How do you wash on the GR20?

Refuges on the GR20 often have showers, which are usually cold except in rare cases. Towels or flannels can be used with a little water for a quick clean-up. Some hikers choose to heat a little water on a gas cooker to wash themselves, although this requires more effort and equipment. For a quick, water-free solution, using wet wipes can be handy. It's important to note that, even with the use of biodegradable soaps, washing in natural waterways such as streams or mountain lakes is not recommended to avoid pollution. Respect for the environment is paramount.

What are the refuges like on the GR20?

Most of the refuges on the GR20 are fairly old and of limited capacity. They are often built of granite stone. To accommodate the large number of hikers who cannot stay in the dormitories, bivouac areas are set up nearby. It should be noted that the sanitary facilities in some refuges are not always adequate during busy periods on the GR20.

Can I bring my own tent?

Yes, it is quite possible to sleep in your own tent on the GR20. This means carrying it with you throughout the trek, which can significantly increase the weight of your rucksack. The weight of your tent is therefore an important factor to consider. You should also make sure that your tent is adapted to the variable and sometimes difficult weather conditions of the Corsican mountains. It's important to note that wild camping is prohibited outside the areas designated by the Corsican Regional Nature Park.

What does the word GR20 mean?

The acronym GR20 stands for "Grande Randonnée numéro 20". So the GR20 is the twentieth long-distance hiking trail. Prior to 1970, Corsica was effectively department number 20 in France, which coincides with the number assigned to this trail in the list of 370 long-distance hiking trails.

Corsica's most beautiful valleys

15 September 2023

Discover Corsica

Corsica's mountains are omnipresent. Its 1,000 km of deeply indented rocky coastline and long sandy beaches are set against more than 120 peaks over 2,000 meters high. The succession of large western gulfs, with their steeply-sloping valleys often locked in by deep gorges, presents an astonishing contrast with the other Mediterranean islands.

The main valleys of Corsica

1. The Gravona valley

The Gravona is a river in southern Corsica, rising on the western flank of Monte Renoso and flowing into the Prunelli 46 km further on. The road linking Ajaccio to Bastia via the Col de Vizzavona and the Corsican railroad pass through the Gravona valley. Just 30 km from Ajaccio and 40 km from Corte, the Upper Gravona Valley is the ideal destination for a family getaway from the crowds and mass tourism of the seaside resorts.

Some hikes in the valley

La Cascade du voile de la mariée (easy 0h30 hike).
The Ricchiusa loop (medium, 3h30 walk).
The old mule track linking Carbuccia to Peri (easy, 1h30 walk).
The old mule track linking Bocognano to the Col de Vizzavona (sporty, 6-hour walk).

2. The Fango Valley

Located in the Balagne region of north-west Corsica, the magnificent Fango Valley is the valley of the Fango River, also known as the Falasorma or Filosorma.
The river rises at the foot of Capu Tafunatu (2335m) and flows into the sea in the Gulf of Galéria. Accessible in less than 45 minutes by car from Calvi, a small road winds its way up the valley, skirting the river for some 15 km.

As you enter this hinterland, you'll discover a fertile region often referred to as "the garden of Corsica". Classified as a UNESCO biosphere reserve since 1977, the Fango valley is famous for its crystal-clear waters and natural pools. In the heart of Corsican nature, the Fango Reserve encompasses majestic oak forests up to 2556 metres altitude at the foot of the northern walls of the Paglia Orba massif.

Attentive hikers are sure to discover a wide variety of birds. Over forty species nest in the Fango valley. In the higher levels of this Mediterranean valley, Corsican mouflon, bearded vultures and golden eagles occupy the steep relief of the high peaks.

Some hikes in the valley

Hike from Ponte Vecchiu (easy, 3hrs walk)
Hiking from Tuarelli to Galéria (medium, 4h30 walk)
Bocca di Capronale hike (sporty, 9h00 hike)
Bocca di Melza hike and Parma sheepfolds (sporty, 7h00 hike)

3. The Asco Valley

Comprising the communes of Castifao, Moltifao and Asco, the Asco Valley is one of the many valleys that can be explored by car. It can be reached from Ponte-Leccia via a winding, very narrow road. Located in Corsica's Regional Nature Park, its territory corresponds to the entire course of the Asco River.

In its lower reaches, the valley is still wide and flat, but after Moltifao and for almost 9 km, the road winds through a narrow gorge to cross the magnificent Asco gorges. The Asco valley is very popular with hikers, who can climb to altitudes of over 2,000 metres, where a population of mouflons can still be found.

In addition to the many magnificent natural pools, there is a beautiful via ferrata and an adventure park. In winter, you can also ski in the Asco valley at Ascu Stagnu.

Some hikes in the valley

Hike along the Asco river (easy, 2h00 walk)
Hike to Bergeries de la Tassineta (medium, 2h00 walk)
Hike to Bocca di Stagnu (medium, 4h00 walk)
Hike to Monte Cinto (sporty, 8h00 hike)

4. The Tavignano valley and gorges

Rising from Lake Nino at an altitude of over 1700m, the Tavignano is Corsica's longest river after the Golo. Access to the Tavignano valley is via an ancient mule track that winds its way from Corte up to the highest point of Lac de Nino. Between Corte and the Sega refuge, the trail uses a section of the Mare a Mare Nord.

Situated in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional, the Tavignano valley is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved valleys in Corsica. For those wishing to bathe along the way, there are several places offering access to the river and its refreshing natural pools. In summer, it's advisable to set off early, as the path on the south side has very little shade.

Some hikes in the valley

From Corte to the Rossolinu footbridge (6h30 round trip)
From Corte to the Sega refuge (6h30 round trip)

5. The Restonica Valley

From Corte, a narrow, winding road leads into the Restonica Valley. This road follows the Restonica river for 20 km to reach the Grotelle sheepfolds at an altitude of 1,370 m. Classified as a "Grand Site" during the summer months, the Restonica Valley is one of the island's most popular natural attractions.

Home to the large high-altitude glacial lakes of Melo 1711 m and Capitello 1930 m, this valley offers access to the high mountains via the GR20 trail up to Monte Rotondo (2622 m). There are plenty of places to swim in the clear waters of its natural pools, as well as numerous climbing sites.

Some hikes in the valley

Hike to Lac de Mélo (easy, 2h walk)
Hike to Lac de Capitello (medium, 4h walk)
Hike to Brèche de Capitello (sporty, 6hrs walk)

6. The Niolu Valley

Located in the north-central part of the island, the Niolu valley is a high-mountain region. The Golo, Corsica's longest river, originates in the Niolu. Casamaccioli, Corscia, Calacuccia, Lozzi and Albertacce are the main villages in this valley.

A remote part of the island's interior, this wide valley is accessible either from the Gulf of Porto, via the Vergio pass (the island's highest road pass), or from Corte, via the spectacular Scala di Santa Regina. Corsica's least populated region boasts some of the highest peaks, including Capu Tafunatu (2335m), Paglia Orba (2525m) and Monte Cintu (2709m), the island's highest peak.

A densely wooded micro-region, the Niolu territory is covered by vast forests, notably the Valdu Niellu with its magnificent Larici pines. Niolu is also famous for being the site of Corsica's largest religious pilgrimage, the famous "Santa di Niolu" on September 8 each year.

Some hikes in the valley

Viru loop from Albertacce (medium, 3h walk)
Cinque Frati" tour (sporty, 7h walk)
Les bergeries de Ballone (medium, 3hrs walk)
From Albertacce to Col de Vergio (medium, 6h30 walking)

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