Four Refreshing Walks Near Florence

But if you choose summer, you’ll have the chance to alternate visits to stunning landmarks and masterpieces with relaxing nature escapes — all just minutes from the city center. Summer days are longer, the temperatures rise... and taking a cool break is the perfect way to escape the city heat and enjoy breathtaking natural scenery. Plus, if you're traveling by car, you can park at Grand Hotel Adriatico — one of the very few hotels in Florence’s city center with private parking. Leave your car as soon as you arrive and forget all your worries: it’ll be safe and ready whenever you feel like setting off in search of cooler air.

Here’s our guide to four relaxing nature walks, easy to reach by car, that will help you recharge in the green.

About a half-hour drive from Florence, Monte Senario welcomes you with cool woods, shaded trails, and a spectacular view over the Mugello Valley. Here you’ll find the Sanctuary of the Servite Order, surrounded by peace and a spiritual atmosphere.

It’s the perfect place for a peaceful walk in nature, a quiet moment to yourself, or even a picnic near the convent. Even on the sunniest days, the air here is crisp and refreshing, while the lush vegetation provides welcome shade and frames charming views all along the trail.

If you're planning to stop for lunch, we recommend the restaurant La Fornace de’ Medici, which serves traditional Tuscan dishes in a warm and well-kept setting.

Located just north of Florence, Monte Morello is a true oasis of cool and calm. It offers countless hiking trails that wind through conifer forests and open up to stunning views over the Florentine plains and Chianti hills. It’s your ideal destination if you love walking or cycling, or even if you simply want to cool off under the shade of ancient trees.

Top off your trip to Monte Morello with lunch at one of the traditional trattorias, where you can savor delicious Tuscan dishes paired with excellent local wines.

In the municipality of Reggello, just a few minutes from Florence, lies the Sant’Antonio Forest — a protected area dotted with beech, chestnut, and fir trees. Here, you can walk in perfect peace and quiet: the trails are well-marked and suitable for all fitness levels, even families with children.
A walk in this forest is a journey into unspoiled nature.
 

Let yourself be wrapped in the woodland calm, listen to birdsong, and enjoy the fresh air all around you — you’ll return to the city feeling completely refreshed. It’s the perfect place to connect with nature and find shelter from the summer heat.

A bit farther but absolutely worth a day trip, the Casentino Forest National Park — which includes Mount Falterona — is one of the largest green lungs in Tuscany. This is where the Arno River begins, the same river that flows through Florence, and where you’ll find some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the region. The landscape is incredibly diverse: dense forests, waterfalls, ancient hermitages, and panoramic clearings offer an immersive experience for both hiking lovers and photography enthusiasts.

There are also plenty of cozy spots to take a break and enjoy authentic local cuisine, such as Il Tirabusciò in Bibbiena and La Buca in the village of Soci.

Book your stay at Grand Hotel Adriatico and let yourself be enchanted by the natural wonders just outside Florence. Between art, culture, and cool nature walks, your summer will be unforgettable.