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10-day hike northwestern-southeastern Corsica via the GR20

10-day hike northwestern-southeastern Corsica via the GR20 | undefined

Conquer the mythical GR20 route, the most difficult trek in Europe. Let Julie, an experienced mountain leader, guide you through the stunning island of Corsica.

10 Days

Jun - Oct

Very high

Advanced


Description

Join me for this breathtaking adventure. Trek through the mythical GR20, the hardest trail in Europe! And, explore the stunning island of Corsica, France, over this 10-day hike.

The GR20 is world famous, as it is one of the most difficult hikes on Earth. But, it is also one of the most beautiful ones. The sceneries here are stunning. We’ll be able to see mesmerizing lakes with pristine waters. And we’ll ascend summits of over 2,000 meters, where we’ll get the best views of the sea, from the north, west, and east, at times!

We’ll take the North to South route, a historical path that will ensure we uncover all the beauty of this place. Throughout the route we’ll encounter different types of terrain, with very steep slopes, slabs and rocky ascents.

The average elevations we’ll hike through range from 1,500 meters to 3,000 meters. And we’ll be hiking around 7h30 to 10 hours. This does not include resting time and the breaks we’ll take for picnics. We’ll take both in stunning spots so we can recover our energy and continue on our journey.

Some of the highlights of this trip are:

  • Crossing the Cirque de Bonifatu and the Bavella needles

  • The hypnotizing views of the Capitello and the Melo lakes

  • Trekking through mountain passes that stand over 2,000 meters

  • Enjoying Camputile and the sheepfolds of Vaccaghja and U Cuscionu

  • Reaching the summit of Alcudina (2,134m), the highest peak in the south of Corsica

Due to the intense physical demand of this route, you’ll need an excellent fitness level. This is not a trek for anybody, and you need to be prepared for such challenge. But the reward you’ll get, will be the magnificent places you’ll reach!

So if you are up for this challenge, send me a request. Let me guide you through this amazing place in Corsica.

Price includes

  • Guiding fee
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  • Luggage transfer

Price details

  • Price for 8 to 12 people: From 1050 euros per person, 1200 euros with an arrival the day before. Plus 25 to 40 euros per person per night, in a hotel for the last evening at the shelter. The price includes: half board in sheepfold, lodging or camping tent, picnic lunch in the nature, transfer Calvi Calenzana and Conca - Porto Vecchio or Figari, baggage assistance every 2 days. Prices don’t include: continental route / Corsica, transport to the meeting point and the one from the point of dispersion, beverages and personal expenses, insurance cancellation / repatriation, hiking gear.

Itinerary

Day 1: Calvi- Ortu di Piobbu

We’ll meet at 8:00 in Calvi. Then we’ll trek to the refuge of Ortu di Piobbu (1560m).

Day 2: Ladroncellu - Spasimata

On this day we’ll trek through the ridgend between Ladroncellu and the Avartoli Pass. Due to its location the Avartoli Pass is one of the most beautiful passages of the trek. Then, we’ll descend to Carrozzu. And then enter into the circus of Bonifatu. After that we’ll rise by the slabs of Spasimata. Finally we’ll descend towards the Ascu Stagnu station, where you’ll find your bag.

Day 3: Ascu/normal route - sheepfolds of Ballone

We can take the normal route, where we’ll hike through mesmerizing slabs and a stunning silver lake.  Also we can take the route by the lakes of Ascu, where we’ll see small wild lakes in the middle of the screes.

Day 4: Refuge of Tighjettu or Ballone - Castel di Vergio

First we’ll descend to the sheepfolds of U Vallone. Then we’ll cross a charming forest where we’ll be able to see the Corsican Matterhorn. After that we will go up a steep path in the rocks towards Bocca di Foggiale. And, only 20 minutes later we’ll reach the highest refuge, Ciottulu di Mori. Finally, we’ll take a nice lunch break after which we’ll descend to the Golu basins where you’ll find your bags.

Day 5: Castel Di Vergio - Refuge Petra Piana

We’ll leave early morning to hike through the enchanting forest of Valdu Niellu. And we’ll cross the plateau of Capitellu, where you’ll get the best views of the Melu and Capitellu lakes. Finally we’ll spend the night at the Petra Piana shelter.

Day 6: Petra Piana - Vizzavona

Our day will begin by a beautiful stage crest on the top of the sheepfolds of the Onda. Then we’ll cross the massif of Monte d’Oru. After that, a hard descent through a waterfall awaits. Finally we’ll reach the Vizzavona pass.

Day 7: Vizzavona - Refuge of Prati

Day 7 begins with a trek through Pinzi Curbini di Uriente a more mountainous and wild path. Or, we can walk through the forest, where we’ll pass lovely torrents and sheepfolds. It will all depend on the weather condition. Finally we’ll climb Col de Verde and reach the Refuge of Prati.

Day 8: Prati - Bergeries I Croci

On this day we’ll ascend Punta Della Cappella. Then dip into the basins of the pateau of Cuscinou, where we’ll see many animals in the wild, including horses, pigs and goats. Finally, we’ll end the day either camping or at a refuge.

Day 9: Croci - Bavella

We’ll climb the Monte Alcudina (2,134m). Then we’ll descend to the sheepfolds of Asinau and cross Bavella. Finally we’ll spend the night in a gite.

Day 10: Bavella - Conca

Our last day will begin early, crossing the southern massif of the Bavella through the refuge of Paliri. Finally we’ll reach the final stage of the GR20. And there will be a transfer to the Figari or Ajaccio airport waiting for you.

 

Details

More info

We recommend you bring a backpack for the day, picnic + 2 liters of water minimum, sun block, a rain and a warm jacket. Your bag will be transferred every 2 days. For overnight stays bring a long sleeve T-shirt, a pair of pants, a spare of underwear.

Meeting point

at 8:00 in Calvi or 8:30 in Calenzana

FAQs

What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?

We understand that finding the perfect place to stay is an essential part of your adventure experience. To help you with this, we’ve curated a list of three highly recommended hotels that offer comfort, convenience, and a touch of local charm. These accommodations are well-suited for adventurers looking to relax and rejuvenate after an exciting day of exploration
Hotel Le Subrini Olmeto France
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Hotel Artemisia Olmeto France
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A Cheda Hotel Olmeto France
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About the guide

Guide profile image

-Julie

5.0

(1)

Mountain Guide

I am a mountain leader based in Quenza, Corsica. I am state-certified and offer hiking and snowshoeing tours around this beautiful island. And for your added safety, I'm also a firefighter and lifeguard. I enjoy the feeling of freedom I get when in the mountains and also the humbleness that they require. The mountain is wonderful when shared!

Request more information

What people are saying about -Julie

Marc

5

Julien is an outstanding guide who has a true passion for mountains I will gladly recommend him Hike was very challenging but well worth the effort. A true family memory for my daughter and I. A little difficult communication with Explore Share arranging the trip


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