The complete GR20 South with a guide
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelExpert
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DestinationCorsica / South Corsica
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions59.1 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
French
In a few words
Discover the GR20 South , a spectacular trek through the heart of the Corsican mountains, from Vizzavona to Conca . Over 6 days , this approximately 100-kilometer route immerses you in wild and unspoiled nature, between laricio pine forests, rocky peaks, high-altitude lakes and mountain trails.
With your experienced guide , you'll traverse the steep terrain and technical sections of the route while fully enjoying the scenery. From the Vecchio Valley to the impressive Bavella Needles , each stage reveals a new facet of Corsica and offers its share of breathtaking panoramas.
An authentic sporting adventure , ideal for those who wish to experience the GR20 from the inside, share the experience with a group and fully experience the spirit of the Corsican mountains.
The highlights
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All the stages from Vizzavona to Conca
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Access to your bag at certain stages
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Professional supervision
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
The complete GR20 South is much more than just a hike: it's a true physical and mental challenge. It's not so much the distance that impresses, but the nature of the terrain, the weather conditions, and the level of rusticity of the accommodations .
The trail is primarily rocky, mineral, and steep . Some technical sections require the use of hands, with passages approaching easy scrambling (grade 2) . You will cross mountain passes and valleys, with steep descents followed by long climbs. The total elevation gain exceeds 12,000 meters : a true alpine traverse in the heart of Corsica.
The weather conditions are typically mountainous : the weather can change rapidly, with temperatures that can drop sharply, even in the middle of summer.
This adventure is for well-prepared hikers seeking authenticity, self-improvement and strong emotions in the heart of exceptional landscapes.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 8h30
- Average distance/day: 18 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 908 m
- Average daily descent: 1092 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
Throughout this demanding journey, you will be accompanied by state-certified mountaineering professionals, holders of the Mountain Leader qualification . Their perfect knowledge of the terrain, the weather, and local conditions guarantees a safe, enriching, and friendly experience.
These enthusiasts are not only there to ensure your safety: they share with you their love of the Corsican mountains, their secrets, their fauna, their flora and their history, transforming each step into a moment of exchange and discovery.
Program
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Vizzavona
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Welcome and preparation for the start of the adventure
Meet your guide in Vizzavona , the starting point of your adventure.
Upon arrival, you'll settle into your accommodation , followed by a comprehensive briefing on the trek : final instructions, technical advice, and packing your bags for the first few stages at altitude. This is a chance to get to know your group and begin immersing yourself in the spirit of this beautiful journey.
Day 1 -
From Vizzavona to Bocca di Verdi
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 10h
- Distance 26 km
- Positive elevation gain 1300 m
- Negative elevation 1160 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Onward to the longest leg of your trip.
You'll first reach the Capanelle ski resort, peaceful in summer, before venturing into a majestic forest where the light filters through the leaves, dancing across the ground. The route ends at the Col de Verde, perched at 1289 meters, a gateway between the slopes, between yesterday and tomorrow. A gentle and authentic stage, where time seems to stand still.
Day 2 -
From Bocca di Verdi to Usciolu
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 9h
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 1220 m
- Negative elevation 830 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A demanding alpine stage between the Col de Verde and Usciolu , this section of the GR20 takes you rapidly uphill through a beech forest before reaching the ridge. The route continues along the ridgeline, sometimes airy and exposed, with technical sections requiring attention and endurance. The panoramas are spectacular, offering views of the southern mountain ranges and, on a clear day, all the way to the sea. Reaching the Usciolu refuge (1750 m) is a well-earned reward at the end of a beautiful and challenging day's hike.
Day 3 -
From Usiolu to Croci
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 460 m
- Negative elevation 660 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A wild and physically demanding stage between Usciolu and Croci , marked by a long ridge traverse along the crest of the Statues Ridge. The terrain is technical, often rocky, and requires vigilance. You will be constantly at altitude, with breathtaking panoramic views of the Taravo Valley and the southern mountains. After this spectacular crossing, the descent to the gentler plateaus of Croci offers a welcome contrast. A challenging day, between sky and granite.
