Outdoor activity

Outdoor adventures in the Valdarno

Located between Florence and Arezzo, the Valdarno is a region full of enchanting panoramas and is a real paradise for outdoor activity enthusiasts. The area is made up of diverse and atmospheric landscapes: from the undulating Chianti hills to the impressive ridges of Pratomagno. It offers the perfect environment where the excitement of adventure blends harmoniously with the cultural wealth and majesty of the surrounding nature. The Valdarno always has something special to interest both experienced hikers and those who just love a good walk in the outdoors.

To fully enjoy the beauty of the Tuscan countryside, plan your experience carefully: guided activities must be booked in advance, particularly during the summer season, and always remember to check the weather forecast before venturing out on the trails. For families with children, pick the shorter routes and plan regular breaks to ensure an enjoyable experience for children without overdoing it.

Biking between Valdarno and Chianti

The dirt roads of the Valdarno and Chianti are an irresistible attraction for cycling enthusiasts. The trails pass through vineyards, olive groves and medieval villages, offering unforgettable views in every season. One particularly evocative route is that from San Giovanni Valdarno to Chianti, which passes through small villages such as Cavriglia and Monastero. For the more experienced, the Chianti hills offer some challenging trails with climbs to test even the fittest cyclists but if you take an e-bike, you can tackle these routes with peace of mind and enjoy the landscape without worrying too much about fatigue. Go to the village infopoint for information about the group e-bike tours that they organise.

Hiking towards Vallombrosa

The ancient Abbey of Vallombrosa, nestled in one of Italy’s most beautiful forests, is the perfect destination for anyone who loves a good hike. The trail leading to the monastery passes through a majestic fir and beech forest that is particularly spectacular in autumn when the leaves turn red and gold. The route is well-marked and suitable for less experienced hikers, offering numerous rest-stops where you can refresh yourself and admire the view. The hike includes a loop route of about 6.5 km with 330 metres of positive altitude difference.

A walk under the stars

It is not often that you can go on a fascinating nature walk after sunset. Departure is at 8.30 p.m. from the village infopoint where each participant receives a torch. Immersed in the silence of the evening, you will hear the sounds of nocturnal wildlife as fireflies light your way like tiny dancing stars. Midway there is a break for a session of Cantucci and Vin Santo tasting, adding to the uniqueness of the experience. The three-hour excursion is suitable for the whole family.

Rafting on the Elsa river

For those who love to be out on the water, rafting offers an exciting way of descending the River Elsa: ask at the village infopoint for more information. The itinerary begins with a short walk to the foot of the Diborrato waterfall, then your journey continues on inflatable rafts along the river, flanked by a jungle-like wealth of vegetation that alternates with atmospheric stretches of transparent water creating a natural landscape of exceptional beauty. The rafting excursions are guided by instructors, with routes of varying difficulty suitable for beginners and experts. You and your friends or family will form a team in which everyone will have to paddle to navigate the river and overcome obstacles along the way. The experience is suitable for everyone, including children aged 6 and over.

On the summit of Pratomagno

The summit of Pratomagno, at an altitude of over 1,500 metres, offers one of the most spectacular views in Tuscany. The trip to the Croce del Pratomagno is a must for hiking enthusiasts. The trail has various starting points in the Valdarno and crosses beech forests and highland meadows. From the summit, on clear days, there's a sweeping view all the way to the Apennines and Tyrrhenian Sea.

Vespa tour in Chianti

Exploring Chianti on a Vespa combines the charm of Italy’s most iconic vehicles with the beauty of the Tuscan countryside. If you want to an experience of touring through the hills on an classic piece of Italian history, enquire at the village infopoint: the idyllic route starts in Valdarno and winds through the Chianti hills, stopping at the most characteristic locations such as Panzano in Chianti, Radda in Chianti and the Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo in Passignano. The scenic roads offer unforgettable views of vineyards and medieval castles and is enhanced by an excellent lunch of Tuscan specialities. The tours usually last a full day, but you can also agree on a shorter itinerary. A valid motorcycle or car driving licence is required.

Children’s activities

The Valdarno area is home to several stables organising horseback rides that are also suitable for children. The routes, especially designed for children, go through forests and pass along safe trailways, allowing young riders to enjoy an unforgettable experience in close contact with nature and animals. Many of the stables also offer riding lessons for beginners.

As an alternative to horse riding, there are activities on offer at educational farms such as Palagina, where children can learn about animals and participate in nature workshops or go on nature trails with birdwatching and orienteering activities.