Gr20 Trail in Corsica

The GR20 cuts diagonally across Corsica’s mountainous spine, connecting granite peaks, glacial lakes, and pine forests over roughly 180 kilometers. Widely considered the toughest long distance trail in Europe, it demands serious fitness, sure footing, and comfort with exposed scrambling sections. This trek suits experienced hikers seeking dramatic alpine scenery packed into a compact Mediterranean island, rather than beginners looking for a gentle multi-day walk.

Most hikers complete the full route in 14 to 16 days, gaining roughly 12,000 meters of elevation along the way. Below is a stage by stage overview, followed by detailed guidance for every major stop along the trail.

Trek Stop	Elevation	Distance from Previous Stop	Estimated Hiking Time	Overnight Stay
Calenzana	275 m	Starting point	N/A	Village gîte or B&B
Refuge d’Ortu di u Piobbu	1,520 m	10 km	5-6 hours	PNRC refuge
Refuge de Carrozzu	1,270 m	6 km	3-4 hours	PNRC refuge
Station d’Ascu Stagnu	1,422 m	8.5 km	5-6 hours	PNRC refuge or hotel
Refuge de Tighjettu	1,685 m	6 km	5-6 hours	PNRC refuge
Refuge de Ciottulu di i Mori	1,990 m	5.5 km	4-5 hours	PNRC refuge
Refuge de Manganu	1,600 m	14 km	7-8 hours	PNRC refuge
Refuge de Petra Piana	1,842 m	7 km	4-5 hours	PNRC refuge
Refuge de l’Onda	1,450 m	6 km	3-4 hours	PNRC refuge
Vizzavona	920 m	10 km	5-6 hours	Village hotel or gîte
Refuge d’E Capanelle	1,580 m	7 km	3-4 hours	Gîte
Refuge de Prati	1,820 m	12 km	6-7 hours	PNRC refuge
Refuge d’Usciolu	1,750 m	8 km	4-5 hours	PNRC refuge
Refuge de A Matalza	1,500 m	8 km	4-5 hours	PNRC refuge
Refuge d’Asinau	1,530 m	6 km	3-4 hours	PNRC refuge
Refuge d’I Paliri	1,050 m	9 km	5-6 hours	PNRC refuge
Conca	250 m	13.5 km	5 hours	Village hotel or gîte

Calenzana

Calenzana marks the official start of the GR20, a former shepherds’ village at the foot of Monte Grosso. Its position near Calvi makes it an easy access point by road, and its narrow streets offer a final taste of civilization before the mountains take over. Most hikers spend a night here preparing gear and resting before the demanding first stage.

Where to Stay in Calenzana

Calenzana offers a range of accommodations, from the municipal Gîte d’Étape to more comfortable bed and breakfasts scattered throughout the village. Booking ahead during peak season, from June through September, is strongly recommended given limited capacity. Local restaurants like A Stazzonna serve hearty Corsican dishes, a good way to carbo load before departure.

What to See in Calenzana

• The village church of Sainte-Restitude anchors the historic center, worth a quiet visit before setting out on the trail.
• Monte Grosso rises above the village, offering a preview of the mountainous terrain awaiting hikers over the coming days.
• Local restaurants serving wild boar civet and chestnut flour polenta give a genuine taste of Corsican mountain cuisine before you start.
• The surrounding olive groves and vineyards reflect Calenzana’s agricultural heritage, a peaceful contrast to the rugged trail ahead.

Refuge d’Ortu di u Piobbu

The first stage out of Calenzana climbs steeply through maquis scrubland before reaching this refuge, perched at 1,520 meters. This opening day is considered one of the trail’s most demanding, gaining significant elevation over rocky, exposed terrain. The refuge itself offers sweeping views back toward the coast near Calvi.

Where to Stay in Refuge d’Ortu di u Piobbu

This PNRC refuge offers dormitory style beds along with space for tents nearby. Booking is mandatory through the official Parc reservation system, and hikers should bring their own sleeping bag since blankets are not provided. Basic meals can be arranged on site with the warden, though advance meal booking is not possible.

