10 Best Natural Sights around Florence

Riserva naturale Tomboli di Cecina makes for relaxing day trips. Located less than a 100-minute drive from Florence in Marina di Cecina, this 465-hectare nature reserve features one of the most beautiful forests in Italy and a rich flora and fauna ecosystem. Along with the views, visitors can enjoy exploring via the hiking and biking trails.

Stroll through Riserva natural Tomboli di Cecina to see diverse vegetation like lilies and sea poppies. As for the wildlife, you’ll spot badgers, rabbits, foxes and other creatures. The beach sits along the Tyrrhenian coastline and is a lovely place to admire the sea. During the warmer months, head to the picnic area to enjoy a meal alfresco.

Parco Alpi Apuane provides a picturesque setting for outdoor adventure. Located a 2.6-hour drive from Florence, the nature park features a dynamic landscape of mountains, greenery, small lakes and coastline. Whether you prefer hiking, biking or exploring caves, there are exhilarating activities to enjoy.

There are many trails throughout Parco Alpi Apuane. If you want to go on a hike, Monte Forato Loop is a 6-mile trail that climbs up to the Summit of Monte Forato, where you’ll see a massive natural arch and ocean views. Another is Cascata dell’ Acquapendente, where you can hike, run or go birdwatching. Exploring local caves, such as Antro del Corchia in Stazzema, with a guide is also a fun activity.

Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona e Campigna is an outdoor recreation paradise. The vast park anchors both sides of the Apennine watershed between Romagna and Tuscany and is a 1.5-hour drive from Florence. Active types will find over 372 miles of various trails and paths ranging in degrees of difficulty.

A fantastic way to experience this park is by foot. Possibilities include taking the Ridracoli Nature Trail, trekking Mount Tiravento or hiking the more difficult Acquacheta Ring to see an amazing waterfall. For those who prefer to explore by mountain bike, the park offers exciting paths for all levels, such as around Monte Santo with its long sunny stretches.

Parco delle Terme is a health and wellness destination known for its curative hot springs. Less than 50 minutes by car from Florence in the lush Montecatini Terme, this thermal water park entices with its beautiful setting and spa services.

At Parco delle Terme, you'll find several options for relaxing spa treatments. As one of the most beautiful and charming thermal parks in Europe, the site features gorgeous art nouveau and neo-Gothic buildings. Head to the Tettucio thermal bath complex to try rejuvenating treatments or to the Excelsior thermal bath complex for its pool and mud treatments. Afterwards, find time to walk the tranquil thermal gardens, which are open seasonally.

Grotto del Vento provides a different vantage point into nature as you go underground. A little over 2 hours by car from Florence, it's located in the Apuan Alps Park in Garfagnana, north of Tuscany. This spectacular cave boasts small lakes, rich karst formations and stalactites and stalagmites.

There are 3 main itineraries to experience at Grotto del Vento. The first is the 1-hour Magic of Formations, where you can see the cave bear, limestone formations and a crystal lake. Next is the 2-hour Erosive Action of Water itinerary, where you descend into the Giants’ abyss into the Hall of Voices. Finally, the 3-hour Fascination of the Abysses takes you down an underground canyon to the Tunnel of Wonders.

Parco Regionale della Maremma is rich in nature and outdoor experiences. Located in southern Tuscany, the park, also known as Uccellina Park, is a protected wildlife area spanning Principina a Mare to Talamone. Whether you want to bask on the beach or go on an adventure on foot, bike, boat or horseback, a thrilling time awaits.

Along with almost 10,000 hectares of beaches, you'll find rolling hills and wide green stretches. Birdwatching is a highlight, as the park sees over 270 species of birds ranging from wild geese to cranes. Adventurous types can explore the Grand Crossing of the Park of the Maremma, featuring stunning views of cliffs and the coast and taking 10 hours to complete.

Parco dei Gessi Bolognesi e Calanchi dell’Abbadessa boasts a stunning background for outdoor pursuits. A little over an hour and 40 minutes by car from Florence, in the foothills of Bologna, is this spacious 4,586-hectare regional park. As the largest karst park in Emilia Romagna, it boasts spectacular formations, including 200-plus caves, plateaus and cliffs.

The stunning landscape of Parco dei Gessi Bolognesi e Calanchi dell’Abbadessa offers beautiful locations to hike, bike and explore. Among the points of interest is the Cima Monte Calvo, where mountain bikers can take in 360-degree panoramic views. If you plan on hiking, notable trails include the Anello Gaibola, which takes around 2 hours to complete, among others.

Parco Regionale della Vena del Gesso Romagnola stands out for its dynamic landscape, including spectacular grey ridge cliffs and grasslands, all worth discovering. A little over a 2-hour drive from Florence, this spectacular national park of Italy lies in Romagna between Imola and Faenza and boasts many paths and natural sights to see, including underground caves.

One of the points of interest at Parco Regionale della Vena del Gesso Romagnola is Monte Mauro. The area surrounding the highest peak of the Vena del Gesso Romagna has lots to admire, including incredible views. There are several paths that you may want to check out, including the Carne Ring route and the Crystals’ Path.

Antro del Corchia Levigliani is one of the largest karst systems in Italy and Europe. Located a 2-hour drive from Florence, this cave system in the Corchia Mountain in the town of Levigliani offers a stunning look at natural formations.

Access to Antro del Corchia Levigliani is only by guided tour. The 2-hour experience takes you underground through tunnels and several points of interest. The first stop is at Galleria Franosa, a soaring canyon dozens of metres high, and next is Galleria degli Inglesi, where you can view an underground fossil lake. The experience ends at the ring, a circular path with unforgettable views of stalactites and stalagmites.

Area Le Balze catches the eye, just like it did for artist Leonardo da Vinci, with its unique stratified formations formed by sand, clay and gravel, dominating the scenery. Located between Florence and Arezzo in the Arno Valley, the hilly conservation area, which some have called the ‘Grand Canyon of Tuscany’ is a sight to behold.

Along with the interesting formations, the landscape surrounding Area Le Balze also offers plenty to explore, including the Sentiero dell’Acqua Zolfina trail. From this 3.7-mile trail, you can enjoy views of the Valdarno area. Other notable points include the Borro dell Fossate area and the village of Piantravigne, featuring panoramic views of the bluffs.