Getting to Lunigiana is straightforward once you know the right routes. The region sits at a transport crossroads between Tuscany, Liguria, and Emilia-Romagna, served by a direct railway line and a motorway that make it more accessible than its reputation as a hidden gem suggests. The challenge is not getting there — it is getting around once you arrive, where a car makes a significant difference.
By Train
The most convenient rail approach is via the Parma–La Spezia line, which runs the length of Lunigiana through the Magra valley with stops at Pontremoli, Villafranca in Lunigiana, and Aulla. Journey times:
From La Spezia: 45–55 minutes to Pontremoli (direct, frequent departures).
From Parma: approximately 1 hour to Pontremoli (direct).
From Florence: approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, changing at La Spezia or Aulla.
From Genoa: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, changing at La Spezia.
From Milan: approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, changing at Parma or La Spezia.
From Bologna: approximately 2 hours, changing at Parma.
Pontremoli station is a short walk from the historic centre and the Castello del Piagnaro. For visitors without a car, the train is the best way to reach Pontremoli, though onward connections to smaller villages are limited.
By Car
The A15 motorway (called the Autocisa) connects Parma to La Spezia and passes directly through Lunigiana, with exits at Pontremoli, Villafranca, and Aulla. It is one of the most scenic motorways in Italy, crossing the Apennines through a series of tunnels and viaducts with dramatic views. Journey times by car:
From La Spezia: 35–45 minutes.
From Parma: 1 hour.
From Florence: 1 hour 45 minutes via A11 and A15.
From Genoa: 1 hour 15 minutes via A7 and A15.
From Bologna: 1 hour 30 minutes via A1 and A15.
From Milan: 2 hours via A1 and A15.
A car is strongly recommended for exploring Lunigiana beyond Pontremoli. The castles, smaller villages (Fosdinovo, Bagnone, Fivizzano, Casola in Lunigiana), and rural agriturismi are all more easily reached by car. Parking is generally easy and free throughout the region.
From the La Spezia Cruise Port
Lunigiana is an excellent shore excursion destination for cruise passengers arriving at La Spezia. The port is 45–55 minutes from Pontremoli by train or car, making a half-day or full-day excursion entirely feasible. Options include truffle hunting experiences, a Pontremoli visit with lunch, or a combined castle and food itinerary. Private minivan transfers from the port can be arranged through local operators and make the logistics considerably simpler than public transport.
Where to Stay in Lunigiana
Pontremoli is the natural base for most visitors, with the widest range of accommodation: small hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses in and around the historic centre. Prices are very reasonable compared to the Ligurian coast or Tuscany’s better-known destinations. Agriturismi (farm stays) are scattered throughout the valleys — these are often the most rewarding accommodation option, combining a room in a working farm with home-cooked meals featuring the farm’s own produce, honey, and sometimes wine. Booking ahead is essential in October during Medievalis and in summer.
Fivizzano and Bagnone offer a quieter alternative base, with some excellent agriturismo options in the surrounding hills. Aulla, at the southern end of Lunigiana near the motorway junction, is the most convenient hub for those combining a Lunigiana visit with trips to the Cinque Terre or La Spezia.
How Many Days Do You Need?
One day suits a visit to Pontremoli: Castello del Piagnaro, the historic centre, lunch with testaroli, and a short walk along the river. Two to three days allows you to add Fosdinovo, Fivizzano and Equi Terme, a truffle or porcini experience, and a drive through the smaller villages. Four to five days makes sense if you want to walk sections of the Via Francigena, explore the full castle circuit, and use Lunigiana as a base for day trips to the Cinque Terre, Carrara marble quarries, or La Spezia. A week allows a genuinely relaxed immersion in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Lunigiana from Florence?
By car, Lunigiana is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes from Florence via the A11 and A15 motorways, depending on your destination within the region (Aulla is the nearest major town from Florence; Pontremoli adds another 20 minutes). By public transport, the journey takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes with changes at La Spezia or Aulla. Florence is comfortably reachable as a day trip from a Lunigiana base.
Is Lunigiana easy to reach without a car?
Pontremoli is easily reached by direct train from La Spezia and Parma. However, most of what makes Lunigiana distinctive — its castles, smaller villages, agriturismi, and walking routes — is not accessible by public transport. If you are visiting without a car, focus on Pontremoli and its immediate surroundings, or arrange private transfers for specific excursions such as Fosdinovo or a truffle hunt.
What is the best base for exploring Lunigiana?
Pontremoli is the best base for most visitors: central, well-connected by train, with good accommodation and restaurant options. For a more rural experience, an agriturismo in the hills around Pontremoli or Fivizzano gives direct access to the natural landscape. Aulla suits those who want quick motorway access for day trips to the coast or Cinque Terre.
Can you visit Lunigiana as a day trip from the Cinque Terre?
Yes — Pontremoli is about 1 hour from Riomaggiore or Monterosso by car (via Aulla and the A15), or approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by train. A day trip from a Cinque Terre base is very feasible: Pontremoli in the morning, Castello del Piagnaro, lunch with testaroli, and back in the afternoon. It makes an excellent change of pace from the coastal crowds.
What is there to do in Lunigiana in winter?
Winter is quiet but atmospheric. Pontremoli’s Christmas market (usually in December) draws visitors from across the region. Truffle hunting continues through December and into January for black truffles. The Castello del Piagnaro and several other museums remain open through winter. Agriturismo meals, wine tastings, and cooking experiences are available year-round. Walking in the chestnut forests is pleasant on dry winter days, and the Apuan Alps are occasionally snow-dusted.
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