What to See in Refuge d’Ortu di u Piobbu

• Views back toward Calvi and the Mediterranean coast offer a dramatic sense of how quickly the trail gains elevation on this first stage.
• The surrounding granite peaks give hikers their first real taste of the trail’s rugged, high alpine character.
• Sunset from the refuge terrace ranks among the most rewarding rewards after a demanding opening day of hiking.
• Wildlife including mouflon, Corsica’s wild mountain sheep, occasionally appear on the surrounding slopes at dawn and dusk.

Refuge de Carrozzu

The stage to Refuge de Carrozzu crosses the dramatic Spasimata footbridge, a suspension bridge rehabilitated by the regional park authority. This section offers a chance to swim in the cool river below before a steep climb toward Lake Muvrella and the high pass beyond. The terrain here shifts from scrubland to more technical rocky sections.

Where to Stay in Refuge de Carrozzu

Refuge de Carrozzu operates as a standard PNRC refuge with dormitory beds and nearby tent pitches. Reservations through the official booking system are required well in advance during summer months. The refuge sits in a dramatic valley setting, making it a popular overnight stop despite its relatively short distance from the previous stage.

What to See in Refuge de Carrozzu

• The Spasimata suspension bridge offers a thrilling crossing point and a memorable photo opportunity partway through the stage.
• Swimming in the river beneath the bridge provides welcome relief on hot summer hiking days.
• Lake Muvrella, reached on the climb beyond the refuge, offers a scenic detour for those with extra time and energy.
• The steep corridor leading to Bocca di Stagnu, the stage’s highest point at 2,010 meters, rewards hikers with sweeping mountain panoramas.

Station d’Ascu Stagnu

Ascu Stagnu, a former ski resort, marks the end of the trail’s third stage and offers a rare comfort upgrade partway through the trek. This stop provides both a PNRC refuge and the more comfortable Hôtel le Chalet, giving hikers a choice based on budget and desired comfort level. It also serves as an access point for those needing to resupply or exit the trail.

Where to Stay in Station d’Ascu Stagnu

Hikers can choose between the PNRC refuge, offering standard dormitory accommodation, or Hôtel le Chalet, which provides private rooms and a warm shower. This flexibility makes Ascu Stagnu a popular stop for resting tired legs before tackling the demanding Cirque de la Solitude ahead. Booking ahead remains essential regardless of which option you choose.

What to See in Station d’Ascu Stagnu

• The former ski infrastructure offers an unusual contrast to the wild terrain surrounding most of the trail.
• Monte Cinto, Corsica’s highest peak at over 2,700 meters, looms above the valley and can be climbed as a side trip for ambitious hikers.
• The approach to the notorious Cirque de la Solitude begins just beyond this stop, so use the rest here to prepare both mentally and physically.
• Centuries old laricio pine forests surround the resort, among the oldest and most impressive stands of trees on the island.

Refuge de Tighjettu

This stage includes the legendary Cirque de la Solitude, known in Corsican as E Cascettoni, a section involving chains, ladders, and significant exposure. It ranks among the most technically demanding parts of the entire GR20 and requires dry conditions and a calm head for heights. Reaching Refuge de Tighjettu after this section feels like a genuine accomplishment.

Where to Stay in Refuge de Tighjettu

Refuge de Tighjettu offers standard PNRC dormitory accommodation with nearby camping options for those preferring their own tent. Given the demanding nature of the preceding section, many hikers choose to rest here rather than pushing further the same day. Reservations should be made well ahead of your planned hiking dates.

What to See in Refuge de Tighjettu

• The Cirque de la Solitude itself, while grueling, offers an unforgettable sense of scale and exposure found nowhere else on the trail.
• Chains and metal ladders installed through the most technical sections assist hikers, though caution and dry weather remain essential.
• Views from the refuge back toward the peaks just crossed provide a rewarding perspective on the terrain conquered that day.
• Early morning light on the surrounding granite walls offers some of the trail’s most dramatic photography opportunities.

Refuge de Ciottulu di i Mori

Sitting at nearly 2,000 meters, this refuge offers some of the highest overnight accommodation on the entire trail. The stage leading here continues through dramatic high alpine terrain, with Monte Cinto often visible on clear days. This stop marks the halfway point of the trail’s demanding northern section.

