Corsica GR20 South

Name: Corsica GR20 South
Brand: UTracks
SKU: GRS
Rating: 5.00 (2 reviews)

Hiking the GR20 South trail on Corsica

Happily hiking the GR20 trail on Corsica

Hiking on the GR20 in Corsica | Gesine Cheung

Hiking the mountain trails of Corsica

Scrambling on the GR20 | Gesine Cheung

Crossing a bridge on the GR20 trail on Corsica

Trekking along the GR20 in Corsica | Gesine Cheung

Hiking the GR20 in Corsica

Hiking the GR20 South trail on Corsica

Happily hiking the GR20 trail on Corsica

Hiking on the GR20 in Corsica | Gesine Cheung

Hiking the mountain trails of Corsica

Scrambling on the GR20 | Gesine Cheung

Crossing a bridge on the GR20 trail on Corsica

Trekking along the GR20 in Corsica | Gesine Cheung

Hiking the GR20 in Corsica

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Duration

8 days

Activities

self guided walk

Accommodation

7 nights in dormitory style 'gîtes d'etapes' or refuges

Meals

7 Dinners
6 Lunches
7 Breakfasts

Price

$1880USD

Overview

Trip Code: GRS

Trip highlights

A great opportunity to walk the southern section of the famous GR20
Experiencing the stunning landscape and diverse flora and fauna
Meet with shepherds or other hikers enroute
Enjoy the freedom of travelling light with all of your logistics taken care of
Delighting in the warm hospitality of the accommodation providers

Experience the southern section of Corsica’s iconic GR20 trail – a rewarding six-day walk that captures the raw beauty, remote landscapes and mountain spirit of this legendary route. From the shady forest trails of Vizzavona to the jagged Needles of Bavella and the sea views stretching to Sardinia, each stage offers a new perspective on Corsica’s dramatic interior. Along the way, pass through quiet alpine meadows, rocky ridgelines and remote mountain villages that reflect the self-reliant spirit of the island. The final stage into Conca is a true highlight – especially if you choose the panoramic high route – and completing this section of the GR20 is something your legs won’t soon forget. Reaching the iconic sign in Conca that marks the trail’s end is a moment of real achievement and celebration. Please note: this trip requires a minimum of two people to operate and is not available for solo walkers.

Traveller Rating

Trip Grading

challenging

More info about grading system

Carbon Footprint

27kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(187kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Day 1
Arrive Vizzavona

Arrive in Vizzavona. In the heart of the GR20 and surrounded by beech and Laricio pine forest, this hamlet is a haven for hikers. Dinner and overnight at the gîte or refuge, according to availability at the time of booking.

Meals: D

Day 2
Walk from Vizzavona to Capanelle via Bocca Palmente (6hrs)

A long first day beginning at the Pass of Vizzavona and climbing to Bocca Palmente. In the heart of the forest of Vizzavona, you will cross several watercourses to reach Bocca Palmente where the views over the lakes of Diana and Urbino are fantastic. Next, after passing the crest, you will encounter several sheepfolds and the hut of Alzeta before finally arriving at the sheepfolds of Capanelle where you will spend the night in a gîte. Distance: 14km/8.69mi, + 1155m/3789ft, - 715m/2346ft

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
To the Pass of Verde via the Plateau of Gialgone (5hrs)

From Capanelle, you will make your way to the sheepfolds of Traghjete before reaching the Plateau of Gialgone. You will cross the footbridge of I Spiazzi under which you can have a swim. You will then descend, shaded by the majestic Corsican pine trees, before arriving at the Pass of Verde (Col de Verde). Distance: 14km/8.69mi, + 600m/1969ft, - 900m/2953ft

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Ascend to Prati refuge for scenic views, continue walking to Cozzano (8hrs)

You will begin today's walk with an ascent to the Bocca del Orro and towards the refuge of Prati, which is perfectly positioned for beautiful views across to the massif of Renosu. The view is at its best when you reach the crest, towards the Taravo and the Tyrrhenian Sea on the eastern slope and, weather permitting, as far as the island of Elba. Next, you will descend through the forest of St Antoine towards the village of Cozzano, in the heart of Corsica. Distance: 14km/8.69mi, + 750m/2475ft, - 1300m/4290ft

