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Climbing in Equi Terme
Photo © Matteo Tollini - AlterEco
Photo © Matteo Tollini - AlterEco

Lunigiana: live it active!

The best outdoor experiences to live and discover Lunigiana

Lunigiana
by  Lunigiana

Lunigiana has always been land a land of passage, a historic valley crossed by the Magra river and countless ancient roads and paths that branch off along the slopes of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines National Park, the Regional Park of the Apuan Alps and the Unesco Biosphere Reserve. Right here it is possible to embark on a truly unique journey between nature and culture, between fortified villages and mediaeval castles surrounded by greenery, between Romanesque churches and Baroque villas and palaces.

There are many possibilities to discover the treasures of Lunigiana: from the historical paths such as the Via Francigena and the Via del Volto Santo, following the footsteps of pilgrims in the Middle Ages, to the numerous and beautiful bridleways to ride on horseback, both with the local guides or on your own.

Lunigiana is not only a splendid historical land, but it is also perfect for those looking for adrenaline-fueled adventures and activities. Here are the best experiences:

Contents
  • 1.
    Bike-MTB
  • 2.
    River trekking and Canyoning
  • 3.
    Speleo Adventure and Climbing Walls
1.

Bike-MTB

Riding on the Lunigiana Bike Area tracks in mtb
Riding on the Lunigiana Bike Area tracks in mtb - Credit: Matteo Dunchi

Roads with little traffic and marked off road trails of varying difficulty immersed in a natural setting of exceptional beauty make Lunigiana a paradise for bicycle enthusiasts, but also for families looking for new and exciting activities!

With the Lunigiana Active program, MTB and E-Bike rental centres (electric pedal assisted bikes) are available with accessories for adults and children. Bike friendly accommodation facilities, equipped bicycle workshops and tours with qualified guides for all levels of difficulty, as well as GPX tracks with descriptions are always available on the Lunigiana Bike area website.

1.

River trekking and Canyoning

Stretti di Giaredo Adventure
Stretti di Giaredo Adventure - Credit: Sigeric Servizi per il Turismo

Lunigiana is also a land of ancient stone and water: rivers, streams, waterfalls and canyons are scattered throughout the Parks of the Apennines and the Apuan Alps. Refreshing and relaxing in these paradisiacal natural pools is the norm in Lunigiana and it is also a pleasant discovery for tourists.

But here are two experiences that cannot be missed by those who are also looking for adrenaline:

2.1 Adventure in the Stretti of Giaredo - River Trekking - Stretti di Giaredo are certainly the most renowned and evocative destination: a natural canyon in the Gordana stream, between the municipalities of Zeri and Pontremoli, set in a protected area of ​​extraordinary beauty. This spectacular place is in fact part of an SPA, a Special Conservation Area, which extends for 250 hectares in the Gordana Valley, due to its geological and naturalistic value. Here it is possible to go on a river trekking route and swim in its cold crystalline waters, all the while admiring the high colored walls carved by the stream and the stratification of the millenary rocks. Precisely because of the delicate ecosystem of the river, but also to live the experience in complete safety, it is advisable to rely on the trained environmental guides who organize guided tours in these gorges every summer, and who also provide all the necessary equipment.

For more information on good rules and behaviour, visit the website www.strettidigiaredo.org

2.2 Canyoning Adventure in the Acquetta stream - Let yourself be captured by the Acquetta stream in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park, in the Municipality of Bagnone. Its fresh and crystalline waters flow directly from the Apennine ridge near the Badignana Pass, between Monte Matto and Brusà, at an altitude of 1700m, and then plunge into the Bagnone river, which descends to the valley. Its bed is dug into the sandstone and offers a true canyoning experience, including pools, abseiling, dives and natural slides. You can rely on local alpine guides who also provide all the necessary equipment.

1.

Speleo Adventure and Climbing Walls

The Pipistrello-Speleo adventure route
The Pipistrello-Speleo adventure route - Credit: Matteo Tollini - AlterEco

Are you an adrenaline lover? At Equi Terme you will find what is right for you!

Venture into the karst caves with the Pipistrello-Speleo adventure route, a unique route of its kind in Italy consisting of climbing paths with fixed metal handrails and wooden rope bridges to discover wonderful scenery in the heart of the mountain, containing a wealth of rock formations, wells, unusual colours and natural stone sculptures. Two and a half hours of adventure in which you will be the real explorers of the beautiful speleo caves, where tourists have never been!

The Aquila-Zipline route is also waiting for you, a real acrobatic route with fixed metal handles and cables, which allow you to fly downstream with a pulley for 200 metres, circling over the Fagli stream at a height of 20 metres!

Finally, the brand new climbing route (Geco-Arrampicata) can be found on the amazing cliff near the main entrance of the caves, where six routes of increasing difficulty and length await you, partly on rock and partly integrated with artificial handholds.

Let's not forget young explorers who can try the Kids Adventure Park, a play area adjacent to the Visitor Centre of the Regional Park of the Apuan Alps where children can try their hand at different activities: tree adventure climbing, ladder walkways, movable bridges, climbing nets, parrot ladders, etc., and have a go at the artificial climbing gym!

For all information on the activities, visit the website www.grottediequi.it

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