GR20 part 1 : From Calenzana to Asco

Start of your stay in Calenzana. Settle into your accommodation.

From the upper part of the village of Calenzana, the GR20 gradually rises, offering splendid views over the Bay of Calvi. You will cross ancient cultivated terraces and abandoned gardens before overlooking the Figarella valley. The path then winds through a pine forest scented with maquis, leading to the Arghioa spring and the Funtana di Ortivinti. Continuing upwards, you will reach the Capu Ghjovu and Fucu ridges, where the vegetation is sparser. You will also cross the Bocca U Corsu and La Muravella, following an almost horizontal route through steep landscapes. Finally, the route plunges into the majestic Bonifatu cirque before reaching the Ortu di u Piobbu refuge, perched beneath Monte Corona.
 

This stage of the GR20 takes you into the mineral world of the high mountains. The path winds its way through a rocky landscape towards the Pisciaghia pass. You'll soon reach the source of the Mandriaccia at the foot of Capu Gianonne, then the source of the Leccia Rossa as you crest the Punta Pisciaghja. The contrasts in the landscape become striking: on one side, the Melaghia valley stretches out against the backdrop of Calvi and the blue immensity of the sea; on the other, the arid ridges of Monte Corona rise up. Overlooking the forests of Calenzana and Moncale, the GR20 passes beneath Capu Ladroncellu (2144 m) and continues towards the Col d'Avartoli and the Bocca Innominata (1912 m). After a beautiful descent through scree, the Carrozzu refuge will appear, nestling in the heart of the forest, where you will spend the night.

From the Carrozzu refuge, the GR20 trail begins by crossing the Spasimata footbridge, followed by a series of sloping rocky slabs. Some passages are equipped with chains for added safety, requiring caution and concentration. You then begin a gradual climb through a landscape of scrubland and majestic rock formations, towards the Bocca di a Muvrella and its lake. The path continues to climb over the ridges, offering magnificent views of the Gulf of Calvi and the Asco valley. After this aerial section, you reach the Bocca di Stagnu (1979 m). The final descent, with its demanding gradient and rocky terrain, takes you to the ski resort of Asco, the finish point of this stage. At the end of the stage, a transfer will take you to Ponte Leccia station.