The GT20 from Ile Rousse to Corte with Corsica Aventure +Added to my favoriteItem already present

Departing from L'Ile Rousse, the GT20 leads inland to Galéria via the Marsolinu pass and the Fango river. From Galéria, the route crosses the Gulf of Girolata and Porto, offering spectacular views as far as the Calanches de Piana. The route then leads to Ota and Evisa, land of chestnut trees and remarkable gorges, before reaching the Vergio pass. The descent towards the Niolo passes through the Aïtone forest and the villages of Albertacce and Calacuccia, before reaching the Scala di Santa Regina gorge. Finally, after a final pass, the route ends in Corte, in the heart of Corsica.

YOUR PROGRAMME

DAY 1 Start of your stay in L'Ile Rousse
Arrive, settle into your hotel and visit the town at your leisure. L'Ile Rousse, nestling in a bay bathed in light, offers a backdrop of turquoise sea and ochre hills. Founded by Pascal Paoli, this town with its Mediterranean charm will win you over with its authenticity and gentle way of life. The town centre, punctuated by the Place Paoli and its century-old plane trees, is alive with a friendly atmosphere. The port, both picturesque and lively, opens onto an archipelago of red rocks that have given their name to the town. A popular seaside resort, L'Île-Rousse enchants visitors with its fine sandy beaches and flamboyant sunsets. It combines heritage, nature and the Corsican art of living.

P.S.: If you would like to start your journey directly to Galéria on the first day, without spending the night in L'Île-Rousse, please contact us for the applicable discount.

Night in L'Ile Rousse

DAY 2 From L'Ile Rousse to Galéria
Leaving L'Ile Rousse, the route to Galéria takes you inland along the GT20, which rises gradually through the maquis to the Col de Marsolinu (443 m), before descending to the River Fango and then to the village of Galéria. Once in Galéria, you can enjoy a boat trip to the Scandola nature reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, a unique experience offered by a number of local boatmen.

Distance 62 km Difference in altitude +1150 m / -1150 m
Overnight in Galéria

DAY 3 Galéria to Porto
Leaving Galéria, you will follow the Fango river for a few kilometres, in pursuit of Corsican trout, before gradually climbing to the Palmarella pass, which marks the border between Haute-Corse and Corse-du-Sud. From here, the route plunges into the Gulf of Girolata, then the Gulf of Porto, following a spectacular route between mountain and sea with breathtaking views. Before descending to the village of Porto, you'll pass through a formation of red porphyry, the volcanic rock that gives the famous Calanches de Piana their distinctive hue.

Distance 50 km Difference in altitude +600 m / -600 m
Overnight in Porto

DAY 4 From Porto to Vergio
You'll set off up the Spelunca valley to discover Ota, the historic port of Porto. This gentle climb will take you through some remarkable gorges, crossed by the river of the same name. The route takes you to the village of Evisa, renowned for its chestnut cultivation, protected by a PDO, and for its rich natural heritage. The area is rich in biodiversity, including the Aïtone forest, perfect for swimming and hiking. The Col de Vergio, the highest road pass on the island, will be a not-to-be-missed stopover on your way to your accommodation a few kilometres beyond the pass.

Distance 36 km Difference in altitude +1450 m / -100 m
Overnight in Vergio

DAY 5 Vergio to Corte
A day dedicated to crossing the Niolo micro-region, entirely downhill. You'll start out through an imposing fir forest, dominated by Corsica's highest peaks, to reach the village of Albertacce, then Calacuccia. The Golo, which forms the lake at Calacuccia, gradually becomes a narrow, winding river, giving rise to the spectacular Scala di Santa Regina gorges. You'll wind your way between mountains and river in this grandiose setting, before crossing a small pass that will take you to Corte.

Distance 50 km Difference in altitude +350 m / -1700 m