In Tuscany on foot: three unforgettable paths

There is not only the Via Francigena, whose Italian stretch entirely crosses the boot: Italy is increasingly rich in itineraries for modern pilgrims. And Tuscany is one of the most satisfying destinations for an outdoor backpacking adventure, even for a few days: it combines the gentle slopes of the hills with the green countryside, the coolness of the woods with the blue of the sea. Even if they are already known landscapes, walking through them completely changes the perspective. And also the rhythm: of the breath, of the legs, of the thoughts.

As David Le Breton writes, «walking is an activity that totally occupies time, but in slowness. It means resisting the imperatives of the contemporary world that extinguish the taste for life ».

It is the best way to release your stressed mind
“Walking brings so many benefits that you don’t realize until you do it for two or three days in a row,” he explains Milena Romano, author with her husband Vincenzo Moscati of the guide Tuscany on foot (Terre di mezzo publisher, also available in app Routes of lands, downloadable for free from the App store and Google Play). The itineraries suggested in the guide, of which we propose some excerpts, are developed by the couple, who created them by connecting parts of existing paths to other roads or Cai paths. Both passionate about traveling on foot, Milena and Vincenzo have begun to discover – or rather, rediscover – the most beautiful paths in their region “also to get away from work – says Romano, who is a manager in a large company and mother of two children. first day of walking the head still works “a thousand”: you think about the things to do, the commitments … Then, already from the second day, the gaze changes. The mind is free. Nothing relaxes me more than this ».

Walking trips: clothing and equipment
Contrary to what it might seem, multi-day walks are an experience suitable for practically everyone, alone, as a couple or in a group, because they are easily adaptable to your level of training and your needs. The equipment depends on the type of itinerary chosen, but a comfortable pair of shoes is the starting point. It is useful, if it is hot, to bring a pair of comfortable sandals as well. In the backpack, which should not exceed 7-8 kg, do not forget water bottle, long shortened trousers, waterproof windbreaker, hat and sunscreen.

Here are three paths to begin with

1) VALDARNO LOWER, ON FOOT FROM PISA TO FLORENCE
It is a path suitable for lovers of history and culture that winds its way from Pisa to Florence, the two main Tuscan capitals and undoubtedly among the most beautiful cities of art in Italy. Making this journey by car takes only a couple of hours; on foot, instead, six days at a leisurely pace, mostly on flat land, in the wonderful valley carved by the Arno river. After a necessary visit to Piazza dei Miracoli, we leave Pisa behind to arrive at the first stop: Montemagno, a medieval village in the heart of the Pisan mountains. The second day you walk in the Monte Serra Natural Park up to Bientina, while the third day you reach the small village of Ponte a Cappiano. Of considerable interest here is the Medici bridge, which in ancient times already welcomed pilgrims passing through the lower Valdarno. The next stop is Vinci, the village where Leonardo Da Vinci was born in 1452 and where today the unmissable Leonardian Museum stands. The journey is almost complete: once you leave Vinci, you cross the Tuscan hills to the town of Signa, famous for the production of straw hats. Finally, the last stop: the triumphal entry into Florence, whose historic center still shines with its past Renaissance splendor. Walking the path in 6 days you face daily between 14 and 20 km. As explained in the Tuscany walking guide, at each stage there are B & Bs, hostels or hotels where you can stay overnight.

2) THE ETRUSCAN COAST: SEA VIEW FROM CASTIGLIONE DELLA PESCAIA TO PIOMBINO
Walking, yes, but with a sea view. In the four days the Tyrrhenian Sea will be a constant traveling companion to get from Castiglione della Pescaia to Piombino on foot. Perfect in spring, this itinerary takes modern pilgrims between beaches, shady groves and small green oases, as you pass by the naturalistic area of ​​Diaccia Botrona, a renowned destination for bird watching. From Castiglione della Pescaia you arrive at Punta Ala, a wonderful panoramic balcony overlooking the gulf of the same name. From here, crossing some of the most beautiful points of the Etruscan coast, we reach the third stage, Follonica. The time for a bath in salt water and a night of rest and you are ready to leave for Torre del Sale, guarded by the shady Mediterranean scrub of the Sterpaia coastal park. The last stretch of the walk connects Torre del Sale to Piombino, whose Etruscan past is still visible today in the archaeological park. The various intermediate stages, where it is always possible to stay in accommodation facilities, can be easily reached with no more than 15-16 km of walking per day.

3) IN MAREMMA TOWARDS THE TIRRENO: FROM RADICOFANI TO MONTEMARANO
Contact with nature heals, regenerates, relaxes. For those looking for this type of well-being, the journey from Radicofani to Montemerano, which lasts four days, is the most suitable choice. It is a path of great naturalistic interest, in the heart of the Maremma. The starting point is the village of Radicofani, in Val d’Orcia, from which Castell’Azzara is reached. The next day we head for Sorano, one of the most beautiful villages in this area. It is worth visiting the synagogue and the unleavened oven, testimony of the flourishing Jewish ghetto which was established in 1619. The next stop is Sovana, near the archaeological site Parco degli Etruscchi. To reach the small town you pass through Pitigliano, famous for its white wine, and the extraordinary Vie cave dug into the tuff. The last stage leads to Montemerano, considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and a stone’s throw from the famous free thermal baths of Saturnia: the ideal place to restore tired legs from the journey. Covering the route in four days, 17-20 km are completed daily. At each stage there are accommodation facilities, hotels or B & Bs, as illustrated in the Tuscany walking guide.