Mangialonga of the Zeri Valleys

The Mangialonga of the Zeri Valleys

As one of the most beloved summer events in the Lunigiana region, the Mangialonga of the Zeri Valleys is a gourmet walking tour that winds through the peaks of the upper Lunigiana, in the municipality of Zeri, within the Province of Massa-Carrara (Tuscany). The event combines a passion for trekking and slow travel with a love for mountain cuisine, showcasing local producers and the farm-to-table philosophy.

A loop between sky and forest

The starting and finishing point is the Passo dei Due Santi, at an altitude of 1,400 meters, home to the Zum Zeri ski resort. From here, participants reach Monte Spiaggi, where, on clear days, the view stretches as far as the Versilia coast and the Tuscan Archipelago. The trail continues through beech forests, passing by Lago Peloso, a small, picturesque lake nestled in the heart of the Apennines.

The route proceeds along the ridges of Monte Colombo, near the "Vento di Zeri" wind farm, until it reaches the ancient alpine village of Formentara, a living testament to the pastoral culture of these valleys. After a stop at Lago Aracci, the trail leads back to Passo dei Due Santi, completing the loop.

The flavors of the Zeri mountains

The true heart of the Mangialonga lies in the refreshment points scattered along the route, where you can sample typical valley products: focaccia, wood-fired bread, cheeses, cured meats, and traditional sweets. The Zeri Valleys are best known as the home of the agnello zerasco (Zeri lamb), a Slow Food Presidium raised in semi-wild conditions by the Zeri sheep, an indigenous breed that grazes freely on these high-altitude pastures.

Pristine nature in Lunigiana

Zeri is considered the most nature-immersed territory in all of Lunigiana: a scattered municipality made up of small villages spread across four main valleys, where roads climb through beech forests toward the mountain passes connecting Tuscany to Emilia-Romagna and Liguria. The Mangialonga is the perfect opportunity to discover this authentic corner of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, far from mass tourism, while enjoying a walk in good company and stopping for a bite to eat at every stage.