The GR20 is often called the hardest trek in Europe. Its southern half, from Vizzavona to Conca, has a reputation for being gentler than the north: less bare rock, fewer exposed passages, lower altitudes. But gentler does not mean easy. The climbs are still substantial, some stages are long, and the summer heat can be brutal.
The southern section crosses very varied country: the beech and pine woods of Vizzavona, the high Cuscionu plateaux, the granite chaos of Bavella, then the scented maquis running down to the sea. The deep Corsica in miniature, far from the beaches and the crowds.
Why the south rather than the north? The southern half suits walkers without technical mountain experience. There are fewer sections fitted with cables and handrails, and the altitudes are lower — 2,134 metres at Monte Incudine at most. Allow seven classic stages, or five to six days for strong walkers.
Vizzavona (920 m) → Capannelle (1 586 m)
The first stage of the GR20 South, marking the transition from the northern half. The path leaves the Vizzavona forest and crosses beech and laricio pine woods, with good water points at Bocca Palmente. The going is well marked and steady. You climb gently to the Capannelle plateau, a ski station in winter, with an open view of Monte Renoso and its lingering snowfields.
There is a water point near Bocca Palmente. Leave Vizzavona early: the stage is long and the heat is punishing in the open ground towards the end.
Capannelle (1 586 m) → Prati (1 820 m)
The longest stage of the GR20 South. The path first crosses the Capannelle plateau before climbing steadily to the ridges. It passes the Col de Verde (1,289 m), reachable by road and a possible resupply point. Then a long climb to the Prati refuge, set on the ridge above. An exceptional view over both sides of Corsica.
The Col de Verde, around the eighth kilometre, is the only road access on this stage: it is where you can collect luggage or restock. The final climb to Prati is sustained — keep something in reserve.
Prati (1 820 m) → Usciolu (1 750 m)
A spectacular ridge stage — you walk the crest itself, with 360° views over both sides of the island. Varied ground, rocky passages, a few technical sections. You reach Bocca l'Aghone before dropping to the Usciolu refuge, tucked into the maquis.
Short in distance but physically demanding. The wind-exposed ridges can be trying: carry a windproof even in summer.
Usciolu (1 750 m) → Matalza / I Croci (1 430 m)
The gentlest stage of the GR20 South. The path crosses the great Cuscionu plateau — open, almost lunar country between 1,600 and 1,700 metres. Shepherds' huts, flocks, mountain flora. A steady descent to the I Croci or Matalza huts, depending on how you split the route.
The I Croci huts are the favourite of GR20 South regulars — book ahead. A sleeping-bag liner is advisable in every dormitory, as a simple precaution.
Matalza (1 430 m) → Asinau (1 536 m)
The stage is defined by the climb to Monte Incudine (2,134 m), the highest point of the GR20 South and one of the finest summits in Southern Corsica. The alpine variant reaches the top, with a 360° view over the whole island on a clear day. Then down into the Asinau forest, century-old laricio pines crossed by a stream.
The Monte Incudine variant adds about an hour and is well worth it in good weather. Avoid it in a storm: the summit is very exposed.
Asinau (1 536 m) → I Paliri (1 055 m)
The most spectacular stage of the route. The path climbs to the Col de Chiralba (1,743 m) before reaching the Col de Bavella (1,218 m), the iconic viewpoint over the needles. The alpine variant of the needles is strongly recommended: it runs along the foot of the granite towers through an impressive rock chaos, with a few sections fitted with handrails. Then down through the pines to the I Paliri refuge.
The longest stage in time. Leave Asinau early. The alpine variant is unmissable but demands concentration and good boots — not one to do in the wet.
I Paliri (1 055 m) → Conca (252 m)
The last stage — and despite its downhill profile, not one to take lightly. A few steep climbs before dropping into Mediterranean vegetation: olive trees, maquis, cork oaks. As you approach Conca you finally glimpse the sea and the village roofs. Reaching the GR20 finish sign is a real moment, after 90 kilometres and days of effort.
Tired as you are, stay alert: some sections are still steep. The spring halfway along is slightly off the path, so carry enough water from the morning.
The seven stages at a glance
| Stage | Route | Distance | D+ | D− | Time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Vizzavona → Capannelle | 14–16 km | +900 m | −225 m | 5h15 | Moderate |
| 11 | Capannelle → Prati | 17 km | +890 m | −600 m | 6h10 | Hard |
| 12 | Prati → Usciolu | 10,5 km | +700 m | −750 m | 5h45 | Moderate |
| 13 | Usciolu → Matalza | 10,5 km | +400 m | −650 m | 4h25 | Easy |
| 14 | Matalza → Asinau | 10 km | +650 m | −550 m | 4h15 | Hard |
| 15 | Asinau → I Paliri | 15 km | +440 m | −900 m | 7h00 | Hard |
| 16 | I Paliri → Conca | 12 km | +160 m | −970 m | 5h00 | Moderate |
| Total | Vizzavona → Conca | ~90 km | +4 690 m | −5 380 m | ~38 h | — |
Practical information
Best time
June and September: comfortable temperatures, clear paths. In July and August the heat at altitude is intense and the refuges are full. Avoid May (possible snowfields) and October (uncertain conditions).
Getting to Vizzavona by train
The Ajaccio to Vizzavona train is the ideal solution: around €11, direct, no car needed. The “Trinighellu” stops right at the GR20 trailhead.
Accommodation and booking
Three options in the Park refuges: a dormitory bed, a tent hired on site (thin mattress provided) or a pitch for your own tent. Booking essential in July and August through the Park website. Private shepherds' huts are booked directly.
Essential kit
A light sleeping bag, boots with ankle support, poles, a windproof, factor 50 sun cream, at least two litres of water, IGN 1:25,000 maps (4250OT, 4252OT, 4253OT, 4254OT). And a power bank: there is often only one socket per dormitory.
Budget
A night in a Park refuge: around €18 with your own tent, €25 in a hired tent, €28 in a dormitory. Half board: €40–50. Total budget over seven days: €350–500 per person, excluding travel.
Water points
Springs are marked all along the route, but their flow varies with the season. Always carry two litres when leaving each refuge — some springs shown on the maps are dry in August.