Corsica GR20 South

Name: Corsica GR20 South
Brand: UTracks
SKU: GRS
Rating: 5.00 (1 reviews)

Scrambling on the GR20 | Gesine Cheung

Hiking on the GR20 in Corsica | Gesine Cheung

Trekking along the GR20 in Corsica | Gesine Cheung

Scrambling on the GR20 | Gesine Cheung

Hiking on the GR20 in Corsica | Gesine Cheung

Trekking along the GR20 in Corsica | Gesine Cheung

24 Trips to Explore in 2024See the List

Duration

8 days

Activities

self guided walk

Accommodation

7 nights in dormitory style 'gîtes d'etapes' or refuges

Meals

7 Dinners
6 Lunches
7 Breakfasts

Price

$1550USD

Overview

Trip Code: GRS

Trip highlights

A great opportunity to walk the southern section of the famous GR20
Experiencing the stunning landscape and diverse flora and fauna
Meet with shepherds or other hikers enroute
Enjoy the freedom of travelling light with all of your logistics taken care of
Delighting in the warm hospitality of the accommodation providers

The southern section of the GR20 is considered slightly less challenging than the northern route, however the landscapes are equally stunning. During the 6 days of hiking you will gain an appreciation for the rural communities who live in the region and the rugged wilderness that characterises the route. Your main luggage is transferred, allowing you to walk with just a day pack. From the forest of Vizzavona to the Needles of Bavella and on to Conca, the full GR20 experience is encapsulated in the daily views ranging from alpine meadows where sheep graze, to views to the sea as far as the Italian island of Sardinia. The sixth day is the longest on the GR20 if you take the upper route, and your legs will remember it long after you have left Corsica but the satisfaction of completing this section of this epic walk makes it all worthwhile. On arrival in Conca you can celebrate at the sign marking the end of the GR20!

Note: for safety reasons this trip can not be operated for one person / solo traveller. Minimum two people are required.

Trip Grading

challenging

More info about grading system

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Traveller Rating

Itinerary

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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. Approximate ascent 1155m/3789ft, descent 715m/2346ft

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
To the Pass of Verde via the Plateau of Gialgone (5hrs)

From Capanelle, you will make your way to the sheepfolds of Traghjete before reaching the Plateau of Gialgone. You will cross the footbridge of I Spiazzi under which you can have a swim. You will then descend, shaded by the majestic Corsican pine trees, before arriving at the Pass of Verde (Col de Verde). Approximate ascent 600m/1969ft, descent 900m/2953ft.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Ascend to Prati refuge for scenic views, continue walking to Cozzano (8hrs)

You will begin today's walk with an ascent to the Bocca del Orro and 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 you reach the crest, towards the Taravo and the Tyrrhenian Sea on the eastern slope and, weather permitting, as far as the island of Elba. Next, you will descend through the forest of St Antoine towards the village of Cozzano, in the heart of Corsica. Approximate ascent 750m/2475ft, descent 1300m/4290ft.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
To the Sheepfolds of Basseta (6.5hrs)

Get an early start today as you climb towards Bocca Di l’Usciolu. After almost 1000m uphill you will reach the highest point of the walk then enter into a forest where the alder trees are more than 100 years old. The path finally descends and the vegetation becomes denser. After crossing a stream, you will arrive at the plateau of Cuscione and the sheep pastures of Basseta. Approximate ascent 910m/2986ft, descent 505m/1657ft. In the case of bad weather there is an alternative route which also takes about 6 hours, with ascent of 887m/2910ft and descent of 483m/1585ft.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6
A superb trek on the high route to Bavella (9hrs)

This is the longest and hardest 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). Via the high route: ascent 1300m/4265ft, descent 1400m/4593ft. The alternative route: ascent 982m/3221ft, descent 1100m/3609ft

Meals: B,L,D

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! +450m, -1400m

Meals: B,L,D

Day 8
Trip concludes in Conca

End of services after breakfast. From Conca, you can easily take a shuttle to Porto Vecchio, then a bus to Bastia or Ajaccio. For bus information and timetables see www.corsicabus.org. Or contact us if you need a transfer (fee applies).

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

7 breakfasts – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices. 6 picnic lunches - they are included from day 2 to day 6 and generally consist of sandwiches, salads, fruits, vegetables – depending on what products are available, 7 dinners – will also vary according to the fresh produce available.
7 nights in dormitory style 'gîtes d'etapes' or refuges
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 15kg
Digital information pack - smartphone app with maps and route book
Emergency hotline

What's not included

Travel to Vizzavona and from Conca
Drinks
Travel insurance - mandatory
Guide – this is a self guided walking holiday
Storage of excess luggage and parking
Transfers and alternative accommodation which may be required in the event of bad weather
Special diets ie gluten free or lactose free cannot be catered for. You would need to bring your own food supplies (discount applies)
Items of a personal nature

Grading

challenging

CHALLENGING– GRADE 5 This trip requires a good to excellent level of fitness and you should be an experienced hiker, comfortable in alpine terrains through varying weather conditions. It is a requirement of participation that you are able to orient yourself in mountains with a map scaled to 1/25000th. The trip involves 5 to 9 hiking hours per day on sometimes difficult trails. The route is the hardest long distance trail in Europe. Certain sections need to be scaled using ladders, bridges and chains. There is much rock scrambling and ascents are up to 1400 metres and very steep in parts. There are sections throughout which would not be suitable for sufferers of vertigo. Although the southern section is less technical the route is just as challenging with the walk on day 6 being the most challenging day on the whole GR20 in terms of length and terrain.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Jun to 15 Sep

Notes

Note:

This trip is not suitable for solo travellers. Please contact our team for alternative tour suggestions.

Note:

Walk timings noted do not include rest breaks.

Note:

Discounts apply for groups of 4 or more travelling together.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1550USD

Options & Supplements*

Optional: set of IGN maps (must be prebooked/pre-paid, received locally)USD$70

*Prices listed are per person

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