What to do in Valdarno in summer

When temperatures rise, our first suggestion is to head up to the majestic Pratomagno Massif. Here, time seems to stand still amid quaint mountain villages and ridges that offer endless views.

For lovers of hiking and cycling, we recommend exploring the many hiking trails or venturing out on a mountain bike along the ridge trails. Along the way, don’t forget to stop by the historic village shops to try a panino made with local specialties.

• Tips for families: If you prefer excursions with less exertion but don’t want to miss out on the vistas, we recommend driving there or taking advantage of the convenient summer shuttle service operating in the municipalities of Terranuova Bracciolini and Loro Ciuffenna from June through early September (contact the municipalities for more information). This will lead you to the shade of centuries-old trees, perfect for a relaxing picnic. From there, a short and pleasant stroll will take you to the monumental Pratomagno Cross.
• Adrenaline and relaxation on the Ciuffenna: As you descend from the mountain slopes, you can rejuvenate with an invigorating dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Ciuffenna Stream, surrounded by truly breathtaking scenery. And what about the more adventurous? We recommend a guided canyoning session through the gorges carved out by the stream—a unique and fun way to beat the heat.

If you’d rather not go too high up but still want to be immersed in a wild, history-rich part of Tuscany, we’ll take you on a journey to discover Valdambra, a land nestled between the Valdarno Superiore and the Chianti Mountains. Following the inspiration and the paths outlined in the “Diario del Viandante” (“Wayfarer's Journal”), we invite you to explore these places at a leisurely pace.

In this valley, through which the Ambra Stream flows, the dense vegetation provides welcome shade. We especially recommend 2 routes that are perfect for this season:

• Via della Ginestra (Route 1): An easy loop of about 4.7 miles or 7.5 kilometers that starts at the Perelli Church and passes through Levane. Walk in the shade of towering Italian pines, described as veritable green clouds against the blue sky and discover the historic Santa Maria della Ginestra Church, originally built near a miraculous spring.
• Verso la Sorgente (Route 8): The perfect route for the hottest days, heading towards the nearby stream. We recommend that you follow the Ambra Stream upstream to its source, in the shade of the Monteluco woods. The route includes no fewer than 8 fords, each an opportunity to take off your shoes and socks to dip your feet in the cool waters, enjoying a moment of pure, refreshing pleasure, before reaching beautiful villages such as Montebenichi and San Vincenti.

The Balze del Valdarno, with their spectacular canyons of yellow earth that even captivated Leonardo da Vinci, are a marvel to behold all year round. However, under the summer sun, it is recommended that you plan your hike exclusively for the coolest hours of the day, setting out in the late afternoon. The ultimate reward will be unforgettable: witnessing the golden hour, when the last rays of the sun illuminate the cliffs in golden hues.

For a day of relaxation by the water, stop at Lake San Cipriano. Here you can relax on the shores in the shade of the trees or, if you’re looking for a refreshing breeze, try your hand at sailing.

When the midday sun beats down, the best strategy is to seek refuge where stone and tradition keep the air cool.

The Valdarno Aretino boasts a centuries-old winemaking tradition. We recommend spending the early afternoon visiting one of the many wineries in the area, where you can enjoy a guided tasting of fine wines and local, farm-fresh products, surrounded by the cool silence of the barrel cellars.

Once you’ve recharged, let your curiosity guide you as you explore the various sized museums of the Valdarno or its historic Abbeys, such as the majestic Camaldolese Abbey in Badia Agnano, as treasure troves of art and cool respite, ideal for bringing a perfect summer day to a beautiful close.