This trip is ideal for individuals travelling alone who wish to join a guided group. Please bear in mind that we use local mountain guides whose proficiency of the English language cannot be guaranteed.
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 great 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.
This circuit will allow you to discover the most beautiful and the most wild areas of Corsica all with the aid of a guide.
Day 1 Ajaccio to the needles of Bavella We will meet in the morning in Ajaccio before transferring to the col de Bavella. We will take the alpine route to cross the famous needles of Bavella (an impressive area of mountains where the tops of the mountains have a serrated edge, known as the needles). Night in the refuge d’Asinao.
Roughly 5 hours of walking. +700m; -380m.
Day 2 The Plateau du Cuscione In the morning we will climb mount Incudine (2134m). We will then cross the plateau du Cuscione where in the distance you will be able to see the Gulf of Ajaccio. The relief becomes easier and on the plateau we will find the shepherd’s huts of Croce. Night at the Bergerie (shepherd’s huts). Roughly 5h30 of walking. +850m, -650m.
Day 3 On the edge… Today we walk on along the edge of a ridge, between blocks of granite which have been shaped by the wind. In the background we have a stunning view of the Tyrrhenian sea. Night in a refuge. About 4h30 of walking. +540m, -140m.
Day 4 Col de Verde We continue with our progression towards the north via a high route in amongst the mountain peaks and along the ridge which separates the oriental plain from the valley of Taravu. Night in a gite at the Col de Verde.
Roughly 7 hours of walking. +790m, -1210m.
Day 5 Les Pozzi After crossing through the beech forest of Marmano, we will reach the ‘Plateau des Pozzi’, where we can visit a local shepherd’s place which is still active. You can also meet with the local shepherd. Night in a gite at Capanelle.
Roughly 6 hours of walking. +1000m, -700m.
Day 6 Monte Renoso Today we have the opportunity to climb Monte Renoso, the highest summit in the south of Corsica at 2352m. Return to the gite via the lake of Bastani. Night in the gite at Capanelle.
5 hours of walking. +/- 760m.
Day 7 Col de Palmente – end of the trip We follow an ancient mule track, which brings us to the col de Palmente (1640m). The oriental (east) coast offers us a vast panorama including over the ‘les étangs de Diana et d'Urbinu’ (two lagoons). We will descend through the beech forest of Vizzavona before returning to Ajaccio. Roughly 5 hours of walking. +220m, -890m.
22d of August 2007
We had a wonderful time in Corsica and especially enjoyed the GR20 and the scenery. Thank you very much for organising for us. Zoey, UK.
Fact sheet
Details
Starting point Ajaccio. Meet at the bus and maritime station reception hall at 8h00 on day 1. Our team will then take care of your main luggage. Be ready and prepared for the first walk.
End The trip finishes on day 7 in Ajaccio at the end of the day (the walk will finish at Vizzavona at around 15h00, then there will be a transfer to Ajaccio).
Accommodation Accommodation is provided in the way of communal dormitories.
Number of people Maximum of 14
Level of difficulty You need to be used to trekking in the mountains. Average 6-7 hours of hiking per day (averaging +/-500m) on sometimes difficult trails.
Carrying You will have access to your main bag on the following evenings: 2,4,5,and 6. You will need to carry a day sack with enough items for two days at a time on days 1-2, 3-4. On days 5, 6 and 7 you only need to carry a day sack.
Options - If there are less than 8 people in a group there is an additional fee of : 50€
Included From the point at which the tour meets until the point of dispersal: the transfers, full board, the assistance of a mountain guide, luggage assistance as described.
Not included Insurances, transport up to the point of the meeting place and after the point of dispersal in Ajaccio, personal expenditure.
