{"id":67776,"date":"2026-10-16T19:49:33","date_gmt":"2026-10-16T17:49:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/?p=67776"},"modified":"2026-10-16T19:54:46","modified_gmt":"2026-10-16T17:54:46","slug":"florence-bike-hills-panoramic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/2026\/10\/florence-bike-hills-panoramic\/","title":{"rendered":"Florence by Bike: From the City Centre to the Hills, Among Art and Panoramic Views"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A sunny autumn weekend, a bicycle, and the desire to discover a different side of Florence. From the city\u2019s squares to the Certosa del Galluzzo, via museums, country lanes and panoramic terraces, this itinerary surprised us with its variety of landscapes and experiences.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/florence\/guide\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.it\/firenze\/guida\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Florence<\/a><\/strong> is a city that never seems to stop surprising you. Even when you think you know it well, all it takes is a <strong>change of perspective<\/strong> to discover something new. That is exactly what we did during a sunny autumn weekend, hopping on our bikes and gradually leaving the busiest streets of the city centre behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That was the real surprise: in just a few hours, we travelled from Renaissance squares to the banks of the Arno, from museum galleries to little lanes winding through olive groves, eventually reaching an ancient monastery in the hills. And on the way back, we treated ourselves to some of the most beautiful views of the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A <strong>leisurely cycling itinerary<\/strong> that reveals a different side of Florence, to be enjoyed outdoors, combining culture, nature and pleasant stops along the way. Sometimes, all it takes is a bicycle to discover just how varied the landscape around an art city can be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">First stop: the Museo degli Innocenti and a coffee with a view<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Our day began in the heart of Florence, cycling through the city centre to Piazza della Santissima Annunziata, one of the city\u2019s most elegant squares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is where you will find the historic Ospedale degli Innocenti, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi in 1419. Today, the complex houses a museum exploring art, architecture and the history of childhood, with a permanent collection and temporary exhibitions well worth visiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"490\" src=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/ospedale-brunelleschi.jpg\" alt=\"Detail of the facade of the Ospedale degli Innocenti in Florence, with a capital and putti in bas-relief against a blue background.\" class=\"wp-image-67790\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/ospedale-brunelleschi.jpg 870w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/ospedale-brunelleschi-536x302.jpg 536w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/ospedale-brunelleschi-768x433.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/ospedale-brunelleschi-570x320.jpg 570w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/ospedale-brunelleschi-344x194.jpg 344w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A detail of the Ospedale degli Innocenti, a Renaissance masterpiece designed by Filippo Brunelleschi in Piazza Santissima Annunziata, Florence. Photo by S. Ombellini<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>We stopped to see a photography exhibition: a perfect cultural break before getting back on our bikes. This is one of the things that makes cycling in Florence so special: you don\u2019t have to choose between riding and visiting a museum. You can simply do both, following your curiosity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"490\" src=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/bar-sui-tetti-della-citta.jpg\" alt=\"The loggia of Caff\u00e8 del Verone at the Museo degli Innocenti, with panoramic views over Florence\u2019s rooftops and Brunelleschi\u2019s dome.\" class=\"wp-image-67791\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/bar-sui-tetti-della-citta.jpg 870w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/bar-sui-tetti-della-citta-536x302.jpg 536w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/bar-sui-tetti-della-citta-768x433.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/bar-sui-tetti-della-citta-570x320.jpg 570w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/bar-sui-tetti-della-citta-344x194.jpg 344w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">From the terrace of Caff\u00e8 del Verone, on the top floor of the Ospedale degli Innocenti, the view stretches across Florence\u2019s rooftops to Brunelleschi\u2019s dome. Photo by S. Ombellini<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>And then there is <em>Caff\u00e8 del Verone<\/em>, a stop we recommend even if you are short on time. It is located in the <strong>historic loggia on the top floor of the building<\/strong>, once used as a drying area, and features a <strong>panoramic terrace<\/strong> overlooking Florence\u2019s rooftops and monuments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sitting here for a coffee, with the city spread out before you, is a little luxury to enjoy before setting off again. The caf\u00e9 is also accessible to visitors who are not visiting the museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cycling through the historic centre, between squares and riverbanks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After our break, we got back on our bikes and rode through the historic centre. Cycling in Florence means constantly coming across <strong>views that make you want to stop<\/strong>: monumental facades, ancient streets, squares that look like theatrical sets, and corners where everyday life blends with the beauty of art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"490\" src=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/firenze-in-bici.jpg\" alt=\"Florence by bike: views of the streets leading to Piazza della Signoria and Piazza Santa Croce in the historic centre.\" class=\"wp-image-67792\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/firenze-in-bici.jpg 870w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/firenze-in-bici-536x302.jpg 536w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/firenze-in-bici-768x433.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/firenze-in-bici-570x320.jpg 570w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/firenze-in-bici-344x194.jpg 344w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cycling between Florence\u2019s historic squares, from Piazza della Signoria to Piazza Santa Croce, and discovering the beauty of the city. Photo by S. Ombellini<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Highlights include <strong>Piazza della Signoria<\/strong>, with Palazzo Vecchio and its sculptures, and <strong>Piazza Santa Croce<\/strong>, dominated by the facade of the basilica.