Long-distance hikes in Corsica

With long-distance hiking in Corsica, it quickly becomes clear why the island is also called the island of beauty. Between turquoise waters, Caribbean-like beaches and majestic mountains, the Mediterranean island offers a unique hiking area. Almost the entire area belongs to the national park and is interspersed with fragrant macchia, a Mediterranean bush forest. The warm Corsicans welcome you with French savoir-vivre and Mediterranean serenity. For trekking adventurers, the refuges along the long-distance trails and in the mountains offer ideal resting places, accommodation and shelter from bad weather.

On the 10-day Mare e Monti Nord tour you can experience the wild beauty of Corsica. The long-distance trail leads in several stages from Cargese in the west to the enchanting Calenzana in the northwest. Over a length of 126.7 km, the trekking adventure from Cargese to Calenzana enchants with majestic mountains and spectacular rock formations. There are a total of 6,464 metres of ascent. Mare e Monti Nord promises unparalleled experiences and a profound connection to the unspoilt nature of the Island of Beauty.

The Grande Randonnée 20 (GR 20) is one of the most challenging long-distance hikes in Europe. On this epic hike you cross the entire mountain range from north to south. The route of about 180 kilometres and with an impressive 6,464 metres of altitude is divided into 16 stages. Long-distance hiking on the GR 20 takes you through unspoilt terrain and you can expect spectacular views, beautiful lakes, impressive waterfalls and a diverse landscape that expresses Corsica's unique beauty. For the long-distance trails you need excellent fitness, surefootedness and good equipment. There can be snow on the mountain passes even in summer.

Tip: If you only want to do a little hiking during your holiday in Corsica, it is a good idea to complete individual stages as day tours.

Where does the GR 20 start?

The GR 20 long-distance trail starts in the town of Calenzana in northwest Corsica and reaches as far as Conca in the southeast.

When is the best season for the GR 20?

The best time for long-distance hiking on the GR 20 is between mid-June and the end of October. During these months, the mountains are mostly free of snow and ice, which offers optimal hiking conditions. Along the way you will find refuges, which offer mattresses, drinks and often hot meals. Wild camping is forbidden in Corsica, but around the refuges of the GR 20 there are bivouac sites where you can camp. Modern mountain huts on the edge of the long-distance trail offer full-board accommodation.

What is there to see on the GR 20?

• Passerelle de Spasimata - the Spasimata bridge crosses the Spasimata river and offers a breathtaking view of a gorge on the way to the Muvrella mountain.
• Lac de Capitello and Lac de Melo - two beautiful glacial lakes in the Restonica Gorge. Melo is shaped like an apple and is 1,710 m deep, while Capitello is at 1,930 m and is the deepest lake on the island.
• Cascades des Anglais - a waterfall near the town of Porto in western Corsica. The rock pools and water slides on the river l'Agnone are suitable for swimming and cooling off while hiking far.
• Aiguilles and the Col de Bavella - the Col de Bavella is a mountain pass at 1,218 m above sea level, from which you have a panoramic view of the granite peaks and forests of the National Park. The Aiguilles are the towering jags of the granite peaks and of an impressive beauty.
• Lac de Nino - a romantic lake between the Castel di Vergio hotel and the Refuge Manganu. It is a popular resting place for hikers.
• Breche de Capitello - a spectacular high mountain pass at 2,200 m altitude. This stage of the GR20 from Petra Piana to Manganu is probably the most beautiful section, with varied scenery and steep descents.
• Monte Cinto - at 2,706 metres, the highest peak on the island. It can be reached from Haut Asco and the Niolu Valley. The climb is outside the GR20 long-distance trails and requires additional time.