GR20 North – Europe’s Toughest Trek

Dreaming of a true mountain adventure? The GR20 in Corsica is known as Europe’s toughest and most beautiful long-distance trail – a legendary route winding through dramatic peaks, deep valleys, and rugged granite ridges.

Over eight intense days, we’ll hike the northern section of the trail, from the small village of Calenzana to the mountain village of Vizzavona. This is the most alpine and spectacular part of the GR20, where each day takes you from lush forests to rocky passes and breathtaking panoramic views.

Together with our experienced guides, you’ll enjoy a safe and unforgettable journey through the heart of Corsica’s wild landscape. We travel in small groups, stay in simple mountain huts, eat rustic meals, and share the days with fellow adventurers.

This is a trip for those seeking more than just a hike – it’s an experience that will stay with you long after you return home.

Join us on the GR20 North with Topo Travel – a trek you’ll never forget.

Dates: July 3–12, 2026 (10 days)
Group size: Minimum 5 / Maximum 8 participants
Start/Finish: Calvi / Bastia
Accommodation: Hotels and mountain huts (included)
Price: €2,090

The GR20 North is one of Europe’s most challenging and spectacular treks. Over eight intense days, we’ll cross Corsica’s dramatic mountains, where the trails are often steep, rocky, and technical – but incredibly beautiful. We move through alpine passes, deep valleys, and exposed ridgelines, with long days on the trail and evenings spent in simple refuges high in the mountains. This is a journey for those seeking real adventure, physical challenge, and the satisfaction that comes from earning every step.

Before the trip: Online meeting a few weeks prior, where we go through the packing list, itinerary, and answer any questions you might have. We’ll also start a WhatsApp group for communication and updates before and during the trip.

Day 1 – Arrival in Calvi
This is your travel day when you arrive in Corsica and make your way to Calvi, where hotel check-in is available from 3:00 PM. You can arrive at any time during the day. In the evening, we’ll have an introduction meeting and an optional group dinner.

Day 2 – From Calenzana to the mountains
Calenzana → Refuge d’Ortu di u Piobbu
The trek begins with a steep climb through pine forest and scrubland before reaching the first open ridges. From here, you’ll see sweeping views of the sea and Corsica’s rugged coastline. The day ends at the beautifully located Ortu di u Piobbu hut.
Distance: 13 km Elevation: +1500 m / -60 m Time: approx. 7–8 h

Day 3 – Technical ridges and grand views
Refuge d’Ortu di u Piobbu → Refuge de Carrozzu
We follow a rocky ridge with incredible views over the Bonifatu valley. This section offers steep passages, barren peaks, and a first real taste of the GR20’s wild and rugged nature.
Distance: 9 km Elevation: +950 m / -930 m Time: approx. 6–7 h

Day 4 – The Spasimata suspension bridge
Refuge de Carrozzu → Haut Asco (Ascu Stagnu)
One of the most iconic days on the entire GR20. We cross the famous Spasimata suspension bridge and continue through a dramatic valley filled with waterfalls and granite walls until reaching Haut Asco.
Distance: 9 km Elevation: +790 m / -640 m Time: approx. 6–7 h

Day 5 – Towards Monte Cinto
Haut Asco → Refuge de Tighjettu
A tough, alpine day as we pass near Monte Cinto, Corsica’s highest peak. The trail leads through rocky terrain over Bocca Crucetta (2,450 m) before descending to the Tighjettu hut, surrounded by wild cliffs and evening light.
Distance: 9 km Elevation: +1200 m / -1000 m Time: approx. 7–8 h

Day 6 – High alpine views and stillness
Refuge de Tighjettu → Refuge de Ciottulu di i Mori
A shorter but high-altitude day that takes us to Corsica’s highest refuge, Ciottulu di i Mori. Up here, the mountains seem endless and the silence complete.
Distance: 8 km Elevation: +700 m / -250 m Time: approx. 4–5 h

Day 7 – A long trek through the heart of Corsica
Refuge de Ciottulu di i Mori → Refuge de Manganu
A long but beautiful day through the Golo valley and across high plateaus. The trail winds between grasslands, rivers, and small lakes – a true marathon day in wild nature.
Distance: 24 km Elevation: +850 m / -1250 m Time: approx. 8–9 h

Day 8 – The lakes and the pass
Refuge de Manganu → Refuge de Petra Piana
We pass the shimmering Lac de Nino and Lac de Capitellu, two of the most photographed places on the GR20. The terrain is rocky, but the views of the glacial valleys make every step worthwhile.
Distance: 10 km Elevation: +750 m / -450 m Time: approx. 5–6 h

Day 9 – Towards Vizzavona and the end of GR20 North
Refuge de Petra Piana → Vizzavona
The final stage offers both alpine sections and green forest as we descend toward Vizzavona. After eight days on the trail, the forest feels surreal – and the joy of completing the northern GR20 is indescribable. From here, we take the train back to Bastia, check into our hotel, and enjoy a final group dinner for those who wish.
Distance: 18 km Elevation: +600 m / -1600 m Time: approx. 7–8 h

Day 10 – Departure
Check-out from the hotel by 10:00 AM, then continue your adventure on your own.

