Guided GR20 from Calenzana to Conca in 13 stages

The big start is here! The trail climbs rapidly above the village of Calenzana, offering superb views of the Bay of Calvi . You cross ancient terraced gardens, remnants of rural life in bygone days, before descending into the Figarella Valley .

Gradually, the fragrant maquis gives way to a shady pine forest , and then the vegetation becomes sparser as you gain altitude around Capu Ghjovu (1,629 m) . The trail then reaches the Fucu ridge , a spectacular gateway into the wild cirque of Bonifatu .

This first day of immersion ends at the Orto di u Piobbu refuge , nestled in the heart of the mountains – a taste of the intensity and raw beauty that await you along the GR20.

This day immerses you in one of the most spectacular landscapes of the GR20: the Bonifatu cirque , dominated by peaks exceeding 2,000 meters in altitude . The stage is very rocky and technical , with several sections where you'll need to use your hands to make progress. A true alpine experience.

Beneath your feet, a network of green valleys contrasts with the rock, and on the horizon, the sea and the bay of Calvi offer a striking view between sky and mountain.

You will finish this stage with a long descent through a scree slope , before reaching the Carrozzu refuge , perched high above the mountains. A demanding but magnificent day , revealing all the richness and diversity of the Corsican mountains.

Leaving the refuge, you progress on the Spasimata slabs , one of the emblematic passages of the GR20. Along the way, the majestic Lariccio pines escort you to the Spasimata suspension bridge , which spans a crystalline torrent in a wild setting.

The climb continues in the narrow valley of the Figarella , which you follow to its source: a small high-altitude lake bordered by alders and rowan trees, a true haven of tranquility.

One last challenge awaits you: crossing two mountain passes at over 2,000 meters altitude , where a breathtaking panoramic view of the great Corsican mountain ranges unfolds. You then begin the descent towards the valley , with the feeling of having reached a new milestone in this extraordinary adventure.

The Cinto massif , the highest peak in Corsica at 2,706 meters , rises before you in all its power. Its austere and impressive north face seems insurmountable. A mineral landscape where every step is hard-won.

You'll need to redouble your efforts to make progress through the unstable scree and rocky chaos , sometimes using metal chains to secure the most technical sections. This demanding climb will take you to the Pointe des Éboulis (2,607 m) , a true viewpoint overlooking the Niolu region and the upcoming stages of the GR20.

You then continue your journey through a lunar, silent and raw landscape , before beginning a long descent over boulders towards the valley, where you will find your accommodation for a well-deserved rest.

After traversing high-altitude, rocky landscapes, the trail becomes gentler as it enters a charming pine forest. However, this idyllic interlude is short-lived, as you'll have to cross the Bocca Fogiale pass at 1,962 meters before reaching the refuge, situated at nearly 2,000 meters. From the summit, you'll have a breathtaking view of the glacial Golo Valley, whose source lies at the foot of Paglia Orba (2,525 m), the region's most iconic mountain. The descent then leads you into the heart of this micro-region's agricultural and pastoral history, a journey through the vestiges of a traditional way of life linked to farming and livestock breeding.

Come and experience an unforgettable stopover with the discovery of Lake Nino and its lush pools, a true haven of nature. This route, ideal for a relaxing break, allows you to savor every step in an enchanting environment. The pleasant and accessible path guides you through a magnificent beech forest before gently leading you to an open ridge. From the summit, enjoy a breathtaking view, a chance to recharge and marvel!

A majestic stage of the GR (long-distance hiking trail), this challenging trek immerses you in the wild, mineral world of the Rotondo massif. From the refuge, the trail climbs between jagged peaks and silent summits, until it reaches the Bocca alle Porte pass, perched at 2200 meters. Up there, the landscape unfolds like a suspended dream: Lakes Mélo and Capitello shimmer in the heart of the Restonica valley, azure jewels between rock and sky.

In this high-altitude atmosphere, where the wind whispers between the ridges, you journey into the heart of a raw, almost timeless landscape. The path then leads you to the Petra Piana refuge, a secluded haven nestled in the mountains. From there, taking the alpine variant, you traverse the ridges, balancing precariously, to the sheepfolds and the Onda refuge. A day at altitude, a blend of exertion and wonder, where each step resonates like an ode to the Corsican mountains.

A new stage full of promise and grandeur. You will begin the ascent of the foothills of Monte d'Oro, a majestic peak reaching 2389 meters, to reach the ridges dominating the sky, at an altitude of over 2000 meters.

From these heights, the landscape unfolds with breathtaking grace. To the west, the Gravona Valley stretches gently towards the sea and the city of Ajaccio; to the east, the Vecchio Valley plunges inland, on its way to the Tavignano River. Between sky and earth, you will be suspended between two worlds.

But already, your gaze turns southward, where the mountains yet to be crossed rise, proud and silent, inviting you to continue the adventure. Finally, the descent will lead you into the soothing shade of the Vizzavona forest, where the whispers of the pines mark the end of this first great island crossing.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.