The River Magra and the Magra Valley

The slow course of the River Magra presents meanders, ponds and moist areas, which are quite unique in Liguria. This area is very important for the stop and nestling of many migratory and sedentary birds such as the kingfisher, the ash-grey heron, the egret, and the cormorant. As far as the Ichtyofauna is concerned, the sea lamprey reproduces in this area and its presence is very important since it is the only certain site in  Italy.

The River Vara and the Vara Valley

The valley is characterised by hills covered with age-old chestnuts woods, hamlets of great historical and cultural interest and fortresses (i.e. Doria Malaspina castle in Calice al Cornoviglio). There are also karstic areas with their typical grottos and dolinas in Riccò del Golfo and Pignone.
The River Vara rises in the Ligurian Apennine chain and runs for about 58 kilometres; it presents meanders and creates short stretches of cultivated flat land. The river hosts a precious amphibious (with the yellow-bellied toad) and Ichtyofauna and it is the perfect place to practise fluvial sports such as canoeing, rafting, canyoing and hydro speed.

Mount Caprione

It is a system of hills, which separates the southeast waters of the Gulf of La Spezia from the alluvial plain of the river Magra starting from Punta Bianca (White Cape), which is a thick stratum of limestone dropping from the cliff to the sea. The west side is steep and it’s not as green as the east side where you can find the Aleppo pine tree. On the west side there are lovely small inlets with fishing villages and marinas( Lerici and Tellaro), small beaches (i.e. Punta Corvo), the cliffs are rocky and steep. There are also interesting geological series and Roman and pre-historical archaeological finds (i.e. the cavanei dry-stone wall buildings. The root of the word means hollow, round and empty ). Ameglia and Montemarcello are worth of visiting; they are historical villages on hilltops.