Escape on the GR20 north from Corte to Vizzavona

The stage begins at the Col de Vergio gîte and immediately plunges into a dense forest of centuries-old Corsican pines, emblematic of the Valdu Niellu. The path climbs gradually, slowly revealing wide panoramas of the surrounding mountains and, in the distance, the Gulf of Sagone.

Continuing the ascent, you reach Bocca San Petru, then Bocca à Reta (1,883 m), from where the view extends over the entire Corsican chain dominated by the majestic Monte Cinto, the island's highest point at 2,706 meters.

The descent then leads to the peaceful Lake Nino (1,743 m), famous for its green meadows and pozzines — those small grassy and damp depressions where horses, cows and sheep come to graze and drink freely.

Following the course of the Tavignano River, the trail winds through a magnificent beech forest, its trunks twisted and weathered by time. You will then pass the Inzecche sheepfolds before reaching the vast grassy plateau of Camputile. From there, the route continues towards the Vaccaghja sheepfolds, at the foot of the Cimatella peak.

The day ends with a final sustained climb after the Bocca d'Acqua Ciarnente (1,703 m), leading to the refuge where you will spend the night.

From the Manganu refuge, the stage begins with a gradual climb along the stream that feeds the Zoicu. Little by little, as you gain altitude, the trail becomes more technical as you approach the Brèche de Capitellu, where some sections are equipped with chains to facilitate progress.

The route then continues towards Bocca Soglia, where the slope steepens across vast scree fields. The path then alternates between the east and west slopes, following a long ridge offering magnificent panoramas of the Melo and Capitello lakes, nestled in the heart of the Rotondo massif.

The ascent continues to Bocca alle Porte, an iconic pass on the GR20, symbolizing the demanding alpine character of this section of the route. You then traverse high mountain terrain towards Bocca Muzzella, perched at 2,206 meters. After this sustained climb, the path levels out and winds among the alder trees that cover the southern slope of the A Maniccia summit.

From the Petra Piana refuge, perched at 1,850 meters, the route begins with a gradual ascent towards the Bocca Manganello (1,790 m), through a landscape that is both wild and typically alpine. The hike continues along the Serra Bianca ridge, offering spectacular panoramas of the surrounding mountains.

The trail then leads to the Pinzi Corbini headland (2,021 m), offering breathtaking views of Corsica's west coast and the Bay of Ajaccio. After this exposed section, the GR20 follows the ridges of the Serra di Tenda to the summit of Capu a Meta. This challenging climb is rewarded with magnificent scenery and remarkable views of the island's interior.

The final descent winds along the ridges before reaching the sheepfolds of Onda, thus concluding this memorable alpine stage.

From the Onda refuge, the route begins with a gradual climb, offering superb views of the peaks of northern Corsica. The trail heads towards the ridge, passing close to the imposing Monte d'Oro, whose silhouette majestically dominates the landscape.

After crossing the ridge, the path descends into the valley, revealing the wild and unspoiled beauty of the surroundings. You will then reach the footbridge at the Torteto sheepfolds, nestled along the Agnone stream. Following the stream, you will arrive at the famous English Waterfall, known for its crystal-clear pools, perfect for a refreshing break.

The end of the stage takes place in a dense beech forest, where the GR20 winds its way to the end of this day's hike.