Self-guided trek on the GR20 North between Vizzavona and Calenzana

This stage connects the pastoral valley surrounding the Refuge de l'Onda to the high cirque of Petra Piana. It begins with a descent through pine forests and granite slabs, leading to the isolated Manganellu valley, where the river has carved clear pools and waterfalls. This is followed by a long climb along the river upstream into increasingly alpine terrain, ending at a small stone refuge nestled beneath imposing peaks such as Monte Rotondo (2,622 m).

From the refuge, the trail descends along a rocky path, passing terraces and sheepfolds, and quickly enters a forest where it joins the Manganellu River. After crossing the bridge near the Tolla Sheepfold, the route turns upstream and alternates between shady woods and open slabs along the river. The waterfalls and natural pools offer the perfect opportunity for a short break!

Higher up, the trees become more sparse and the climb steeper, zigzagging through fields of boulders and small pines. The views open up as you ascend, revealing the surrounding ridges and turquoise pools far below. A final push up rough granite steps leads to a hanging pool, where the Petra Piana Refuge sits on a grassy plateau. Enjoy your stay in this spectacular mountain setting.

This is one of the most spectacular days in the high mountains, taking you from the rocky cirque of Petra Piana to the open basin of Manganu. After a steady climb to a panoramic ridge, the path overlooks the Restonica Valley, offering breathtaking views of Monte Rotondo to your right and the glacial lakes below. A long descent through boulder fields and gentle wetlands then leads to the grassy plateau where the next refuge is located.

From there, a challenging path climbs over broken granite to Bocca Muzzella (2,210 m), the main ascent of the day, which offers superb views. The route then follows an airy ridge towards the Brèche de Capitello, undulating between passes such as the Col de Rinoso (2,170 m) and rocky knolls above the Rinoso, Capitello, and Melo lakes. This is one of the most impressive sections of the GR 20! Short, sometimes steep sections over slabs and scree alternate with easier traverses across grassy patches and past small lakes as you head west towards the Manganu basin.

Finally, the path descends more decisively, leaving the ridge and dropping into a wide depression filled with grass, streams, and peat bogs. Faint tracks then lead you across the damp ground to drier pastures dotted with granite boulders. The Manganu Refuge is situated on a small hill above the plains.

This long mountain traverse connects Manganu to the dramatic cirque nestled beneath the peaks of Paglia Orba (2,525 meters) and Capu Tafunatu (2,335 meters). Gentle slopes, expansive plateaus, and river valleys alternate with steeper ascents, ensuring a constant variety of terrain. Highlights include the wetlands around Lake Nino and the sculpted pools of the upper Golo River. The day concludes at a refuge spectacularly situated on a rocky spur overlooking the valley.

From there, the path climbs gradually through open terrain to reach Bocca a Reta (1,883 m), passing through Pianu di Campotile, which is dotted with old sheepfolds, bathing and resting areas, and the vast depression of Lake Nino, where horses and cows graze among the peat bogs and clear streams. A downhill traverse then leads through pozzines (small ponds) and into a sparse forest. Finally, the path joins a clearer trail that descends through pine trees via the Col de Saint-Pierre (1,450 m) to the road at Castelo di Vergio.

The final section traverses a rocky slope to reach the Ciottulu di i Mori Refuge, perched high above the river with cliffs and ridges all around. Here you'll find a simple dining room, water, and dormitories, as well as unforgettable sunset views of the surrounding peaks.

This shorter stage descends from the high perch of the previous refuge into the wild valley below Paglia Orba (2,525 m) and Capu Tafunatu (2,335 m). The route begins with superb panoramic views of the cliffs and ridges, then plunges into a narrow river valley where clear pools among smooth granite slabs invite a pause. A final climb leads to a tranquil side basin where the next refuge stands surrounded by steep granite walls.

From the refuge, the trail descends towards the Foggiale pass (1,962 m), which offers one of the most iconic panoramas of the GR20. Then, a steep and zigzag descent leads you to the Golo valley, crossing rocky slopes with constant views of the Paglia Orba massif.

The route continues through sparse woods and grassy areas, passing small meadows where horses and cows often graze. Along the way, you'll also come across the Bergerie de Ballone, a practical shepherd's hut. The route then enters a tributary valley where you'll find a more winding path.

