Getting there
- Flights to Calvi (CLY) right by the start
- Flights to Bastia (BIA) 50 km from the start
Treks / France (Corsica)
GR20
France (Corsica) · Nearest city: Ajaccio (also Bastia, Calvi)
TypeMulti-day trek
Days12–16
Distance≈ 180 km
Climbing≈ 12,000 m
Highest point2,607 m
Often called Europe's toughest long-distance trail. Steep granite scrambling, chains in places and big days back to back. Not a first multi-day trek.
Fitness
Very hard
Best seasonJune to September
High pointPointe des Éboulis
Watch out: Heat, afternoon storms and sustained scrambling. Carry more water than you think and start early.
Why people choose it
It's Europe's toughest classic long-distance trail, and walkers choose it precisely for the challenge: granite ridges, chains and big days across the spine of Corsica.
What makes it different
- Constant scrambling on rough granite rather than smooth paths
- Mountains and Mediterranean sea views on the same day
- Refuges with campsites, so you can carry a tent and save money
Before you go
Some of these are affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. We only list services that fit this trek.
Phone and data
Phone plans from the EU and EEA roam here at home prices. Coming from the US, UK or elsewhere? A Europe data eSIM is usually far cheaper than roaming.
Expect long stretches with no signal on the trail. Download offline maps and our GPX before you start.
Insurance that covers this trek
This trek reaches 2,607 m, and many policies stop covering hiking at 2,000 to 3,000 m unless you add an activity upgrade. World Nomads needs its Level 3 activities above 2,000 m, Heymondo its Adventure add-on above 3,000 m, and SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance covers trekking up to 4,500 m.
Rescue is not the same as evacuation. Travel insurance usually pays to fly you to hospital, but not always for the search and rescue itself. Read the policy's "search and rescue" section, or join an Alpine club: membership of the Austrian Alpenverein (it has an English-speaking UK section) includes rescue cover of up to €25,000.
True Traveller sells only to UK and EEA residents. Always check the altitude limit and your country of residence in the policy wording. Our trekking insurance guide explains what to look for.
Camping and where to sleep
Rules vary. In many mountain areas a bivouac from dusk to dawn is tolerated, but national parks have strict zones. Check the park's rules before you pitch.
Rules change and differ between parks. Check with the local park or tourist office before you pitch a tent.
Route map
Map layers load on the live site. Use the overview below meanwhile.
Straight lines between stops Start / finish Stop on the way Nearest city
Switch between Topo, Satellite and Street layers with the layer button, and turn on the marked hiking trails overlay. We don't have the exact trail for this route yet, so stops are joined with straight lines. Always carry a proper hiking map on the trail.
Stops: Calenzana → Monte Cinto → Vizzavona → Monte Incudine → Conca
Simple overview map
Step by step
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Months before
Plan and book
- Book your first and last nights, and check whether accommodation along the way needs reserving.
- Best time to go: June to September.
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6–12 weeks before
Train and test your gear
- Take the readiness quiz to see how many weeks of training you need.
- Break in your boots and train with the pack you'll carry.
- Tick off the packing list to see what you still need.
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Getting there
Travel to the start
- Most people start from Ajaccio.
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On the trail
Walk it
- Start early each day, so you arrive before the afternoon weather and the rush for beds.
- You can carry a tent and camp where it's allowed, which saves money and gives more flexibility.
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The finish
Get home
- It's a one-way route, so plan your transport back from the finish in advance.
How the season changes things
Best time: June to September
May to June
Early season
Snow can linger high up in early June; lower slopes are green and pleasant.
Bring
- Warm layers for the tops
- Gaiters for snow patches
- Sunscreen
July to August
Peak season
Hot and dry, with little water on the mountains and afternoon storms around the summits.
Bring
- Extra water capacity
- Sun protection
- Rain jacket for storms
September to October
Late season
Often the nicest time: cooler days, clear air and quieter trails.
Bring
- Warm layer for mornings
- Headlamp
- Check refuge opening dates
Be ready for
Scrambling
You'll use your hands on steep rock. Sticky-soled boots help, and it's no place for a big, top-heavy pack.
Heat
Start at dawn, rest in the shade at midday, and carry more water than you think. Electrolytes help.
Afternoon storms
Thunderstorms often build after midday in summer. Start early, cross passes and summits before noon, and never shelter under lone trees or on ridges.
Little water
Water sources are few and far between. Carry at least 2–3 litres and a filter for any sources you find.
What you'll see
9 photos taken on and around the route by Wikimedia Commons photographers. Tap one to see it bigger.
Gear for the GR20
Photo credits: Verda48a by Ceky, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Calenzana-warly by the author named on its Commons page, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons; Vivario-Monte d'Oro by Pierre Bona, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Lac Argentu - Asco FR2B by Chabe01, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Monte d'Oro Alzarella by Rémih, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Monte d'Oro sommet by Rémih, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Punta di Tozzarella by Rémih, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Monte Renoso Bocca Stazzunara by Rémih, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Monte Cinto - Lozzi FR2B by Chabe01, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Photos resized for the web. Figures are approximate and vary with the variant you choose.
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