Hello,
We are looking to drive up the mountains/hills near Lucca and need recommendations on where to go. We would ideally like to do a hike and also check out some of the towns nearby. We'll be staying in Lucca and will have a car. Is there anything worthwhile to see up in the hills North of town? Thanks!
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, United States
907 posts
I would suggest going up the Serchio River, stop and walk across the Devil's Bridge, then proceed to Castelnuovo Garfagnana and have lunch. Then drive up into the Parco Naturale Alpi Apuane, and hike from there. Here are some webistes:
https://www.to-tuscany.com/travel-guide/towns-villages/northern-tuscany/castelnuovo-di-garfagnana/
http://www.turismo.intoscana.it/allthingstuscany/aroundtuscany/garfagnana-the-devils-bridge/
http://www.50hikesoftuscany.com/2011/02/hikes-of-alpi-apuane.html
http://italychronicles.com/beautiful-serchio-valley-tuscany/
Posted by
Boston
1806 posts
You can complete the circle back to Lucca from Gordon's suggestion by following the SP13 from Castelnuovo toward Forte dei Marmi. The road goes past the partially submerged village of Isola Santa and climbs over the Apuan Alps past forested slopes and old marble quarries. It crests at a tunnel through the marble where there is a breath-taking view of the coastal plain and the Mediterranean. It descends toward Massa and the autostrada with constant pretty views. Very memorable, but also not for the timid driver.
Posted by
HENDERSON, Nevada, United States
91 posts
I would add to Gordon's recommendation and visit the town of Sant Anna. The story is told in James McBrides' book and the Spike Lee movie, Miracle at Sant Anna. The history is that the Germans were retreating at the end of WWII and massacred the women and children living in this town. The church and a memorial are there to visit. I suggest reading the book (excellent) or watching the movie (a fictionalized account) before visiting. I found it to be as moving as visiting the beaches of Normandy. I highly recommend a visit.
Posted by
Western Canada
3539 posts
Somewhere beyond Bagni di Lucca is a wonderful deserted-in-the-winter village called Lucchio.
The descendants of the original families come back in the warmer weather.
We found it by accident; it's called a "hanging village" as it is literally hanging off the side of the mountain.
You drive up and up till the end of a very steep rough road to get there.
There is an old Rocca (fortress ) in ruins above it.
There is one bakery that makes only enough each day for however many families are in residence at the time.
Worth seeking out!
http://www.bestitalianvacations.com/blog/lucchio-tuscany-the-second-smallest-town-in-italy
Posted by
61 posts
We just came back from Lucca and did day trips into the mountains. We especially liked Barga- sleepy and few tourists. Great lunch at V'Osteria. Another recommended restaurant in the region was Molin Della Volpe. It was closed when we tried to go, but looked interesting and had wonderful reviews. We also went to Montecarlo, another small walled town. Lots of good restaurants and olive and wine tastings in the area. We ate lunch at Trattoria Montecarlo. All of these were within a 30 minute drive of Lucca.