GR 20 Etape 14: Paliri to Conca [GR 20: 180km of hiking DONE!!]

Elevation for Stage 14 of the GR 20 (Paliri to Conca): +200m, -980m over 13km

After the long stage of yesterday our muscles seem to be protesting as we start walking and leave beautiful Paliri behind. There is something special about Paliri that makes us realise the ambivalence of our feelings. On one hand, we are looking forward to arriving in Conca, finding some comfort and recovering a bit further down on the beautiful Corsican seaside. On the other hand, we are both sad that this unforgettable adventure is about to come to an end, almost fearing to leave the majestic kingdom of the mountains.

The refuge of Paliri, GR 20, Corsica

Hiking up and getting closer to the coastline on Stage 14 of the GR 20, Corsica

We will miss the simplicity of breaking down our tent and start walking to the next refuge, the pride of looking back to see the vast distances covered and grand elevations conquered, the pure happiness of sharing simple and delicious cold cuts and cheese made by the shepherds, the child-like joy of bathing in a natural swimming pools dug by a torrent, the warmth of the first sunrays after a cold and humid night, the hospitality of Corsican mountain people who sheltered us from bad weather, and the faces of fellow hikers we have shared this adventure with and that we have become familiar with.

Filtering some water for the dry last stage of the GR 20, Corsica

We have eventually arrived in Conca after 180 km through the Corsican Mountains

The last and less trodden section of the GR 20 does not disappoint with its yet again own specific landscapes from forest to a plateau of large granite boulders to splendid sea views with the coastline that seems to be bordered by paradisiac beaches.

As we lose elevation fast with our by now much lighter backpacks, we cross path with a few heavily loaded hikers who are starting their GR 20 adventure from the South side. We both stop to observe them while they are slowly making their way up into the mountains. We both look at each other with a relieved smile, and the nostalgic feeling of leaving the GR 20 fades away…

About to follow the example in a good bad in Conca! GR 20, Corsica

Campomoro Beach is perfect to recover from the GR 20, Corsica

Marcella & Claire

Travel tips:

Check out our gear tip section, and more specifically the article about how to pack and what maximum weight you should carry on a multiday hike.
For a bird’s eye view and to get access to all the GR 20 articles, please refer to this prologue article.
Conca does not have much to offer. If one can find a bivouac spot or a comfortable room we still recommend you to move on and enjoy the Corsican beaches or mountain villages to recover from this long-distance hike.
Check out this interactive map for the specific details to help you plan your trip and more articles and photos (zoom out) about the area! To download the GPS track, refer to this short tutorial.