Tuscany's beautiful landscape goes far beyond her famous softly rolling green hills and is more diverse than many may be aware of: varying from snow-capped peaks to dense forests and glassy lakes to perfect beaches. If you have found a luxury villa in Tuscany and are spending some time exploring the region and all that she has to offer, then you will likely encounter this often undersold and under-represented wealth of natural phenomena and beauties and, if you are interested in different outdoor activities, you will find that Tuscany is an excellent destination for those interested all sorts of adventures and outdoor experiences. In particular, if you have found a luxury villa in Lucca and are looking to stretch your legs and hike in the area then you'll be glad to note the presence of the incredibly lovely Parco dell'Orecchiella.
The Parco dell'Orecchiella is a wilderness park located on the slopes of the Apennines in the Garfagnana region of Lucca in Tuscany and incorporates parts of the townships of Piazza al Serchio, San Romano, Sillano Giuncugnano, and Villa Collemandina. Protected by the State Forestry Department, the park is divided into three different natural reserves – "l'Orecchiella", "la Pania di Corfino", and "Lama Rossa" – and is made up of mountains and large forests of beech, chestnut, and fir trees. It boasts a rich and diverse variety of both flora and fauna and is home to wolves, bears, wild boar, deer, and mouflon, that can be spotted by the luckiest of visitors exploring the park. Additionally, the park is home to the Giardino Botanico "Maria Ansaldi" Pania di Corfino, a botanical garden that houses various species of mountainous plants, a State Forestry Department Visitors' Center, a Natural History Museum, a Museum of Raptors (dedicated to the various species in the area such as falcons and golden eagles), a shop selling local products and specialties, a restaurant, and game farms and pens that are used to both raise animals and reintroduce wild animals back into the habitat.
Famous as a day-trip spot for families, in particular, this is a great place for kids who will enjoy the less challenging walking trails and spotting the various flowers, plants, and animals that can be seen by those who are paying attention throughout the park. Adults, too, will find plenty to keep them occupied whether they are there purely for the different hiking routes through the forests and mountains or if they are just looking to immerse themselves in the most beautiful surroundings. In addition to being a well-known hot-spot for family days out, the Parco dell'Orecchiella is also famously a spot for couples as it has a reputation for being incredibly picturesque and romantic. Particularly lovely in spring and summer when flowers blanket the park, a stroll around the area on a sunny day will reveal lots of loved-up pairs walking hand-in-hand and soaking up the romantic atmosphere of this beautiful natural gem. Of course, one can enjoy the great beauty of the place no matter their relationship status or their companions, we just especially recommend a visit to those looking to woo a special someone while on holidays in Tuscany.
So, if you have found a luxury villa in Tuscany or a luxury villa in Lucca and are looking for famously beautiful spots in the region, are looking for somewhere to hike, are looking for a place that both you and the kids can enjoy together, or are looking for a place to impress a lover or ask a particularly important question, all of that and more can be achieved in the stunning Parco dell'Orecchiella!
