Tuscany walks

Monte Forato, or "pierced mountain" in English, is a curiosity of the Apuan Alps that attracts many hikers. Monte Forato consists of two peaks of equal height, connected by a natural arch. The circular hole is 12 metres high, and the arch itself is about 8 metres thick. This circular hike will allow you to discover the beauty of this massif in the Apuan Alps, as well as neighbouring peaks such as Procinto, Monte Nona, Piana della Croce and Omo Morto.

A well-marked circular route that allows you to observe beautiful geothermal features up close, linking the two medieval villages of Sasso Pisano and Monterotondo Marittimo. This valley is said to have inspired Dante Alighieri when writing ‘Inferno’. The first part of the route climbs without any particular difficulty through a continuous succession of fumaroles. The walk takes you through ever-changing landscapes, with a myriad of colours and shapes, over ground that is often scorching hot, sometimes shrouded in steam, and accompanied by the sound of bubbling water and escaping gas. Once you reach the highest point of the circular route, the route continues towards Monterotondo to see more ‘biancane’ and allows you to enjoy the sweeping panorama stretching all the way to the Maremma coast. The descent back to the village of Sasso then takes place in the shade through chestnut groves.

Starting from Santa Maria Novella station, this city walking route allows you to explore Florence on foot, linking the main monuments and squares of the historic centre. The walk invites you to enjoy Florence’s heritage at a leisurely pace, taking in the city’s iconic sights as well as some of its less-visited spots. It offers the chance to alternate between cultural discoveries, a leisurely stroll and breaks in neighbourhoods that are less overrun by tourists.

A lovely circular route through the Tuscan countryside with a gentle climb. In spring, the Judas trees are magnificent and the birdsong is abundant. The necropolis is in the woods, very peaceful. The hike was much longer than expected. The path is overgrown in places with brambles and trees to step over, and above all, the river has to be crossed twice without a bridge: you get your feet wet but it’s nothing dangerous. Stick strictly to the markers visible on the map, as the paths aren’t always visible on the satellite view.

An easy route, suitable for all ages, which follows the Colle di Val d’Elsa – Poggibonsi cycle path, built on the site of a former railway line linking the two main towns of the Valdelsa. The outward journey follows the River Elsa and winds through the Tuscan countryside, dotted with benches and information boards at the most picturesque spots. The circular route offers beautiful views of the vineyards, cypress-dotted hills, sun-drenched olive groves and, in season, fields of sunflowers.

The Sentierelsa is a nature trail offering the chance to observe the flora and fauna of the River Elsa, particularly the many birds that find refuge there. This walk is also a journey through history, revealing evidence of the relationship between people and the river: the ‘gore’ (artificial canals) that once supplied Colle Val d’Elsa’s paper industry, the locks, an 18th-century mill, and the medieval bridge that allowed pilgrims and travellers to cross the river from the 11th century until the early 19th century.This family-friendly route follows the river and then crosses it several times via fords built on large boulders fitted with rope handrails.The route is renowned for its cool, shaded ‘enchanted spots’, and those where you can swim on hot summer’s days. Alternative routes form a circular route towards the town centre, but the return trip along the riverbank remains the most enjoyable option.

A circular route around the medieval village of Colle di Val d’Elsa following the route of the Via Francigena (VFI-091). You first cross through the medieval village to follow the River Elsa along the Sentierelsa, then takethe alternative route to Quartaia (VFI-091_1) to return via the surrounding countryside. Although the route is a little long, it remains easy as it is fairly flat, and the atmosphere is quite friendly thanks to the many pilgrims walking the route.

A beautiful hike that really gives you a feel for the rolling landscapes of Tuscany around Buoncovento.We did it in April in the rain and with quite a lot of mud, and despite everything it was a treat (although complicated on some of the descents. I recommend doing the route at a less muddy time of year...). With more time, it is possible to continue on to the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore.