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GR20 North Trek

Enjoy this 9-day self-guided trek from Calvi to Corte experiencing the beauty of Corsica

Panoramic view from GR20 North Trek
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GR20 North Trek Overview

The GR20 is the iconic trekking trail through some of the most incredible landscapes on the Mediterranean island of Corsica. On this self-guided trekking tour, you’ll spend ten days exploring the north section of the GR20 trail from Calvi to Vizzavona.

Starting along the coast, in the pretty town of Calvi you trek across the spectacular mountains to Vizzavona.  Along the way explore lush green valleys, mountain lakes and more as the GR20 takes you through breathtaking scenery at every turn. You’ll enjoy clear mountain streams, full of lovely waterfalls and refreshing natural pools. Watch for peacefully grazing wildlife, such as wild mouflon sheep and wild horses, in their idyllic natural environments.

Best-suited for experienced hikers, the GR20 North trek is a feast for the senses that you won’t soon forget. Book your self-guided GR20 adventure today!

Trip highlights

  • Explore some of the best trails in Corsica on this self-guided tour of the Northern section of the GR20.

  • Visit the amazing Spasimata footbridge, which is suspended above a beautiful waterfall.

  • Experience the majesty of Corsica’s amazing peaks, such as Monte Cintu, Paglia Orba, and Monte d’Oro.

  • Explore lush green valleys that are home to wild mouflon sheep.

Day By Day Itinerary

Meet with our taxi driver in Calvi in the morning for your transfer to Calenzana. This little village, surrounded by olive trees, is the official start of the GR20.

You walk through the forest of Bonifatu, past magnificent viewpoints over the villages of the Balagne.

Overnight Location:
Hotel in Bonifatu
Distance:
None
Meals:
None

After breakfast, you will leave Bonifatu for one of the longest stages along the GR20 (timewise). Once more crossing several rivers before reaching the famous Spasimata footbridge, which is 30 metres in length and suspended above a waterfall (a great location for photos). You will arrive in the Valley of the Muvrella (mouflon) with its small lake. The viewpoints are numerous and divine from the passes. The route continues to the foot of the Monte Cinto, the highest summit of Corsica, where you will spend the night.

Overnight Location:
Overnight at Haut Asco
Distance:
4 hours, 11 km, 700 m of ascent, 450 m of descent
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

To avoid the Cirque de la Solitude, closed to the public since 2015, you cross the Great Barrier Reef by the itinerary of Monte Cintu and through the Pointe des Éboulis. From Bocca Minuta, you descend to the small valley of Straciaconne where you may have the chance to observe mouflons (a type of wild sheep). Your accommodation, the shepherd hut in Vallone, is in an ideal setting with the backdrop of a starry sky for the night. Dinner at the hut and night in a tent.

Overnight Location:
Camping along the route
Distance:
8 hours, 9.5 km, 1,300 m of ascent, 600 m of descent
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your setting for the day is the valley of the Niolu, located at the heart of the island. You walk past the foot of the most beautiful summits in Corsica, the Paglia Orba and the strange Capu Tafunatu. When the weather is good, you can get a stunning viewpoint over the gulf of Porto before plunging into the small valley of the Golo. The shepherd’s hut of Radule and a series of natural pools punctuate your walk towards the forest and the Castel di Verghio.

Overnight Location:
Overnight in gite
Distance:
8.5 hours, 9 km, 1,200 m of ascent, 800 m of descent
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We pass Bocca San Pedru between sky and sea. The magic happens after passing Bocca a Reta. To the east, the coastline stands out against the deep blue of the Mediterranean. On the other side, a glacial cirque is revealed which hides, in a green setting, one of the jewels of the Corsican mountain. Bordered by its pozzines, Lake Nino welcomes a herd of wild horses.

Overnight Location:
Overnight in tent
Distance:
6.5 hours, 13.5 km, 971 m of ascent, 1,017 m of descent
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stream and rocky bars follow one another before reaching a plateau of pozzines. Then the Capitellu breach will offer you a breathtaking view of the lakes of Melu and Capitellu. After some efforts to reach Bocca Muzella (2206m), you will descend to reach a small plateau where the Petra Piana refuge is located.

