A slow and authentic journey in the heart of Lunigiana, between tiny villages, chestnut woods and ancient trade routes. From Villecchia to Montereggio via Parana, a route rich in history, nature and silence.
  • Why we love it
    Because it is an off-the-beaten-path itinerary where time seems to stand still. A slow journey through wild nature, village history and cultural heritage of Lunigiana, perfect for those seeking authenticity and silence.
  • Travelling time: About 6 hours
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Length: 19 km
  • Total Elevation Gain: 100 m
  • Way to travel: Bicycle, walking, horse riding, donkey trekking
  • Cost: 0€
  • Our Advice: The route is mostly on dirt roads, marked trails and short paved sections. The detour to the Parana waterfalls is currently not recommended due to a landslide. It is better to avoid summer: the low altitude and sun exposure can make the route demanding, even though the Osca stream offers some beautiful natural pools for cooling off.

The route begins in Villecchia, a small village of around 15 inhabitants, home to the accommodation facility “Il Tempo del Borgo”. It is the perfect place to immediately immerse yourself in the slow-paced atmosphere of Lunigiana, surrounded by stone houses and rural landscapes that tell the story of a much more populous past: until the early 20th century, the village had around 500 inhabitants.

Collage of the accommodation 'Il Tempo del Borgo' in Villecchia, featuring a view of the village, a guest room, and a panoramic terrace in Lunigiana.
“Il Tempo del Borgo” in Villecchia: an authentic retreat among stone houses, warm hospitality, and beautiful valley views.

Along the Historic Via Marchesana: Villages and Memories

From Villecchia, the route largely follows the historic Via Marchesana, a secondary branch of the Via Francigena, which once connected communities and trade routes across these mountains. The trail crosses harmonious landscapes and beautifully restored villages, preserving a rich and still-living heritage.

Views of Lunigiana villages with stone alleys and the surrounding hilly landscape.
Authentic glimpses of Lunigiana villages, with stone lanes and rural landscapes.

Parana and Montereggio: Silence, Books and Tradition

The route passes through Parana, a tiny hamlet of just 8 inhabitants, surrounded by dense greenery.

View of the village of Parana in Lunigiana, surrounded by forests and hills of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines.
Parana, a small village in Lunigiana surrounded by greenery, where time seems to flow more slowly.

The journey then reaches Montereggio, known as the “Village of Booksellers”. Here, the tradition of itinerant book selling has left a lasting mark, transforming the village into a unique cultural symbol. Its streets and squares are dedicated to writers and publishers, and literary events and festivals are still held today.

Montereggio, a historic village in Lunigiana: from the entrance to the village and the memory of wartime raids to the charming square that tells the story and identity of the local community.
Collage of three images of Montereggio, the Village of Booksellers in Lunigiana: the entrance sign to the village, an information panel recounting the wartime raids during World War II, and the charming square in the historic center.

Wild Nature and Ancient Chestnut Forests

The route crosses centuries-old chestnut groves, once carefully cultivated and now reclaimed by dense, untouched forests where nature has taken back control. This is a wild and authentic landscape inhabited by wild boars, roe deer, foxes, badgers, and porcupines. With a bit of luck, you may also encounter wolves, more often noticed through tracks and signs of their presence.

Collage of the cycling and walking route between Villecchia and Parana, featuring a dirt road, grazing sheep, and signs of wolf predation in the Lunigiana countryside.
Along the Via Marchesana between Villecchia and Parana: dirt trails, pastures, and traces of the wildlife that inhabits the forests of Lunigiana.

A Slow Journey Through Silence and Water

The itinerary forms a circular route through a secluded area of Lunigiana, far from the main tourist flows. The Osca Stream accompanies part of the journey, offering refreshing spots on warmer days in a perfect balance of water, forest, and stone.

Small village in Lunigiana surrounded by forests, chestnut groves, and unspoiled natural landscapes.
Villages of Lunigiana nestled among forests and hills, where nature gradually reclaims its space.

An Authentic Slow Travel Experience

Slow travel in Lunigiana is more than just a hiking route: it is an immersion into a land that tells stories of migration, culture, and resilience. An ideal itinerary for those who love travelling slowly, listening to the landscape and rediscovering the value of time.

Collage featuring a view of the village of Villecchia, the Oratory of Saint Dominic, and a green lizard spotted along the hiking route in Lunigiana.
Among ancient villages, small architectural treasures (the Oratory of Saint Dominic in Villetta), and unexpected encounters, Lunigiana reveals itself step by step along the trail.
Eco-friendly accommodations
Il Tempo del Borgo

Province of Massa and Carrara (Italy)
Il tempo del borgo -il valore della lentezza-

Starting from €160.00