Massa-Carrara (province) Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Massa-Carrara (province) with this comprehensive travel guide that includes a list of places to visit, hiking and biking routes, food scene, where to stay, local culture, safety and health tips, transportation options, and more.


Introduction to Massa-Carrara (province)

Massa-Carrara is a province located in the northernmost part of Tuscany, Italy. The province boasts scenic coastlines, dramatic mountain ranges, and beautiful landscapes that attract tourists from all over the world. The province is situated between the Apuan Alps and the Tyrrhenian Sea.

List of Places to Visit in Massa-Carrara (province)

When planning your trip to Massa-Carrara province, make sure you include the following places in your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Malaspina Castle
  • Roman Amphitheater in Luni
  • The Birthplace of Michelangelo Buonarroti in Caprese Michelangelo
  • Palazzo Ducale in Massa
  • Museum of Marble in Carrara

Natural Attractions of Massa-Carrara (province): Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Apuan Alps Regional Park
  • The beaches of Cinquale, Marina di Carrara and Punta Bianca
  • The Wailing Wall of Monte Sagro in Fivizzano
  • Grotta di Equi Terme

Hiking/Biking Routes of Massa-Carrara (province)

Massa-Carrara province has various hiking and biking routes for travelers to explore. Some of the routes include:

  • The Alta Via dei Monti Liguri Trail
  • The Lunigiana Coast to Coast Trail
  • The “Canyons and Marble” Trail in Apuan Alps

Best Things to Do in Massa-Carrara (province): Activities and Tours

Apart from sightseeing, the province offers a plethora of activities and tours to keep tourists entertained. The best things to do in Massa-Carrara province include:

  • Marble Sculpting Classes in Carrara
  • Food and Wine Tours in Lunigiana
  • Paragliding and Hang Gliding in Garfagnana
  • Sea Kayaking in Golfo dei Poeti, Portovenere
  • Horseback Riding on the Hills of Lunigiana

Week-Long Itinerary for Massa-Carrara (province)

A week-long itinerary is the best way to explore everything that Massa-Carrara province has to offer. Here’s an example itinerary:

Day 1: Carrara and Massa

  • Visit the Marble Museum in Carrara
  • Head to Palazzo Ducale in Massa

Day 2: Luni and Fosdinovo

  • Explore the Roman Amphitheater in Luni
  • Visit the Malaspina Castle in Fosdinovo

Day 3: Apuan Alps and Fivizzano

  • Go hiking on the Apuan Alps
  • Visit the Wailing Wall of Monte Sagro in Fivizzano

Day 4: Cinquale and Forte dei Marmi

  • Spend a day at the beaches of Cinquale
  • Visit the lavish town of Forte dei Marmi

Day 5: Portovenere and Palmaria Island

  • Take a boat tour of the colorful fishing village of Portovenere
  • Visit Palmaria Island and spend time swimming or relaxing on the beach

Day 6: Lunigiana and Caprese Michelangelo

  • Visit the historical town of Lunigiana
  • Visit the Birthplace of Michelangelo Buonarroti in Caprese Michelangelo

Day 7: Equi Terme and Bagnone

  • Explore the Equi Terme caves
  • Visit the medieval town of Bagnone

Food and Drink Scene of Massa-Carrara (province)

The cuisine of Massa-Carrara province is an exquisite blend of sea and mountain flavors. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Testaroli al pesto - A type of flatbread made from flour and water with pesto sauce
  • Acciughe del Mar Ligure - Anchovies from the Ligurian sea
  • Castagnaccio - Chestnut flour cake topped with pine nuts and raisins

Local Beverages

  • Vermentino grapes - A white wine with lemon and herbal flavors
  • Candia dei Colli Apuani grapes - A fruity white wine
  • Cinque Terre Sciacchetrà - A dessert wine with a golden color and honey and raisin flavors

Where to Stay in Massa-Carrara (province): Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

The province of Massa-Carrara offers plenty of accommodations that cater to all kinds of budgets. Here are some recommendations:

  • Hotel Morgana
  • Albergo Teatro
  • Affittacamere Il Ciliegio

What to Buy in Massa-Carrara (province): Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

For travelers looking to bring a piece of Massa-Carrara home with them, some of the things to buy include:

  • Marble statues and carvings
  • Olive oil from the Lunigiana region
  • Handmade pasta, bread, and cakes

Local Culture and Customs of Massa-Carrara (province)

Massa-Carrara province is steeped in history and tradition. Understanding the local customs and culture is essential, here are some things to know:

  • The area’s dialect is a mix of the Tuscan and Etruscan languages.
  • Engaging in a political conversation with locals is common.
  • Taking a siesta in the afternoon is a tradition in the province.

Best Time to Visit Massa-Carrara (province)

The best time to visit Massa-Carrara province is in the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and comfortable, and fewer tourists flock to the region.

Do’s and Don’ts of Massa-Carrara (province)

Do:

  • Learn basic Italian phrases.
  • Take your time visiting the historical sites.
  • Check if the restaurants charge for bread and coperto.

Don’t:

  • Over-plan your trip - leave some time for spontaneity to experience local gems.
  • Be afraid to try new foods and flavors.

Safety and Health

Safety in Massa-Carrara (province)

The province is generally considered safe, just take typical precautions like you would in any region.

Health in Massa-Carrara (province)

The province has excellent health care services and facilities. Tourists who have a European Union health card can receive discounted care when visiting any emergency medical facility in the province.

Getting to Massa-Carrara (province): Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Massa-Carrara (province)

  • Pisa International Airport (PSA)
  • Florence Airport (FLR)
  • Genoa-Sestri Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA)

Bus Stations Near Massa-Carrara (province)

  • Aulla-Lunigiana
  • Carrara-Avenza
  • Fivizzano

Other Options

  • Train - Massa Centro is the main train station of the province.
  • Car rentals - It is easy to rent a car when travelling to the province, as the area is easily accessible by car.

How to Get Around in Massa-Carrara (province)

With plenty of hiking and biking trails, Massa-Carrara province offers an opportunity to travelers to explore by foot, bike or car. However, for other destinations, the most suitable mode of transportation is by car, as it provides better mobility for exploring the area.

Where to Go Next from Massa-Carrara (province): Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Massa-Carrara province is centrally located in Tuscany, making it an ideal base to explore other destinations. Here are some recommendations for nearby destinations:

  • The charming city of Florence
  • The gorgeous coastal towns of Cinque Terre
  • Pistoia, which boasts incredible architecture and gardens

Conclusion

Massa-Carrara province offers an exquisite blend of adventure, culture, and tradition. The province is perfect for travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination in Italy. With an abundance of natural beauty, picturesque landscapes and rich historical and cultural heritage, Massa-Carrara will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on its visitors. Plan your trip now and experience all that this hidden gem of Italy has to offer.



    Carrara
    Massa