Fresh Water

Lago di Bilancino: an oasis of well-being a stone's throw from us

Over the years, working in the front office, I have often been asked the question: "What if we wanted to visit a lake?" Until recently, I was bit hesistant to answer. The only lake nearby in which you can swim is Lago Bilancino, near Florence, a large artificial basin built not only to provide water to the city, but also to protect it from floods. Then, one Saturday morning, I decided to take a tour with Nanni Piccolo... and I changed my mind!

Covering an area of 5 km², the lake looks like a real natural lake, framed by hills, woods and the famous Medici villas of Mugello. In summer, there are establishments that provide services and large free areas, perfect for enjoying the sun and going for a rejuvenating swim. For those who love activities, the lake is the perfect place to go canoeing, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing and sport fishing, while the surroundings are crossed by cycle paths and trails ideal for hiking, jogging and mountain biking. Inside the park there is also the WWF Oasis of Gabbianello, a nature reserve where you can see mallards, storks, cranes and even pink flamingos. The large flat green spaces make the lake a perfect destination for families with children, but also for those looking for tranquillity and typical Tuscan views.

Find out more: prolocobarberino.it

Montaione Beach the wonders of the Egola river

Not everyone knows that Montaione has its own beach, which is located on the Egola river - called Evola by the Montaionese - a tributary of the Arno that springs between Montignoso and Castagno, in the east of the town. The initial stretch of the river is inspiring and wild, with waterfalls, natural pools and rocky outcrops and offers glimpses of rare beauty. The people of Montaionese have always considered it their secret jewel.

Below the hamlet there are three main pools: Pozzo Sfondato, Pozzo Diago and Pozzo Latino, all of which can be reached easily on foot.

• Pozzo Sfondato is the largest and deepest, connected to other pools by small waterfalls between one pool and another.
• Pozzo Diago is characterised by a small waterfall of about two meters.
• Pozzo Latino has rocks which have been polished by the course of the water, perfect for admiring the natural strength of the river.

The water is clear and is perfect for swimming in the warmer months (June—September). It is also an ideal location for hiking or mountain biking. The area can be easily reached from Rigone in Chianti. Take Via XXVIII Luglio, a side street of Viale da Filicaja, and at about 40 meters from Piazza Gramsci, the downhill road begins, and is well marked. After about 1 km, crossing a few streams, you will reach a stone bridge and from here you can go down to the pools. In summer, lots of people go swimming , but you need to be careful especially if you want to dive into the Pozzo Sfondato, the most difficult one to reach. This hidden corner of the territory represents a real natural oasis, perfect for those looking for beauty, tranquility and adventure. Ask Toma for information. He knows these places like the back of his hand!

Find out more: fondoambiente.it - komoot.com

L'Elsa viva: the turquoise river

I visited this place a few years ago, with my New York cousin Mila. Mila obviously knows Italy like the back of her hand and challenged me to find somewhere new that she hadn't visited yet. The task was even more difficult because I had set myself a limit for the distance. Everything had to take place in one morning and end with a lunch, just the way we like it!

I had heard of the Sentierelsa, in Gracciano near Colle Val d'Elsa, and so we decided to venture out... and both of us were amazed!

It is a route of about 4 km that combines nature, history and fun. Along the way you’ll come across two important hydraulic works the Steccaia and the Callone Reale which, since the 11th century, have diverted the waters of the Elsa River into the gore: man-made channels once used to power mills, paper mills, ironworks, and other craft and industrial activities. The original system was restored in the 17th century thanks to the determination of the Grand Duke of Tuscany Ferdinando I De' Medici. Just after the Steccaia you come across the Diborrato, where the waters of the Elsa fall abruptly, forming a waterfall of about 15 meters and creating a small lake about 10 meters deep. Continuing along the route, you will find the Grotta dell’Orso, la Conchina, il Masso Bianco, la Nicchia and la Spianata dei Falchi. The path, which has information signs and several safe river crossings, is suitable for hikers, families and nature lovers. The river water is clear and perfect for swimming, making the route an ideal destination especially in summer for those looking for a refreshing dive surrounded by nature.

Find out more: sentierelsa.it

Alta Valle del torrente Carfalo Nature Reserve

The Alta Valle del Torrente Carfalo Nature Reserve, located between San Vivaldo, Sughera and Castelfalfi, is a forest environment of extraordinary biodiversity. Here you can find rare plants and animal habitats and species, such as the spectacled salamander, which cannot be found elsewhere.

The valley, which descends from 300 to 160 meters, has a particular microclimate, with beech forests, centuries-old yews and oak groves and is a refuge for rare and precious species. The area can be visited all year round and has about 18 km of marked trails and 13 entrances equipped with information panels, ideal for hikers and nature lovers. Walking in the midst of the large oak forest is a timeless experience, where light filters through the branches creating a muffled atmosphere. The valley, with its play of light and shadow, transmits a sense of austere quiet and invites you to go on a journey to discover both yourself and nature.

There are four itineraries: the Sentiero delle anse e dell’acqua gassata, the Sentiero del bosco ameno, the Sentiero del tasso monumentale and the Sentiero didattico della faggeta. On these routes, you can explore unique landscapes, natural springs and ancient forests, offering a complete experience of history, nature and biodiversity.

Find out more: montaioneintuscany.it

Thermal waters between Montaione and Gambassi Terme

In Montaione there are no thermal baths, but its territory is part of an area rich in springs, which extends to Gambassi Terme. Before joining the Elsa River, the Casciani stream winds through a landscape shaped by people over the centuries. Remains of old mills, steccaie, gore, charcoal pits, and mule tracks still bear witness to the historic use of its waters. In this area, called Mommialla, there is the natural pool of Bollori, with water which is at a temperature of about 23°C. The water is cloudy due to the presence of clay, once used for healing baths for both humans and pets. Even today, you can see gaseous emissions rich in hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide. The thermal waters, which gave their name to Gambassi Terme, emerge throughout the territory between Gambassi and Montaione, including the mineral spring and the Acqua Salsa di Pillo, also used by the Gambassi thermal facilities.

Find out more: termedigambassi.com

Fucecchio marshes: the largest inland marsh in Italy

Covering an area of about 1,800 hectares between the provinces of Florence and Pistoia, the Fucecchio Marsh is the largest Italian inland swamp, which extends into the municipalities of Cerreto Guidi and Fucecchio. Since ancient times, the area has been considered dangerous and unhealthy. Stories say that Hannibal, the Carthaginian military leader, lost an eye there and almost all of his elephants during the march to Rome. During the Renaissance, Cosimo I de’ Medici had the Chiusa di Ponte a Cappiano still visible today built to regulate water levels, improve irrigation, and facilitate river transport. The area, rich in fauna, was also a destination for hunting trips from the nearby Villa Medicea in Cerreto Guidi.

Today, the Marsh is a refuge for plants and a paradise for birdwatchers, with more than 150 species of birds, including herons, Italian knights and black storks, visible especially in spring. On the Le Morette nature trail you can explore the area on foot or by bike, starting from Castelmartini, home of the Visitor’s Centre, where guided excursions are organized. Alternatively, from the town of Casotto del Sordo, near Fucecchio, you can it take a small boat and travel between reeds, immersing yourself completely in the nature and history of the reserve.

Find out more: visittuscany.com