Campsite
1,820 m
©Aire de bivouac de Prati
Prati plateau · GR20 km 123.5
The tent pitches spread out around the hut on the grassy plateau, close to the showers, toilets, the fountain and a…
Elevation profile
1,400 m1,500 m1,600 m1,700 m1,800 m1,900 m2,000 m2,100 m0 km2 km4 km6 km8 km10 kmBarreaux de la Punta della Capella 1,950 m
| Waypoint | Altitude | Km |
|---|---|---|
| Refuge de Prati | 1,820 m | 0 km |
| Barreaux de la Punta della Capella | 1,950 m | 1.5 km |
| Refuge d'Usciolu | 1,750 m | 10.9 km |
The route
For almost the whole day you follow the ridgeline, with views over both sides of the island. The trail crosses rock bands fitted with metal rungs below the Punta della Capella, then strings together boulder fields and balcony sections.
After a descent to the Bocca di Laparo, a final climb leads to the Usciolu hut, tucked just below the ridge. The stage is exposed: no shelter in a thunderstorm, and the ridges are often windy.
The PNRC warns that this stage is short of water in July and August. Set off with at least two litres and refill at every opportunity.
Practical tips
- Carry at least 2 litres of water: springs dry up in high summer.
- Thunderstorms forecast? Leave very early or wait: the ridge offers no shelter.
- Usciolu is one of the first huts to be fully booked: book as soon as bookings open.
Water points and tricky sections
1 water point listed on this stage and 1 tricky section (chains, ladders, exposed steps). Springs can run dry in late summer: ask the hut wardens and treat the water if in doubt.
| Km | Point | Type | Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 km | Barreaux de la Punta della Capella | Tricky section | 1,950 m |
| 5.9 km | Source d'Acques Suprane | Water point | 1,414 m |
Source: refuges.info (CC BY-SA), points less than 250 m from the trail.
Stage map
Where to stay on stage 12?
Accommodation along the stage, at the finish or on its variants, in walking order.
Refuge de Prati 2 places to stay
Refuge
1,820 m
©Refuge de Prati
Prati plateau · GR20 km 123.5
Perched at 1,820 m on a grassy ledge facing the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Prati hut was completely rebuilt and reopened in…
Refuge d'Usciolu 3 places to stay
Refugeoff route
1,380 m
Refuge de San Gavino (Bocca di Laparu)
Below the Bocca di Laparu, Fiumorbo side · GR20 km 128.9
Small unstaffed cabin about 150 m below the Bocca di Laparu, ten minutes or so from the GR20, on the side followed by…
Campsite
1,740 m
©Aire de bivouac d'Usciolu
Usciolu · GR20 km 134.4
The Usciolu bivouac is terraced below the hut: the upper pitches are scarce and narrow, the lower ones larger, near a…
Refuge
1,750 m
©Refuge d'Usciolu
Usciolu · GR20 km 134.4
Clinging to the mountainside at 1,750 m, in the commune of Cozzano, the Usciolu hut marks the end of the fine ridge…
Cozzano 2 places to stay
Gîteoff route
750 m
Gîte d'étape Bella Vista
Cozzano (village)
Gîte in the village of Cozzano, on the Mare a Mare Centre, which serves as a landing point when you leave the GR20 on…
Innoff route
735 m
Auberge Chez Marie-Jo
Cozzano (village)
Family-run inn in Cozzano offering eight rooms and a twelve-place dormitory, with meals and half board on request. It…