Monte Croce from Palagnana hike

Palagnana is a very small village in the province of Lucca, and the starting point for the hike to Monte Croce, which is a beautiful peak in the province of Tuscany. Palagnana has a nice restaurant to stop in for a snack before heading out on your hike, the delicious Trattoria Dalla Ge’.

The route to Monte Croce is a beautiful hike in Alpi Apuane (the Apuane Alps), a beautiful corner of Tuscany that is nothing like you think Tuscany looks like. This is a Tuscan walk that feels like a hike in the mountains.

Take the first left out of Palagnana, walking on route no. 38. Soon after there are signs that start saying Route No. 8. You reach the fork for Route No 108, known as Foce delle Porchette. There is a small chapel nearby to the left, and great views where you can start to see out to the Mediterranean.

From Foce delle Porchette, retrace your steps for 328ft and then take the left-hand trail that takes you on route number 108. Follow this route across Monte Croce, and then take a left and follow a ridge up to the summit of Monte Croce. There are blue markers that lead up along the path to mark the way, and the path is well-worn all the way to the summit.

Return the way you came as shown on our map. There is a longer, circular variant for your return. If you’d like to try the circular route, descend Monte Croce and continue on Route No 108 in a roughly easterly direction. When you get to a junction with route 137 continue ahead until you come to a junction with Route 135. Go left on Route 135 as it descends back to Palagnana, going through the hamlet of Pioppo.