Jun 2026 | 19 Jun 2026 |
| 28 Jun 2026 | 03 Jul 2026 |
| 12 Jul 2026 | 17 Jul 2026 |
| 26 Jul 2026 | 31 Jul 2026 |
| 09 Aug 2026 | 14 Aug 2026 |
| 23 Aug 2026 | 28 Aug 2026 |
| 06 Sep 2026 | 11 Sep 2026 |
| 20 Sep 2026 | 25 Sep 2026 |