On the crest of the Appennines
The Alta Via dei Parchi represents the longest and most systematic hiking itinerary in the northern Apennines, forming a true green backbone that crosses the entire Tuscan-Emilian and Romagna ridge. Developing for about 500 kilometers from the Parma Apennines to the limestone cliffs of Monte Carpegna, this great institutional path unites two national parks, five regional parks, and countless nature reserves into a single high-altitude design. Culminating towards the eastern sector, the route intercepts the monumental cliff of Chiusi della Verna, transforming the cliff of the Franciscan Sanctuary into a geographical and spiritual barycenter where the harsh wilderness of the forest merges with the history of European monasticism.
Unlike paths conceived on a strictly valley or devotional basis, the Alta Via dei Parchi maintains a high-level technical and landscape profile, favoring high-altitude grasslands, glacial cirques, and spectacular ridge beech forests. The transit near La Verna and Monte Penna marks a moment of extraordinary structural continuity with the network of great Apennine trails, forcing the hiker to cope with significant elevation gains and sudden weather variations. Today, the route, extensively promoted by the Emilia-Romagna Region and supported by the network of alpine refuges and CAI stopover points, presents itself as an infrastructure of excellence for long-range hiking, guaranteeing standardized signage and the maximum enhancement of the biodiversity of the Italian ridge.
How to reach La Verna with Public Transport
How to get to La Verna by public transport
You can reach the Sanctuary by bus from Bibbiena, Chitignano or Pieve Santo Stefano.
Not all bus routes pass by the Sanctuary. In that case, it is best to get off at La Beccia and walk up to the Sanctuary along the old cobbled road (a 15-minute walk).
Alternatively, get off at Chiusi della Verna in the village and walk up to the Sanctuary through the Bosco delle Fate (a 25-minute walk).
Timetables:
- Bibbiena-Banzena-Chiusi della Verna
- Bibbiena-Chitignano-Chiusi della Verna
- Pieve Santo Stefano-Chiusi della Verna
To get to Bibbiena, you can take the bus from Florence or the train from Arezzo.
To get to Pieve Santo Stefano, you can take the bus from San Sepolcro or, via Romagna, the bus from Cesena to Bagno di Romagna and then the bus from there to Pieve Santo Stefano
By Car? Here's where to park
Car parks at the Sanctuary of La Verna charge a fee all year round, whilst those at La Beccia charge a fee from 1 April to 31 October.
For free parking, we recommend two car parks in the village of Chiusi della Verna:
- Viale S. Francesco, 32, 52010 Chiusi della Verna AR
- Parco Martiri della Liberta, 3, 52010 Chiusi della Verna AR
Where to Sleep
At La Verna:
- Foresteria del Santuario
- Pastor Angelicus
- Albergo Letizia
- Hotel da Giovanna
- Camping Village La Verna
- Agriturismo Vezzano
- Roby’s Nido
- La Sosta del Pellegrino
- Casa Hortensia
- Ostello Granello di Senape
- Villa La Verna
In the Vallesanta:
- La Casa di Nonna Menica, a Biforco
- Affittacamere Silvia Franci, a Biforco
- Rifugio Casa Santicchio
Where to eat
At La Verna:
- Refettorio del Pellegrino
- Bar Caffetteria del Santuario
- La Melosa
In Chiusi della Verna:
- Albergo Ristorante Letizia
- Bar Hotel Ristorante da Giovanna
- Bar Hotel Ristorante Bellavista
In the Vallesanta:
- Emporio di Corezzo, Bar and Groceries
- Circolo Amici della Vallesanta, Bar and Groceries, in Biforco
- Fatucchio’s AgriPub, Pub and Restaurant, in Rimbocchi
- Il Sassone, Restaurant, in Giampereta
Signage
The Alta Via dei Parchi is marked by the following plastic signs:
