Tuscany is dotted by endless charming little towns, many of them set on hilltops and in scenic locations, allowing visitors to admire sweeping vistas of the famously lovely Tuscan countryside. However, among these, the town of Careggine, nestled in the Apuan Alps, may afford some of the most remarkable views in the region and access to some excellent settings for outdoor pursuits.
A perfect day-trip for those who find a villa in Lucca and are enjoying the delights of that stunning medieval city, we highly recommend coming to breathe in the fresh air and to take in the astounding views while hiking, exploring, or even skiing.
Careggine is a delightful hilltop town in Tuscany that is located on the slopes of Monte Sumbra, some 882m above sea level, perfectly positioned to offer truly stunning panoramas over the surrounding mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes, and more. The first written record of the town dates back to the 8th century and mentions the consecration of a chapel that is now the town’s parish church. In the Middle Ages and Renaissance, it was a much disputed territory, passing from kingdom to kingdom, with the Este family and Lucca particularly laying claim. It became part of the modern province of Lucca in the 20th century. Today, the picturesque municipality has under 500 inhabitants, making it the least populated in the province of Lucca.
Upon approach, those who come to visit the town will immediately be enamoured of its storybook looks: a winding little road leading up to a hilltop town made of a cluster of colourful buildings with terracotta roofs, trees all around, mountains as a backdrop, and a pretty church tower rising over top. When one says something is pretty as a picture, this is exactly what they mean. Then, in town, you’ll see lovely walls, a pretty paved square, and two impressive old gates all made of local stone. Wander the charming streets, grab lunch in the little local pizzeria, and stock up on some amazing wines from the local winery, Maesta della Formica. Not only did they create the first Riesling of the Apuan Alps but they have a selection of other incredible wines, compotes, and other products and work with chefs in the region to create some amazing flavours from their cultivated produce and wild harvests – worth keeping an eye out for if you are a foodie who has found a holiday rental in Lucca and is exploring the various shops in the area.
Hike
Of course, the primary attraction to this part of the world for most is the beautiful natural scenery that is all around. For those who love to hike, you’ll find some great options here as the Apuan Alps Park Visitors’ Centre and different trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels can be found on the doorstep of the town. For those who want to take in the views and stretch their legs but who also want a less strenuous option, there is a gentle path that leads you from town to Colle dei Monti, boasting an amazing view over the Apuan Alps and the Apennines. You’ll know you’re in the right spot when you see a giant yellow bench, known simply as the Big Bench.
Explore
If you’re the type that not only wants to hike or walk but also wants to take in curiosities and explore, meanwhile, the town of Careggine has some rather special sights nearby that are sure to delight! The small medieval town of Isola Santa, located on the banks of an artificial lake of the same name, is a three hour trek away (or about a half hour drive, if you prefer). Impossibly beautiful, enchanting, and somewhat otherworldly, it presents a cluster of little stone buildings with slate roofs against wooded surroundings, in front of the jewel-toned lake. In fact, many have been known to gasp at the very sight of the place upon approach. See it with your own eyes and fall in love during a vacation in Lucca!
Another haunting and fascinating sight nearby is the submerged town of Fabbriche di Careggine, beneath Lake Valgi, a few miles from town. Flooded in the 1940s in order to build a dam, it saw all of its inhabitants displaced, most of whom were the descendants of blacksmiths who had moved to the town in the 13th century. If you’re exceptionally lucky, you might time your visit to when maintenance works are being done on the dam and the lake is drained, making the ghost town totally visible once more. Otherwise, you’ll have to settle for glimpses below the depths.
Ski
Those who come to Careggine in the winter months, meanwhile, can explore the Apuan Alps another way – on skis! There are two ski runs in the nearby town of Formica (measuring about 700m total), three trails in Monte La Cima (3km), and a 750m kid’s slope in Vianova, making Careggine a nice base for dipping your toes into the famously pretty Garfagnana ski area.
So, if you want to take in some of the most magical sights in the area, then be sure to plan a day-trip to Careggine while you enjoy a stay at one of our vacation rentals in Lucca.