Discover Mattarana – holiday apartment in Mattarana for nature and culture

Mattarana can be explored via trails, forest landscape, and religious and historic sites. The village lies beside the SS1 Via Aurelia state road and in a wooded setting along the traces of old routes. If you are considering a holiday apartment in Mattarana, you can base your choice of location on the desired mix of hiking days, landscape and culture.

Trails between Mattarana and Monte San Nicolao

The regional hiking network includes the Mattarana–La Costa–Canegreca route in Carrodano; this route was not signposted in 2024. Trail CAI 630 leads from Monte San Nicolao to the locality of Arsina on the Vara River and historically connected the Genovesato and the Po Valley with Sesta Godano and Brugnato. A route leading from Mattarana to Monte San Nicolao allows for a short detour to the remains of the medieval San Nicolao hospital.

A circular hike begins in Mattarana, passes through Quattro Strade and Pavareto di Carro as well as the Passo della Mola, and reaches Monte San Nicolao. Trail 630V from Case Arsina via Carrodano Superiore and Casa Fogona to Mattarana and Monte Gruzze is approximately 7.9 kilometres long. The route from Mattarana to Monte San Nicolao passes through an environment of particular naturalistic interest. For your planning, the different starting and finishing points provide specific reference points for active days.

Wooded hillside, maritime influence and broad views

Mattarana lies on a sunnier hillside; its proximity to the sea is associated with a mild climate. From Mattarana, views of Monte Gottero and the Alta Via, as well as of the Apuan Alps, are considered possible. Together with the wooded surroundings, this creates a landscape setting that combines walks, longer trail sections and peaceful nature observation.

Historic and religious sites

The historic sites of Mattarana include the ruins of a modern-era road fortification. The parish of San Giovanni Battista is one of the religious sites in Mattarana. The two altars in the side aisles of the Church of San Giovanni Battista are dedicated to Santa Lucia and Madonna della Salute. The parish territory of the church also includes the confraternity Oratorio N.S. derl Carmine in Mattarana.

Local culture in Carrodano

For Saturday, 26 July, the Arte nel Borgo festival was planned in the historic centre of Mattarana di Carrodano, featuring workshops by local artisans, music and cuisine. Since 2015, the Arte nel Borgo festival has used alleys and old cellars in Carrodano as a setting for works by artists and artisans. The municipality of Carrodano also launched an initiative to reopen nature trails for sporting activities, especially mountain biking.

Choose a holiday apartment in Mattarana according to your travel interests

For you, the choice of a holiday apartment in Mattarana therefore primarily comes down to two focuses: trails and forest landscape on the one hand, and historic sites, religious architecture and regional culture on the other. The tours starting from Mattarana and the destinations around San Nicolao give your stay a clear direction, while the events and religious buildings open up further discoveries in the Carrodano area.

More places for planning your trip: Lerici, Bovecchio, La Foce, Portovenere, Ortonovo, Corvara, Sarzana, Le Grazie

To the higher-level travel overview: La Spezia.