Day 4 -
From Croci to Bocca di Bavedda
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 9h
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 1030 m
- Negative elevation 1310 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A long and varied stage between Croci and Bavella , alternating between peaceful plateaus and steeper terrain. After a relatively easy start across alpine meadows, the trail becomes more technical as it approaches the Bavella Needles. Taking the alpine variant leads to a spectacular, exposed, and sometimes challenging route, offering breathtaking views of the famous peaks. Reaching Bavella marks the end of an intense stage, a blend of pastoral gentleness and rugged verticality.
Day 5 -
From Bocca di Bavedda to Conca
- Transportation Minibus - 00h45 - 18km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 530 m
- Negative elevation 1500 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
The final stage of the GR20 , between Bavella and Conca , remains a physically demanding day despite its generally downhill profile. The trail winds through pine forests, rocky slabs, and granite boulder fields, with a few technical sections. Views gradually open up to the sea, signaling the approaching end of the trek. Arriving in Conca , after days of effort, is filled with emotion: a mixture of pride, relief, and wonder. A memorable conclusion to an exceptional journey. Transfer to Porto-Vecchio in the mid-afternoon. End of stay in Porto-Vecchio.
Day 6
Note
The programs were established based on the latest information available at the time of writing; however, unforeseen circumstances are always possible, and situations beyond our control may alter the schedule. As this is an international trip, participants of several nationalities may interact. Therefore, the guide must be able to communicate fluently in both French and English to meet the needs of all participants.
Accommodation
Access
Depending on the season, at the end of your stay you may be able to take public buses to Ajaccio or Bastia.
Go to the starting point
Trains to Vizzavona run daily from Ajaccio or Bastia; see timetables and fares on the railway website: https://cf-corse.corsica/
Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport (AJA): Located just 45 km away (approximately 45 minutes by car).
- Access from the airport: Take the shuttle bus or a taxi to Ajaccio train station (15 min), then the CFC train to Vizzavona.
Bastia-Poretta Airport (BIA): Located approximately 75 km away (approximately 1 hour 10 minutes by road).
- Access from the airport: Take a taxi or shuttle to Casamozza or Bastia train station, then the CFC train.
Ports of arrival:
- Port of Ajaccio: Located 50 km away (approximately 50 minutes by car or 1 hour by direct CFC train).
- Port of Bastia: Located 90 km away (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car or 1 hour 45 minutes by direct CFC train).
Shipping companies: Corsica Linea and Corsica Ferries (daily crossings from Marseille, Toulon or Nice).
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be supervised by a qualified mountain guide.
- 5 nights in a mountain refuge/sheepfold and tent
- Meals from dinner on Day 1 to lunch on Day 6 (i.e., 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners)
- Conca's transfer to Porto-Vecchio on the last day
- Bag transport with access every day except day 3 in Usciolu
The price does not include
- Transportation to and from the meeting point.
- Access to luggage every day except day 3
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Tent for two people
- Mattress
Equipment to bring
- A sleeping bag with a sleeping bag liner
- Walking sticks
- A Tupperware-type container for transporting salads for lunch
Clothing to bring
- Hiking backpack (50 L minimum)
- Soft, compact, secure track bag (10-12 kg max, suitcases prohibited)
- Waterproof high-top boots (Gore-Tex type), grippy sole (Vibram), 1-2 sizes larger
- Hiking poles (highly recommended)
- Waterproof and breathable jacket
- Warm jacket (fleece, down jacket or softshell)
- technical T-shirts
- Lightweight trousers and/or trekking shorts
- Technical underwear
- Swimsuit
- Cap or hat, beanie, gloves
- Microfiber towel
- Airtight container (approximately 0.8 L)
- Cutlery + folding knife
- Water bottle (1.5 L min) or water bladder
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm
- Phone, identity papers, health insurance card, cash
- Headlamp with new batteries
- Mini pharmacy:
- Personal medications
- Paracetamol, disinfectant, anti-diarrheal
- Anti-inflammatory cream, blister plasters, Elastoplast
- Arnica, aspirin, emergency blanket
- Earplugs
- Sandals or light sneakers for the evening
- Basic toiletries + wipes
- Toilet paper + 2 bin bags (for personal belongings)