Guided trail on the GR20: from Calenzana to Conca in 8 days

A magnificent opening on the heights of Calenzana!

From the very first steps, the climb offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Calvi. The trail ascends through fragrant maquis shrubland, forgotten gardens, and pine forests before reaching the ridges of Capu Ghjovu (1,629 m) and the Ortu di Piobbu refuge. The atmosphere then becomes alpine and technical, with some exposed sections where you may need to use your hands. The panoramas of peaks over 2,000 m and the sea are simply magical. The descent via a scree slope leads to the Carrozzu refuge, the starting point for the famous Spasimata slabs and its suspension bridge. The ascent of the narrow valley reveals a high-altitude lake, then two spectacular passes before the final descent to the Haut-Asco ski resort.

Under the gaze of the Corsican giant, Monte Cintu (2,706 m)

The stage begins with a demanding climb through a rocky landscape of boulders and scree, leading to the Pointe des Éboulis (2,607 m), which offers a breathtaking view of the Niolu region. The descent to the Tighjettu refuge marks a change of scenery: the trail becomes gentler and winds through beautiful Corsican pine forests. After passing Bocca Fogiale (1,962 m), the descent plunges into the glacial Golo valley, dominated by the majestic Paglia Orba (2,525 m). The route then reaches the highest refuge on the GR20, before continuing on to the Col de Vergio, the gateway to the mountainous heart of Corsica.

Between pastoral gentleness and alpine atmosphere!

The day begins gently with a gradual climb towards Lake Nino, a jewel nestled in the heart of verdant pools, where horses and cows graze peacefully. After a break at the Manganu refuge, the scenery changes dramatically: welcome to the high mountains! The trail ascends towards Bocca Alle Porte (2,200 m), revealing a spectacular view of the glacial lakes of Melo and Capitello, which are reached before descending towards Frasseta.

A spectacular alpine ascent goes up the Restonica valley to reach the crests of the Rotondo massif. After an aerial passage to the Petra Piana refuge, the descent heads towards the sheepfolds of the Onda before attacking the last northern stage. The route then climbs towards the crest of Monte d'Oro (2,389 m) before a long and fun forest descent to Vizzavona, in the heart of wild Corsica.

An endurance stage in the heart of the Corsican mountains!

The longest stage in terms of distance, this day follows an old transhumance trail winding between beech forests and vast alpine pastures. The terrain becomes gentler and more rolling after the northern hills. The route reaches the Capannelle ski resort before continuing to the Col de Verde (1,289 m), a true crossroads of Corsican trails.

Between sky and granite, a suspended moment!

This scenic stage winds along spectacular ridges, overlooking valleys that plunge towards the sea. After the Laparo pass (1,525 m), a sustained climb leads to the refuge. The impressive Statues Ridge, with its rocks sculpted into human forms, guides the ascent to the Cuscionu plateau (1,600 m). There, beech forests and vast meadows offer a pastoral landscape of rare beauty.

The iconic alpine variant of the Aiguilles de Bavella!

This unmissable stage crosses the spectacular granite towers that dominate the Asinao valley, offering breathtaking panoramas between sea and mountains. The final descent is gradual, through pine forests and fragrant maquis. We pass by the Paliri refuge before reaching the village of Conca, the end point of the adventure. Transfer to Porto-Vecchio in the late afternoon to conclude this exceptional journey .