Overnight Location:
Refuge in Manganu
Distance:
7.5 hours, 869 m of ascent, 689 m of descent
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch

A rather short, aerial and panoramic stage between the massifs of Monte Rotondo and Monte d'Oro. Be careful, some tricky passages in strong winds! On a clear day, you will have the chance to see the Gulf of Ajaccio.

Overnight Location:
Refuge at Petra Piana
Distance:
6 hours, 670 m of ascent, 465 m of descent
Meals:
None

Last day on the northern part of the trail. A magnificent stage awaits you from the Onda refuge towards Vizzavona, passing through the magical Agnone valley at the foot of Monte d'Oro. After the Turtettu footbridge, here we are in front of a multitude of small waterfalls and streams. Between forest and clinking of water, you arrive slowly towards Vizzavona.

Overnight Location:
Hut in Vizzavona
Distance:
5 hours, 560 m of ascent, 965 m of descent
Meals:
None

Sadly, your GR20 North trekking tour has come to an end. Check out of your hotel after breakfast. Airport transfers can be arranged for an additional fee. Have a pleasant journey!

Overnight Location:
None
Distance:
None
Meals:
Breakfast

Tour Map

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Inclusions

Included

  • 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 5 dinners are included in this tour.
  • Accommodations for 8 nights along the tour as described.
  • Taxi transfer from Calvi to Calenzana on day 1 is included. Luggage transfers are not included but can be booked for an extra charge.
  • Local assistance as needed
  • Local hotline
  • Route notes and maps on our app (a smartphone is necessary with an extra charger)
  • Luggage Transfers

Not included

  • Transportation to or from the island of Corsica
  • Airport transfers and any other transfers not listed as included
  • Meals not listed as included (breakfast and lunch on day 7, dinners on days 5-6)
  • Beverages
  • Admission to tourist attractions
  • Optional activities
  • Personal expenses
  • Luggage transfers
  • Travel insurance

Optional Extras

  • Upgrade to hotels (instead of dorms) in Bonifatu, Ascu, Verghio, and Vizzavona
  • Airport transfers (prices below are per one-way trip)
  • Luggage transfers (except day 4 and 6)

Reviews

These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.

Reviews

These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.

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FAQ

We rate this tour as a 4 / 5. You should be able to walk for up to 8 hours per day on rocky and uneven terrain. The trails are well-marked but can be challenging. Previous hiking experience required.

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Breakfast is included each morning except for days 1, 7, 8, and 9. Picnic lunches are provided on days 2-6, and dinners are included on days 2-5, and 9. Other meals are at your own expense.

Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.

You can fly to the Calvi Sainte-Catherine Airport (CLY). Airport transfers from the airport to the hotel can be arranged for an additional fee. You can also reach Calvi by train from Ajaccio, Corte, or Bastia.

The tour ends in Vizzavone. You can fly home from the Calvi Sainte-Catherine Airport (CLY) or the Bastia Airport (BIA). Transfers are available for an additional fee. Trains are also available.

For GR20 North Trek, we recommend having with you:

  • Clothes that are appropriate for the weather and comfortable for walking for several hours.
  • Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support, that are broken in, and good socks
  • Warm layers for varying weather conditions, including hat and gloves
  • Rain gear
  • Sandals
  • Bathing suit and towel
  • Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat)
  • Backpack that can carry what you need for the day
  • Water bottle
  • Mess kit for lunch along the walk (resealable container, plastic mug, utensils)
  • Camera and accessories
  • Flashlight
  • First aid kit
  • Toiletries
  • Spending money
  • Maps and a compass
  • Mobile phone and charger
  • Optional items:
    • walking poles
    • utility pocketknife
    • snacks

Yes, on most days. Please be sure that you pack in only one bag that is either soft or on wheels, and that your bag weighs no more than 15 kg. Luggage transfers are not included on days 4 and 6.

Check with your family doctor.

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

The best time to travel to Corsica for this trek is between early June and mid-September.

The best time to travel to Corsica for this trek is between early June and mid-September.

Last Updated: February 3, 2026

Why book GR20 North Trek with 10 Adventures?

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