Fosdinovo
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Latest page update: 24 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Fosdinovo
Fosdinovo offers a limited range of accommodation, with most local stays consisting of small guesthouses and country residences in the Lunigiana hills. For travellers seeking established hotels with full facilities and strong guest feedback, the best options are found nearby in Sarzana and Massa.
In Sarzana, Hotel Al Santandrea provides comfortable rooms with a restaurant and parking, praised for its convenience, cleanliness and friendly staff (€€). Also in Sarzana, Santa Caterina Park Hotel offers modern accommodation with a pool, spa and restaurant, earning consistently positive reviews for comfort and facilities (€€€). For those preferring a stay closer to the coast, Hotel Excelsior in Marina di Massa combines elegant rooms, a pool and fine dining, highly rated for its service and overall quality (€€€).
In Sarzana, Hotel Al Santandrea provides comfortable rooms with a restaurant and parking, praised for its convenience, cleanliness and friendly staff (€€). Also in Sarzana, Santa Caterina Park Hotel offers modern accommodation with a pool, spa and restaurant, earning consistently positive reviews for comfort and facilities (€€€). For those preferring a stay closer to the coast, Hotel Excelsior in Marina di Massa combines elegant rooms, a pool and fine dining, highly rated for its service and overall quality (€€€).
Where is
Where is Fosdinovo?
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The town of Fosdinovo is situated within the Massa & Carrara Province and stands at an elevation of 500 metres above sea level. It has a population of around 5,000 inhabitants.
Places of interest nearby include Ponzanello, Carrara, Massa and Marina di Carrara while the recommended accommodation is the Hotel La Castellana. |
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Fosdinovo is included in the list of Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag) towns, an award given by the Touring Club Italia to towns that meet certain criteria in terms of tourism.
Comune di Fosdinovo
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Province: Massa and Carrara
Region: Tuscany Population: 4,593 (in 2024 - source) Size: 49 km² Elevation: 500 metres Close by: Ponzanello, Carrara, Massa, Marina di Carrara Recommended hotel: La Castellana |
Awarded the Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag)
Listed since: 2014
1 of 24 in Tuscany listed by Touring Club Italiano
Listed since: 2014
1 of 24 in Tuscany listed by Touring Club Italiano
What People Ask About Fosdinovo
Is Fosdinovo worth visiting?
What are the main attractions in Fosdinovo?
How do I get to Fosdinovo?
When is the best time to visit Fosdinovo?
How long should I stay in Fosdinovo?
Related links
Discover
Discover Fosdinovo
Fosdinovo is a hilltop town in northern Tuscany, overlooking the Lunigiana region and the Magra Valley. Positioned between the Apuan Alps and the Liguria border, it offers wide views across the countryside and towards the Tyrrhenian Sea. The town retains its medieval layout, with narrow stone streets, arched gateways and well-preserved fortifications surrounding the old centre.
Dominating the skyline is the Malaspina Castle, a powerful fortress that served as the ancestral seat of the Malaspina family. Inside the historic centre, visitors can see the Church of San Remigio and several noble residences that date back to the Renaissance period. The area around Fosdinovo is known for walking and cycling routes that link nearby villages across the Lunigiana hills, while the coast and towns such as Sarzana and Carrara are within easy reach.
Dominating the skyline is the Malaspina Castle, a powerful fortress that served as the ancestral seat of the Malaspina family. Inside the historic centre, visitors can see the Church of San Remigio and several noble residences that date back to the Renaissance period. The area around Fosdinovo is known for walking and cycling routes that link nearby villages across the Lunigiana hills, while the coast and towns such as Sarzana and Carrara are within easy reach.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Fosdinovo
- Centro Storico di Fosdinovo is a striking medieval village where narrow stone streets climb steeply among ancient houses, fortress walls, and terracotta rooftops. Arched gateways, rustic façades, and flowering balconies bring charm and colour to the hillside architecture. The village sits high above the Magra Valley in northern Tuscany, surrounded by forested slopes and distant views of the Ligurian Sea. Its atmosphere blends quiet mountain life with the imposing presence of its noble past.
