Parco Naturale Regionale delle Alpi Apuane: A Natural Wonderland

The Parco Naturale Regionale delle Alpi Apuane, established in 1985, is a captivating natural area in northwestern Tuscany, stretching approximately 55 kilometers along the Tyrrhenian coast. The park is renowned for its rugged landscape, boasting majestic peaks, deep valleys, and unique geological formations. These mountains, though not as high as the Alps, possess a distinct charm and harbor a wealth of biodiversity. The Apuan Alps are famous for their marble quarries, which have been active since ancient times. The high-quality marble extracted here has been used in countless sculptures and architectural masterpieces worldwide. Beyond the marble, the park's subsoil hides over 1,300 caves, sculpted over millennia by water. Some of these caves, like the Antro del Corchia, are open for guided tours, revealing breathtaking underground landscapes. The park's diverse environment supports a wide array of plant and animal life. Botanical rarities like globularia and santolina can be found, and wildlife includes the chough (the park's symbol), wolves, and golden eagles. Visitors can explore this natural beauty through a network of over 600 km of hiking trails, suitable for all skill levels. These trails lead to panoramic mountain ridges, silent forests, and charming villages, offering stunning views of the coastline and the Apuan landscape. Several visitor centers are located throughout the park, providing information, services, and guided tours. These centers can be found in Equi Terme, Bosa di Careggine, Massa, and Seravezza. The Apuangeolab in Equi Terme is an interactive earth science museum that offers insights into the park's geological history. Other attractions include the Monte Forato, a mountain with a large natural arch, and the submerged village of Fabbriche di Carreggine in Vagli Lake.