Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to GR20 (Corsica), Worldwide. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
- Region
- France
- Country
- Worldwide
- Biome
- Mediterranean alpine (600–2,700 m)
- Best season
- June – September
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
Key takeaways
- Biome: Mediterranean alpine (600–2,700 m)
- Best season: June – September
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of GR20 (Corsica)
Topic summary
Europe's toughest long trail — 180 km across the Corsican mountain spine, 15 stages, and 12,000 m of gain.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: June – September
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Mediterranean alpine (600–2,700 m)
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
GR20 (Corsica) trip tools
How to get there
The GR20 is on Corsica, a French Mediterranean island southeast of mainland France and immediately north of Sardinia. Its endpoints are Calenzana in the north and Conca in the south. Plan onward travel to the chosen starting point and separate transport from the finish.
- Calenzana
The northern endpoint of the GR20 and the starting point for a north-to-south traverse toward Conca.
- Conca
The southern endpoint of the GR20 and the starting point for a south-to-north traverse toward Calenzana.
Sources: Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at GR20 (Corsica)
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
Animals around GR20 (Corsica)
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — GR20 (Corsica)Amazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at GR20 (Corsica)
Planning to fish GR20 (Corsica), France? Fishing licences, open seasons and catch limits in France are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing licence at GR20 (Corsica)?
- A France fishing licence is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current France fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
We don't have a verified licensing link on file for France yet — contact the park or land manager listed on this page for current hunting and fishing rules.
Hunting near GR20 (Corsica)
Thinking about hunting GR20 (Corsica), France? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in France are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at GR20 (Corsica)?
- Confirm the land around GR20 (Corsica) is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in France?
- A France hunting licence — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
We don't have a verified licensing link on file for France yet — contact the park or land manager listed on this page for current hunting and fishing rules.
A mountain traverse of Corsica
The GR20 crosses Corsica’s mountains between Calenzana in the north and Conca in the south, running most of the length of the island. It belongs to the Grande Randonnée network of long-distance walking paths. The full route covers 180 km, making this a sustained mountain journey rather than a short introduction to the island. Corsica lies in the Mediterranean southeast of mainland France, west of the Italian Peninsula and immediately north of Sardinia. Despite that island setting, mountains define much of the landscape: a single mountain chain occupies two-thirds of Corsica. Plan around that mountainous interior, not around expectations of a coastal walking holiday. The route’s defining features are its length, rugged ground and accumulated climbing.
Effort and terrain
The GR20’s difficulty comes from the combination of rugged terrain and sustained elevation change across a 180 km route. The traverse involves around 12,000 to 13,000 metres of climbing and descent. Those figures make distance alone a poor measure of the effort required: a day’s progress needs to account for the ground underfoot and the amount of ascent and descent, not just kilometres covered. Preparation should focus on repeated mountain walking with the pack intended for the trip. Leave room in the itinerary for slower progress rather than building a schedule around an ideal pace. When assessing whether the full traverse fits, consider how well the group handles consecutive demanding walking days, not merely its ability to complete one long outing.
Building a workable trip
Use Calenzana and Conca as the anchors for planning the full traverse, then work out the practical details before committing to a schedule. An end-to-end walk requires separate arrangements for reaching the starting point and leaving the finish; arrival on Corsica is only part of that planning. Confirm current route conditions, overnight arrangements and any applicable access requirements with the relevant local authorities or operators. For a rugged mountain journey, carry weather protection and a navigation system the group knows how to use, and check water availability rather than assuming it. French is Corsica’s official and most widely spoken language, while Corsican is also recognized as a regional language. Basic French is useful when checking local arrangements and asking for current information.
Route options
- Full traverse: Calenzana to Conca180 kmStrenuous; rugged mountain terrain with substantial climbing and descent.
Follow the GR20 south through Corsica’s mountainous interior, covering most of the island’s length. Rugged terrain and around 12,000 to 13,000 metres of climbing and descent make the full crossing a sustained physical undertaking.
