GR 20 Principale
The place
long-distance hiking trail in Corsica
Why go
Lakes of Creno, Capitello and Nino. Refuge de Ciottolu di i Mori, Lac de l'Oriente. Bocca di Verghio (1,477 m). Monte Cinto (2,706 m), the highest point in Corsica, as a variant from Haut-Asco. Cascade des Anglais near Vizzavona. The turquoise color of the mountain lakes and the granite silhouettes are unique in Europe.
A bit of history
Traced and waymarked by the FFRP in the 1970s in partnership with the Corsica Regional Nature Park, the GR20 follows old shepherds' and transhumance paths used for centuries to move flocks between summer pastures and coastal plains. The route was officially certified in 1972, and its international reputation grew largely thanks to the Rother guidebook published in the 1990s.
Getting there
Calenzana is reachable by bus (30 min) from Calvi train station and Calvi-Sainte-Catherine airport. End of route at Conca: bus to Porto-Vecchio (1h), then connections to Ajaccio or Figari airports. Vizzavona (midway point) is served by the Ajaccio-Bastia Corsican train.
Recommended gear
Technical high hiking boots (Vibram sole essential). Trekking poles. Sleeping bag mandatory in PNRC refuges. Light gloves and a beanie for nights at altitude. Gaiters useful early in the season. First-aid kit.
Best season
Mid-June to mid-October. Late snow on the passes in June. Park refuges generally open from mid-June to late September. Very busy in July-August: refuge bookings required several months in advance.