Where to Stay in Refuge de Ciottulu di i Mori

This PNRC refuge provides dormitory beds and camping space at high altitude, making warm layers essential even in summer. Advance booking through the official reservation system remains mandatory, and water sources should be confirmed with the warden given the exposed elevation. The refuge’s remote setting makes it one of the more atmospheric overnight stops on the trail.

What to See in Refuge de Ciottulu di i Mori

• Sweeping views of Monte Cinto dominate the landscape here on clear days, a highlight for those tracking the island’s highest peaks.
• The high altitude setting means star filled night skies, especially rewarding for hikers willing to step outside after dark.
• Nearby glacial rock formations tell the geological story of Corsica’s mountainous interior.
• Sunrise from this refuge ranks among the most memorable on the trail, given its high vantage point over the surrounding peaks.

Refuge de Manganu

The stage to Refuge de Manganu is one of the longest on the trail, crossing varied terrain before descending into a scenic valley. This refuge sits near several glacial lakes, making it a popular base for side trips. The surrounding pozzines, distinctive Corsican mountain wetlands, add ecological interest to the stop.

Where to Stay in Refuge de Manganu

Refuge de Manganu offers standard PNRC dormitory beds along with generous camping space nearby. Given the long distance covered to reach this point, many hikers value the relatively relaxed atmosphere here. Booking ahead through the official system remains necessary throughout the hiking season.

What to See in Refuge de Manganu

• Lake Capitello and Lake Melo, both accessible via side trails, rank among the most beautiful glacial lakes on the entire GR20.
• The surrounding pozzines, unique high altitude wetlands, support distinctive plant life found only in Corsica’s mountains.
• Grazing horses and semi-wild livestock often roam the valley, adding to the pastoral atmosphere of this stop.
• Long views back toward the peaks crossed earlier in the trek offer a satisfying sense of progress.

Refuge de Petra Piana

This refuge sits dramatically positioned with panoramic views over Corsica’s central mountain range. The stage leading here continues the trail’s relentless up and down profile, testing hikers’ stamina after a week or more on the trail. Its elevated position makes it one of the more scenic overnight stops in the trail’s middle section.

Where to Stay in Refuge de Petra Piana

Refuge de Petra Piana provides dormitory accommodation and camping pitches, both requiring advance reservation. Its panoramic position makes it a favorite among hikers for evening photography, despite the physical demands of reaching it. Water availability should be confirmed with the refuge warden given the exposed high altitude setting.

What to See in Refuge de Petra Piana

• Panoramic views over Corsica’s central mountains make this one of the most scenic refuge locations on the entire route.
• The rugged, weathered granite surrounding the refuge showcases the erosive forces that have shaped this mountain range over millennia.
• Clear night skies at this elevation offer excellent stargazing away from any light pollution.
• The trail approaching from the north offers a genuine sense of remoteness, deep in the island’s mountainous interior.

Refuge de l’Onda

Refuge de l’Onda sits at a slightly lower elevation, offering some relief after the demanding high altitude sections further north. This stage marks the beginning of the trail’s transition toward its gentler southern half. The surrounding forest provides welcome shade compared to the more exposed terrain earlier in the trek.

Where to Stay in Refuge de l’Onda

This PNRC refuge offers standard dormitory beds and camping space, with the same advance booking requirements as other stops along the route. Its slightly lower elevation and forested surroundings make for a more sheltered overnight stay compared to higher refuges further north.

What to See in Refuge de l’Onda

• Forested surroundings offer a welcome change in scenery after the exposed granite terrain of the trail’s northern stages.
• The gentler terrain approaching this refuge offers a physical and mental breather before continuing south.
• Local wildlife, including mouflon sightings, remains possible in this forested transition zone.
• Views back toward the higher peaks provide a sense of accomplishment for the distance already covered.

Vizzavona

Vizzavona marks a significant milestone, roughly the halfway point of the GR20 and a popular resupply stop. This small village sits along a railway line, making it accessible by train and a common exit or entry point for hikers doing partial sections. Many trekkers use Vizzavona for a rest day, hot shower, and restaurant meal before continuing south.

