Discover Mattarana: Trails, History and Landscape

Mattarana combines historical traces, forested slopes and trails with varying routes. The village lies beside the SS1 Via Aurelia state road, providing a clear geographical reference point for a journey through this landscape. At the same time, its themes range from religious culture and old transport routes to hikes, mountain views, local art and an initiative for nature trails.

Historical traces in Mattarana

Mattarana’s historical sites include the ruins of a modern-era road fortification. The parish church of San Giovanni Battista provides a religious point of reference. The two altars in the side aisles of its church are dedicated to Saint Lucy and Our Lady of Good Health. The church parish area also includes the confraternity Oratorio N.S. del Carmine in Mattarana. Thus, the small village contains several specific examples of its religious and historical character.

Hiking trails with different profiles

The regional hiking network includes the Mattarana–La Costa–Canegreca route in Carrodano. In 2024, this route was not signposted. For your planning, this distinction between a route included in the network and its signposting is important. Trail CAI 630 leads from Monte San Nicolao to the locality of Arsina on the Vara River. Historically, it connected the Genovesato and the Po Valley with Sesta Godano and Brugnato.

Another route from Mattarana leads to Monte San Nicolao and allows for a short detour to the remains of the medieval San Nicolao hospital. A circular hike starts in Mattarana, passes through Quattro Strade and Pavareto di Carro as well as the Passo della Mola, and also reaches Monte San Nicolao. Trail 630V runs from Case Arsina via Carrodano Superiore and Casa Fogona to Mattarana and Monte Gruzze; it is approximately 7.9 kilometres long. The different routes and approximate distance help you choose the desired hike according to its length and focus.

Forest landscape and views

Mattarana lies in a forested setting along the traces of old routes. The village is situated on a sunnier slope; its proximity to the sea is associated with a mild climate. The view from Mattarana of Monte Gottero and the Alta Via, as well as of the Apuan Alps, is considered a notable landscape impression. The route to Monte San Nicolao also passes through an area of particular natural interest.

Art and local character

Since 2015, the Arte nel Borgo festival has used the alleys and old cellars in Carrodano as a backdrop for works by artists and craftspeople. An initiative was also launched in the municipality of Carrodano to reopen nature trails for sporting activities, particularly mountain biking.

When choosing a hotel in Mattarana, you can therefore first determine your preferred focus: historical sites in the village, a circular hike starting in Mattarana, trails towards Monte San Nicolao, or landscape impressions between forest, mountains and sea. The location beside the SS1 Via Aurelia provides another specific reference point for planning your trip.

Other places for planning your trip

Corniglia, Portovenere, Luni Mare, Cerreta, Sorbolo, Borghetto Di Vara, Carrodano, Biassa

For the higher-level travel overview: La Spezia.