Equi Terme Caves – Underground thrills in the heart of Lunigiana

grotte di equi terme speleo avventura

Discover what lies beneath – fun for all ages

In the Apuan Alps Park, Equi Terme Caves offer unforgettable experiences: ziplining over a karst stream, rock climbing on the cliff face, speleological adventures through caverns, and guided trekking routes. A geo-archaeo-nature park where nature, history and adrenaline come together to reveal extraordinary landscapes. it’s a chance to feel adventurous again—just like when we were kids!

Discover the Equi Terme Caves
Discover the Equi Terme Caves
Routes: adventure and discovery

Outdoor activities and adventures through deep caves, streams and rocky cliffs

Amidst karst formations shaped by time since prehistory and the crystal-clear water flowing beneath the mountain, the Equi Terme Caves welcome you into a landscape that looks like a scene from a fantasy story.

Here, you’ll experience a fully immersive outdoor experience: ziplining, testing your skills on acrobat routes among chestnut trees and rock faces, climbing and trekking—all in total safety, thanks to expert guides and professional equipment provided by the team.

Prefer pedalling? Grab an e-bike and head off into the hills. From Equi Terme, you can reach every corner of Lunigiana: rolling hills, mountain peaks, medieval villages, castles and breathtaking views. And when you’re done, indulge in a local treat: try a slice of castagnaccio or torta al testo—a true delicacy around here!

Adventure routes

All the cave experiences, hikes and e-bike tours across Lunigiana

  • Zipline over the karst streamEagle Experience
    200 metres of flight above the Fagli stream, suspended 20 metres high, offering the sensation of soaring like a bird of prey over the Apuan Alps.
  • Speleo adventure through Tibetan bridges and dark caves – Bat Experience
    A via ferrata trail with Tibetan bridges inside the speleological section of the caves, equipped with harness and headlamp. You’ll move between rocky walls, stalactites and stalagmites.
  • Top-rope climbing on the cliff – Gecko Experience
    Six routes of increasing difficulty, up to 12 metres, some natural, others with artificial holds for beginners. Climbing at Equi Caves is a safe and rewarding way to challenge your limits.
  • Climbing gym – Squirrel Experience
    A fun adventure activity for children and teens, featuring acrobatic routes with ladders, rungs, Tibetan bridges, rope bridges, climbing nets and a zipline.
  • Lights out in the cave – Nottola Experience
    Dark Caves: a unique experience in Italy, offering an alternative and eco-friendly way to explore the underground world. You’ll move on cables, with harness and headlamp, inside a deserted, pitch-dark cave.
  • Into the heart of the karst cave – Proteus Experience
    A fascinating guided tour along the tourist route inside the karst cave, leading to its majestic chambers, galleries and underground lakes.

Just a little something you might not expect…

Did you know the cave has a voice of its own? Listen to the gentle drip of water echoing off its ancient walls. It’s like hearing it whisper in the silence.
And beyond the tourist route, you’ll reach the Ambrosi Hall—where you can experience what true pitch blackness feels like, the kind you find only deep inside a cave.
Do you feel more like Indiana Jones or Lara Croft?

  • Guided walks and forest bathing – Wolf Experience
    For those who prefer a slower pace, there are nature walks with environmental guides through the Apuan Alps and Lunigiana parks. From soothing woodland strolls along streams to more technical treks on the slopes of Pizzo d’Uccello.
  • E-bike tour – Rampichino Experience
    With pedal assist, you can climb higher, ride through hilltop villages and follow trails that reveal the history and nature of this corner of Tuscany. E-bikes are also available for hire.

Discovery routes

  • Guided hikes and forest bathing – Wolf Experience
    If you prefer a gentler pace, join the environmental guides for excursions through the Apuan Alps and Lunigiana parks. From refreshing walks among woods and streams to more technical treks up Pizzo d’Uccello.
  • E-bike tour – Rampichino Experience
    With pedal assist, you can climb to higher ground, ride through villages and follow trails that reveal the history and nature of this corner of Tuscany. E-bikes are also available for hire.
A park where everything comes together…

A place where people, nature and love for the land come together

The real uniqueness of Equi Terme Caves lies in their collective spirit: here, tourism is seen as a way to get to know—and respect—the environment and the people who live in it.

AlterEco is a community-based cooperative that brings together local residents and professionals to offer a fun and sustainable experience. The entire village of Equi Terme is part of a broad, inclusive project: from museums to educational trails to the Guest House, every space is the result of generous collaboration.

All activities are designed in line with the principles of the Sustainable Tourism Charter, aiming to promote Lunigiana as a slow, welcoming and vibrant destination—just like the people who live here.

Culture also has its place: in the Digital Museum of Local Identity, the faces and voices of the locals share the stories, memories and traditions of Equi and the Lucido Valley.

The soul of the caves

The soul of the caves

AlterEco was founded in 1997 from an idea by Legambiente Lunigiana: to build a real alternative to marble extraction and enhance the land without destroying it.
A knowledge-based economy, built on respect and shared knowledge.
Since then, the cooperative has grown alongside its park, turning the Equi Caves into a benchmark for sustainable tourism in Lunigiana.

“We’re not just guides or instructors,” says Francesca. “Here, everyone gets their hands dirty and comes up with solutions. I move from guided tours to speleo adventures, from biology to education—often all in the same day!”

Evelin smiles as she checks the gear available to visitors:
“People say it feels like I was born here, but I’m actually from Amsterdam! Ever since I helped rediscover this place, I’ve never stopped feeling at home.”

Then there’s Carolina, a tourism technician.
“I handle planning and promotion, but whenever I can, I head back into the cave or hook onto the zipline. Every day here is different—and you never get bored.”

And finally, there’s Matteo, founder and visionary heart of AlterEco.
“I’m the only man among an amazing team of strong women!” — he says, laughing — “And I know we’re building something that will last. That’s what makes all the effort and worry worth it.”

Staff Grotte di Equi
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