What are the other main hikes in Corsica?

The Mare e Monti hikes are ranked as one of the island's great must-do trails, just after the king of Corsican mountains, the GR20, which offers the conditions of a high mountain trek.

When do you recommend walking the Mare a Mare trails in Corsica?

Mare a Mare tours can be enjoyed from March to October. In spring, you can discover the flowers of the maquis, with its thousand colours and strong essences; in summer, you can enjoy swimming and the shade of the forest-covered passages; and in the autumn, you can appreciate the special light and tranquillity of the villages.

Which guidebook covers the Mare a Mare?

The official guidebook is entitled 'Corse Entre mer et montagne'. It is published by the Fédération Française de la Randonnée Pédestre (FFRandonnée) and the Parc Naturel Régional de Corse (Parcu di Corsica). The guide describes six routes: the "Mare e Monti", the "Mare a Mare" and the "Sentier de la Transhumance". It is available to buy online from the FFRandonnée shop.

What level of hiking is required on the Mare a Mare?

The Mare a Mare trails present no particular technical difficulties and are less demanding than the GR20. The trail is well signposted, with signs all along the way. Of the three trails, Mare a Mare North is considered the most difficult. In general, these trails require an intermediate to advanced level of hiking. They cross a wide variety of terrain, including mountainous areas with steep slopes, forest passages and coastal paths. The routes can be long and often include significant ascents and descents, requiring good stamina and experience of mountain walking. Although some sections are accessible to less experienced hikers, basic self-sufficiency in navigation, water and food management, and knowledge of first aid are recommended. Good physical condition is also recommended to manage the daily stages, which can last several hours.

Who is the GR20 in its traditional form for?

20 March 2022

Insider Tips

Groupe Corsica Aventure sur le GR20 Sud avec guide

The GR20, which crosses Corsica from Calenzana to Conca in 16 stages, requires experience of the high mountains. The route requires the use of chains and a confident gait on rocky passages and mountain ridges.

Preparation and skills required

To tackle this challenge independently, it is crucial to be a confident mountain walker, able to read route notes and locate yourself on a map. A good level of mountain experience is needed to tackle the technical sections and the steep gradients.

The different sections of the GR20

GR20 North: Starting from Calenzana (250m above sea level) or Vizzavona (900m above sea level), this section covers around 90km with 9 stages and a vertical drop of between 7000 and 8000m. The first two stages are crucial for assessing your ability to complete the route.
GR20 South: Less demanding than the GR20 North, the GR20 South offers 7 stages on less steep paths, with a positive difference in altitude of between 4,000 and 5,000m. The paths are wider, punctuated by numerous pastures.

The importance of good preparation

It is essential to be well prepared physically and to have the right equipment. The GR20, one of the most difficult treks, requires an abstraction of comfort and rigorous preparation, taking into account the changing weather conditions in the high and medium mountains.

Les Aiguilles de Bavella la variante Alpine

How old do you have to be to do the GR20?

There is no specific age limit for doing the GR20, but good physical condition and experience of mountain walking are crucial. Children should wait until they are at least 12 years old. Older people should consult a doctor and consider shorter stages.

Physical fitness requirements for the GR20

The GR20 is very demanding and requires excellent physical condition, combining endurance and adaptation to the mountains. Good training and technical and material preparation are essential. The GR20 South is slightly less technical than the GR20 North. The use of a professional guide is recommended for a safe experience.

Recommendations for optimal physical condition

Good cardiovascular endurance: it is important to have a good capacity to supply oxygen to the muscles in order to be able to maintain a sustained walking pace for long periods.
Good muscular strength: the GR20 has a lot of uneven and difficult terrain, so it's important to have strong muscles to cope with the steep gradients and obstacles on the trail.
Good flexibility: hiking can call on muscles that you're not used to using, so remember to stretch regularly to avoid muscle pain and injury.
Good physical preparation: it is advisable to train regularly before embarking on the GR20, by hiking for several hours in the mountains, doing muscle-strengthening exercises and following a specific training programme for the GR20.

Mental and physical preparation

Set achievable goals and remember that hiking should be an enjoyable experience, not just a test of strength.

See our complete GR20 offer

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