MangiaWalking Primavera

Walk, discover, and savor

The MangiaWalking Primavera is one of the most beloved events in Casola in Lunigiana, a small village in the province of Massa-Carrara nestled between the Apuan Alps and the Apennines in Tuscany. It is a non-competitive food and wine walking tour: a slow and convivial way to experience the landscape, where every stop along the route becomes an opportunity to taste local products. No rankings or stopwatches, just the joy of walking together through nature, history, and flavors.

A loop through villages, parishes, and chestnut groves

The route follows a 13-kilometer loop, with a medium-low difficulty level suitable for families, starting from Piazza della Torre in the heart of Casola. Departures are staggered to avoid crowds and spread walkers out along the trail. The itinerary winds through nature paths and rural roads among olive groves, woods, and chestnut forests, passing through small hamlets and medieval villages such as Vigneta, Castiglioncello, Offiano, Montefiore, and Pugliano. In the background, the peaks of the Apuan Alps stand out, from Pisanino to Pizzo d'Uccello, while old parish churches and convents tell the story of this borderland between Tuscany and Lunigiana.

Five refreshment points featuring the flavors of Lunigiana

The heart of the event lies in the five refreshment points distributed along the route, where walkers can stop to taste the specialties of Lunigiana and Upper Tuscany cuisine:

• Mollane biscuits, a traditional local sweet;
• Chestnut-based products, the iconic fruit of the Apennines;
• Meschia, a typical polenta prepared according to the local recipe;
• Sgabei, delicious traditional fried bread;
• Torte d'erbi (herb pies) and artisanal desserts prepared by the community.

These are joined by typical local products such as Marocca di Casola bread and Regnano bread, symbols of a culinary heritage protected and tied to the region's rural history.

The tenth anniversary and the spirit of the Pro Loco

Founded in 2016 by a group of Nordic walking enthusiasts together with the Pro Loco of Casola in Lunigiana, the MangiaWalking has established itself over the years as a regular fixture, held in both spring and autumn editions. The spring edition holds special significance as it celebrates the tenth anniversary of the event, enriched with entertainment, workshops for children, and side activities along the route and at the finish line. The event is entirely organized by the Pro Loco in collaboration with the Municipality of Casola, the Municipality of Minucciano, and local associations such as Legambiente and Avis, confirming the strong community roots of this walk.

An experience for everyone

With its family-friendly atmosphere and relaxed pace, the MangiaWalking Primavera is designed for walkers of all levels, families, and curious visitors who want to discover Lunigiana away from mass tourism circuits. It is a day in the open air that combines light sport, culture, landscape, and fine food, attracting hundreds of participants from across the province of Massa-Carrara and beyond every year.