Discover Lunigiana | Between Cinque Terre and Tuscany

TO DISCOVER

Art cities, Cinque Terre, sea, nature, castles, trekking, mountain bike and unique traditions of Lunigiana

Staying at Podere Meroli means finding yourself in a privileged location, in the heart of Lunigiana, between Tuscany and Liguria. An ideal place to relax in nature and, at the same time, easily reach some of the most fascinating destinations in Italy.

And the incredible thing is one:
One weekend is not enough to discover everything this territory has to offer.

CINQUE TERRE — One of the most loved experiences by our guests

Cinque Terre is the most loved excursion by our guests and one of the most loved experiences by our guests.

The perfect method to get there without stress:

From the Podere → 5 minutes by car to Pontremoli station
Take the train → Arrive in La Spezia in 30 minutes
From La Spezia you have two options:
- Ferry → The villages of Cinque Terre from the sea (recommended for the first time!)
- Train → Pass through Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore

Our recommendation:
Take the ferry first → see Cinque Terre from the sea, an incredible spectacle with villages arched on the cliffs.
For the return, take the train → you experience both experiences on the same day.

Advantages:
✅ No traffic
✅ No queues
✅ Zero expensive parking
✅ No highway toll
✅ Only train and ferry

ART CITIES AND SEA

With the highway 4 km away, you can easily reach the most beautiful Italian cities:

Pisa + international airport → 70 km
Lucca → 1 hour
Florence → 1 hour and 15 minutes

Sea:

Marina di Carrara → 30 minutes
Forte dei Marmi → 45 minutes
Viareggio → 1 hour

VILLAGGES, CASTLES AND HISTORY

Lunigiana is an authentic land, rich in history, castles, churches and perfectly preserved medieval villages.

The most important things to see:

Pontremoli → Castello del Piagnaro + Museo delle Statue Stele (one of the most important archaeological testimonies of Tuscany)
Walking among squares, historic bridges and characteristic alleys of the center, you discover one of the most charming villages in the region.
Mulazzo → Castello Malaspina + historic center arched on the hill with panoramic views dominating the entire valley
Filattiera → Pieve di Sorano + historic center rich in history and traditions
Here takes place the famous Festa della Fame e della Sete, one of the most known gastronomic events of Lunigiana.
Bagnone → Considered one of the most beautiful villages of Lunigiana
Castle, stream that crosses the town, stone alleys suspended in time.
Ponticello → Medieval village just 300 meters from the Podere, reachable by foot
Filetto → Perfectly preserved medieval village with historical reenactments in costume that transform the town into an authentic medieval village

EVENTS AND TRADITIONS — Not to be missed

Throughout the year Lunigiana hosts manifestations and events that attract visitors from all Italy.

The most important events:

Premio Bancarella + Premio Bancarellino (Pontremoli) → Historic appointments dedicated to books
Medievalis (every summer, Pontremoli) → One of the most important medieval reenactments of Tuscany
Mestieri nel Borgo (Ponticello) → Traditions, ancient crafts, atmospheres from other times
Festa della Fame e della Sete (Filattiera) → One of the most known gastronomic events of Lunigiana
Historical reenactments (Filetto) → The town becomes an authentic medieval village

NATURE, TREKKING AND MOUNTAIN BIKE — Marked paths, start from the Podere

Nature lovers can explore panoramic trails, forests and mountains that make this part of Tuscany unique.

Most appreciated destinations:

Prati di Logarghena
Zum Zeri
National Park of Tuscan-Emilian Apennines

The incredible thing?
Many itineraries start directly from the surroundings of the Podere → You can immerse yourself in nature without using the car.

Starting from the Podere you are immediately immersed in dirt roads that allow you to do all these tours. You start directly from the gate of the Podere.

Mountain Bike:

Rental of mountain bikes and e-bikes a few minutes from the Podere
Guided tours with professionals of the territory
Paths through: forests, valleys, panoramic ridges
Refuges → Taste traditional Lunigiana cuisine
Enduro races + MTB events that attract participants from all Italy

Trekking:

Same paths can be done by foot
Loop tours right outside the Podere → 5 km or 10 km, with family, immediately in contact with nature, forest and animals

ADVENTURE AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Most requested experiences:

Stretti di Giaredo → Spectacular natural canyon carved by the Gordana river
Kayak
Natural paths
Guided excursions
Itineraries along the Via Francigena
Sport fishing competitions
Outdoor activities for families and expert sportsmen

MOTORCYCLE ITINERARIES

Podere Meroli is the ideal starting point for enthusiasts of two wheels.

Most spectacular passes of the Apennines:

Passo della Cisa
Passo del Cerreto
Passo del Lagastrello

Panoramic curves, forests, mountains and authentic landscapes.

The roads that cross Lunigiana, Garfagnana, Apuan Alps and Tuscan-Emilian Apennines → Considered by many motorcyclists among the most beautiful of central Italy.