San Pietro Vara: Churches, Hiking and Water Sports

San Pietro Vara can be explored through a range of very different themes: church art and remembrance, a walking route, and water sports on the Vara. This gives you a practical framework for choosing where to stay: what matters most may be whether you prioritize culture, outdoor activities or insights into regional products. The village has shops, bars and restaurants; these are also part of what the destination has to offer.

Churches and Remembrance

The Chiesa di San Pietro is one of the oldest churches in the valley; the first records of it date from 1176. The church houses a statue of the Madonna and Child attributed to the sculptor Domenico Gagini. The church’s great age and the art-historical attribution offer two different ways to engage with it: the long history of the place and a specific work of art.

The Oratorio di Santa Maria della Spianata is also worth a look for its place in local religious history. It is known for its distinctive crucifixes and was restored in the late 1990s. The Monumento ai caduti di San Pietro Vara offers a different perspective: it commemorates those killed in the First World War, as well as those killed or missing in the Second World War. Together, the churches and the monument offer various ways to engage with art, history and remembrance.

On Foot or on the Vara

The Anello del Benessere is a practical way to explore the surrounding area on foot. The walk starts in Salterana and follows a 1 km stretch of paved road in the direction of San Pietro Vara. On the return to Cembrano, the route passes through fields, meadows and orchards.

If you are more interested in activities on the water, the Vara offers a route for canoeing, rafting and kayaking. It runs from San Pietro Vara to Brugnato and is served by schools and courses. This gives you a choice between two clearly different ways to stay active: a walk that includes a described stretch of road and a landscape of fields, meadows and orchards, or water sports on the river. Check current operators and river conditions before taking part.

Regional Products and a Look Back at 2023

At the 2023 edition of San Pietro Vara in Fiera, porchetta sanpietrina, sgabei, sausages, cured meats, cheese and local wine were on offer. The selection at the time paired typical dishes with regional wine, providing a snapshot of the village’s culinary scene at a clearly specified point in time.

The 2023 edition also featured 150 street vendors, as well as artisans and demonstrations of traditional crafts. This look back adds a focus on handicrafts to the culinary offerings. When planning your trip, you can weigh up different interests: the churches and monument appeal to those interested in culture and history; the walk and the water sports route offer different outdoor activities; and shops, bars and restaurants add everyday amenities to a visit to the village.

The options described here give you specific themes to explore: sacred art and history, a walking route, activities on the Vara, or regional cuisine and crafts. You can use them to decide which side of the destination best matches your travel interests.

Discover more destinations: Levanto, Zignago, Monterosso Al Mare, Falcinello, Tellaro, Deiva Marina, Borghetto Di Vara, Maissana.

For the broader travel overview: La Spezia.