In a world plagued by over tourism, it seems surreal to find places that are actively seeking tourists. Yet, if there ever were a place that fits the ‘off-the-beaten-path’ definition, the Apennines between the Parma and Piacenza provinces of Emilia-Romagna would be it – a forgotten corner of Italy, not far from the busy Po Valley, but visited by far fewer people compared to the great ‘food cities’ that the region is famous for. 

The Emilia-Romagna Apennines are the ideal destination to discover slowly, enjoying the peace and solace of nature, following ancient trails that once were the only way to move between towns and villages. The Via degli Abati, a 120 km trail between Bobbio and Pontremoli, is just one of many long-distance paths crossing these mountains, hoping to bring a new, respectful kind of tourism to places that desperately need revenue.