From the rocky basin surrounding Tighjettu, you begin a long ascent towards the horizon below Monte Cinto (2,706 m). Here, you'll traverse slabs and broken ridges while enjoying views of the Corsican interior. After reaching Pointe des Éboulis (2,607 m), the highest pass on the entire GR20 route, the landscape changes as you descend steeply over scree, passing isolated alpine lakes towards the wooded basin of Haut Asco.

From the refuge, the path follows the Crucetta stream, climbing steadily via granite steps and short scrambling sections towards Monte Cinto. On one side, views open up to Capu Rossu (2,498 m) and Capu Larghia (2,475 m), while the wild Crucetta Valley stretches out below. Higher up, the trail heads towards Bocca Crucetta (2,452 m), a high viewpoint overlooking the dark cirque of Lago Cinto, a ridge near Capu Falu (2,540 m). You then continue over unstable scree to Pointe des Éboulis, where you can enjoy views of the sea.

The descent begins abruptly, winding through ravines and along ledges to Lake Argento. Later, the path levels out, zigzagging to Lake Capitellu. Here, you'll cross a wooden bridge over the Tighiettu stream, which leads to the bottom of the Asco valley, where water flows over pale flagstones and small waterfalls.

Starting from the Asco ski resort, this route may seem short, but it's intense. You emerge from the pine forest into a high, rocky valley below the summit of Muvrella (2,148 m). Soon, you'll find a secluded mountain lake before crossing a wide pass. From there, the route descends for a long stretch, following slabs and ledges alongside a clear stream until it reaches the Spassimata stream. The Carozzu Refuge is nestled among the pines on a balcony overlooking the valley.

From the refuge, follow the stony path and soon leave the trees behind, entering a challenging area of ​​rough granite towards the Bocca di Stagnu pass (2,010 m), which overlooks the Asco valley. The trail leads you over stepped boulders and, at times, over easy slabs of rock towards the Muvrella pass (1,990 m), located below the summit of Muvrella. The path then leads you to the secluded Lake Muvrella, nestled in a cirque below the summit.

Further from the lake, the route descends to a winding saddle offering a first glimpse of the Lamitu Valley and the deep valleys to the north. Beyond the bridge, the path winds through pines and over boulders, with the sound of water never far away. A final section through the forest leads to the Carozzu clearing, where the refuge's terraces overlook the cliffs and the winding valley below.

Leaving the pine-covered area around the refuge, the route heads straight for higher altitudes. A steady climb leads to a rocky ledge overlooking the valley, where you can enjoy early views of distant peaks and, on a clear day, the sea. At Bocca Avartoli, the landscape opens up to reveal a wild mix of bare summits, deep ravines, and slabs of gray granite. Beyond the main ridge, the terrain gradually becomes gentler as you descend and the path turns towards the next hut.

From there, you follow a stony path alongside a mountain stream, winding between pines and boulders. The trail then steepens, forming tight zigzags as you quickly ascend rough granite steps to Bocca di L'Innominata (1,865 m). Later, you reach Bocca Avartoli (1,898 m), where there are several scrambling sections leading to the Avartoli Pass (1,898 m). From there, you traverse to Bocca Piccaia (1,920 m), enjoying breathtaking views of the Corsican Regional Natural Park.

The descent alternates between rocky ledges and gentler forest paths, with short, steep sections where using your hands is helpful. As you descend, the pines and scrubland return. A final undulating traverse across a grassy shoulder leads directly to the refuge, nestled among twisted pines. Time for a well-deserved rest!

This stage takes you from the high granite peaks down to the warm foothills of the Balagne region. Gradually, the wooded ridges and rocky outcrops give way to maquis shrubland and ancient terraces, and the Mediterranean Sea appears on the horizon. As the day progresses, the views widen to encompass Monte Grosso and the gulf near Calvi, before the path finally descends to the tiled roofs and bell towers of Calenzana.

From the refuge, the trail traverses rocky slopes dotted with pine trees before beginning a long descent along a stony ridge. Crossing the Bocca a U Bassiguellu (1,486 m) and Bocca a U Saltu (1,220 m) passes, it continues along ledges and ravines, offering panoramic views of deep valleys and the distant coastline. Lower down, the path winds through shrubs, past ancient stone walls, and abandoned fields. It crosses small streams and passes wayside crosses as the landscape becomes more cultivated and gentle.

As you approach the valley floor, the route joins wider tracks and enters the outskirts of Calenzana. Narrow lanes wind past chapels and shaded squares until you reach the village center, where you'll find fountains and cafes nestled under plane trees. Here, you can put down your backpack and celebrate the end of your journey with a drink on a terrace overlooking the Balagne hills.