The Apuan Alps mountain range is well known for its geological and natural heritage, rich in bio- and geo-diversity, but it is also a natural area of great landscape and environmental value: the jagged ridges, the contrast between an unspoiled and wild nature and the moonscape of the quarries, combined with the proximity to the sea, give an extraordinary landscape with unique characters.
So what are the vantage points to fully enjoy the view of these majestic and rugged mountains? Nothing compares, in this respect, to the experience offered by climbing one of the peaks of the Apuan Alps, an undertaking to be undertaken with adequate experience and appropriate equipment. Among the most spectacular peaks is that of Pizzo d’Uccello (1781m), which has always been praised for its bold shape, so much so that it has earned the appellation “Matterhorn of the Apuan Alps. “The north face of the massif, with its seven hundred meters of elevation gain, is the most famous of the entire chain, and presents difficulties that make it suitable only for the most skilled climbers. The normal route starts from the village of Vinca (750m) and passes by the Foce di Giovo (1500m) before reaching the summit of Pizzo: the view sweeps from the Serenaia valley to Sagro, Pisanino, Tambura, Sumbra and Panie, but also touches the Gulf of La Spezia and its islands. However, the climb is challenging, taking more than three hours and is rated EE (experienced hikers) on the Italian Alpine Club’s scale of difficulty. Shorter, but no less arduous, is the route starting from the Donegani refuge (1150m) in Orto di Donna, in the province of Lucca.
Definitely more affordable is the ascent to the summit of Mount Sagro (1749m): the solemn profile and isolated position, dominating the valleys below, has made this mountain the object of very ancient worship (from which it derives its name), evidenced by the discovery of stele statues dating back to the Copper Age (2800-2300 BC) facing the massif. For the inhabitants of the surrounding area, the Sagro climb is an experience to be had at least once in a lifetime; for many it is a regular, (at least) yearly appointment. The route starts from Foce di Pianza (1272m), a locality that can be reached by a road route of about forty minutes from Carrara, and follows the CAI 172 trail. Among woods, grassy expanses and remnants of the Gothic Line (a system of fortifications dating back to World War II), the hike leads to the summit in about two and a half hours, without presenting excessive criticality. The panorama is truly impressive, and in addition to offering sweeping views of the Apuan Alps and the Apennines, it extends to the coast with a grandiose view that can embrace (on the best days) the Tuscan archipelago, Corsica, and the distant peaks of the Maritime Alps (with Monviso).
An even easier hike, also suitable for families with children, is to the meadows of Campocecina (1345m), which can be accessed by a quarter-hour walk, starting from Acquasparta (1275m), where there is a refreshment point, ample parking and a source of fresh water. The grassy basin is scenic and pleasant; however, it only takes a few minutes to reach Zucco del Latte (1356m) or Monte Borla (1470m), vantage points of even more interesting impact.
However, it is not necessary to equip oneself with boots to enjoy the Apuan panoramas, and there are several sites, conveniently reachable by car or motorcycle, that offer memorable views: the Piazzale dell’Uccelliera (1235m), on the road to Campocecina, is equipped with a panoramic terrace that offers an impressive and dizzying view of the marble basins, embracing a large portion of the coast.
A magnificent view of the Apuan Alps, however, is also enjoyed from the coast, from the Marina di Massa pier, from the promenade on the Marina di Carrara waterfront, or more simply from the beaches, from where the whiteness of the marbles (or in winter that of the snows) invariably strikes the visitor.
Finally, two vantage points should be noted from which there is a view that encompasses both the more urbanized areas as well as the mountains and the coast: the hill of Santa Lucia, near Carrara (with a twenty-minute road trip from the beach), and the Rocca Cybo Malaspina in Massa, where landscape and cultural values merge into a fascinating whole.