Camellias and Lake Gherardesca

Our itinerary starts from the heart of Capannori to take you on a pleasant and relatively easy tour, leading you to the charming village of camellias located at the foot of Monte Serra, a mountain range that separates the territory of Lucca from that of Pisa. After visiting the Camelieto di Sant’Andrea di Compito—the pretty camellia garden also known as the Camellietum Compitese—continue pedaling through the tranquil landscape until you reach the Bottaccio Oasis and the Lake Gherardesca natural area.

This lake, covering about 74 acres (30 hectares), is located within a protected area and is a strategic point along the migration routes of many bird species. Continuing on, you cross a few miles of dirt road in the heart of the marsh, completely immersed in unspoiled nature. Finally, the route takes you back to Capannori, passing through the town of Porcari and completing an itinerary that combines scenic beauty and wilderness.

The route is 4.6 miles (7.5 kilometers) along dirt roads and 20.5 miles (33 kilometers) on asphalt.

Itinerary by Strade di Lucca Bike Hub.