- Chiesa di San Remigio stands modestly in Fosdinovo, with a simple stone façade and an intimate, peaceful interior. Inside are wooden altars, delicate frescoes, and carved details reflecting local artistry. The church remains central to religious life and village gatherings. It’s a tranquil spot to visit while exploring the winding alleys.
- Piazza Garibaldi serves as the social heart of Fosdinovo, edged with stone buildings, local shops, and inviting cafés. Locals and visitors gather here for markets, festivals, and conversations. Outdoor seating offers views of medieval towers and the surrounding valleys. The square reflects the gentle, welcoming rhythm of life in this mountain village.
- Castello Malaspina di Fosdinovo dominates the village skyline, an imposing fortress with towers, crenellated walls, and grand halls. Inside are frescoed rooms, antique furnishings, and legends of noble families and ghosts. Walking through the castle offers panoramic views over the Magra Valley and the sea beyond. It’s a highlight for history lovers and photographers alike.
- Guided historical and nature walks in Fosdinovo explore fortress passages, medieval streets, and scenic trails overlooking the Apuan Alps and coastline. Local guides share stories about the Malaspina dynasty, local legends, and traditional mountain life. Walks vary from gentle village strolls to more adventurous hikes. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the cultural heritage and natural beauty of northern Tuscany.
Tours and Activities
Fosdinovo Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Fosdinovo Photo Gallery
Tuscany Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Tuscany
1. Florence
2. Siena
3. Val d'Orcia
4. Pisa
5. Lucca
6. San Gimignano
7. Giglio
8. Volterra
9. Pienza
10. Elba
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Tuscany
1. Florence
2. Siena
3. Val d'Orcia
4. Pisa
5. Lucca
6. San Gimignano
7. Giglio
8. Volterra
9. Pienza
10. Elba
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Tuscany
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Fosdinovo
By Rail: Fosdinovo does not have its own railway station. The nearest station is in Sarzana, about 10 kilometres away, on the Pisa–La Spezia line operated by Trenitalia. Regional trains connect Sarzana to La Spezia in around 20 minutes, to Pisa in about 1 hour, and to Florence in approximately 2 hours with a change in Pisa. From Sarzana, Fosdinovo can be reached by car, taxi, or local bus via the SP446 road.
By Road: The town is located in the hills of northern Tuscany, overlooking the Magra Valley and close to the Ligurian border. From La Spezia, the distance is around 20 kilometres, with a driving time of about 30 minutes via the A12 motorway and SP446. From Pisa, it is approximately 90 kilometres and takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, while from Florence it is roughly 140 kilometres, with a drive of around 2 hours. Parking is available near the entrance to the historic centre and around the castle area.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: The town is located in the hills of northern Tuscany, overlooking the Magra Valley and close to the Ligurian border. From La Spezia, the distance is around 20 kilometres, with a driving time of about 30 minutes via the A12 motorway and SP446. From Pisa, it is approximately 90 kilometres and takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, while from Florence it is roughly 140 kilometres, with a drive of around 2 hours. Parking is available near the entrance to the historic centre and around the castle area.
Nearest International Airports:
- Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport: Located about 90 kilometres from Fosdinovo, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 20 minutes. It offers numerous domestic, European, and seasonal international flights.
- Florence Peretola Airport: Approximately 140 kilometres away, the journey takes about 2 hours. It provides services to various European and national destinations.
- Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport: Roughly 110 kilometres from Fosdinovo, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 40 minutes. It serves a range of European and international connections.
Private Transfers
Fosdinovo Private Transfers
A private transfer provides a convenient and comfortable way to reach Fosdinovo or continue your journey to other destinations in northern Tuscany and Liguria. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and taken directly to your destination by a professional driver, without the need to rely on public transport or drive through hilly regional roads yourself.
From Fosdinovo, transfers can connect you with Pisa International Airport and Florence Airport, with longer routes also available to Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport and Rome Fiumicino Airport. They are equally practical for shorter journeys to nearby towns such as Sarzana, Carrara, and Massa, or for exploring the Lunigiana area and the Ligurian coastline.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
From Fosdinovo, transfers can connect you with Pisa International Airport and Florence Airport, with longer routes also available to Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport and Rome Fiumicino Airport. They are equally practical for shorter journeys to nearby towns such as Sarzana, Carrara, and Massa, or for exploring the Lunigiana area and the Ligurian coastline.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
