While culture and food are the two types attractions most raved about when it comes to a vacation in Tuscany, most planning a trip to the region are also looking forward to enjoying the incredibly beautiful landscape of the rolling green hills for which it is so famous. However, these pastoral landscapes shown in postcards and advertisements are not the only landscapes in Tuscany. Tuscany is a far more varied place than that: with towering peaks, perfect beaches, rocky gorges, dense forests, marshlands thrumming with life, and much more besides. As a result, there are a long list of incredible outdoor pursuits and activities that can be enjoyed while on holiday in Tuscany and, in particular, there are lots of great trekking, hiking, and walking routes to choose from all across the region. One of the best and most popular spots to go hiking for those who are pretty serious about the activity and are after a bit of a challenge - especially if you want to take in some truly gorgeous views along the way and if you have found a villa on the Tuscan Coast - is Pania della Croce in the Alpi Apuane, or Apuan Alps.
While Pania della Croce might not actually be the tallest mountain in the region or even in the Alpi Apuane (it comes in at number four), it does stand out as one of the most visible mountains in the range and can be seen readily from all sides around it, allowing the peak to boast one of the best spots for panoramic views over the other mountains of the Apuan Alps and whole main ridge of the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano to the east, the surrounding scenery, and the Tyrrhenian coastline. In fact, from the summit of Pania della Croce, the Tyrrhenian Sea seems only a few steps away and on very clear days one can see Monviso, Monte Amiata, and, even, all the way out to Corsica. Due to this Pania della Croce can be called the signature mountain of the range and is the one that many choose to undertake when picking between the various hiking options in the Apuan Alps.
Due to its popularity, the mountain is well-equipped and set up for hikers, with multiple routes which lead to the summit to choose from and three different refuges in its direct vicinity that are useful for those climbing to the summit in the summer months. Of the routes, the ones from the two valleys are quite long and tiring and both the west and south faces can be very challenging climbs. These options, therefore, are best suited to those with the experience, fitness level, and time and inclination necessary. Those, however, who are still after those famous views but not quite up to that kind of endeavour can take the route that is a short scramble starting from the chapel of Piglionico, halfway up the mountain. This route can be undertaken in as little as two hours, following a steep scree couloir to the east of the mountain. Take note, though, that leftover snow fields that can linger in spring might mean that those climbing at that time of year will potentially need to leave the main path and this will make the already challenging enough trek even tougher.
So, if you have been considering a Tuscany villa or a vacation rental on the Tuscan Coast and you’ve been looking for a hike to enjoy while exploring the area, then this is an excellent option. While there are definitely lengthier and tougher routes to choose from, those who are less experienced can also try this one out as long as they are up for four to six hours of walking at an incline. A fun challenge with a truly remarkable view to reward you at the end!
