Introduction

The Apuane Alps emerge with the Versilia Riviera on one side and the Garfagnana Valley on the other side. These lofty mountains, whose highest summit is the Monte Pisanino (almost 2,000m high), have an endless number of marked trails to enjoy and from which, in some cases, there are breathtaking views of the coastline. The trail maps by Massa and Carrara tourist information office and the Edizione Multigraphic of Florence can give walkers specific information about each of these routes.

A vast underground area of naturally-formed caves (totalling about 1,300) and chasms makes an interesting visit and some of these even have a natural spa for the ultimate indulgence.

Seravezza, where marble extraction has been carried out for over 5 centuries, is the main access to the “Parco Regionale delle Alpi Apuane”, a natural park which is a real paradise for walkers and nature lovers. At the information office within the park and in the Visitors centre for the park you can get maps and information on the mountain huts and all activities to enjoy there.

An enchanting road to travel along is the one following the Vezza Valley as far as Stazzema, a colourful little village making a nice starting point.