The Orrido di Botri is an impressive gorge, made up of deep steep walls, which looks like a karstic canyon and was created by the eroding of the limestone rock of the Apennines by the Pelago creek. The creek, set between the craggy walls of the canyon, creates a perfectly scenic natural environment of great geological and naturalist interest. This whole area, located near Lucca, is part of a natural reserve which was established in 1971 to protect the unique and beautiful landscape and its inhabitants. It is home to beech, black hornbeam, orniello, leccio, maple and willow trees as well as wild linden and animals such as roe deer, deer, hares, squirrels, marmots, foxes, polecats and martens.
If you want to spend a day exploring this stunning corner of the world and stretching your legs after days of enjoying that Tuscan cuisine, just find a luxury villa in Lucca and head over.
There are two different itineraries of varying difficulty and taking in different sights through the canyons but all routes require authorised guides. This can be organised by contacting the Lucca Ufficio Foreste Demaniali (0583-95552526) or the information point of the C.F.S. of Ponte a Gaio, where it is also possible to buy entry tickets and book the guide service. Due to the fact that the routes are rather challenging and have several fords and slippery surfaces, an expert presence is necessary.
There are two different itineraries of varying difficulty and taking in different sights through the canyons but all routes require authorised guides. This can be organised by contacting the Lucca Ufficio Foreste Demaniali (0583-95552526) or the information point of the C.F.S. of Ponte a Gaio, where it is also possible to buy entry tickets and book the guide service. Due to the fact that the routes are rather challenging and have several fords and slippery surfaces, an expert presence is necessary.
It is also due to this that it is obligatory to wear protective helmets, supplied by guides themselves before starting the tour and included in the two euro entry fee.
The hike doesn't actually take that long, around an hour and a half to two hours and the area is well-equipped for visitors with facilities such as a small bar across from the park entrance where they can prepare sandwiches for you to take along on your hike. The routes will take you along the stream cutting through the canyon, through the lush greenery and past wildlife, over rocks and into valleys.
The more complex route will even include more challenging climbs which require scrambling skills and ropes. Bagni di Lucca can be visited, as well, where you can grab a beer, gelato or prosecco to refresh you after your labours.
If you're looking for something a little more active and less touristy in Tuscany but which allows you to admire the beauty of its landscape, Orrrido di Botri is just the thing in Lucca – an unforgettable experience!
The hike doesn't actually take that long, around an hour and a half to two hours and the area is well-equipped for visitors with facilities such as a small bar across from the park entrance where they can prepare sandwiches for you to take along on your hike. The routes will take you along the stream cutting through the canyon, through the lush greenery and past wildlife, over rocks and into valleys.
The more complex route will even include more challenging climbs which require scrambling skills and ropes. Bagni di Lucca can be visited, as well, where you can grab a beer, gelato or prosecco to refresh you after your labours.
If you're looking for something a little more active and less touristy in Tuscany but which allows you to admire the beauty of its landscape, Orrrido di Botri is just the thing in Lucca – an unforgettable experience!
Photo credits
picture 1: Alexmar983 / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Alecobbe / CC BY-SA 3.0
picture 1: Alexmar983 / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Alecobbe / CC BY-SA 3.0
