Rocchetta Di Vara: Hiking Trails, the Vara River and Cultural Heritage

Trails through the mountains and the Vara landscape

Rocchetta Di Vara combines trails through the Ligurian mountains with the Vara River, churches, archaeological traces and local products. If you would like to plan both nature and culture into your trip to Italy, you will find several different options here for organizing your days.

The Alta Via dei Monti Liguri is a 440-km-long trail running along the ridges from Ventimiglia to Ceparana, which can be used year-round on foot, by bicycle or by mountain bike. Two stages of this Alta Via, as well as connecting paths into the valley, pass through the Rocchetta Di Vara area. The walk “From Rocchetta di Vara to Beverone” follows unpaved paths through chestnut groves and mixed woodland.

The route to Beverone also offers a notable detour: the turnoff to Monte Nero leads to a large cross on Monte Nero at an altitude of 715 m, from which the surrounding mountains and the sea can be seen. At Stadomelli, the Ramello footbridge crosses the Vara River. Swimming in the river is possible in the equipped area of Ramello on the Vara, while hang gliders launch from the ridge of Monte Madronale.

Panoramas and historic places

From the Church of San Giovanni Battista decollato in Beverone, there is a panoramic view over the Val di Vara, the coast and the Apuan Alps. This complements the trails through chestnut groves and mixed woodland with a sweeping view across the valley, sea and mountains.

The abbey fortress of Rocchetta guarded the historic Pontremoli–Brugnato road; only a few traces of it remain. The origins of the Rocchetta Vara parish are dated to 1133. The parish church of Santa Giustina contains a statue created in the 17th century depicting Santa Giustina.

Further historic points of interest can be found in Beverone, Suvero and Stadomelli. The Oratorio di Sant’Andrea at the entrance to Beverone was built around 1680. The original layout of the parish church of San Giovanni Battista in Stadomelli dates from around the year 1000. The Pianaccia di Suvero archaeological site provides evidence of human presence since the Middle Paleolithic.

Local traditions and products

The Carnival of Suvero is part of the area’s cultural character. Its traditional masks are divided into the categories “Belli” and “Brutti”. During Carnival, the “Belli” and “Brutti” go from house to house accompanied by the sound of traditional music, receiving wine and other gifts.

Farms in the Rocchetta Di Vara area sell visitors km-0 products such as grain and chestnut flour, honey, dried mushrooms, extra virgin olive oil, preserves, saffron, aromatic herbs, syrups and cheese. When choosing accommodation, you can therefore base your focus on the experiences you have planned: the Alta Via stages and woodland trails, the river and panoramic views, or churches, archaeology and local traditions.

Arriving by car

To reach Rocchetta Di Vara by car, take the Brugnato exit on the A12 motorway; then continue towards Brugnato and on to Rocchetta.

Discover more places

More places for planning your trip: San Pietro Vara, Sorbolo, L'ago, Bolano, Bracelli, Portovenere, Fiascherino, Zignago

To the higher-level travel overview: La Spezia.