Things to do in Florence: Waterside Walking Routes
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The Waterside Walking Routes of Florence - Destination Florence

A series of beautiful itineraries in the Florence area that focus on water and its environmental, cultural, social and historical links with local communities.

One of the less known things to do in Florence is just outside the city. A paradise of peace in untouched natural surroundings at a short distance from the city centre awaits you, places where water flows. ‘I Cammini dell’Acqua’ (The Water Paths) is an initiative promoted and financed by Publiacqua, the entity responsible for the Florentine water system. Several itineraries we describe in this article will bring you to rediscover the beauty, nature and history of local communities by following paths along the water, taking in streams, rivers, aqueducts, weirs, fountains, “ice houses”, traditional wash houses, bridges, mills and wells. Water is a fundamental element for the well-being of all territories, as our Biancone (Neptune) reminds us in EnjoyRespectFirenze!

The Water Paths itinerary network can be found in the areas surrounding Florence and can be explored through sustainable local tourism aimed at safeguarding our environment and territory.

The paths are all well marked and differentiated by duration, difference in altitude and difficulty. It's a pet-friendly activity, so pets are welcome! It’s strictly forbidden to leave waste behind you or damage the environment in any way.

Northern Florence

Stunning paths run along the Riomaggio, Zambra and Carzola streams, taking in the valleys' forests, springs and fauna on the slopes of Monte Morello, the only small mountain in the Florentine area. Here, you can find many panoramic rest areas immersed in the tranquillity of nature. There’s also the Roman Bridge in the Terzolle Valley and the paths in the Travalle Park that have outdoor sensory paths called "Barefoot in the woods" and "Barefoot in the water".

Il Mugello

A 3-hour and 45-minute walk in the Muccione Valley (much-loved by chestnut pickers!) brings you to explore a tributary of the Sieve River in the municipality of Vicchio. Along the paths, you come across Fornello, a small village with an abandoned station that can only be reached by foot. Then, encounter the Rio Farfareta with its sun-filled valley to visit the inside of a mill.

Southern Florence

We start from the Monument of the Lavandaia (washerwoman) in Grassina to reach the source of Fata Morgana, a magical place with many legends surrounding it. The thousand-year-old forest of Vallombrosa is a state nature reserve with enormous trees known as the "green giants". Fosso dei Bruciati also has waterfalls, a large pool, and "ghiacciaie" (ice-houses). Finally, on the slopes of Pratomagno, the itinerary starts from Reggello and follows the centuries-old Reggellese road that was used in ancient times for trade and transhumance between Valdarno and Casentino.

The Chianti Region

Discover the Pesa Stream Valley with the San Casciano water tower and historic waterside activities, as well as the numerous weirs along the Agliena Grande and Agliena Piccolo streams in the municipality of Barberino Tavarnelle that were mentioned by Leonardo da Vinci as early as 1500.

All the water routes

Cool off, respect and rediscover the territory by walking along these breathtaking paths: click here to find all the routes.

Photo credits: https://www.camminidellacqua.it/