- Full traverse: Conca to Calenzana180 kmStrenuous; rugged mountain terrain with substantial climbing and descent.
Walk the same end-to-end mountain route in the opposite direction, starting at the southern endpoint and finishing in the north. Reversing direction does not remove the route’s overall distance, rugged terrain or accumulated elevation change.
Sample itineraries
- Calenzana: northern-end day walk · 1 day
Use Calenzana, the GR20's northern endpoint, for a short out-and-back introduction rather than committing to a traverse. Choose a turnaround point according to terrain, weather and remaining daylight. This is a suggested day-walk format, not a defined trail stage.
- Conca: southern-end day walk · 1 day
Approach the GR20 from its southern endpoint at Conca. Plan an out-and-back walk with a conservative turnaround time. Confirm local access and trail conditions before setting out; do not assume the southern endpoint means easy terrain.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring; verify mountain conditions before departure
Corsica's Mediterranean setting does not establish conditions in its mountains. Check the forecast and current trail footing before choosing a day walk or longer trip.
Summer
Summer; choose walking hours around the forecast
Allow for sun exposure and demanding exertion on rugged mountain terrain. Carry adequate water and confirm refill opportunities rather than assuming they will be available.
Fall
Fall; plan around available daylight
Keep daily objectives conservative as daylight decreases. Mountain travel can take longer than distance alone suggests; check weather and leave time to turn back.
Winter
Winter; establish current route suitability first
Do not treat a Mediterranean island as a guarantee of mild mountain walking. Confirm conditions, required equipment and whether the intended section matches the party's skills before committing.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring; verify mountain conditions before departure | Corsica's Mediterranean setting does not establish conditions in its mountains. Check the forecast and current trail footing before choosing a day walk or longer trip. |
| Summer | Summer; choose walking hours around the forecast | Allow for sun exposure and demanding exertion on rugged mountain terrain. Carry adequate water and confirm refill opportunities rather than assuming they will be available. |
| Fall | Fall; plan around available daylight | Keep daily objectives conservative as daylight decreases. Mountain travel can take longer than distance alone suggests; check weather and leave time to turn back. |
| Winter | Winter; establish current route suitability first | Do not treat a Mediterranean island as a guarantee of mild mountain walking. Confirm conditions, required equipment and whether the intended section matches the party's skills before committing. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit requirements and overnight-use rules with the managing agency before departure.
Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.
Hazards & regulations
- Rugged terrain demands careful footing and can slow progress substantially.
- The full route involves around 12,000–13,000 metres of climbing and descent; cumulative fatigue is a major planning concern.
- Mountain weather requires checking conditions rather than relying on Corsica's Mediterranean location.
- Overambitious daily objectives can leave too little daylight for a safe return or onward travel.
What to pack for GR20 (Corsica)
- Well-fitting footwear suited to rugged mountain terrain
- Comfortable pack
- Blister care and basic first-aid supplies
- Waterproof outer layer
- Insulating layer
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Route map and offline navigation
- Headlamp
- Water capacity matched to confirmed refill opportunities
- Food and an emergency reserve
GR20 (Corsica) FAQ
- Where does the GR20 go?
- The GR20 traverses Corsica's mountains between Calenzana in the north and Conca in the south, running most of the island's length. Corsica is a Mediterranean island and a region of France.
- How long is the route?
- The route covers approximately 180 km, with around 12,000–13,000 metres of climbing and descent. Distance alone understates the effort required.
- What makes it demanding?
- The combination of rugged terrain, substantial climbing and descent, and sustained mountain travel makes this a demanding long-distance walk. Plan around terrain and fitness rather than ordinary walking pace.
- Can the GR20 be sampled without a full traverse?
- A conservative out-and-back from an endpoint is a possible planning approach. Confirm local access and conditions, and choose a turnaround time before leaving. The day-walk suggestions are not established stage descriptions.
- How should a full traverse be scheduled?
- Build a schedule using verified stage information, overnight arrangements and current conditions. Allow for the route's rugged footing and cumulative elevation change rather than dividing 180 km into equal daily distances.