GR20 South - Vizzavona to Conca

Vizzavona is a huge forest with a small hamlet and train station.  It is considered the mid way point for the GR20.  It is also a famous col that separates the two counties of Corsica, if you arrive early we offer a walk up the GR20 to the Cascade des Anglais.

After a fine climb through beech forest, the trees are replaced by dwarf vegetation at the Col de Palmente (1650 m). The view of the Tyrrhenian Sea is a fine reward for all your efforts. On a clear day you can see the islands of Elba and Caprai. Descending to Capanelle, the route takes us to the Alzeta and Scarpacceghje sheepfolds, traces of mountain pastoralism that has all but disappeared.  

This more leisurely forest stage will take you through the Renoso massif along a footpath. Pass the Traggette sheepfolds and the Gialgone plateau before reaching the Verde pass and your accommodation.

Setting out from Col de Verde, it’s uphill right from the start.  You walk steeply up through the forest to gain the ridge line above.  As soon as you reach the ridge you can enjoy looking down on the Eastern side of the island.  You soon reach the refuge of Prati situated on a small plateau area.  Continue on to a higher ridge that will take you to the next refuge.  You have the East coast on one side and the valley of Taravo on the other, with small  villages dotted below.  Your night stop, Usciolu, is situated just below the ridge line. 

From the refuge you make the short walk back up to the ridge line.  The ridge is roughly at 1800m, the trail topples from one side to the other.  You have to go slowly, the views are amazing, one minute you’re looking at the Tyrrhénienne sea and then you have views towards the mountainous interior.  You finally come off the ridge line, drop down through a dwarf oak forest and head towards  the spongy plains of the Cuscionu plateau .

From the green fertile plains you head uphill towards the ridge line and the col called Bocca Chiralba. Aiming for the ridge of the Alcudini, this is the highest mountain in the south section. The GR20 heads down the other side of the ridge dropping down to the Asinau Valley.  You cross the river then head into the shade of the forest.  After a couple of hours on the flat, you pull steeply up to the ‘Alpine Variant.’ The trail passes by the foot of the high  needles that have made Bavella famous. It’s a high concentration trail, rough underfoot all the way to the col de Bavella. 

A great last day, setting out from Bavella, a trail winds through the woods to Paliri refuge.  You won’t be disappointed with the beauty of this stage, it’s the last one but by no means any less dramatic. You can enjoy a spot of lunch at Paliri before continuing on to Conca for a well earned rest. This stage is a superb jumble of rock and pine and water. From Paliri to Conca you can just reflect on the section behind you and you approach the East coast.  Holiday ends upon  arrival in Conca. Taxi transfers available upon request.