From sea to mountains in the blink of an eye

THE ALTA VERSILIA TRAIL (SAV)

The Alta Versilia Trail (SAV) is a circular hiking route divided into 12 short stages, winding through the municipalities of Seravezza, Stazzema, and Pietrasanta. Along the way, it connects 20 historic villages and some of the most beautiful valleys in the entire Apuan range.

The shortest stages can be completed in about 40 minutes, while the longer ones take up to two hours.

It is an excellent option for those staying in Forte dei Marmi who wish to enjoy a walk surrounded by greenery without tackling overly demanding routes – or spending too much time driving. The closest trailheads are just ten minutes away, while the farthest can be reached in 30-40 minutes by car!

Beyond its natural beauty and accessibility, the SAV offers a unique and intimate way to discover some of Alta Versilia’s most charming villages, combining physical activity, nature, and cultural heritage into a single experience.

ALONG THE GOTHIC LINE

During the Second World War, Versilia lay directly on the front line: this is where the historic Gothic Line passed, leaving behind tangible traces of that period.

Beyond the village of Levigliani begins the Sentiero delle voltoline, an ancient mule track that climbs to the Passo dell’Alpino. From here, hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of the sea, rising more than 1,000 meters above the valley below. At the summit, over several hundred meters, visitors can explore trenches and casemates built by the Alpini of the Monterosa Division.

Reaching the summit from the start of the trail takes about 40 minutes, while the entire excursion – climb, visit, and descent – takes roughly three hours.

During the summer season, guided tours of the Gothic Line trenches are organized from Levigliani, and a shuttle service brings hikers from the village to the trailhead.

FROM CAMAIORE TO THE SUMMIT OF MONTE PRANA

The southernmost peak of the Apuan Alps, Monte Prana is a mountain of great charm, featuring a stunning plateau at its summit that overlooks Versilia. On clear days, views extend as far as the Alpine arc, Corsica, and even Monte Amiata – a breathtaking panorama.

From Forte dei Marmi, the recommended route ascends from the Camaiore side, chosen for both convenience and scenic beauty.

The trail begins in Casoli, a quaint hamlet reached by driving past Camaiore and climbing a short stretch of mountain road by car. The hike follows well-marked paths throughout and is panoramic and relaxing, suitable even for less experienced hikers.

The ascent from Casoli to the summit takes approximately two hours and passes through diverse vegetation zones. A highlight along the way is Campo all’Orzo, an area where barley was once cultivated at around 1,000 meters above sea level. The historic stone terraces carved into the mountainside that were once used for cultivation are still clearly visible today.

THE FORTE DEI MARMI REFUGE AND MONTE FORATO

A classic destination for hikers departing from Forte dei Marmi is the Rifugio, named after the same place, located on the slopes of Monte Nona. In summer, it becomes a popular goal for pleasant walks, often combined with a leisurely lunch surrounded by nature.

The trail starts from the village of Stazzema and is an easy walk of about one hour. During the summer months, the path remains shaded by forest trees along its entire length.

Upon arrival at the refuge, visitors can relax on the terrace or in the meadow in front of the refuge, enjoying a packed lunch or sampling traditional local cuisine.

For those wishing to continue, the hike can be extended to Monte Forato, one of the most striking peaks in the entire Apuan arc. Its defining feature is a spectacular natural stone arch crowning the summit, completely hollow at its center.

Reaching Monte Forato from the refuge takes about an hour and a half and is also suitable for hikers with limited experience.