There are times in a year when you simply feel that the time has come to leave everything behind and go away. A trip for the soul, to pamper and be pampered. Among thousands of destinations picturing an escapade in Tuscany always made me smile, a clear sign that the region has a well-deserved place among favourites. First stop: Castelnuovo, a city situated in the green heart of Tuscany. A mix of winding, narrow charming streets greet me, with beautifully decorated houses and picturesque hills. It is still early in the morning, perhaps too early to find a coffee shop opened. No worries, there is no hurry.
“The region is a true paradise of steep mountains and ancient forests, medieval villages and picturesque valleys.”
Here and there, old fortresses remind you the traditions and customs that are still part of everyday life in this part of Italy. With a bit of luck we stumbled upon local festivals and took a flavoured trip into the region’s unique gastronomy (the local cheese, red wine, berries and trout are delicious) which instantly reminded me of what it’s like to live la dolce vita.
Go into the Grotta del Vento
Being in Tuscany compels you to take a tour into the Grotta del Vento. Located in one of the wildest and most impressive part of the Apuan mountains, Grotta del Vento ( Wind Cave) takes you into the depths of Garfagnana. It is known worldwide due to the extraordinary beauty of the underground caves, with dark abysses and clear spots of water. Stalactites and stalagmites grow still and streams cut their way through multi-coloured rocks. These tours take between 1 hour and 3 hours. A guide is permanently available to visitors and it is also possible to use the audio-guide. For those seeking a little more thrills there are special routes available that take you through a labyrinth of steep and narrow corridors. Worth’s every second, trust me! For this special tours you have to make reservation and be accompanied by a trained guide. Climbing equipment is provided on site. Depending on the options you choose, it costs between 12 and 20 euros.
Here are 5 places that I really loved:
- Lake Gramolazzo
Is the only lake in Garfagnana that you are allowed to swim in, surrounded by the mountain peaks Roccandagia, Tambura, Pisanino and Pizzo d’Uccello.
- Fortress Verrucole
Impressive in size, the fortress is nestled in top of a steep slope, overlooking the Serchio valley. Massive stone walls and gloomy rooms keep safe the history of the noble house of Este.
- Forest Buffardello
Forest Buffardello is a challenge that I could not refuse. The acrobatic trails, designed specifically to impress and seduce you present an opportunity to see this places … suspended in the air. The route takes you on rope bridges and vertical nets, cables and any other obstacle that tests your spirit of adventure.
- Barga
It is the most elegant urban centre of the valley. If the newer part of town shows modern villas and green designed gardens, in the historic centre you find preserved the medieval streets and the austere buildings of the Renaissance, nestled in the surrounding wilderness.
- The city of Lucca
It is surprising and cosy. You should definitely try a walk on the city’s medieval walls to watch the sunset. The centre is also closed to cars which allows you to enjoy the tranquillity of small alleys and Gothic buildings.
Mt.Pania della Croce (1859) is a MUST SEE
It is perhaps the most popular of the Apuan Mountains and offers an impressive view over Corsica. Along with Pizzo delle Saetta and Pania Secca creates one of the most interesting landscapes of Italy. To get there we drove from Gallicano until the end of the road to “Piglionico” (km.14,8) then took on N 7 to Refuge Rossi (1h 30min). From here there are another 30 minutes remaining until the top.
Spend a day hiking
L’Anello delle Panie.Time to complete the route: 6 hours.
Giro del Diavolo.Time to complete the route: 1h 30 minutes
Sentiero Airone – Orecchiella Park. Time to complete the route: 1: 5 hours.
Sentiero Natura di Campocatino- Eremo di San Viano. Time to complete the route: 3h 30 min.
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