The small but beautiful mountain range of the Apuan Alps is our secret tip to visit in Tuscany.

The highest mountain, Monte Pisanino, is 1,946 metres high and although it is part of the Apennines, its appearance is uncannily reminiscent of the Alps. That's where the name comes from.

Rural hotels in the Apuan Alps

Mountain hiking with a minimum of visitors

The Apuan Alps beckon travellers to hike through lush green meadows, through forests and over rocky mountains.

The mountains lie somewhat in the shadow of the more famous places in and around Tuscany - such as the Cinque Terre coast - so you'll see very few other hikers on the trails.

Maps of hiking trails

The densest network of trails of all abilities can be found in the wide zone between the towns of Carrara and Vagli Sopra, where the Apuan Alps rise to their highest altitudes.

There is also a dense network of normal routes and ferrata in the Fornovolasco area.

The map .cz website, for example, gives an excellent overview of the marked routes in the Apuan Alps.

Where to stay and starting points

Which towns and villages to stay in if you are planning a multi-day visit to the Apuan Alps so that you are close to the hiking trails?

Resceto

A small mountain village closest to the highest mountain, Monte Pisanino, and to a very dense network of hiking trails.

• Public transport - bus L78 from Massa Centro station (3 times a day on weekdays, 2 times a day on Saturdays and Sundays)
• Hotel tip - B&B Gronda Via Vandelli in the neighbouring village of Gronda, where the L78 bus also runs

Campocecina

Location high in the mountains with parking, restaurant and starting point for hiking trails. The car park with the bus stop is at an altitude of over 1,300 metres!

• Public transport - bus L39 from the centre of Carrara (runs only on Sundays - 2 times a day)
• Hotel tip - B&B "La Bottega d'Arte" in Carrara (there is no accommodation closer)

Cardoso and Stazzema

Two beautiful villages at the south-western foot of the mountains are a great choice for trips to caves and waterfalls, but also high up in the mountains.

• Public transport - the E36 bus goes to both villages, including Cardoso, from Seravezza, where you change to the E35 or E38 lines towards Pietrasanta station
• Tip for Hotel Stazzema - B&B Convivium
• Tip for Hotel Cardoso - Casa Gigina

Arni

A small village right in the heart of the Apuan Alps, accessible by car and bus, it is one of the most popular starting points for short and full-day routes.

• By public transport - the E36 bus connects Pietrasante station by the sea and Castelnuovo station, where trains run to Lucca
• Hotel Tip - Borgo Isola Santa approx. 5 km east near the beautiful dam, the E36 bus also stops here

Fornovolasco

A popular starting point for excursions to the numerous caves, it is easily accessible from the east, i.e. in the direction of Lucca.

• Public transport - the E77 bus runs to Gallicano 4 times a day from Monday to Saturday (no bus on Sundays and public holidays)
• Hotel Tip - Casa Vacanze IL BOSCACCIO "Casa Serena"

Monzone

This small town on the north side of the Apuan Alps is a great base for exploring this part of the mountain range.

• Public transport - Trenitalia trains to Lucca or Aulla stop directly in town (about once every hour and a half)
• Hotel tip - Casa Vacanze IL BOSCACCIO "Casa Serena"

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Tuscany.