5 good reasons to visit the Apuan Riviera

From the sea to the Apuan Alps, passing through villages, historic centers, and hills, the landscape of the Riviera Apuana Terra Scolpita is one of the most diverse you can find, appreciated by both sea and mountain lovers, those who love to experience the lively atmosphere of the cities, and those who want to discover characteristic villages and towns. The location is definitely the strong point of this area: the view of the imposing Apuan peaks, sometimes snow-capped in winter, while enjoying a walk on the beach, is unique and priceless. The Apuan Riviera is also connected to many places of historical and scenic interest such as the Cinque Terre Park, the Lunigiana, and the nearby Tuscan art cities of Pisa, Lucca, and Florence.

The local cuisine reflects the chameleon-like soul of the Riviera Apuana Terra Scolpita, with both dishes that smell of the sea and others that bring back the flavors of the hinterland.

During your trip, you cannot miss a stop in Colonnata, in the heart of the Apuan Alps, where you can taste in the "larderie" the famous lardo, made in marble basins extracted right from the quarries of Carrara.

Cozy restaurants, inns and eateries are scattered throughout the area with menus to suit all budgets. A fine dinner by the sea, a tasty plate of "tordelli" in a lodge or a tasting among the vineyards are just some of the endless possibilities to enjoy your stay while you are seated at the table.

The Riviera Apuana Terra Scolpita and its close connection with marble in contemporary art and artistic tradition make this area unique from an architectural and landscaping point of view.

Perhaps not everyone knows that Carrara's prized marble drove the master of the Renaissance, Michelangelo Buonarroti, to the quarries to select the block of marble from which the famous Pietà, kept today in St. Peter's in the Vatican, was later shaped. In Carrara, the Museo Carmi (Carmi Museum) celebrates the artist's connection with the city, but there are many exhibition centers and institutions that preserve works of art, tell us about local history and hold important collections: paintings and sculptures are on display at the Museo Diocesano (Diocesan Museum) and the Gigi Guadagnucci Museum in Massa, the Mudac and the Academy of Fine Arts in Carrara.

Artists, musicians and poets from all over the world have passed through the Apuan cities over the centuries, and many still today have chosen to move permanently to the area, as evidenced by Carrara's entry among the Unesco Creative Cities. A present that still sees the strong and deeply rooted tradition of marble craftsmanship express itself in the workshops and give shape to artistic events and cultural events. A stop that cannot be missed to get in touch with the most authentic Apuan traditions and experience an exciting adventure aboard an off-road vehicle is the guided tour in the heart of the white marble quarries, to discover the methods of extraction and processing of this highly prized stone.

To totally immerse yourself in local history and understand the roots and heterogeneous nature of this territory, the Malaspina Castle in Massa and the Aghinolfi Castle in Montignoso, the Documentation Center on the Gothic Line, which preserves the archives of the Partisan Resistance, or the Martana Air Raid Shelter, where you can relive dramatic moments of World War II, are certainly worth a visit.

The tradition of hospitality, care for the guest and the tourist is one of the most appreciated aspects by those who visit the Apuan Riviera and have chosen to spend their vacations there for generations.

There are many accommodation offers, all different, but perfect to satisfy every type of traveler: from the wayfarer of the Via Francigena, to the lover of luxury and the most modern comforts.

For example: are you planning an outdoor vacation? You can camp just a stone's throw from the sea, in the many cozy, well-equipped campsites nestled in the pine forests of the Apuan coast. Camping is not for you? The possibilities are endless, you will truly be spoiled for choice among hundreds of hotels, bed & breakfasts, residences, vacation homes and hostels.

The temperature of the mild climate that characterizes the Riviera Apuana Terra Scolpita is never too low, so the days are enjoyable even in winter. This is a very good reason to plan a vacation outside the usual summer months with diverse offers and rates applied by many facilities and different bathing establishments, open all year round! 

The Riviera Apuana Terra Scolpita is the ideal place to rediscover one's well-being. Unspoiled nature is a panacea for body and mind: what could be better than a run along the seashore breathing in the iodine-rich sea breeze, or a walk immersed in the fresh, clean mountain air? Those who want to practise sports are spoiled for choice: if on the mountain you can hike, trek and, for the more daring, climb, there are still many other sports you can practice outdoors. Mountain bike trails start from the city and go up the hills to the heights; yoga, stretching, jogging are possible in the parks; there are plenty of water sports, from swimming to sailing, from surfing to diving.

And if that's still not enough, let's not forget the entertainment, clubs, concerts, outdoor events, cultural and food and wine events, exhibitions... The Riviera Apuana Terra Scolpita is the ideal place for every vacation, for all tastes and ages!