There is a magical place hidden in the green nature of Garfagnana, near the city of Lucca. It's located a few kilometers from Pietrasanta and the area of Versilia, but its landscape has nothing to do with the long white beach that you can find in Viareggio or Forte dei Marmi.
Malbacco is a village like many others born at the foot of the imposing Apuan Alps. However, this is where the Versilia river offers some fabulous views and small natural paradises called Pools of Malbacco , which you really need to see during a summer trip to Tuscany!
Would you like to know more about them? Here's all the information you need before visiting Malbacco, as well as some useful travel tips to have a perfect time!
Malbacco's Pools are natural ponds of fresh water born along the Versilia river. The source of the stream is 1321 m high, right on the top of Mount Altissimo. For this reason, its temperature is very cold and its colors are simply splendid.
There are many Pools along the river route and it is not possible to establish an exact number. Actually, the most beautiful thing is to move away from paths looking for "secret pools" immersed in the green!
The ideal period to visit Malbacco is definitely summer. The shade offered by the trees, the cool temperatures and, above all, the icy water make it an ideal destination to escape from the heat of July and August. In fact, you'll just need a dip in the pool to cool off!
However, it is not easy to reach the Pools. The road that allowed to reach the natural lakes (Via Monte Altissimo) is now closed to traffic and it cannot be traveled by car. You can only park it before the road barrier in one of the small areas located at the end of Malbacco, coming from the road through Riomagno. Then, you need to walk for about 3 km uphill and take one of the paths crossing the wood to reach the river bed. Along the way, you will find directions to get to the main five "descents". Of course, you will need suitable shoes to walk this route, as well as some bottles of water and a packed lunch, because the Pools are not equipped with any service. If you prefer to reach the destination in a more comfortable way, you can use the shuttle service departing from the parking lot, which is active on the weekend with a price of € 3!
The most famous is the Descent n.4 , which leads to the wonderful Pozzo della Madonna (Madonna's Well). The small lake is located about 2 km from the parking lot and it is necessary to continue for another 10 minutes on a tiny path before arriving at the pool. It's a tiring walk, but it's really worth it! The Well is immersed in the woods and surrounded by some large rocks where you can sit, lie down, leave backpacks and other objects. However, there isn't a lot of space available around the water, as it immediately drops for some meters to continue the river route. The beauty of the place is due to the stunning waterfall and to the depth of the pool, which reaches about two meters. It is possible to dive into it from a rocky wall or to try the wonderful natural water slide built by the waterfall itself!
However, do not stop at the Madonna's Well: get back on the road following the river path and look for other "secret" natural pools hidden in the nature! You can keep climbing the mount's slopes looking for one of the pools located near the source, which are larger and even prettier than the "Pozzo". Otherwise, you can choose to get closer to the car park searching other dreamy places: if you're lucky, you'll find a beautiful puddle to enjoy a cool bath in absolute tranquility!
Are you ready to visit Malbacco? Then book your holiday in Tuscany and have a look at our villas in Versilia, like Villa Camaiore and Villa Oliveta, or choose to stay in Lucca's surroundings to discover the wonders of Garfagnana region!
© Alice Pilastri
