LUNIGIANA:
The cottage is situated in the heart of Lunigiana (land of the moon) which takes its name from the old Roman port of Luni at the mouth of the Magra river. Set between the Apennines, the world famous Carrara marble Apuane Alpes and the Versilia coast, Lunigiana is an unspoilt corner of Tuscany and an inspired destination for the Italian traveller. The area abounds with hillside and hill top medieval villages, castles (over a hundred), lush pasture, vineyards and olive groves, a contrasting coastline of sandy beaches and steep cliffs, and wooded foothills of mainly oak and chestnut. This short 'further details' can hardly do justice to the charms and attractions of Lunigiana. An internet trawl should supply an abundance of additional detail with enticing descriptions of the countryside and its people. As well as being an area of outstanding beauty, Lunigiana has an interesting historical past.
GETTING THERE AND NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:
Lunigiana is easy to get to. There are cheap flights to Pisa, Genoa and Milan. At these entry points you can hire a car or take a train to Aulla or La Spezia. If you are coming by road from the channel ports you have a choice of three Alpine tunnels - Mont Blanc, Frejus further the west and the St Gothard to the east. From Calais to the cottage via Strasbourg, St.Gothard and Milan the distance is 825 miles. Going via the other tunnels involves much the same mileage but there is no toll charge for the St.Gothard. Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Siena, San Gimignano and Torre del Lago (open air Puccini operas) are all within easy striking range. Closer by are the Gulf of Poets (Shelley, Byron and DH Lawrence all lived near here) and the Cinque Terra (5 villages on terraced cliffs connected by footpath and railway line). These are best accessed or viewed by boat from Porto Venere.
WALKING AND ENJOYING THE VIEWS:
The walk between the Cinque Terra villages is a classic of its kind and a must for every active visitor. As too is walking along the ridge of the Apennines. There are sweeping views, mountain huts, lakes, streams and pine and beech woods with oaks and chestnuts on the lower slopes. Spectacular mountain walking can also be had in the Apuane Alpes. If however you do not want to venture far, there are plenty of enjoyable walks from and around the cottage. Alternatively you can make the most of the views from the balconies. These are outstanding - by day when you can see for miles, when the sun sets over the coastal hills to the west as you sip your aperitif, and at night when you look out at the twinkling lights of the villages in the valleys below and watch the fireflies dance amongst the trees and bushes of the terraces.
Other Activities:
Stunning views, seclusion, local walks
