Isola Santa: A Fairytale Village in the Apuan Alps
Discover Isola Santa: A picturesque medieval village in the Apuan Alps with a tranquil lake, hiking trails, and a rich history.
Isola Santa is a captivating medieval village nestled in the Apuan Alps, reflected in the emerald waters of a man-made lake. Once a hospice for travelers, it was partially submerged by a dam in the 1940s, later restored, and now offers a tranquil escape with hiking trails and stunning scenery.
A brief summary to Isola Santa
- Isola Santa, Province of Lucca, IT
Local tips
- Visit the Church of San Jacopo, a historic building dating back to 1260, once a hospice for pilgrims.
- Explore the hiking trails around Isola Santa for stunning views of the Apuan Alps and the surrounding Garfagnana region.
- Try local specialties like porcini mushrooms, grilled meat, and Garfagnana cheese at one of the village's restaurants.
- Check the local bus schedule for the E36 bus line, which connects Isola Santa to Castelnuovo di Garfagnana and other nearby towns.
- Bring your camera to capture the reflections of the village and mountains in the emerald waters of the lake, especially during the autumn foliage.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, take the E36 bus towards Isola Santa. The bus ride takes approximately 25 minutes. The nearest bus stop to Isola Santa is 'Via Arni Diga', a short 2-minute walk to the village. A single bus ticket costs around €2-€3.
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Car
From Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, follow the SP13 road towards Arni and Seravezza for about 13 km. Alternatively, from the coast, take the A12 motorway and exit at Massa, following signs for Passo del Vestito and Arni, then take the SP13 road towards Castelnuovo di Garfagnana for about 4 km. There is no parking directly at the lake, but you can park along the roadside in Isola Santa. Parking is free.
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Walking
If you are already in the village of Isola Santa, the lake is easily accessible on foot. From the village center, follow the path leading to the lake, which is approximately 1 kilometer away. The walk offers beautiful scenic views.
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