Cycling, E-Bikes, Quad Bikes

Lots of our guests bring their own bikes and Lunigiana is a great place to cycle. E-bikes can be hired and even delivered to the villa. There is a quad bike facility not far away.

Carrara Marble Mines Tour

This 4×4 road trip will guide you through a steep marble road connecting a net of 30 open-air active quarries, heading for Quarry n. 83 Canalgrande Alto, at an altitude of almost 1.000 m above the sea level. Its is a fascinating experience and an incredible view from the top.

Horse Riding

There are a number of horse riding schools nearby who will accompany groups trekking or provide lessons for adults and children.

Tennis

There are a range of tennis options. There are local courts in Licciana Nardi and Villafranca or further a field Forte dei Marmi has exclusive Tennis Clubs. We have not tried any of these so do not have a recommendation.

Boating Scuba & Excursions

A great way to see the coast is on a small ferry, some leave from Lerici, and others from Portovenere or La Spezia and travel to the Cinque Terre.

Scuba diving is available at La Spezia dn also Bocca di Magra

Boat hire is available from Portovenere or La Spezia.

History Museums & Galeries

The historical area of Lunigiana is full of history. We can find architecture from Roman times, medieval castles and impressive baroque cathedrals, museums and places of interest. Dante roamed the area for inspiration.

In Pontremoli the biggest cultural draw, though, is the local archaeology museum which houses the so-called ‘stele statues’. These burial stones, some of which date to the 3rd millennium BC, are among the oldest in Italy, and have been the subject of considerable interest for academics.

Wineries & Tourist Destinations

There are a number of wineries in the area which welcome visitors. Our local winery Castel del Piano in Licciana produces excellent wine and it is possible to visit and buy form the cellar door. Lunae Winery from the Borsoni family are very well set up to receive visitors and it is a great experience to visit the cellar and shop for local produce as well. The gardens and buildings are very beautiful.

DAY-OUT IDEAS

Local

Walk to Varano and return, or get someone to meet you by car at the other end, or do a round trip. Walk to Crespiano (a little further than Varano, same route) for lunch in Ristorante Galletti. You need to book, especially for Sunday lunch. +39 0187 484257 Early morning run to Salano and back or hill climb down to the church and back. Walk to Panicale and back. Drinks and dinner at Castello di Pontebosio. Pizza in the garden out the back of Beatrice in Monti (evenings only) Walk or drive to Picchio Verde at Amola and fantastic Sunday lunch. Lunch in Il Muretto in Licciana Nardi (basic Italian food and a local institution) Drive to Fillatiera to see the Romanesque Church and beautiful villages of Fillertto and Bagnone - lunch at a local restaurant.

Beach and Sea

Lerici for lunch, walk along the promenade with a gelati, then drive to Cantine Lunae Winery (Borsoni) for tasting to purchase good local wine. Cinque Terre by train from Aulla, or by boat from Lerici, or La Spezia then recommend Belforte for special lunch in Vernazza. (book) Rapallo for the day by train, taxi to Portofino or Santa Margherita for lunch. Drive to Portovenere, (parking difficult so go early), wander around up to the old castle, church etc then boat trip to Palmaria for lunch at Locanda Lorena (if you book the boat is free). (+39) 0187 792370. Visit a beach club (stabilimento balneare) – there are many such clubs south of the Bocca di Magra all the way to Pisa, though we recommend Baia Blu, Eco del Mar, both of which are near Lerici and our favourite Patrizia at Lido di Camiore.

Markets and Shopping

Don’t forget Market days - Aulla or Lerici on Saturday are good and Sarzanna on Thursday all day. See information at the Villa for other markets and shopping ideas.

Architecture and History

Visit the Roman ruins and museum at Luni in the morning, lunch at Sarzana in one of the squares and wander around the old town and discover the medieval city walls. Shops re-open 3.00/3.30pm Day trip to Parma - quite hot in summer bur very interesting. Include a visit to Castello di Torrechiara, stunning castle near Parma.

Culture and Music

Book opera tickets in Genova and stay overnight. Book concert tickets in La Spezia. Lucca music festival has events all thoughout July with international line-ups. Puccini festival - open air opera at Viareggio. Day trip to Pontremoli, important town for printing and publishing in Italy (hosts the Italian equivalent to the Man Booker prize). Also several very nice restaurants.

Landscape, views, hiking

Day trip to Lucca, hire bikes and ride around the walls and discover the beautiful walled city of Lucca. Take the single track railway from Aulla to Lucca (stunning views) for the day (timetable?) Drive to Lucca through the Garfagnana valley (same stunning views as train journey above). Stop for local produce lunch on way (cheese a speciality). Climb one of the Apuani peaks (Monte Sagra is fairly easy, Pizzo d’Uccello is more challenging, Pisanino is scary). Afterwards a lunch/dinner in one of the splendid refugi (recommend Orto di Donna, above Minucciano).

Where to Eat, What to See & Where to Go

THINGS TO DO