Stage 9 · S. Croce del Corvo → Lucca
- Distance
- 103 km
- Elevation gain
- 390 m D+
- Difficulty
- Moderate-Challenging
- Surface
- 95% asphalt, 5% gravel · 74% on cycle routes
- Terrain
- Versilia, Lucca Plain
- Cycle path
- Puccini Cycle Path
- Hospitality
- Hotels
GPX 1.1 file with the track, elevation and the abbeys as waypoints. Tracks are calculated on real roads and cycle routes (OpenStreetMap): check them on the ground before you set off.
Stage map
Map of the stage S. Croce del Corvo → Lucca: track, start, finish, places to stay and abbeys
Hover the profile to see the spot on the map
Tracks calculated on real roads and cycle paths (OpenStreetMap); elevations from SRTM data — to be checked on the ground
This stage on Komoot
The same track is on the project's Komoot profile: save it in the app and ride it with voice navigation.
Overview
Leaving the Ligurian coast and entering Tuscany along the Versilia. The route crosses the Magra plain beneath the Apuan Alps, follows the Versilia coastline and finally turns inland towards Lucca and its walls.
Notes from the road
From Bocca di Magra the road drops gently into the Magra plain, the Apuan Alps in the background. The Via Francigena climbs to Montignoso castle and down to Pietrasanta, a scenic stretch with a few short ramps. Past Camaiore the path along the Serchio accompanies riders to Lucca's gates on easy ground. A lap of the walls closes the day calmly, a ritual worth the stop.
What to see
Bocca di Magra and the river mouth, Apuan Alps and Carrara marble quarries, Pietrasanta art town, Versilia, Lucca with its Renaissance walls, Piazza dell'Anfiteatro
Where to sleep
Hotel in Lucca's historic centre (80-120€); B&B within the walls (75-100€); agriturismo on the plain (60-85€)
Where to eat
Farro soup, Lucchese tordelli with ragù, wild boar stew, buccellato of Lucca, oil from the Lucca hills
Tips
Long stage (103 km) and moderately difficult. Prefer the Versilia seafront cycle path to the busy main roads. Lucca is beautiful: allow time to ride the circuit of the walls.
Water & supplies
Water and services almost continuous: Sarzana, Marina di Massa, Pietrasanta and Viareggio punctuate the route. No isolated sections, though the Versilia seafront has no shade in the middle of the day. Fountains on the walls of Lucca on arrival.
Places to stay on this stage
- Ostello San Fredianohostel
Via della Cavallerizza 12, Lucca- Price:
- discounted pilgrim rates; pilgrim meal €15
- Open:
- year-round
- Facilities:
- 140 beds, 4–8-bed dorms, restaurant, Wi-Fi, garden
- Source:
- viefrancigene.com / turismo.lucca.it
A 17th-century former convent right by the city walls, with beds set aside daily for Via Francigena pilgrims.
Abbeys on this stage
- Start abbey: Eremo di S. Croce del Corvo
An amateur, non-profit project. The tracks are indicative: everyone rides independently, at their own risk.