The Surroundings
Podere Montese
The Lunigiana area and its valley
Located NW of Italy’s coast, at the border between Tuscany and Liguria, it is about 80 Km away from Pisa and about 110 Km away from Genoa.
This so often undervalued area offers visitors various landscapes, which are hard to forget.
Surroundings
In the surroundings of our farm you can find many places to discover… mountains, forests, rivers that offer unforgettable experiences for all tastes…
Discover the magic of Lunigiana during your trip , known above all for its magnificent castles , but not only . . .
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore all its treasures!
Castle of Lusuolo:
discover the history, anecdotes and curiosities related to the world of Lunigiana emigration in this majestic Malaspina fortress.
Malaspina Castle in Fosdinovo:
experience a timeless experience, immerse yourself in the charm of the Middle Age. With clear and bright sight you can see also Corsica, over 100Km far away.
Villa Dosi Delfini:
discover Pontremoli’s Baroque masterpiece, walking through breathtaking rooms and richly decorated and furnished rooms with entirely frescoed ceilings.
The museum of the so called Statue Stele Lunigianesi:
a fascinating journey into the past, to discover the Lunigiana stele statues, enigmatic figures carved in stone by the ancient inhabitants of the Magra river valleys.
Malgrate Castle:
a majestic cylindrical tower that still preserves frescoes from its long history.
The streight of Giaredo:
an evocative river trek in the Gordana valley, an exciting adventure, walking or canoeing between the high walls of this marvellous canyon, swimming in its crystal-clear waters and admiring thousand-years-old rocks of countless colours.
Lunigiana by bike
How to discover the Lunigiana region on a bike, from family easy routes to the ones for experts.
If you want to discover the beauty of Lunigiana, breathe clean air and keep fit at the same time, take advantage of this opportunity. Sigeric, our local sports partner, has everything you might need to hire, e.g., an e-bike, a comfortable pedal-assisted bike.
Throughout the year, Sigeric also offers a rich calendar of guided excursions, suitable for the whole family, the ideal opportunity to discover Lunigiana in a different and eco-sustainable way.
Rafting through both, the Magra and the Vara rivers is also a great option.
Maps and routes
The routes pass through medieval villages, chestnut forests or green plains, encountering unforgettable views with ancient castles and the backdrop of the peaks of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines or the Apuan Alps.
Have we intrigued you? Follow the links to the pages with more detailed information.
Discover the beauty of Lunigiana, an enchanted land of green hills, medieval villages and imposingcastles.
But, that’s not all:
The Cinque Terre:
The five lands, Monterosso al mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore are recognised by Unesco as a ‘world heritage site’; these are five marvellous villages perched between sea and nature, along the ligurian coast, in an unparalleled setting. Connected by easy paths, by train or by boat, they conserve a truly unique historical landscape and environmental richness.
The Via dell’Amore, the love walk, is perhaps the most famous romantic promenade in Italy, with breathtaking views and sunsets. Test the “ Sciacchetrà “ wine. Grapes are pressed after 90 days from being picked up and you will never forget its sweet taste.
To experience them at their best, we recommend using the train or the ferry service (both starting from La Spezia).
Portovenere:
A romantic and charming pearl of the eastern ligurian Riviera.
The village is very reminiscent of the villages of the Cinque Terre, with their traditional colorful tower-houses, narrow alleyways, a small port and beautiful medieval churches.
Framing this extraordinary village, there is also a small beach with transparent waters where one can relax in total peace and, not to forget, the three magnificent islands of the archipelago, Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto, peeping out.
- car : following the signs to La Spezia
- boat: from the Morin promenade in La Spezia
Lerici:
What is to be seen in Lerici will leave you breathless: A castle just above the sea, villas that were protagonists of the 19th century literary ferment ( remember Byron and Shelley ), its harbour, historic churches, and golden, sandy beaches for those who prefer the services and comforts of equipped beaches.
Lerici can be reached by car following the signs initially to La Spezia.
La Spezia:
Don’t miss the Lia museum and the naval museum.
Sarzana:
This little town is located at the foot of the hills. Its historical center is characterized by beautiful small streets, full of dealers of antiques and extravagant shops and hosts antique markets during the summer months. Visitors can also explore the city’s imposing fortress, the Sarzanello Fortress, and its beautiful cathedral that boasts a blend of Gothic and Romanesque styles.
In Luni you can admire the Roman about 2000 years old city of Lunae, with its little Colosseo and its in the last century grabbed villas and the see light tower which was purposed to link the ships to the port, which was at that time located just next to the small Colosseo.
Carrara:
Is famous as the world well known marble capital with its pure white and blue-grey marble. Michelangelo used this marble for its sculptures. Visitors can take a 4×4 trip to the quarries to take a look to this centuries-old activity and see one of Italy’s most famous natural resources. Remember also the marble museum.
At 1300 meters hight, in Campo Cecina, you can admire the Mediterranean from this very high altitude. Where else on world you may have this opportunity?
Forte dei Marmi:
This seaside resort is a charming resort on the Versilia coast, known for its fashion shops, famous discos and its excellent weekly market, which is by far the best in the region.
Viareggio:
The city of carnival is one of Versilia’s best-known seaside destinations:
The sea on one side, the snow-white peaks of the Apuan Alps on the other. Strolling through the quaint streets of the center, having an ice cream in the pine forest, walking along the river-sea port or, even further afield, to the wildest part of the beach, called the Lecciona , almost at Torre del Lago; eating fish in one of the typical seaside restaurants.
Lucca:
A beautiful Tuscan town, protected by thick walls dating back to the 15th century. Lucca features some of the best medieval and renaissance architecture in Italy, antique markets and hosts numerous music festivals throughout the year. In addition, visitors can take a short drive to the surrounding hills, visiting beautiful villas and enjoying breathtaking views of the Tuscan countryside.
Pisa:
An ancient maritime city, is an unmissable destination for lovers of art and millennial history.
Discover Piazza dei Miracoli, with its leaning tower, baptistery and cathedral.
Genoa:
This ligurian port city is known for its rich history and extraordinary architecture. The birthplace of Christopher Columbus, it boasts an impressive collection of medieval, renaissance, baroque and gothic buildings, including grand palaces and churches. The historic center is a Unesco World Heritage Site and a pleasure to explore. One of the city’s most famous attractions is the Aquarium of Genoa, the second largest in Europe and home to a wide range of marine life. On your way back, make a stop in Camogli. A picturesque small town with its small fishermen harbor. Taste the famous Focaccia.
