Highlights
- Sarzana Cathedral
- Firmafede Fortress
- Magra River
Stage conditions
| Section | Tuscany (Italy) |
|---|---|
| Water on route | Abundant |
| Shade | Partial |
Practical notes
Getting there and away
Start from Aulla Lunigiana station on the Parma–La Spezia (Pontremolese) line, which also has hourly regionals to La Spezia and is the terminus of the Aulla–Lucca branch; the station is some way from the town, so budget for the walk. Sarzana station is on the main Genoa–Pisa line: Trenitalia regionals run about hourly to La Spezia, where you can change for the Cinque Terre, and a few long-distance trains also call. ATC buses and taxis wait near the historic centre. Pisa airport is the practical hub — Pisa Mover to Pisa Centrale, then the coast line north to Sarzana.
What the season does
The stage data give a long window, March to June and September to November, and shade is only partial: the ridge villages of Bibola, Vecchietto and Ponzano Superiore are exposed, while the woods of the Apuan Alps park below Fosdinovo give cover. The first sea views arrive with the climb, and on a clear autumn day they are the point of the stage. In July and August the open stretches are hot, so leave Aulla early; after heavy spring rain the woodland paths are muddy but not dangerous. Sarzana's beds fill on antiques-market weekends, so book rather than turn up.
Safety on this stage
For a day rated easy in the stage data, the ascent and descent are both over 600 m, and the regional page describes trails that alternate between challenging stretches and viewpoints. The hazard is the descent towards Fosdinovo and Caprigliola on loose, rooty woodland paths — poles help, and wet leaves in autumn make it slower than the distance suggests. There is little road walking until the flat run into Sarzana, where you should keep to pavements through the outskirts.
Water and food
The stage data rates water as abundant, but the regional leg page lists no fountains or refreshment points, so treat the villages as your only supply: fill up in Aulla, and look for fountains in Bibola, Ponzano Superiore and Caprigliola rather than counting on them. The woodland between the villages has no services. Sarzana has plenty of bars and shops once you reach the walls. Carry at least a litre from the start, as the regional advice recommends.
Where pilgrims sleep
Our directory has no entry for Sarzana yet. Sarzana's pilgrim option, as listed by the Camminando sulla Via Francigena association, is the Parrocchia San Francesco d'Assisi, a parish welcome offering ten mattresses on the floor, open year round and run on a donation basis — call ahead and bring a sleeping bag. Otherwise the town has ordinary hotels and B&Bs; the region's own hospitality list for this leg names only the San Caprasio hostel back in Aulla. If you prefer a pilgrim bed, some walkers push through to Avenza or Massa the next day.
Sources: Visit Tuscany — Leg 24 Aulla to Sarzana · Visit Tuscany — pilgrim hospitality, leg 24 · Camminando sulla Via Francigena — Sarzana listings · Wikipedia (it) — Stazione di Aulla Lunigiana · Wikipedia (it) — Stazione di Sarzana · Wikipedia — Pisa International Airport · Visit Tuscany — Useful suggestions before you leave
Common questions
How long is the Aulla to Sarzana stage?
It is 16.0 km (9.9 mi) and takes about 4 hours of walking, from Aulla to Sarzana.
How hard is Aulla to Sarzana?
It is rated easy with 150 m of ascent and 200 m of descent over mixed terrain.
Is there water on the Aulla to Sarzana stage?
Water is abundant along this stage.
How do I get to Aulla and away from Sarzana?
Start from Aulla Lunigiana station on the Parma–La Spezia (Pontremolese) line, which also has hourly regionals to La Spezia and is the terminus of the Aulla–Lucca branch; the station is some way from the town, so budget for the walk. Sarzana station is on the main Genoa–Pisa line: Trenitalia regionals run about hourly to La Spezia, where you can change for the Cinque Terre, and a few long-distance trains also call. ATC buses and taxis wait near the historic centre.
Where do pilgrims sleep in Sarzana?
Our directory has no entry for Sarzana yet. Sarzana's pilgrim option, as listed by the Camminando sulla Via Francigena association, is the Parrocchia San Francesco d'Assisi, a parish welcome offering ten mattresses on the floor, open year round and run on a donation basis — call ahead and bring a sleeping bag. Otherwise the town has ordinary hotels and B&Bs; the region's own hospitality list for this leg names only the San Caprasio hostel back in Aulla.
Walk this stage
Open the full stage list to plan the legs either side, browse heritage along the route, or get the free Via Francigena Walk app for offline maps and GPS on the trail.