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GR 20

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Overview

The GR 20 is one of the extensive Grande Randonnée (or GR) network of paths and trails. The trail traverses Corsica's mountains, with its end points in Calenzana in the north and Conca in the south, running most of the l

Facts

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Source

WBP almanac

External sources

Wikivoyage Wikipedia

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Logistics beyond the trailheads

Most hikers focus on the marked path, but the real coordination begins before the first footfall. Securing a berth at the refuges—small mountain hostels that operate on a first‑come, first‑served basis—requires early planning, especially during July and August when local families augment capacity with private rooms. The nearest airports are Bastia and Ajaccio; a rental car or a local bus to Calenzana saves time, but the mountain roads are narrow and winding, demanding a confident driver. Consider splitting the trek into two halves and using the Vizzavona rail stop to reload supplies; the train schedule aligns conveniently with the typical mid‑point rest day, allowing fresh provisions without back‑tracking to the coast.

Seasonal temperament of the highlands

While the trail is marked year‑round, the high‑altitude sections transform dramatically with the calendar. Late spring brings lingering snow patches on the cols, making the granite scree slippery and demanding crampons for safety. Summer offers longer daylight but also intense UV exposure; a high SPF sunscreen and a wide‑brimmed hat become essential. Autumn introduces a sudden drop in temperature after the midday sun, and fog can descend rapidly, reducing visibility on the ridgelines. Experienced hikers schedule the southern segment in early September to benefit from cooler air and the autumnal colour of the maquis, ensuring more comfortable nights in the refuges.

Cultural interludes between the climbs

The GR 20 threads through isolated hamlets where Corsican language and cuisine persist untouched by mass tourism. In the village of Corte, a brief detour allows tasting the island’s chestnut‑flavoured brocciu cheese, traditionally served with honey. The local shepherds often invite trekkers to share a glass of muscat wine, a practice that fosters an informal exchange about trail conditions and weather patterns. These pauses are not merely a break from exertion; they embed the journey in Corsica’s living heritage, offering a perspective that no guidebook can capture through mere topographic description.

Introduction

Hiking trail in Corsica GR20A hiking boot, found just before the last refuge before arriving at Conca, the southern end of the trail.Length180 km (110 mi)LocationCorsicaDesignationGR footpathTrailheadsCalenzana, ConcaUseHikingElevation gain/loss12,000 mHazardsFog, high windsTrail mapMap of Corsica showing the route of the GR 20 Red and white marks and sometimes piles of rocks indicate the direction. The GR 20 (or fra li monti) is a GR footpath that crosses the Mediterranean island of Corsica running approximately north–south, described by the outdoor writer Paddy Dillon as "one of the top trails in the world". The railway station in Vizzavona The whole trail is about 180 km long with 12,000 m of elevation gain, and is clearly waymarked throughout. Every year, approximately 10,000 to 20,000 hikers walk along the trail, typically completing it in about 15 days. The trail is considered to be the most difficult of all the GR routes and consists of two parts: the northern part, between Calenzana and Vizzavona and the southern part, between Vizzavona and Conca. Vizzavona is regarded as the midpoint due to the presence of a train station, making it a convenient starting or ending point for hikers covering only one part the route. From Vizzavona, the train can be taken to Bastia or Ajaccio as well as many smaller towns and villages such as Corte. The northern part is considered by some[who?] the more difficult part because of the steep and rocky paths, though this could be an effect of many walkers beginning in the north and not being as fit for this section.[according to whom?] The southern part of the trail is often considered[by whom?] easier though the lower altitude may give rise to higher temperatures in summer and so provide more difficult walking conditions. Along the trail there are mountain huts known as "refuges" or gîtes. The standard and price of accommodations and food varies between refuges. Hikers can sleep in a tent near the refuge, but it is not permitted to pitch tents along the trail. The GR 20 is an advanced trail. Other less difficult trails on the island include the Mare e monti (sea and mountains) and the Mare a mare (from sea to sea) trails. The idea of GR 20 comes from a former general inspector for youth and sports, Marcel Schlück, and his friend Guy Degos, both hiking enthusiasts.