"Great start for hiking, wine tasting . . . or both" Fosdinovo by Beausoleil

This is a little out of the way but if you are visiting La Spezia or Sarzana, it's a great side trip. You take the S446 up and up and up the mountain to Fosdinovo, park outside the town and walk through the lovely stone village. There is a hiking trail marked right outside the town or as you enter the gate, La Cantina is opposite and has wine tastings.

No matter what you choose, you can't go wrong.

Castelli di Lunigiana in Fosdinovo

Beautiful little stone village attached to the castle. On the way up we passed a Museo Moto or Motorcycle Museum. It seemed to be attached to a pizza place and it was out in the country not near anything.

Interesting area.

View from Fosdinovo

Wow, what a view! And this was on a very rainy day. Imagine it in the sun.

We were there on All Saints Day and everything for miles was closed. We couldn't find a restaurant and La Cantina offered a Degustation so we entered. The kindly gentleman spoke no English but gave us a full wine tasting with a several course lunch in Italian. Food was good; wine was good; the place was warm and the man was friendly. You can't ask for more. We had a grand time.

• Pros:Stunningly beautiful views
• In a nutshell:Mountains, good food, great views and friendly people