Monte Cinto (2,706m) is the highest peak on the Mediterranean island of Corsica — a challenging granite giant in the Monte Cinto massif that offers the most spectacular summit panorama on the island: on clear days, the entire sweep of Corsica from the Italian coast to the Gulf of Porto is visible from the top. Climbing Monte Cinto is the holy grail for hikers on the GR 20 — Europe’s toughest long-distance trail, which passes along the northern flanks of the massif — but the summit is also accessible as a demanding one-day ascent from the Haut Asco ski station.

Quick Facts: Monte Cinto, Corsica

• Best time to climb: June–September; the GR 20 and summit routes are typically snow-free from mid-June
• Height: 2,706 metres — highest peak on Corsica
• How to get there: Trailhead at Haut Asco (1,422m), ~2 hours from Calvi or ~3 hours from Bastia by car; the summit route is 6–8 hours round trip with 1,300m ascent
• Difficulty: Demanding — steep scree, some easy scrambling, exposure in places; good fitness and mountain experience required

Monte Cinto is the highest mountain in Corsica. It is located in the Haute-Corse dept., between Asco valley at the North and the Golo valley at the South. Monte Cinto reaches an altitude of 2706m, which maks it one of the most prominent peaks in Europe.

During nice weather you can see the area from Rome to Marseille from the top. The first who ascended the mountain, was Édouard Rochat in 6th June 1882. Monte Cinto has two main hiking trails. The first begins in Haut Asco and the second in Calacuccia village. Reaching the top takes approximately 8 hours. However, the time can be reduced by off-road car, there is the 7.5 km long gravel road from Calacuccia to the parking space at 1650 m and walking from there. The trail then takes approximately 3.5 hours. This path is also used by mountain bikers. On the south side of Monte Cinto there is a mountain lake Lac Cinto.

The top of the mountain is covered with snow from November to May.

View Monte Cinto (2706m) – the highest mountain of Corsica island, France in a larger map

Have you climbed Monte Cinto or trekked the GR 20? Share your Corsican mountain adventures in the comments! ⛰️

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