Apuan Alps- tuscanian mountain treasure

16.08.2019.

Tuscany has everything for every taste from the chilling seaside, ancient art and unspoiled nature, natural thermes and fairy-tale feeling to Its majesty-mountains. Apuan Alps (Alpe Apuane) are the mountains with the view (of the sea, of course) and the distance of one hour from Lucca.

Announced as the Nature Park, Apuan Alps are also named the Mountains of the Moon.

See also: Lucca- 15 things to explore in the charming tuscanian town

See also: The major towns of Tuscany and their green life

See also: Val d’Orcia- the enchanting Tuscanian landscape

See also: The best hikes in Italy

What to see

Apuan Alps are not only home to the mountains, there are some nice little towns worth the visit.

Barga is the main town in Garfagnana, the area of Tuscany where Apuan Alps resides. Within the distance of less than 40 km from Lucca it’s easily accesible by train. Being declared as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy Barga is the special discovery.

Teatro dei differenti and Casa Pascoli (the heritage of the poet Giovanni Pascoli) are among the places to see, also cathedral Collegiata di San Christophoro is more than the cathedral- it’s like the little castle. Ancient historical palaces contribute to the charm among the greenery of Barga. Many events are being held at Barga like Barga Jazz Festival during August.

Ponte al Diavolo is the cobblestone bridge that friend from Tuscany when mentioning a famous bridge in Mostar said it reminds. With the river Serchio in the view it’s the special story held in Garfagnana with its 3-4 arcs.

Caves- Grotta del Vento shines with its tunnels, holes and stalactites made of water and wind. Cave of Corchia is among the largest in the world with its 150 km, but only 2 km for tourists.

Monte Forato wits its huge arch connecting two mounts offers the scenic views within one of the biggest natural stones in Italy.

Hiking trails

The good starting point for the hiking is Pruno, little picturesque place that hosts a hostel also.

The straight line leads to the peak where we wanted to camp and enjoy the sunrise but that didn’t happen, even enjoy the view of the sea. The straight line was too harsh because we needed to park the car little bit up on the road. Actually this road is known as difficult one.

The highest peak is Pania della Croce (1858m) which holds even the views of Corsica on very special days. Hilly Tuscany is not only hilly Tuscany, it’s more than my hometown can bring, even homeland with its  1762 m (Sv.Jure, Biokovo).

The divine nectar of plants, colours and fragrances can be found at the Orto Botanico delle Alpi Apuane „Pietro Pellegrini“, also called Orto Botanico di Pian della Fioba by the name of the place where it’s located. It serves also as the educational point of the University of Tuscany.

One easier line includes visit to the Cascate dell’Aquapendente with many beautiful waterfalls on the way.

Monte Forato offers the stunning images of nature and the seaside with its challenging road.

Easier paths include: Monte Gabberi (1140m) near Camaiore, Monte Matanna (1317m) in the souther part, Monte Procinto which governs with its rocky tower in the middle of Apuan Alps near the village of Stazzema, Monte Prana with its chestnut woods, Grotta all’Onda near Camaiore.

At many places of agriturism at Apuan Alps the refreshment is waiting for you.

All in all

How to describe Apuan Alps? It’s the surprise with its own value. What can be better in hiking than the view of the sea?

It’s the pity that we didn’t explore more astonishing mountain views of Tuscany even the second time that I came to Lucca but it’s still the surprise that waits for me. That’s why the photos could be better but I’ll definitelly return.