Independent GR20 - self-guided walking in Corsica

Considered as the most difficult and technical long-distance walk of Europe, the GR20 attracts walkers from all over the world looking for a challenge.

The south side of the GR20, being considered as easier, is still a holiday for experienced hikers. Even though the relief is less abrupt than in the north, the landscapes remain magnificent and varied everyday. From the Forest of Vizzavona to the Needles of Bavella, here is a carefully prepared itinerary which will give you a superb trekking holiday.

~ 580 £
~ 918 $
others

Program

Day 1 Vizzavona
Arrival at Vizzavona. Dinner and night at the gite or refuge (according to availabilty at the time of booking).

Day 2 From Vizzavona to Capanelle
Today’s trek begins with the Pass of Vizzavona and the stiff but steady climb to Bocca Palmente where the view is splendid. Next, after passing the crest, you will discover several sheepfolds before finally arriving at the sheepfolds of Capanelle where you will spend the night.
Food: B,L,D
Accommodation: Gîte
Luggage: Your luggage will be waiting for you at the gîte.
Walking: About 7h45
Height gain: +1000m Height loss: -400m

Day 3 From Capanelle to the Col de Verde
From Capanelle, you make your way to the picturesque sheepfolds of Traghjete before trekking on towards the Plateau of Ghialgone. You will cross the footbridge of I Spiazzi (another bathing point). Your final descent of the day lies under the shadow of the rarest and most majestic Corsican fir trees, before reaching the Col de Verde.
Food: B,L,D
Accommodation: Gîte.
Luggage: Your luggage will be waiting for you at the gîte.
Walking: about 5h00
Height gain: +700m Height loss: -950m

Day 4 From the Col de Verde to Cozzano
You start the day with a climb 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 we reach the crest. From here the view stretches out across the Ligurian sea and the Italian island of Elba (when the weather allows it). We now descend in amongst a landscape of rocky slabs before reaching Cozzano, a town in the heart of Corsica.
Food: B,L,D
Accommodation: Gîte.
Luggage: Your luggage will be waiting for you at the gîte.
Walking: about 8h00
Height gain: +750m Height loss: -1300m

Day 5 From Cozzano to the Sheepfolds of Basseta
Our morning will be devoted to the climb towards Bocca Di l’usciolu. After 1000m of difference in height, we will reach our peak point before entering into a forest of centennial trees. The path finally descends and the vegetation becomes dense. After the crossing of a stream, we will arrive at the sheepfolds of Bassetta.
Food: B,L,D
Accommodation: Gîte.
Luggage: Your luggage will be waiting for you at the gîte.
Walking: about 6h30
Height gain: +910m Height loss: -505m

In case of bad weather you can take another path:
Walking: About 6h00.
Height gain: +887m Height loss: -483m

Day 6 From Bassetta to Bavella
This is the longest and hardest day of the holiday, 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. 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 this memorable walk.

Food: B,L,D

Accommodation: Gîte

Luggage: Your luggage will be waiting for you at the gîte.

Walking (via the GR20): about 09h00

Height gain: +982m Height loss: -1100m

Walking (via the alpine variant): about 09h00

Height gain: +1170m Height loss: –1200m

Day 7 Bavella
End of your holiday after breakfast.

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Details

Starting point
Vizzavona.
End
Bavella.
How to get there
Vizzavona is easily accessible by train from Ajaccio, Bastia and Calvi.
Accommodation
In gite d’etapes (dormitory style with hot showers).
Number of people
Minimum two.
Level of difficulty
You need to be used to trekking in the mountains and be able to read and follow map instructions. From 4h30 to 9h40 of hiking per day on sometimes difficult trails.
Carrying
We take care of your luggage transfers everyday.
Options
- Trip without luggage transfer : -229€
- Maps of hike 1:25000 : 42€
Included
Luggage transfers. The folder containing your maps, route notes and all necessary details needed for your holiday. All dinners from day 1 to day 6. All breakfasts from day 2 to day 7. All picnics from day 2 to day 6. Nights in “gites d’etapes”.
Not included
Transfers to Vizzavona and from Bavella, any other transfers not mentioned in the program (for example due to bad weather of physical ailments), entrance fees to sites, optional activities, drinks, holiday insurance.