Garfagnana Valley Travel Guide
A Hidden Corner of Tuscany
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The Garfagnana Valley lies between the Apennine Mountains and Apuane Alps in the northwest of Tuscany. Easily reached from Pisa and Florence it is one of the area’s best kept secrets - perfect for walkers or those that seek a mountain hideaway. There are wild areas with wildlife that disappeared from much of the rest of Europe centuries ago, and small towns and villages to explore. When the rest of Tuscany is busy, the Garfagnana is still quiet and peaceful.
The Garfagnana Valley is a hidden corner of Tuscany, certainly off the beaten track and all the richer for it. It is a valley carved by the Serchio River and lies between the two great mountain ranges of the Apennines and the marble-rich Apuane Alps. The valley’s sides are covered in chestnut forests whose nuts find their way into many traditional dishes.
Inhabited as far back as prehistoric times it later was subject to the rule of the Bishops of Lucca and Luni. From 1429, a large part of the territory came under the dominion of the Estensi, who nominated the poet Ludovico Ariosto as governor. There valley is characterised by small towns such as lovely Barga and Castelnuovo and tiny hamlets and farmsteads which are largely self-sufficient in vegetables and vines.
The Apuane Alps are the source of the famous Carrera marble and a walk to the glistening peaks provides vies down the other side to the coast. With the historic towns of Lucca and Pisa on its doorstep, the stunning Cinque Terre accessible to the north and plenty of accommodation in small hotels and remarkable agriturismos it’s the ideal place to walk, relax and savour breathtaking landscapes.
Attractions in Garfagnana Valley
The beauty of the area is self evident as you take in the wonderful views of mountains and villages on walks and rambles. Barga is a medieval town, painted with yellows and reds, and Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, the regions capital, has a history going back 1200 years.
Orecchiela National Park is a protected area not far from Cestelnuovo and is still inhabited by bears, deer and wolves, and then there are the caves of Grotta del Vento with their stalactites and stalagmites.
Activities in Garfagnana Valley
The region is a magnet for walkers and hikers with dozens of trails accessible. A local guide will be able to lead you though if experienced there are detailed maps of the region available enabling you to find your own way (Kompass 1:50,000: Garfagnana – Alpi Apuane – Cararra – Viareggio).
Relaxing
The views are stunning and the regions’ many agriturismos allow you to contemplate them from the side of a pool.
Getting Around
Transport between villages and towns is by taxi and a train service runs the length of the valley. Roads are windy and short distances take time. An alternative is to make arrangements with a local travel expert who will provide information, a guide (if required) and who can arrange to drop you off and pick you up according to your walking plans.
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