Discover Rocchetta di Vara: Hiking Trails and History

Holiday Apartment in Rocchetta di Vara: Trails, River and History

Rocchetta di Vara combines trails across the heights with experiences along the Vara and places where history is reflected in buildings and customs. If arriving by car, take the Brugnato exit on the A12 motorway, then head towards Brugnato and continue to Rocchetta.

Hiking on the Alta Via and through Chestnut Groves

Two stages of the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri, as well as connecting routes into the valley, run through the area of Rocchetta di Vara. The Alta Via dei Monti Liguri is a 440-km trail running along the ridges from Ventimiglia to Ceparana, which can be used year-round on foot, by bicycle or by mountain bike. For a walk of your own, the route “From Rocchetta di Vara to Beverone” follows unpaved paths through chestnut groves and mixed woodland. On the way from Rocchetta di Vara to Beverone, the turn-off to Monte Nero leads to a large cross on Monte Nero at an altitude of 715 m; from there, the view extends across the surrounding mountains and the sea. Hang-gliders launch from the ridge of Monte Madronale.

The Vara River and Panoramas around Beverone

At Stadomelli, the Ramello footbridge crosses the Vara River. Swimming in the river is possible in the equipped area of Ramello on the Vara. In Beverone, the church of San Giovanni Battista decollato offers a panorama over the Val di Vara, the coast and the Apuan Alps.

Churches, Early Traces and the Carnival of Suvero

The abbey fortress of Rocchetta guarded the historic Pontremoli–Brugnato road; only a few traces of it remain. The origins of the parish of Rocchetta Vara are dated to 1133. The parish church of Santa Giustina houses a statue created in the 17th century depicting Santa Giustina. The original layout of the parish church of San Giovanni Battista in Stadomelli dates from around the year 1000. At the entrance to Beverone, the Oratorio di Sant’Andrea was built around 1680. The Pianaccia di Suvero archaeological site provides evidence of human presence since the Middle Palaeolithic. The Carnival of Suvero is a lively tradition. Its traditional masks are divided into the categories “Belli” and “Brutti”; accompanied by the sound of traditional music, the groups go from house to house and receive wine and other gifts.

Regional Products for Enjoyable Holidays

Farms in the area of Rocchetta di Vara sell km-0 products to visitors. These include grain and chestnut flour, honey, dried mushrooms, extra virgin olive oil, jams, saffron, aromatic herbs, syrups and cheese.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

From Rocchetta di Vara, you can also discover Bocca Di Magra, Castelnuovo Magra, Varese Ligure, Borghetto Di Vara, Arcola, La Spezia, Fiumaretta di Ameglia and Zignago as additional destinations.

Back to the main travel overview: La Spezia.