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
To the Sheepfolds of Basseta (6.5hrs)

Get an early start today as you climb towards Bocca Di l’Usciolu. After almost 1000m uphill you will reach the highest point of the walk then enter into a forest where the alder trees are more than 100 years old. The path finally descends and the vegetation becomes denser. After crossing a stream, you will arrive at the plateau of Cuscione and the sheep pastures of Basseta where you overnight in a shepherd's hut. Distance: 16km/9.94mi, + 1300m/4265ft - 650m/2132ft. In the case of bad weather there is an alternative route which also takes about 6 hours, with ascent of 887m/2910ft and descent of 483m/1585ft.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6
A superb trek on the high route to Bavella (9hrs)

This is the longest and hardest day, but the end of this superb trek is in sight. After a passage in the forest, you will cross a footbridge to continue through former sheepfolds towards Monte Incudine (2000m). From here you will descend to Asinau to reach your final destination, Bavella and its famous “Aiguilles” (or “needles”), which dominate the landscape of the Alta Rocca. There couldn’t be a more fantastic place to finish today's memorable walk. You can alternatively follow the softer classical way through forests, dense shrubs and springs. The plateau of the Cuscione offers a gentler terrain with its grazing lands and pozzines (a type of peat bogs). Distance: 15km/9.32mi Via the high route: + 1300m/4265ft, - 1400m/4593ft Alternative route: + 982m/3221ft, - 1100m/3609ft

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7
The last stage to Conca (7hrs)

The start of the day is along an easy path in the forest in the southern massif of Bavella to the refuge of Paliri. You will then attack the descent, accompanied by the scented essence of the maquis. The end of this great adventure is approaching ... On arrival in Conca, you can pose proudly next to the sign marking the end of the GR20! Distance: 16km/9.94mi, +450m/1476ft, -1400m/4593ft

Meals: B,L,D

Day 8
Trip concludes in Conca

Trip finishes after breakfast. From Conca, you can easily take a shuttle to Porto Vecchio, then a bus to Bastia or Ajaccio.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

7 breakfasts – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices. 6 picnic lunches - they are included from day 2 to day 6 and generally consist of sandwiches, salads, fruits, vegetables – depending on what products are available, 7 dinners – will also vary according to the fresh produce available.
7 nights in dormitory style 'gîtes d'etapes' or refuges
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 15kg
Digital information pack - smartphone app with maps and route book
Emergency hotline

What's not included

Travel to Vizzavona and from Conca
Drinks
Travel insurance - mandatory
Guide – this is a self guided walking holiday
Storage of excess luggage and parking
Transfers and alternative accommodation which may be required in the event of bad weather
Special diets: Gluten free or lactose free cannot be catered for. You would need to bring your own food supplies (discount applies)
Items of a personal nature

Accommodation

Gites d'etapes or refuges

Basic hut accommodation, dormitory style in bunk beds that are usually a long platform with a mattress. They generally has a communal kitchen and shared bathrooms that may be separate to the main building.

Grading

challenging

GRADE 5 - This trip is suited to strong, experienced hikers with a high level of fitness, confidence in alpine environments, and the ability to handle long, demanding days on foot. You’ll need to be comfortable navigating with a 1:25,000 scale map and be prepared for 5 to 9 hours of walking each day on rugged, and at times exposed, mountain trails. The GR20 is widely regarded as the toughest long-distance trail in Europe. Some sections require scrambling over rocks and ascending steep terrain of up to 1400 metres, often using fixed ladders, chains or bridges. Certain parts are exposed and not suitable for anyone with a fear of heights. While the southern section is considered less technical than the north, it’s still physically demanding, with day 6 being one of the longest and most challenging stages of the entire GR20 – both in terms of distance and terrain.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Jun to 20 Sep

Notes

Note:

This trip is not suitable for solo travellers. Please contact our team for alternative tour suggestions.

Note:

Walk timings noted do not include rest breaks.

Note:

Discounts apply for groups of 4 or more travelling together.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1880USD

Options & Supplements*

*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

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