Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE APUANE ALPS & GARFAGNANA
Rearing up inland from the Versilian Riviera are the Apuane Alps, a rugged mountain
hikers with a trail of isolated farmhouses, medieval hermitages and hilltop villages.
Continue inland, across the Alps' eastern ridge and three stunning valleys formed by the
Serchio and its tributaries - the low- lying Lima and Serchio Valleys and the higher
Garfagnana Valley, collectively known as the
Garfagnana
- take centre stage. Thickly fores-
ted with chestnut woods and unknown to most, this is an unexplored land where fruits of
the forest (chestnuts,
porcini
mushrooms and honey) create a very rustic and fabulous
cuisine.
The main gateway to this staunchly rural part of Tuscany is Castelnuovo di Garfagnana,
home to the regional park visitors centre. If faintly more 'cosmopolitan' rocks your boat as
a base, consider Pietrasanta on the Apuane Alps' southern fringe.
