Discovering the Best Attractions in La Spezia and the Surrounding Area, Including Cinque Terre and the Marble Quarries of Massa Carrara

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy, and it’s easy to see why. This UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises five cliffside towns that are connected by hiking trails and a train line. The brightly colored houses, narrow alleys, and stunning views of the sea make this a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting the region.

Portovenere

Just south of La Spezia lies the charming fishing village of Portovenere. Here, you can explore the historic castle, visit the Gothic church of San Pietro, and enjoy a leisurely meal at one of the many seafood restaurants that line the harbor. The stunning views of the Ligurian coast make this a perfect spot for a romantic getaway or a peaceful retreat.

Marble Quarries

Massa Carrara is renowned for its marble quarries, which have been in operation since Roman times. The marble from these quarries has been used to create some of the most famous sculptures and buildings in history, including Michelangelo’s David. A visit to the quarries is a unique experience that offers a glimpse into the history and techniques of marble extraction and processing. You can take a guided tour of the quarries and learn how the marble is extracted from the mountains and transformed into works of art.

The quarries are located in the Apuan Alps, which offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. You can take a scenic drive or hike through the mountains to reach the quarries. Once there, you can see the workers extracting the marble using traditional methods, such as hammer and chisel. You can also visit the processing plants where the marble is cut and polished to perfection.

The quarries are still active today, and you can purchase marble products at the many shops and markets in Massa Carrara. From small souvenirs to large pieces of furniture, there is something for everyone. You can also visit the Museo del Marmo, a museum dedicated to the history and culture of marble in the region.

A visit to the marble quarries is a unique experience that will leave you in awe of the skill and craftsmanship that goes into creating these beautiful works of art. It’s a must-see attraction for anyone interested in history, art, or geology.

Gulf of Poets

The Gulf of Poets stretches from La Spezia to Portovenere and is known for its stunning views, crystal-clear waters, and charming fishing villages. Take a boat tour to explore the area and visit the picturesque villages of Lerici and San Terenzo. You can also hike along the coastline and enjoy the breathtaking views of the sea.

Lerici Castle

Lerici Castle is a medieval fortress that offers panoramic views of the Gulf of Poets and the surrounding hills. The castle has a rich history that dates back to the 12th century and has been the site of numerous battles and sieges. Today, it is open to the public and offers guided tours, concerts, and cultural events.

Palazzo Ducale

Palazzo Ducale is a historic palace in the heart of Massa Carrara that houses the Civic Museum. The museum offers a collection of art and artifacts from the region’s history, including paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. The palace itself is a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture and is worth a visit in its own right.

Lunigiana

Located just north of Massa Carrara, Lunigiana is a beautiful area of Tuscany that is known for its picturesque villages, medieval castles, and stunning countryside. The area is perfect for hiking and cycling, and there are many charming towns to explore, including Fivizzano, Pontremoli, and Aulla.

Versilia Beaches

Versilia is a coastal area that is famous for its beautiful beaches, elegant resorts, and lively nightlife. The area is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, and it offers a wide range of activities, including sunbathing, swimming, shopping, and dining. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Viareggio, Forte dei Marmi, and Marina di Pietrasanta.

Forte dei Marmi

Forte is a picturesque town located in the heart of Versilia. The town is known for its elegant shops, high-end restaurants, and luxurious beach clubs. It’s a popular destination for wealthy tourists and celebrities, and it’s easy to see why. The town has a glamorous atmosphere and a beautiful beach that stretches for miles.

The town takes its name from the historic Forte dei Marmi Fortress, which was built in the 18th century to protect the town from attacks by sea. The fortress has since been restored and is now open to the public for guided tours. Visitors can explore the many rooms and corridors of the fortress and learn about its fascinating history.

The town is a popular destination for high-end fashion and luxury brands, and you can find everything from designer clothes and accessories to fine jewelry and watches. The town also has a weekly market that takes place every Wednesday, where you can browse a wide selection of clothing, accessories, and household goods.

