Stage 5: Tighjettu → Ciottulu di i Mori

7 km from Refuge de Tighjettu (1683 m) to Refuge Ciottulu di i Mori (1991 m), with 660 m of ascent and 360 m of descent.

Walking time by fitness profile

Times computed with the RandoNav planning algorithm. Breaks not included.

On the trail

After yesterday's epic, stage 5 feels almost merciful — four hours of walking, and scenery that keeps upgrading itself. From Tighjettu the trail drops briefly to the Bergerie de Ballone, where a mid-morning coffee or an omelette on the terrace is a GR20 tradition worth honouring, before beginning the long, steady climb up the valley. Ahead, growing with every step, rises Paglia Orba — the 'Matterhorn of Corsica' — a great fang of golden rock that dominates the head of the valley and most of your photographs.

The final pull brings you to Refuge de Ciottulu di i Mori at 1,991 m, the highest refuge on the GR20, parked spectacularly at the foot of Paglia Orba's south face. Arriving by early afternoon is the point: drop the pack, claim a spot on the terrace, and watch the light work its way across the cliffs while braver souls scramble partway up the mountain behind. Evenings up here are cold even in July — the sunset views toward the Golo valley and the west coast are worth every extra layer you packed.

Start / end

Stops along the way

These places between the endpoints let you split the stage into shorter days:

About this stage

Stage 5 links Refuge de Tighjettu (1683 m) with Refuge Ciottulu di i Mori (1991 m) over 7 km, climbing 660 m and descending 360 m. This stage lies in the northern half of the GR20 (before Vizzavona), the rockier and more technical part of the trail. One stop punctuates the route, so you can split this stage into shorter days. Water is available at every stop on this stage. Along the way only snacks and meals are available — no full resupply until the end of the stage.