July the 8th, 2025 | If you’re looking for a true Florentine experience and some fresh temperatures during the hot summer days in Tuscany, Vallombrosa is the destination for you!

Less than an hour fom Florence, at 980 metres above sea level, Vallombrosa is one of the most visited and best-loved places in the Valdarno mountains for a summer day out.

A dream Pic-Nic

Equip yourserlf with a picnic towel and packed lunch and choose your favourite spot in the huge meadow that welcomes you on your arrival at Vallombrosa, surrounded by the centuries-old trees of the Casentino Forest.

Especially in summer, Vallombrosa is a great place to escape the heat of the city.
When the sun goes down, the meadow becomes an almost magical place: at the edge of the forest, under the starry sky…

➥ if you prefer to buy a good schiacciata, find out more HERE. 

Vallombrosa Abbey

After your pic-nic, don’t miss a visit to the imposing Abbey of Vallombrosa.
This Benedictine monastery, since construction began in 1036, has undergone various transformations over the centuries, with the addition of the bell tower in the 13th century and finally the expansion of the monastery in the 15th century. The monastery was demolished during the Napoleonic period and rebuilt only after the Second World War.

Even when the Abbey is closed for visits, it is impossible not to pass by the Bottega (“small shop”), where you can buy the products of the Abbey’s monks such as candies, spirits, soaps… or attend a concert or an herbalist course. Information, opening hours and visits at THIS LINK.

Look out for a visit to the experimental arboretums, too: a collection of around 1,800 plants (mostly exotic) spread over 9 hectares. Few people know that from June to September, you can visit them free of charge by contacting the Carabinieri Biodiversity Department of Vallombrosa HERE.

There are numerous trails of varying difficulty, where you can admire nature and discover the views of Casentino Forests and Valdarno valley. Among the easiest is the Circuito delle Cappelle (“Chapel Circuit“), a 4.5 km trekking route that leads to the chapels linked to the life of San Giovanni Gualberto, founder of the Vallombrosani Order. There are ten trails to choose from: the most characteristic is the one that starts from the Abbey and ends at the Chapel of Beato Migliore.
For more adventurous hikers, we recommend reaching Monte Secchieta for stunning hikes on the ridge…