If you do one stage per day, it will take you about 16 days to complete the trail. It starts in Calenzana, situated in the North West, then runs down diagonally across the island to Conca, in the South East. The midway point is Vizzavona, a large forest, with easy access by road or train and a good selection of different accommodations dotted about.
It is difficult to determine the best moment to do the GR, the season is short and the weather is fickle. Do not underestimate the wide ranging conditions you might encounter, it is a high mountain walk. This beautiful, sunny Mediterranean island is known for its ‘micro climates’, the conditions can be harsh and the weather changes fast from valley to valley. You can be walking in relentless, burning heat, followed by thick fog, pelting hail and rain in the same day.
The nature of the terrain changes constantly, it is particularly varied. Parts of it are high and airy with sheer rock that gives a lunar aspect. Parts of it involve walking on large blocks of granite, or scrabbling on loose shingle. There are long exposed ridge walks but you will also find green spongy pastures, woodland, lakes, forests and grazing land. The contrast is really very surprising.
