Forest bathing in Tuscany: 7 regenerating woodlands

Between the provinces of Arezzo and Forlì-Cesena, the Casentinesi Forests form one of the largest tree-covered complexes in Italy. Centuries-old beech and fir forests create a continuous, deep and stable environment. Here, the forest does not stimulate but calms the mind.
The repetition of the trees, the filtered light and absence of sudden noises encourage a smooth gait and more streamlined attention. Your steps finds a natural, effortless rhythm.
This is a great environment when you’re craving a dash of direction and continuity.
The main trails are broad and well marked, ideal for slow, leisurely walks.

Less than an hour from Florence, the Vallombrosa Forest is a neat and accessible environment of avenues, monumental fir trees and level paths. 
Stepping among the trees, especially in autumn when bright foliage colors the forest, is an easy and immediate experience. The gaze rests on the landscape as the body follows a paced, effortless rhythm.
This is the perfect place for anyone looking to take a break without physical commitment or complex routes. Indeed, the trails are flat and well-marked, also ideal for those who want an effortless experience.

A few miles from Pienza, the forest surrounding Sant’Anna in Camprena is open and bright. Here, nature does not oppress or impose depth.
The paths open up to the landscape, the light enters through the trees, the step remains free. This forest accompanies and is suitable for those who wish to walk without exertion while maintaining a rapport with the open landscape of the Val d’Orcia.
The routes are short and gentle, ideal too for taking short breaks.

In southern Tuscany, between Pitigliano and the Tufo area, the Selva del Lamone is an ancient, volcanic, uneven forest. 
The vegetation is dense and striking. 
Here, the terrain demands attention and forces you to watch where you step. Walking becomes increasingly active and involves the body more.
This is the perfect environment for when you feel the need to break out of your routine and experience more direct contact with nature.

Between Pisa and the sea, the Tombolo Pine Forest in San Rossore Park combines forest and open horizon.
The maritime pines, salty air and ample light create a breezy and relaxed environment.
Here, walking aimlessly comes naturally. The space is expansive, the paths wide and flat.
This is a great destination for when you are looking for space and a bit of a breather rather than deep silence.
The trails are also suitable for short walks without much difficulty.

In the heart of Lunigiana, not far from Equi Terme and Fivizzano, the woods become deep and damp, pinpointed by chestnut trees, rocks and streams. 
The landscape is ancient, layered and undomesticated.
Walking requires attention and involves the body step by step. The uneven terrain, dense shade and constant sound of water make the experience material and physical.
It is a great environment for slow stops and short walks.

In northern Tuscany, between the Apuan Alps and the Apennines, the Orecchiella Nature Reserve is one of the most open and varied environments in Garfagnana. 
Woods, clearings and wide spaces alternate without constraint. The gaze is free to roam far while the body regains a freer posture.
This is a lovely place when you feel the need for space and horizon. The trails alternate between easy stretches and open spaces, with no technical difficulties.

Forest bathing is not a task to be completed. It is simply a foregoing of rushing, expectations, goals ...
Even 30 or 40 minutes, experienced without urgency is enough to change the pace and perception of time. These forests do not promise transformation, but offer alternative contexts for stopping, strolling and staying outdoors in an easy way.
Sometimes you just have to enter the woods and go slow to take in your splendid surroundings with different eyes.