Forte dei Marmi is also home to a number of excellent restaurants and cafes. The town’s seaside location means that there is a strong focus on seafood, and you can enjoy everything from fresh fish and shellfish to octopus and squid. The town is also known for its excellent gelato and pastries, and there are many cafes and bakeries where you can indulge in a sweet treat.

One of the most popular attractions in Forte dei Marmi is its beautiful beach. The beach stretches for miles and is lined with luxurious beach clubs that offer everything from sun loungers and umbrellas to bars and restaurants. The water is clear and inviting, and it’s a great place to cool off on a hot summer day. You can also rent paddleboats and kayaks to explore the coastline or take a sunset cruise on a sailboat.

Fosdinovo Castle

Fosdinovo Castle is an impressive medieval fortress located in the hills above Massa Carrara. The castle dates back to the 11th century and was built to protect the surrounding countryside from invaders. The castle has been restored and is now open to the public for guided tours, medieval banquets, and cultural events.

The castle is perched on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. From the top of the castle, you can see for miles in every direction and get a sense of the strategic importance of the fortress. The castle has a rich history that includes sieges, battles, and even a famous love story.

Inside the castle, you can explore the many rooms and corridors that make up the fortress. The castle has a number of interesting features, including a drawbridge, a moat, and a chapel. The castle also has a large courtyard that was once used for jousting and other medieval games.

In addition to its historic significance, Fosdinovo Castle is also known for its cultural events. The castle hosts a number of concerts, art exhibits, and other cultural events throughout the year. These events provide a unique opportunity to experience the castle in a different way and to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding countryside.

The story of the ghost of Bianca Maria Aloisa, daughter of Giacomo Malaspina and Olivia Grimaldi, has long been associated with Castello Malaspina. According to legend, Bianca was girl who fell in love with someone who her father did not approve of. In an effort to break up the relationship, her father had her walled up alive in a room with her faithful dog and a boar, which were symbols of her rebellion.

During restoration work at the castle, the remains of the young girl and the animals were discovered. Since then, many visitors to the castle have reported sightings of a ghostly figure resembling Bianca. Witnesses have described seeing a young girl with long hair passing through the castle walls. The legend of Bianca’s ghost has become a source of fascination for many, and experts in the occult and historical research have investigated the sightings.

One particularly eerie aspect of the legend is the bedroom dedicated to Bianca. The bed in the room is said to emit the sound of a beating heart, and those who are brave enough to touch it claim to feel a cold breeze blowing across their hands. The pomegranates placed at the four corners of the bed are also said to hold some mystical significance.

Exploring Tuscany With a Personal Tourist Guide

I started working as a tour guide in Tuscany in 1987, when I was 23. I’m now almost 51. I started with German guests. As a tour guide I travelled almost everywhere through Europe (France, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Spain, Switzerland, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Greece) and also to Canada (Ontario and Québec) and to New York. In 2002 I specialized as a licensed tour guide for Lucca, a medieval town in Tuscany. I am also a graduated translator and interpreter and I’m about to get my second deegree in ?Mediator in Foreign Languages and Cultures’ at the University of Siena. I speak fluently following languages, beside Italian as a mother tongue: German, English, French, Spanish, Portuguese. I speak also Swedish at a A2 level and I’m dealing also with Russian (A1 level) and Chinese at the moment!

If you are are looking to visit Tuscany or any other area in Italy with an experienced local guide please keep reading below. This can truly enhance your vacations!

This tour is guided by: Massimo

I started working as a tour guide in Tuscany in 1987, when I was 23. I’m now almost 51. I started with German guests. As a tour guide I travelled almost everywhere through Europe (France, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Spain, Switzerland, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Greece) and also to Canada (Ontario and Québec) and to New York. In 2002 I specialized as a licensed tour guide for Lucca, a medieval town in Tuscany. I am also a graduated translator and interpreter and I’m about to get my second deegree in Mediator in Foreign Languages and Cultures’ at the University of Siena. I speak fluently following languages, beside Italian as a mother tongue: German, English, French, Spanish, Portuguese. I speak also Swedish at a A2 level and I’m dealing also with Russian (A1 level) and Chinese at the moment!

