Alpi Apuane

THE APUAN ALPS PARK
The Apuan Alps Regional Park is the main attraction of this beautiful area; it stretches between Versilia, Garfagnana and the provinces of Massa and Carrara, a wild and unspoiled environment of white marble quarries and more than 1,300 caves, including the Antro del Corchia in Stazzema, which is the deepest abyss in Italy, and the Grotte del Vento in Vergemoli both of which are open for guided tours for tour groups.

Trekking and hiking in the Apuan Alps

Due to the geographical location of the Apuan Alps, the best way to enjoy the landscape and the breathtaking views you will find on these places is to plan a hike or a walk among the countless marked trails that are present in these mountains. The proximity to the sea will allow you to observe Versilia from different points of view. Some peaks we suggest are:

Monte Altissimo: the symbolic mountain of Versilia, costituted entirely of Marble. Nonsotante the name, its height of 1589 meters dominates Versilia, from its summit it is possible to admire the entire Tuscan and Ligurian coastline. Mount Altissimo is also characterized by the presence of Quarries, many of them now abbandoante, which over time have “marked” it and made it special.

Monte Forato: the name comes precisely from the hole between the two peaks. Thanks to this peculiarity, it is the mountain with the most fascination in the Apuan Alps. Spectacular are the sunrises, sunsets and the passages of the other celestial bodies that “cross” the hole. Arriving at the summit of Mount Forato, it is possible to enjoy a panorama that reaches the sea of Versilia, passing through the villages of Cardoso, Volegno and Pruno.

Mosceta and the Rifugio del Freo: This beautiful hike with very little difficulty will take you to the foot of the Panie group (Pania della Croce, Pizzo delle Saette, Corchia). The refuge is nestled of these mountains, formerly a peat bog and important communication route between Garfagnana and Versilia. During the summer it will not be difficult to spot pastures and animals in the wild. Noteworthy is the Tana dell’Omo Selvatico legendary cave with speleological interest just minutes from the refuge.

THE LAKES

The Apuan Alps are full of artificial lakes that have become a fascinating destination today, such as Lake Vagli, beneath which lies the ghost town of Fabbriche di Carreggine, which was completely flooded to build the reservoir, as well as the lake of Isola Santa, on whose shores lies a partially abandoned village. From the hotel and Pietrasanta it can be reached in an hour and a quarter by car.

THE DEVIL’S BRIDGE

Near Borgo a Mozzano (50 minutes from the hotel) stands an imposing medieval construction that connects the two banks of the Serchio River, the Ponte della Maddalena, better known as the Devil’s Bridge, features like the one in Bobbio a large arch and other arches of varying degrees. According to one legend, the bridge was built within one night by the intervention of the devil, mocked, however, by the cunning of the inhabitants.

These are just a few hints and suggestions for visiting the hinterland of Versilia, you can request more information directly at the hotel during your stay