Hiking guides and maps on the GR®20

The GR20, or Fra Li Monti, is an iconic trail that follows the spine of Corsica. From Calenzana in the north to Conca in the south, it crosses passes and valleys on a very rugged route. The route is generally divided into 16 stages, each lasting 4 to 8 hours, which corresponds to a walking time of 14 to 16 days, but some hikers complete it faster (7 days).

The northern part of the GR20, from Calenzana to Vizzavona, is particularly technical: rocky passages, slabs, ridges, and easy climbing areas. High-altitude lakes such as Capitellu and Melu punctuate this spectacular section. After the Vizzavona Pass, the south becomes gentler but remains demanding, with long ridges, forests, and the typical terrain of the center and south of the island. The path crosses the Usciolu sheepfolds, runs alongside the Aiguilles de Bavella, before plunging towards the coast and Conca, the end point of this great route.

Why do the GR®20? Between a sporting challenge and total immersion

The GR20 is much more than just a hiking trail, it’s a demanding and sensory journey through the heart of Corsica, an immersion in insularity, mountains, and effort. Here’s what makes it a unique route :

• Spectacular panoramas : unobstructed views of the sea, peaks, deep forests, and high-altitude lakes
• A complete sporting challenge : steep elevation changes, technical terrain, long stages, and the need for self-sufficiency
• Unspoiled nature : larici pine forests, beech groves, alpine pastures, waterfalls, and springs
• Iconic wildlife : mouflons, birds of prey, and endemic lizards found on the ridges
• Rustic yet authentic accommodation : mountain refuges, regulated bivouacs, Corsican sheepfolds
• An intense human experience : a spirit of mutual support among hikers, beneficial solitude, and self-improvement

Hiking the GR®20 means experiencing the Corsican mountains up close, in their most raw and noble form. Each step engages the body, mind, and emotions.