Visit Garfagana

The secret and unknown Tuscany

Garfagnana is an area north of Lucca, which is the unknown or “secret” Tuscany. In the classical part of Tuscany there is a large selection of cultural and historical attractions with famous cities like Florence, Pisa and San Gimignano.

Beautiful views
You will not find any such cities in Garfagnana. What you will find though is a fantastic nature, a laid back and very relaxed atmosphere, many picturesque small villages — and last but not least a price level which is significantly lower price level than in the rest of Tuscany. In Garfagnana there is a chance to experience the the authentic Tuscany. I have been coming there for the last 20 years together with my family — and I love it.

When you are leaving Lucca heading towards Garfagnana, you drive into the Serchio valley, which is named after the river that runs down through the valley. And that first piece of the ride is honestly not particularly interesting.

Ponte Maddalena
But after a while you come to the fantastic 1,000 year old bridge, Ponte delle Maddalena - and then the landscape slowly but surely becomes more and more exciting. The mountain slopes, which are covered with forest, get higher and steeper on both sides of the road, but despite this you can see that there are a lot of small villages that almost unnaturally cling to the slopes - high up and with a view down to the valley. I wonder every time I drive there, how in the world one has come to place some villages in these almost inaccessible places.

“Dove it tempo non corre”
And for me that’s actually the whole essence of being in Garfagnana: Fantastic sceneries with many beautiful views, that I never get tired of enjoying — and the many small medieval villages. In addition, the very welcoming and helpful locals. Garfagnana has a motto: “Dove il tempo non corre” — translated it means: where time does not run. So here is a good time — and you take your time. For a Danish family who, in everyday life back home in Denmark, live a hectic life with tight schedules, it is therefore a pleasure to come to Garfagnana and get some peace of mind.

Nature unquestionably dominates with forests that are still untouched by people and mountain peaks 2,000 meters high — and that is for a Dane like me, who can only boast of the Danish “Himmelbjerget” with a peak of 175 m, always fascinating. The highest point in Tuscany is right here in Garfagnana: Monte Prado near Sillano with an altitude of 2,054 meters.

Up in the mountains you will find the Orecchiella Park nature reserve, unique formations including the Grotta del Vento, the Orrido di Botri, an extraordinary gorge and the Lima River paradise for sports enthusiasts.

This area is protected by the mountains and boasts many small and large towns, all of which are unique and united with their amazing panoramas, curiosities and incredible dishes. Some of the largest cities to be seen are definitely Castelnuovo di Garfagnana with its famous fortress from the 11th century and Barga, which today is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

What to do in Garfagnana?
For me, Garfagnana means peace and quiet, and time to just enjoy life. Every time I drive into the area my shoulders lower and I can feel myself relaxing.

At the same time, due to its nature, Garfagnana invites you to a very active holiday. Here there is plenty of opportunity to try along activities such as river rafting, canyoning, hiking in the mountains, etc. Read more here.

Tempted?

then you can check out the many holiday houses we are offering to our customer in Garfagnana and the rest of Tuscany. Please have a look at our website: www.toscana-vacanze.dk