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Experience the southern section of Corsica’s iconic GR20 trail – a rewarding six-day walk that captures the raw beauty, remote landscapes and mountain spirit of this legendary route. From the shady forest trails of Vizzavona to the jagged Needles of Bavella and the sea views stretching to Sardinia, each stage offers a new perspective on Corsica’s dramatic interior. Along the way, pass through quiet alpine meadows, rocky ridgelines and remote mountain villages that reflect the self-reliant spirit of the island. The final stage into Conca is a true highlight – especially if you choose the panoramic high route – and completing this section of the GR20 is something your legs won’t soon forget. Reaching the iconic sign in Conca that marks the trail’s end is a moment of real achievement and celebration. Please note: this trip requires a minimum of two people to operate and is not available for solo walkers.
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27kg of CO2-e PP per day
(187kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Vizzavona
Arrive in Vizzavona. In the heart of the GR20 and surrounded by beech and Laricio pine forest, this hamlet is a haven for hikers. Dinner and overnight at the gîte or refuge, according to availability at the time of booking.
Meals: D
Day 2
Walk from Vizzavona to Capanelle via Bocca Palmente (6hrs)
A long first day beginning at the Pass of Vizzavona and climbing to Bocca Palmente. In the heart of the forest of Vizzavona, you will cross several watercourses to reach Bocca Palmente where the views over the lakes of Diana and Urbino are fantastic. Next, after passing the crest, you will encounter several sheepfolds and the hut of Alzeta before finally arriving at the sheepfolds of Capanelle where you will spend the night in a gîte. Distance: 14km/8.69mi, + 1155m/3789ft, - 715m/2346ft
Meals: B,D
Day 3
To Col de Verde via the Plateau of Gialgone (5hrs)
Leaving Capanelle, continue towards Col de Verde, through a landscape that becomes increasingly green and pastoral. The trail first reaches the picturesque Traghete Shepherds' Huts, a reminder of traditional pastoral life that has long shaped Corsica's mountain landscapes. You then cross the Ghialgone plateau before reaching the Spiazzi footbridge. From here, the route enters the Marmano Forest before arriving at Col de Verde. A varied stage combining high-altitude pastures, woodland paths and more remote mountain scenery, offering another perspective on the natural and cultural heritage of Corsica. Overnight mountain lodge. Distance: 14km/8.69mi, + 600m/1969ft, - 900m/2953ft
Meals: B,L,D
Day 4
Ascend to Prati refuge for scenic views, continue walking to Usciolu (8hrs)
Leaving Col de Verde, begin the day with an early climb towards Bocca d'Oru. The trail then crosses a wide mountain plateau before reaching Prati Refuge, with fine views over the surrounding valleys and mountain ranges. A final ascent takes you to Punta Capella, after which you continue southwards along the mountain ridges before reaching Usicolu Refuge, pearched on the Furmicula Ridge and overlooking the eastern side of Corsica. The remote setting makes it a memorable place to finish this challenging and rewarding day of hiking. Overnight: tent (close to refuge) Distance: 16km/9.94mi, + 1290m/4232ft, - 830m/2723ft Note: carry your overnight gear as your main luggage is not available on this day - it is transferred Col de Verde to the accommodation in Cuscione.
Meals: B,L
Day 5
To the Cuscione Plateau (5hrs)
The trail gradually descends from the mountain ridge towards the wide-open landscapes of the Cuscione Plateau. The route alternates between balcony sections and more open terrain, offering beautiful views across the Corsican mountains. As you progress, the scenery changes, the rocky ridges give way to broad high-altitude meadows dotted with pozzines and crossed by small mountain streams. The environment becomes gentler and more pastoral. After crossing a stream, you will arrive at the plateau of Cuscione and the sheep pastures of Basseta where you overnight in a shepherd's hut. Distance: 13.5km/8.38mi, + 550m/1804ft - 550m/1804ft.
Day 6
A superb trek on the high route to Bavella (9hrs)
This is a demanding day, 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 (2000m). 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 today's memorable walk. You can alternatively follow the softer classical way through forests, dense shrubs and springs. The plateau of the Cuscione offers a gentler terrain with its grazing lands and pozzines (a type of peat bogs). Distance: 15km/9.32mi Via the high route: + 1300m/4265ft, - 1400m/4593ft Alternative route: + 982m/3221ft, - 1100m/3609ft
Day 7
The last stage to Conca (7hrs)
The start of the day is along an easy path in the forest in the southern massif of Bavella to the refuge of Paliri. You will then attack the descent, accompanied by the scented essence of the maquis. The end of this great adventure is approaching ... On arrival in Conca, you can pose proudly next to the sign marking the end of the GR20!. Transfers available to Porto Vecchio. Distance: 16km/9.94mi, +450m/1476ft, -1400m/4593ft
What's included
What's not included
Basic hut accommodation, dormitory style in bunk beds that are usually a long platform with a mattress. They generally has a communal kitchen and shared bathrooms that may be separate to the main building.
Access to the refuges bathroom and dining facilities are available.
GRADE 5 - This trip is suited to strong, experienced hikers with a high level of fitness, confidence in alpine environments, and the ability to handle long, demanding days on foot. You’ll need to be comfortable navigating with a 1:25,000 scale map and be prepared for 5 to 9 hours of walking each day on rugged, and at times exposed, mountain trails. The GR20 is widely regarded as the toughest long-distance trail in Europe. Some sections require scrambling over rocks and ascending steep terrain of up to 1400 metres, often using fixed ladders, chains or bridges. Certain parts are exposed and not suitable for anyone with a fear of heights. While the southern section is considered less technical than the north, it’s still physically demanding, with day 6 being one of the longest and most challenging stages of the entire GR20 – both in terms of distance and terrain.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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