We are driving from Lucca early October and travel to Cinque Terre via the Garfagnana. We may stay in the mountains for one night and Cinque Terre the following night.
Any suggestions on villages to spend the night in the Gargfagnana? Route?
Thank you
Posted by
Carmel, CA, USA
2455 posts
Wow, I had never even heard of the Garfagnana area, and did a search. From the photos it appears really gorgeous and very rural, and so close to Lucca, which many of us have enjoyed! I wish I had some tips, maybe after another trip to Italy. Is the area easily accessible by public transit of sone kind?
Posted by
Dana Point
1187 posts
The only help I can provide is a good restaurant in Castelnuovo di Garfagnana--the name is Ristorante Il Triti. Had a good lunch there in 2011. We took the train up from Lucca, just for a day trip. Scenic ride, pretty little village.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15145 posts
The prettiest villages In order of appearance from Lucca:
Barga
Castelnuovo G
With a slight detour consider also:
Coreglia Antelminelli
Castiglione di G.
Check Google images and see what u like.
The route is along the Serchio valley then the Lunigiana area to Aulla.
Posted by
Gettysburg, PA
1589 posts
" We may stay in the mountains for one night and Cinque Terre the following night."
Parking in any of the 5 villages might present a problem. Better check out your options prior to your arrival.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Ah yes, parking in CT. We will stay in Livorno or Volastra, park the car and travel by train in the CT.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15145 posts
Livorno is a big city rather far from the Cinque Terre and no way along the itinerary from the Garfagnana to the Cinque Terre. Did you mean to say Levanto?
Volastra is a village at the Cinque Terre (up the mountain). I am sure they have a ZTL and I don't remember about the parking options because I just drove through it with my vespa a long time ago, so you might want to check with your hotel if you plan to stay there.
The best option for parking, in my opinion, is Levanto or Monterosso.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
My error....yes, Levanto and take the train south to CT
Posted by
Portland, OR
1090 posts
We just got back from three weeks in Italy and we spent two nights at the Il Ciocco Renaissance property. It looks across to the hill town of Barga and is absolutely beautiful. It's a great property and we really enjoyed the time there. Lucca was a great day trip and a 45 minute drive. You will definitely need a car though. Barga is a really cute little town with a few fantastic restaurants.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15145 posts
Larry:
Although a car is always a good idea for rural ares like the Garfagnana however the area is also served by a historic train line: the Lucca Aulla Railway. It's used by commuters and tourists also. I've not taken it (I visited Garfagnana by car only) but I heard it's a beautiful ride and I think occasionally (maybe in weekends for tourists) they use vintage steam locomotives.