Where to Stay in Vizzavona

Vizzavona offers hotel and gîte accommodation directly in the village, a welcome comfort upgrade after a week of refuge dormitories. Options range from simple guesthouses to more comfortable hotels, all bookable directly rather than through the PNRC refuge system. Given its popularity as a resupply point, booking ahead during peak summer months is strongly advised.

What to See in Vizzavona

• The village railway station offers an easy connection point for hikers needing to exit the trail or arrange logistics.
• Local restaurants provide a welcome break from refuge meals, with fresh Corsican specialties on offer.
• The surrounding forest, among the most significant on the island, offers pleasant, shaded walking away from the main trail.
• Vizzavona’s position marks a psychological milestone for hikers, roughly the trail’s midpoint after a demanding northern half.

Refuge d’E Capanelle

Refuge d’E Capanelle sits just south of Vizzavona, offering a relatively gentle stage after the village stop. This gîte, accessible by road, marks the beginning of the trail’s comparatively easier southern section. Hikers often find this stretch less physically demanding than the trail’s northern half.

Where to Stay in Refuge d’E Capanelle

This stop operates as a gîte rather than a standard PNRC refuge, offering dormitory beds and meals booked directly with the establishment. Its road access makes it a popular stop for both through hikers and those doing shorter sections of the trail. Advance booking remains recommended, particularly during the busy summer season.

What to See in Refuge d’E Capanelle

• The relatively gentle terrain here offers a welcome contrast to the technical northern stages of the trail.
• Nearby forest trails provide pleasant side trip options for hikers with extra time and energy.
• Views south toward the trail’s remaining stages give a sense of the terrain still ahead.
• The gîte’s road access makes it a useful stop for resupplying or adjusting hiking plans if needed.

Refuge de Prati

This long stage tests hikers with significant distance and elevation gain, crossing exposed ridgelines with sweeping views in multiple directions. Refuge de Prati sits at nearly 1,820 meters, offering another high altitude overnight stop in the trail’s southern half. The terrain here remains demanding despite the general easing of difficulty south of Vizzavona.

Where to Stay in Refuge de Prati

Refuge de Prati provides standard PNRC dormitory accommodation and camping space, both requiring advance reservation. Its exposed ridgeline position rewards hikers with excellent sunset views, though it also means more variable weather conditions. Checking forecasts before this stage is particularly important.

What to See in Refuge de Prati

• Exposed ridgeline sections along this stage offer some of the trail’s most expansive panoramic views.
• Sunset from the refuge often produces dramatic colors across the surrounding mountain silhouettes.
• The demanding distance of this stage makes reaching the refuge feel like a genuine accomplishment.
• Wildflowers in season add vibrant color to the otherwise rugged, rocky terrain along this stretch.

Refuge d’Usciolu

Refuge d’Usciolu continues the trail’s southern section, with terrain that remains scenic despite being generally less technical than the north. This refuge offers sweeping views and marks steady progress toward the trail’s final stages. The surrounding landscape shifts increasingly toward the drier, more Mediterranean character of southern Corsica.

Where to Stay in Refuge d’Usciolu

This PNRC refuge follows the same standard format as others along the trail, with dormitory beds and camping pitches available through advance reservation. Its position along the ridge offers good visibility for weather planning ahead of the following day’s stage.

What to See in Refuge d’Usciolu

• Ridge top views here showcase the gradual transition toward Corsica’s drier southern landscape.
• The surrounding terrain offers good opportunities for spotting mouflon and other mountain wildlife.
• Clear days reveal long sightlines back toward the peaks crossed earlier in the trek.
• The relatively moderate terrain here allows hikers to enjoy scenery without the intense technical focus required further north.

Refuge de A Matalza

Refuge de A Matalza sits within the Cuscione Plateau region, an area known for its bergeries, traditional shepherd huts converted into guesthouses. This stop reflects Corsica’s pastoral heritage more directly than many earlier stages. The terrain here tends to be gentler, reflecting the trail’s easier southern character.

Where to Stay in Refuge de A Matalza

This refuge operates within the PNRC system, though the surrounding Cuscione Plateau also offers privately run bergeries as alternative accommodation. These shepherd hut conversions often serve home cooked meals featuring local cheese and charcuterie, adding a distinctly Corsican flavor to the overnight stop.