Meeting the clients.

I will meet my guests either in Montecatini Terme, a very well-known spa resort in northern Tuscany, where I am at home, or in other towns like Florence, Siena, Pisa, Arezzo, etc. but also outside my region, all over Italy, and show them the beauties of my country.

In which area in Tuscany are you specialised?

I’m of course specialized for Tuscany (my ‘highlights’ are Lucca, Florence, Siena, Pisa, Pistoia and Arezzo), but I can also guide my guests through other regions like Lombardy (Milan, etc.), Emilia Romagna (Bologna, etc.), Umbria (Assisi, etc.). We will do a guided tour in town, where we can organize a lunch break in a typical restaurant, then also hire a car or minivan to travel through the countryside and see something else of our marvellous landscape.

What the clients can see?

We can also visit some typical farms producing wine and olive oil, cheese, ham and other alimentary products, we can also taste and do shopping in town or in wholesale factories where they produce and sell typical handmade products such as leather shoes, bags, marble or alabaster souvenirs, etc. It will last up to about 8 hours with some breaks for a coffee or so.

The costs of my tours depend on how we will organize them, i.e. if I have to move to my guests hotel/house and live there with them for the whole period or just meet them each morning at their premises.

tourswithmassimo — Explore Tuscany with Private guide Massimo

Day Trips ideas from Florence

According to the Guardian, Florence remains the epicenter for true Italian culture and heritage. There are, however, a number of quiet towns and restaurants that blanket this popular and inspiring city. Florence also has a backdrop with breathtaking scenery, including stunning mountains, wineries and monasteries that rejuvenate both body and soul. These venues are located within a few hours of the city and truly make for great day trips. If planning to visit this historic city, there are a number of destinations that simply cannot be missed.

The Magic of Barga

If you want to avoid museums and crowds, Barga is truly the place to be. This medieval hilltop town features twisting lanes, cobbled streets, and spectacular floral arrangements. The town is primarily made up of artisans that effectively capture the allure and essence of Italian culture. From ceramic shops to small art galleries, Barga has everything you need to refresh the soul. Visitors can easily reach the town via train or car. There are also convenient and affordable guest houses for tourists and locals alike. Whether it is Villa Moorings or the Apuan Alps, Barga offers serenity at its finest with a touch of class.

Enjoy Certaldo Alta

Certaldo Alta is just a stone’s throw from Florence. Known for its quiet old town bars and restaurants, this picturesque town is a haven for tourists and visitors. With mouthwatering cuisine and even cooking classes, you will truly enjoy the culinary excellence this amazing town offers. Certaldo Alta also showcases a summer arts and music festival. Whether you love jazz or modern hits, the old church offers tantalizing tunes that easily blend in with its scenic environment. If planning to stay the night, the Fattoria Bassetto will easily facilitate your needs and that of your loved ones. This former Benedictine convent is the best budget hotel and hostel in the area. If you want to experience a great Italian day trip, Certaldo Alta will meet all your needs within time and budget.

Experience San Gimignano

Located in the Tuscany region, San Gimignano is known for its captivating vineyards and olive groves. Surrounded by green hills and pastures, the town is a haven for fine wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs. Just an hour by road from Florence, San Gimignano is blanketed by ancient farm buildings, tranquil gardens, and aesthetically pleasing backdrops. Whether it is capturing the sunset or a quiet picnic for two, this lavish and elegant town offers true romance at its finest. The area is also perfect for hiking, biking, and especially nature walks. If you need a break from the daily grind, San Gimignano truly offers a day trip experience like no other.

You Will Love Lucca

Lucca is also the perfect getaway for those seeking true solace. As the birthplace of Puccini, this traditional yet vibrant town remains a true gem. From scrumptious food at Trattoria Buralli to its signature bricked tower at Guinigi, the town simply offers something for everyone. While vacations to Florence are still great, daytrips to neighboring towns seem to be soaring in global popularity. For more information on the best day trips to Florence, speak to your travel agent or simply check the web.