The infamous GR20 walking route

Corsica is famous for many things, its food, its wine, its beaches and having one of the most difficult walking routes in the Med. The GR20 route stretches over 100 miles from Calenzana to Conca and poses a challenge to even experienced walkers. You probably will not manage the entire route in one holiday, but there are several sections suitable for less dedicated walkers. If you do decide to tackle the entire route, you might want to book one of the idyllic rural gites in Corsica for a nice, relaxing break after your undertaking.

It is estimated around 17,000 walkers attempt to walk the entire path each year but only around a third of them complete it. Split into 16 stages, the entire walk generally takes a little under two weeks to finish for those with a decent level of fitness. It is definitely not recommended for those who are unfit or suffering from health problems, but there are plenty of easier walks on Corsica if you want a gentle excursion.

The route is signposted with red and white markings and consists of some challenging climbs and drops. In sections, it can feel more like climbing than walking and specialist equipment is required in some of the more challenging areas. All this hard work is made worth it, however, by the spectacular views the path takes in along its route. Some points are above 2000m and offer the opportunity to get up-close and personal with native wildlife rarely seen on the rest of the island. If all that climbing leaves you hot and tired, there are plenty of spots where you can stop for a cooling, refreshing swim, too.The route takes in a number of lakes and rivers.

Before you even consider thinking of tackling the GR20, it is vital you do your research. There are numerous websites dedicated to the famous route and the Parc RRgional's excellent Topoguide is a must-have publication for anyone thinking about walking the path. If you fancy seeing what all the fuss is about but are not quite up to the challenge of the whole route, there are several sections of the path suitable for less experienced walkers. If you are staying in one of the many gites in Corsica, check which section is nearest to your accommodation and whether it's likely to be suitable for your party's level of fitness and ability. As always, if in doubt, it is best to stick to easier trails.