What to See in Refuge de A Matalza

• The Cuscione Plateau’s rolling terrain offers a gentler hiking experience compared to the trail’s rockier northern stages.
• Traditional bergeries in the area showcase Corsica’s pastoral shepherding heritage, still practiced today.
• Local cheese and charcuterie available at nearby bergeries provide an authentic taste of the region.
• The plateau’s open landscape offers a different, more pastoral kind of scenic beauty than the dramatic peaks further north.

Refuge d’Asinau

Refuge d’Asinau sits near the dramatic Bavella needles, a series of striking granite spires that rank among Corsica’s most photographed natural features. This stage offers some of the trail’s most memorable scenery as the route approaches its final stretch. The terrain combines forest and exposed granite in a distinctly southern Corsican landscape.

Where to Stay in Refuge d’Asinau

This PNRC refuge offers standard dormitory accommodation with the usual advance booking requirement. Its proximity to the Bavella needles makes it a popular stop for photography enthusiasts, particularly around sunrise and sunset when the granite spires glow warmly.

What to See in Refuge d’Asinau

• The Bavella needles, a dramatic cluster of granite spires, rank among the most photographed natural landmarks in Corsica.
• Forest sections near this refuge offer welcome shade, a contrast to the exposed granite terrain nearby.
• Sunrise and sunset here produce striking light on the surrounding rock formations, a highlight for photographers.
• The approaching final stages of the trail become visible from vantage points near this refuge, building anticipation for the finish.

Refuge d’I Paliri

Refuge d’I Paliri marks the final PNRC refuge on the GR20, positioned as the trail nears its southern terminus. The stage leading here crosses varied terrain before opening up toward views of the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio. Reaching this final refuge signals that the end of the trek is genuinely within reach.

Where to Stay in Refuge d’I Paliri

As the last official PNRC refuge on the route, this stop follows the same dormitory and camping format as earlier refuges, requiring advance reservation through the official system. Many hikers treat this as a final celebratory overnight stop before the short final stage to Conca.

What to See in Refuge d’I Paliri

• Views opening toward the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio offer the first real glimpse of the Mediterranean coast since the trail’s early stages.
• The Foce Finosa pass along this stage provides one last significant climb before the trail’s easier final stretch.
• Encountering hikers just beginning their own GR20 journey here offers a full circle moment for those nearing the finish.
• The transition toward coastal vegetation signals the trail’s approaching end after days in the high mountains.

Conca

Conca marks the official southern terminus of the GR20, a small village reached via an ancient transhumance path once used for seasonal livestock migration. Crossing the finish line here, after roughly two weeks of demanding mountain hiking, ranks among the most satisfying moments the trail offers. A shuttle service typically connects Conca to Porto-Vecchio for onward travel.

Where to Stay in Conca

Conca offers hotel and gîte accommodation directly in the village, providing a comfortable final night after the trail’s demanding final stages. Given the village’s small size, booking ahead is recommended, particularly if finishing during peak summer months when the trail sees its highest hiker traffic.

What to See in Conca

• The village itself offers a well earned sense of arrival after completing one of Europe’s most demanding long distance trails.
• Nearby beaches near Porto-Vecchio provide a fitting reward for hikers seeking a swim after weeks in the mountains.
• Local restaurants in Conca offer a proper celebratory meal to mark the trail’s completion.
• The ancient transhumance path leading into the village reflects centuries of Corsican shepherding tradition, a fitting historical bookend to the trek.

Completing the GR20

The GR20 delivers an extraordinary journey through Corsica’s mountainous heart, from the technical scrambles of the Cirque de la Solitude to the gentler pastoral landscapes near the Cuscione Plateau. Granite peaks, glacial lakes, and centuries old pine forests all sit along a single, demanding route that tests even experienced hikers. Few treks in Europe offer this much dramatic variety within such a compact distance.

Plan carefully around water availability, weather windows, and mandatory refuge reservations, since the trail’s remoteness leaves little room for improvisation. The best hiking season runs from June through September, when refuges are staffed and snow has cleared from the higher passes. Follow Leave No Trace principles throughout, packing out all waste and respecting the fragile alpine environment that makes this trail so extraordinary. Complete the GR20 with the right preparation, and you will find few hiking experiences in Europe that compare.