Explore the area: an invitation to discover
This is not a tourist guide, but an invitation to look around with curiosity. There is a beautiful area not far from here waiting to be explored. We know only some of its corners ourselves, and we would love to invite you to discover the rest.
VILLAGES AND LITTLE DISCOVERIES
Marliana, the pleasure of slowing down
Some places do not ask you to rush from one attraction to the next. Marliana is one of them. With its narrow streets, stone houses and views across the hills, it invites you to wander at an unhurried pace and notice the little details that are so easy to miss.
The municipality includes villages, woodlands and varied landscapes between the Pistoia Mountains and the Valdinievole area. It makes a lovely starting point for walks, hikes and days spent discovering local traditions.
Who might enjoy it? Travellers who love small villages, peaceful surroundings, photography and gentle walks. Families may also enjoy a visit, choosing routes suited to the children’s ages.
Our suggestion: You do not always need to find something extraordinary to do. Sometimes a stroll, a beautiful view and a few moments to pause are more than enough.
SMALL VILLAGES TO DISCOVER
Momigno, among hills and quiet corners
Momigno is a small village within the municipality of Marliana. It is one of those places that encourage you to slow your steps and take in the scenery, away from the pace of city life.
A walk through its streets can reveal glimpses of the landscape, modest architecture and peaceful corners. You do not necessarily need a plan: sometimes curiosity is the best guide.
Who might enjoy it? Those who appreciate less-visited villages, photography and relaxed walks. With children, it is worth checking the gradients and conditions of the streets.
Another story: We have also dedicated a page of our Journal to Momigno, sharing a different perspective on the village.
VILLAGES, VIEWS AND HISTORY
Montecatini Alto, a village worth taking your time to reach
Perched on the hills above Montecatini Terme, Montecatini Alto is a village made for leisurely wandering. Its square, narrow lanes and panoramic viewpoints invite you to stop, look around and enjoy the atmosphere.
One of the most distinctive ways to get there is by the historic funicular connecting Montecatini Terme with the hilltop village. Its red carriages make the journey part of the experience, especially if you enjoy transport from another era.
Who might enjoy it? Couples, families and travellers who love historic centres, views and walking. Some lanes are steep or uneven, which is worth considering if you have a pushchair or limited mobility.
An idea for the day: Take the funicular up, wander through the village streets and enjoy a break in the square, perhaps as the late-afternoon light begins to soften.
Before visiting, check the funicular’s operating dates and timetable.
NATURE, WOODLANDS AND TRAILS
Foresta del Teso, time among the trees
Some days, the best plan is to leave the noise behind and seek nothing more than the scent of the trees. Foresta del Teso, in the Pistoia Mountains, is one of those places where nature takes centre stage.
Among beech trees, chestnuts and woodland paths, the landscape changes with the seasons: lush green in the warmer months, autumn colours and the stillness of winter days.
What can you do? Walk along marked trails, admire the scenery, photograph details of the forest or simply take a break surrounded by nature.
Who might enjoy it? Hikers, nature lovers and families used to walking. The difficulty depends on the trail: not every route is suitable for young children or pushchairs.
Our suggestion: Choose a route that suits your experience and the season. Check the weather and trail conditions before setting off, and bring suitable footwear, water and a map.
VIEWS AND A LITTLE ADVENTURE
Ponte Sospeso, a walk high above the valley
Not every walk keeps your feet close to the ground. The Ponte Sospeso delle Ferriere, between Mammiano Basso and Popiglio, crosses the valley of the Lima stream and offers a rather unusual perspective.
Originally built to connect the two sides of the valley, it is now one of the best-known sights in the Pistoia Mountains. Crossing it means walking along a suspended footbridge with mountain scenery all around.
What can you do? Admire the bridge, photograph the views and, if you feel comfortable and conditions allow, experience the crossing yourself.
Who might enjoy it? Travellers who love scenic views and unusual experiences. Families may find it fascinating too, although the height and suspended walkway can be uncomfortable for anyone afraid of heights.
Our suggestion: There is no need to cross if you would rather not. Seeing the bridge from a safe viewpoint can be rewarding in itself. Check access conditions and any closures before visiting.
NATURE AND GUIDED EXPERIENCES
Oasi Dynamo, seeing nature in a new light
In the heart of the Pistoia Apennines lies a place where nature is protected, studied and shared. Oasi Dynamo is a nature reserve affiliated with WWF, with woodlands, meadows and mountain landscapes.
