GR20 your Corsican hiking challenge
Looking for a real sporting challenge? Treat yourself to the GR20 experience in Corsica: a sporting route of varying levels, considered to be the most difficult in Europe, but also the most beautiful. GR20 south or north, make your choice and enjoy every moment!
Is the GR20 difficult? distance, duration, length...
- Distance :
The GR20 crosses Corsica from north to south over a distance of almost 180 km. A demanding, difficult and even dangerous mountain route, depending on weather conditions: rain, thunderstorms, snow, fog...
- Difficulty :
While the weather must be taken into account before setting off on the GR20, the difficulty lies more in the distance than in the technical aspect, although the GR20 North is more technical than the GR20 South. So it's best to be well prepared physically, materially and with a good dose of motivation, as the terrain is more often rugged.
- Duration:
Guided or self-guided, this mountain route can be completed in 16 days, with one stage per day and around 7 hours' walking depending on the stage. Experienced hikers can undertake the route in 7 days, but don't hesitate to take your time and enjoy the wonderful Corsican scenery, sea views and sunsets!
GR20: When to start?
As this is a medium to high mountain trail, we recommend that you don't climb the 9 peaks over 2000 m before June (flowering season), when most of the trails are still covered in snow and the refuges are not yet manned. Although the refuges are open all year round, they are only manned from the end of May to the end of September (online booking on the Parc National Régional Corse website). From June onwards, hiking is more pleasant, with cooler temperatures and less hot sun than in July and August. In July and August, the GR20 is even more crowded, with days of walking under a rather violent sun!
We particularly recommend coming in June and early September. However, whichever month you choose to start your trek, you need to be prepared for the vagaries of mountain weather conditions, such as thunderstorms, fog or even cold. The weather can change very quickly, and you could be in for some chilly nights. So make sure you have the right clothing and equipment!
Our tours and hiking holidays in Corsica
Which is the most difficult GR? A 16-stage route.
This hiking hiking trailwill introduce you to the Corsican mountains and their marvellous unspoilt landscapes. While the terrain is rockier on the northern GR20, the landscape changes radically with greener, more rolling areas on the southern side.
- GR20 North, technical sections and vertical drops : From Calenzana to Vizzavona
Reputed to be the most difficult, with its rugged terrain, steep gradients, alpine variants and high altitude breaches, the GR20 Nord is more suited to hardened sportsmen and women. From Calenzana (250m above sea level) or Vizzavona (900m above sea level), the distance is around 90 km, with 9 stages and sporting gradients of 7000 to 8000m. Once you've completed the first 2 stages, and if you're in good physical condition, you're almost certain to complete the entire GR20! Good mountaineering experience is required to tackle the technical passages and steep gradients, while enjoying the beauty of the scenery.
- GR 20 south, easier section: Vizzavona to Conca
Less strenuous than the GR20 North from Vizzavone, the GR 20 South offers 7 stages with less steep paths and less rugged terrain. Easier, albeit with a few technical sections, the trails are wider, with plenty of pasture. The route has a positive vertical drop of 4000 to 5000m.
GR20: Refuges in dreamy landscapes
Wild camping is strictly forbidden in Corsica, so you can pitch your tent around refuges or sleep in sheepfolds. Note that the refuges are manned from June to September, although they are open all year round, with water and food supplies. But don't forget to bring a freeze-dried meal in case you get hungry along the way!
Nights in a refuge are a special time for hikers. Comfort is basic, but there are showers, toilets, a gas stove for preparing meals and dormitory beds (or pitches for tents). Beware: night-time temperatures in Corsica can be very low, even in August!
- How do I book a hut?
Each refuge is like a dormitory, with a maximum of around 30 beds! So it's best to book in advance, or bring an emergency tent. You'll pay around 12 euros per person per night, 6 euros to pitch your tent and 10 euros to rent one. Don't forget your proof of reservation and payment, to avoid any hassle.
- Our advice:
Bring waterproof, windproof, warm, light or compact clothing! For confident walking, invest in waterproof boots. As an 8km stage can take 5 to 6 hours, bottles of still water and Orezza (local sparkling) water are essential.
Pack a rucksack weighing no more than 1/6 of your body weight, walking poles that will reduce your effort by 30%, a good sleeping bag, knife, lighter, survival blanket and, above all, learn how to pack your rucksack properly to keep it balanced.
If you don't feel ready for this formidable experience, you can start with a few stages or other hiking ideas, which we suggest here.
If you'd like some guidance for a week's wandering between land and sea on foot, we've put together a breathtaking hiking circuit that' s particularly popular with our customers.
Corsicatours wishes you an excellent Corsican holiday and an unforgettable GR20 hike!
