Illustrative artwork — an impression of GR20 — Corsica, not a literal photograph.
The GR20 is a roughly 180-kilometer high-mountain traverse across the spine of Corsica, widely regarded as one of the toughest long-distance trails in Europe, with rock scrambling and long, exposed days between stops. It's a hut-based hike: staffed mountain refuges line the route, so where you sleep each night is less a matter of choice and more a matter of booking ahead before the season fills up.
Why hike here
What makes the GR20 stand out is the terrain itself: granite ridgelines you scramble along with your hands as much as your feet, exposed passes where the trail narrows to a boot's width, and long views that stretch from bare rock down to the Mediterranean maquis far below. Because the route strings together one staffed refuge to the next, each day has a clear rhythm — climb, cross, descend, arrive, refill water, swap stories with other hikers who made it in that afternoon. It's less a scenic stroll than a physical test with scenery attached, and that combination — real difficulty paired with real reward at the top of every pass — is why hikers who've done long trails elsewhere in Europe still talk about Corsica differently.
Getting there
Corsica's airports handle mostly regional and mainland-France routes, so most hikers connect through a European hub before flying in. Calvi, Bastia, and Ajaccio all serve the island and put you within reach of either end of the GR20, depending on where you're starting. From there, the last leg is a road transfer: a taxi, shuttle, or local bus to Calenzana for the northern trailhead or to Conca for the southern one. Book that final transfer ahead during peak season, since transport options in these small trailhead towns are limited.
Where to stay
The realistic options, closest-to-the-trail first. Book through the official links — we don't list prices or availability because they change all the time.
Illustrative — evokes the setting, not a specific property. For example: Staffed mountain refuges along the traverse, with dorm bunks and marked tent areas
Most trekkers — refuges and their tent pitches are spaced a stage apart.
Refuge beds and pitches should be booked ahead in the summer season.
Parc naturel régional de CorseFor example: Rooms and gîtes at the north (Calenzana) and south (Conca) trailheads
Trekkers the night before and after the traverse.
Airports at Calvi, Bastia and Ajaccio serve the trailheads.
Nearby-town lodgingPermits & rules
No permit is required, but refuge and pitch bookings are needed in season. The GR20 is famously rugged with rock scrambling and long exposed days — it demands fitness and sure footing.
Gear you'll want for this trip
Matched to the terrain and conditions here. Real products — check current price on Amazon.
Common questions
Do I need to book huts in advance on the GR20?
Yes. The refuges along the route have limited dorm bunks and marked tent pitches, and they fill up fast in peak summer. Reserve beds or tent spots ahead of your trip rather than assuming you'll find space on arrival, especially if you're hiking in July or August when demand is highest.
When is the best time to hike the GR20?
June through September, once snow has cleared the high stages, is the accepted window. Early and late in that range you may still hit patches of snow or ice on the higher passes, so check current trail conditions before you go and be ready to adjust your plan if a stage isn't passable yet.
What if I don't want to stay in a shared dorm every night?
The trailhead towns give you a break from dorm-style refuges: Calenzana in the north and Conca in the south both have rooms and gîtes where you can get a private space before or after the trek. Along the route itself, though, staffed refuges and their tent areas are effectively the only lodging.
Complete gearsets for this trip
Full curated kits built for exactly this kind of hike — what to bring, why, and links to similar gear.
Lodging details are compiled from official parks, refuge associations and reservation systems and can change without notice. We publish no prices, availability or ratings — always confirm current information on the official site before booking or setting out. Product links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you; prices and availability are shown on Amazon. See our affiliate disclosure.