Please note that the itinerary may change depending on weather and trail conditions.

The northern section of the GR20 is a demanding trek that requires both strong fitness and experience in technical terrain. You should:

Be used to hiking 6–8 hours per day with steep ascents and long descents.

Have experience with mountain hiking in rocky and uneven terrain.

Be comfortable with heights and exposure, as some sections require the use of your hands for balance and support.

Be able to carry a backpack of around 8 kg with your own gear and clothing.

Have a positive attitude toward simple conditions – mountain refuges, tents, and long days in changing weather.

This is a journey for those who enjoy challenging themselves, appreciate wild nature, and want to experience one of Europe’s most legendary mountain trails in full. If you’ve previously joined us on the Tour du Mont Blanc or the Hiking & Via Ferrata trip in the Dolomites, this is the perfect next step for a greater adventure. However, this is not a trip for beginners.

Contact us if you need more information: info@topotravel.se

Included

Nine days of adventure together with certified guide Emma Svensson
One night in a hotel in Calvi with breakfast (shared double room)
One night in a hotel in Bastia with breakfast (shared double room)
Seven nights in mountain refuges with breakfast and dinner
Trekking through the spectacular landscapes of GR20 North
Local transport by train/taxi to Bastia after the trek
16-week training program
Professional photography and images from the expedition
Climate compensation

Not included

Travel to and from Calvi/Bastia
Travel insurance
Personal equipment (see packing list)
Lunches and dinners (except on nights spent in the mountain refuges, when dinner is included)
Drinks

Travel to Corsica – how to get to GR20 North

Getting to Corsica is easy, whether you prefer to fly or take the ferry. For the northern section of the GR20, Bastia is the best gateway to the island. From here, it’s simple to continue on to Calvi, which is our meeting point.

Flying to Bastia
Bastia has an international airport (Bastia-Poretta Airport, BIA) with good connections to mainland France and Italy.

Common routes:

• Via Nice or Marseille – several daily departures year-round with Air Corsica and Air France.

• Via Paris (Orly or CDG) – direct flights to Bastia most of the year.

• Via Milan, Pisa, or Geneva – convenient summer-season options with low-cost airlines.

Tip: It’s often easiest to book a separate flight to Nice and then a short connection to Bastia (around 50 minutes).

Ferry to Bastia
If you want to bring your car, or prefer a slower and more sustainable journey, several ferries operate daily from both France and Italy.

From France:

• Marseille – Bastia (Corsica Linea, La Méridionale)
  – Duration: about 11–12 hours (overnight ferry with cabins)

• Nice – Bastia (Corsica Ferries)
  – Duration: about 6–7 hours (day or night service)

• Toulon – Bastia (Corsica Ferries)
  – Duration: about 10–11 hours

From Italy:

• Livorno – Bastia (Corsica Ferries)
  – Duration: about 4–5 hours

• Genoa – Bastia (Moby Lines, Corsica Ferries)
  – Duration: about 6–8 hours

• Savona – Bastia (Corsica Ferries)
  – Duration: about 6–7 hours

Tickets can easily be booked at corsicaferries.com or corsicalinea.com.

Tip: Overnight ferries are comfortable and let you wake up rested in Bastia in the morning – perfect before heading into the mountains.

From Bastia to Calvi

There are several ways to cross the island:

1. Train – the most scenic option
   Corsica’s small mountain railway runs between Bastia and Calvi via Corte and Ile Rousse.

• Duration: about 3.5 hours

• Price: around €15

• Advantage: stunning views of both the mountains and the coast.
  Tickets are bought directly at the station (Bastia Gare).

2. Bus – the cheapest, but limited schedule
   Buses run between Bastia and Calvi, but only a few per day during summer.
   Check schedules at corsicabus.org or simply type Bastia – Calvi into Google Maps and click the train/bus icon to see available options.

Accommodation
We stay in mountain refuges (dormitory style) with basic comfort where breakfast and dinner are included. Packed lunches can be purchased at each refuge. Toilets, showers, and running water are available, and you can also buy snacks and drinks on site.
Blankets and pillows are provided, so you only need to bring a sleeping bag liner (no sleeping bag required).

Hiking shoes
Microspikes compatible with your shoes
Hiking pants
Long-sleeve t-shirt
Short-sleeve t-shirt
Shorts
Thin hat
Light fleece
Thicker fleece or lightweight down jacket
Wind- and waterproof jacket (preferably a shell jacket without lining)
Wind- and waterproof pants (preferably shell pants without lining)
Thin gloves
Thicker gloves
Backpack, approx. 40–50 liters
Hydration bladder, water bottle, or other hydration system sufficient for up to 9 hours of hiking without refilling
Sunscreen
Earplugs (useful in mountain huts)
Trekking poles (collapsible and attachable to backpack)
Sun hat or cap & sunglasses
Snacks
Sleeping bag liner
Underwear & socks
Personal first aid kit
Toiletries
Phone & charger

There is no place to store extra luggage during the trek, so bring only what you need for these days.