Mattarana: Forest Landscapes, Hiking Trails and Cultural Heritage

Mattarana lies in a wooded setting along the traces of old paths and on a sunnier slope. Its proximity to the sea is associated with a mild climate. From Mattarana, the view takes in Monte Gottero and the Alta Via, as well as the Apuan Alps. The village is next to the SS1 Via Aurelia state road. The woodland setting, hillside location and mountain views together shape the landscape.

Landscapes and trails around Mattarana

The connection with the landscape continues along the trails. The route from Mattarana to Monte San Nicolao passes through an area of particular natural interest. Monte San Nicolao is also the destination of a circular hike starting in Mattarana and the starting point of CAI Trail 630. The same place therefore plays two different roles when choosing a route.

Cultural heritage and religious sites

Mattarana’s historic sites include the ruins of an early modern road fortification. The parish church of San Giovanni Battista is one of the religious sites in Mattarana. The church’s side aisles contain two altars dedicated to Santa Lucia and Madonna della Salute. Alongside traces of historic paths and roads, these specific religious dedications are part of the area’s cultural heritage. If you are interested in sacred history, the names of the two altars offer a specific point of interest.

Hikes with different highlights

CAI Trail 630 runs 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. Both the route between Monte San Nicolao and Arsina and its former role as a link define the character of this trail.

A route from Mattarana to Monte San Nicolao allows for a short detour to the remains of the medieval Hospital of San Nicolao. A circular hike also starts in Mattarana, passes through Quattro Strade and Pavareto di Carro and over Passo della Mola, and reaches Monte San Nicolao. The two routes can be distinguished by their landmarks: the hospital is the main cultural destination on the detour, while the circular route follows a sequence of named stopping points. If you are choosing between a specific historic destination and a route through several places, these details offer different points of reference.

Trail 630V runs from Case Arsina via Carrodano Superiore and Casa Fogona to Mattarana and Monte Gruzze. Its length is approximately 7.9 kilometres, which should be treated as an estimate. This route therefore includes an approximate distance as a specific planning detail; the intermediate places also help you understand its course.

The Mattarana–La Costa–Canegreca route is part of Carrodano’s regional hiking trail network. The 2024 regional review marks it as not signposted. Conditions may have changed since that review, so check the current trail signs and maintenance conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Tavarone, Vignana, Santo Stefano Di Magra, Framura, Bonassola, Sarzana, Nicola, Caranza.

For the broader travel overview: La Spezia.