It is more than a place to admire: it is an opportunity to learn about the environment around us, accompanied by people who know its trails and biodiversity.
What can you do? Join guided walks and nature experiences organised by the reserve. Available activities depend on the programme and booking arrangements.
Who might enjoy it? Nature lovers, curious visitors and families interested in environmental activities. Choose an experience suited to the ages of everyone taking part.
Our suggestion: Consult the official programme before planning your visit. Access to the reserve and its excursions follows specific arrangements; it is not a park where visitors can wander freely.
VILLAGES AND LANDSCAPES TO EXPLORE
Svizzera Pesciatina
There is a quieter side of Tuscany that rewards unhurried exploration, among small stone villages, woods and scenic roads. This is Svizzera Pesciatina, also known as Valleriana: an area that invites you to leave the busiest routes behind for a few hours.
Its villages include Vellano, Sorana and Pontito, each with its own story and landscape to discover. It is an area we would love to get to know better ourselves, so that we can continue sharing new discoveries with our guests.
On foot or by bike, at your own pace
Some people love strolling through villages, others prefer the quiet of the woods, and others cannot wait to get on their bikes. There are possibilities for all these ways of exploring the area.
A walk in Svizzera Pesciatina
The San Quirico nature loop is approximately 4.85 km long and is classified as easy. It offers a way to discover one of Valleriana’s historic villages. It may also suit families accustomed to walking, depending on the children’s ages.
See the route on Visit Tuscany →
For mountain-bike enthusiasts
The Sentiero del Cuore is a circular route of approximately 31 km through Valleriana. It is a demanding ride for experienced cyclists, taking in old mule tracks, villages and woodlands.
Discover the Sentiero del Cuore →
A little tip from your hosts: always check the weather, trail conditions and any local restrictions before setting out. Suitable shoes, water and a little care can make the day much more enjoyable.
LITTLE AND BIG ADVENTURES
Travelling with children
Discovering a place with children means seeing it through different eyes. A walk can become an adventure, and a park can turn into a whole world to explore.
Pinocchio Park in Collodi
A place dedicated to the famous wooden puppet, where the story of Pinocchio comes to life through sculptures, settings and paths among the greenery.
Pistoia Zoo
An opportunity to learn about animals and explore biodiversity and conservation through the educational activities offered by the zoo.
SpiderPark
For families looking for an outdoor adventure, SpiderPark offers activities among the trees. Check the official information for opening times, available activities and any age or height requirements before visiting.
Our suggestion: Choose activities according to the children’s ages, the season and the weather. Always check official websites for opening times, tickets and availability.
IDEAS FOR RAINY DAYS
And if it rains? There is still plenty to discover
Not every day of a holiday brings blue skies. But even when it rains, the area can surprise you. Sometimes all it takes is a change of plans and a little curiosity about a story, a museum or a local tradition.
Pescia Paper Museum
In Pietrabuona, near Pescia, the Paper Museum tells the story of a craft tradition that shaped the area. It is a chance to discover materials, tools and skills passed down through generations.
Underground Pistoia
A guided route beneath the city, exploring spaces and traces of the history of the former Ospedale del Ceppo. An unusual experience for anyone who enjoys seeing places from a different perspective.
Pistoia’s museums
Pistoia also has museums and cultural spaces dedicated to art and history: a good way to spend a few hours indoors and get to know the city better.
Our suggestion: Check opening hours, booking requirements and guided-tour availability before setting off. Some experiences may not suit all ages or visitors with limited mobility.
Natural History Museum in Calci
A trip a little further afield can become a fascinating journey through natural history. Housed in the beautiful Charterhouse of Calci, the University of Pisa’s Natural History Museum has collections of fossils, minerals and animals from different periods and environments.
From dinosaurs and enormous whale skeletons to a freshwater aquarium, there is plenty to spark the curiosity of children and adults alike. A lovely option for families and anyone interested in science.
Our suggestion: Allow at least a couple of hours for your visit and check opening times and ticket information before leaving.
MORE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR JOURNEY
Keep exploring with Visit Pistoia
Discover more ideas for your stay through Visit Pistoia, the tourism portal dedicated to Pistoia and the Pistoia Mountains. Explore villages, nature, cultural attractions and local experiences to make the most of your time in Tuscany.