Tuscany in summer
5 minutes
When the summer sun envelops the hills and the cities come alive with tourists, there is another Tuscany that invites you to slow down. It is the Tuscany made up of clear waters, shaded forests, wild islands and hidden waterfalls. In summer, water becomes a refuge and a place of discovery: a silent but vital presence that flows between paths, valleys and coasts, offering coolness and beauty. Following its flow, you can experience a different Tuscany, one that is more intimate, wild and rejuvenating.
The islands of the Tuscan Archipelago: nature and sea
In the Tuscan Archipelago, water is the undisputed star. Between Elba, Capraia, Giglio and the other islands, every hidden cove, coastal path or excursion becomes an opportunity to experience a deep bond with the sea. Summer days pass slowly between swimming in crystal-clear waters, snorkelling and boat trips to discover wild coves. The islands also offer ideal routes for those who love scenic trekking, biodiversity and small villages suspended between sky and sea.
These waters are also part of the Pelagos Sanctuary, a marine protected area where, with a bit of luck, you can spot rorquals, dolphins and other cetaceans in their natural environment.
The Tuscan Archipelago National Park offers – through the Vivere il Parco programme – excursions and educational activities designed for adults and children, offering experiences in close contact with the sea, while respecting the environment.
Casentino: where water meets forest
In Casentino, the water flows silently through ancient forests, clear streams and natural pools set in the rock. It is in these lands, among Romanesque parish churches and small hermitages, that the Arno River is born, still young and impetuous, immersed in a wild and unspoilt landscape.
The green heart of the area is the National Park of the Casentino Forests, Monte Falterona and Campigna, one of the largest and most intact forest areas in Europe, also recognised by UNESCO with the Sasso Fratino Strict Nature Reserve.
Here, nature dominates: towering beech trees, silver firs and centuries-old chestnut trees form a maze of shady paths where you can walk among waterfalls, stone bridges and crystal-clear springs.
The biodiversity is extraordinary: the park is home to Apennine wolves, deer, roe deer, golden eagles, owls and salamanders that populate a very rich and protected ecosystem.
In summer, these woods offer fresh air and silence far from it all, to the rhythm of footsteps and streams: at Steccaia, near Bibbiena, the Corsalone river offers a rejuvenating break amidst clear waters and dense shade, a perfect place for a family picnic, where children play happily and time passes slowly. Not far away, the Molin di Bucchio tells the story of the mountain water tradition and the species that inhabit the river.
Cool paths around Florence
Among the hills and woods surrounding Florence are hidden shady corners where summer slows down, the greenery envelops you and the air becomes lighter.
Monte Morello, with its three peaks and its forests of oak, chestnut and silver fir trees, literally overlooks the city: a natural refuge shaped by the House of Lorraine and the great reforestation of the twentieth century, today criss-crossed by paths that are part of the Anello del Rinascimento.
A few kilometres away, on the ridge overlooking the Mugello, Monte Senario preserves a forest imbued with spirituality, where the ancient convent of the Servants of Mary stands and where forest therapy is also practised today. Here you walk in silence among black pines, Douglas firs and chestnut trees, along the route of the Via degli Dei.
In Reggello, the Foresta di Sant'Antonio - which is part of the larger Foresta di Vallombrosa - preserves the wild soul of the Pratomagno, with beech trees, upland meadows and stories that are intertwined with those of the Abbey of Vallombrosa.
In Londa, the gateway to the Casentinesi Forests National Park, a small lake welcomes travellers and families looking for a cool spot before setting off to explore the trails: on foot, by bike or on horseback, from here you can wander through one of the most wooded parks in Italy.
Cool off on Monte Amiata
At an altitude of 1,728 m, Monte Amiata is one of the most popular destinations in Tuscany during the summer season. The centuries-old chestnut trees provide shelter from the heat, while in Europe's largest beech forest there are routes and itineraries for all tastes, where you can go trekking, running or try your hand at orienteering.
But on Monte Amiata, the sultriness and summer heat can also be combated with a refreshing dip in the river. The Albegna River reaches the village of Roccalbegna, making its unmistakable voice heard, and along its course you can find heavenly spots for a swim. The Ente and the Vivo are two rivers that originate from the trachyte rocks of Mount Amiata, and the point where they meet is an enchanting place. You can reach it from Seggiano by following the signs first for Castello di Potentino and then along the "Località Chiusone" road.
Garfagnana and its blue heritage
The Garfagnana offers refreshing days thanks to its rivers and streams, which make this land a true natural wonder.
You can relax on the small beach in the Serchio River Park or have fun on a canoe trip. The Lima River springs up near the Abetone and flows into the Serchio. Along its foaming course, it forms the Val di Lima and spectacular landscapes with alternating pools, limestone gorges and natural pools. In Cocciglia you can explore the rugged gorges in a unique way thanks to Canyon Park, the Val di Lima adventure park that offers many outdoor activities, including ziplining, yoga and SUP. In addition, many sections of the river are suitable for kayaking and rafting, for adventures and paddling of varying difficulty levels.