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our advice is not to turn your visit into a race. In busier areas, it is best to get off your bike and continue on foot, respecting pedestrian zones and watching out for traffic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"490\" src=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/lungarno.jpg\" alt=\"Cycling along the Arno in Florence, with historic buildings reflected in the water.\" class=\"wp-image-67793\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/lungarno.jpg 870w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/lungarno-536x302.jpg 536w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/lungarno-768x433.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/lungarno-570x320.jpg 570w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/lungarno-344x194.jpg 344w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cycling along Florence\u2019s riverbanks, between reflections on the Arno and historic palaces, is a lovely way to explore the city at a relaxed pace. Photo by S. Ombellini<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Then the city changes pace. Once we reached the riverbanks, the ride became more relaxed as we followed the Arno, passing bridges, reflections on the water and unusual views that invite you to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/2018\/12\/unusual-florence-river-arno\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">discover Florence from the Arno, away for a moment from its best-known viewpoints<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">From the city streets to the Certosa del Galluzzo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"490\" src=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/Certosa-1.jpg\" alt=\"Olive trees on the hills around Florence, with the Certosa del Galluzzo in the background.\" class=\"wp-image-67795\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/Certosa-1.jpg 870w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/Certosa-1-536x302.jpg 536w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/Certosa-1-768x433.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/Certosa-1-570x320.jpg 570w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/Certosa-1-344x194.jpg 344w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Certosa del Galluzzo among the olive trees. Photo by S. Ombellini<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Leaving the city centre heading south, we made our way towards <strong>Porta Romana<\/strong> and the Galluzzo district, where the urban landscape gradually begins to change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is where the most surprising part of our itinerary begins: Florence seems to recede into the distance as <strong>gardens<\/strong>, <strong>stone walls<\/strong>, <strong>olive trees<\/strong> and <strong>hilly roads<\/strong> come into view. It is a landscape that reveals an <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/2018\/08\/florence-hills-tuscany\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">authentic side of Tuscany<\/a><\/strong>, waiting to be discovered along the secondary roads and in the villages surrounding the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"490\" src=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/in-bici.jpg\" alt=\"Cycling route through the hills of Florence, among stone walls, gardens and green landscapes.\" class=\"wp-image-67797\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/in-bici.jpg 870w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/in-bici-536x302.jpg 536w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/in-bici-768x433.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/in-bici-570x320.jpg 570w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/in-bici-344x194.jpg 344w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cycling along the secondary roads around Florence, between stone walls, gardens and views of the Tuscan countryside.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are looking for a less busy route, one option is to head towards the Due Strade area and continue along <strong>Via del Podest\u00e0<\/strong>, a historic road lined with walls and houses. From here, you reach <strong>Piazza Acciaiuoli<\/strong>, in the heart of the Galluzzo district, where we came across a lively market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our destination was the <strong>Certosa del Galluzzo<\/strong>, one of the most fascinating monastic complexes around Florence. Founded in the 14th century at the behest of Niccol\u00f2 Acciaiuoli, it stands on the summit of Monte Acuto and preserves a rich heritage of art, architecture and spirituality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"490\" src=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/certosa.jpg\" alt=\"The Certosa del Galluzzo in Florence, with views of the historic cloister and an area dedicated to Carthusian liqueurs and specialities.\" class=\"wp-image-67794\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/certosa.jpg 870w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/certosa-536x302.jpg 536w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/certosa-768x433.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/certosa-570x320.jpg 570w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/certosa-344x194.jpg 344w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">At the Certosa del Galluzzo, art and spirituality come together among historic cloisters and the tradition of Carthusian liqueurs. Photo by S. Ombellini<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Passing through its walls feels like entering a <strong>different world<\/strong>. There are graceful <strong>cloisters<\/strong>, monastic spaces, a <strong>church rich in works of art<\/strong> and the famous <strong>lunette frescoes by Pontormo<\/strong>, painted in 1523 and among the complex\u2019s most precious artistic treasures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A visit offers the chance to discover a place that often remains off the beaten track, despite being just a few kilometres from the city centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"490\" src=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/certosa-in-bici.jpg\" alt=\"Hilly landscape around the Certosa del Galluzzo, with greenery and Tuscan countryside.\" class=\"wp-image-67798\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/certosa-in-bici.jpg 870w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/certosa-in-bici-536x302.jpg 536w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/certosa-in-bici-768x433.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/certosa-in-bici-570x320.jpg 570w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/certosa-in-bici-344x194.jpg 344w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The hills around the Certosa del Galluzzo, a green and peaceful landscape just a few kilometres from Florence\u2019s city centre. Photo by S. Ombellini<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>We also loved the setting: surrounded by rolling hills, the Certosa is a wonderful place to stop, enjoy the sunshine and catch your breath before the return journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Good to know:<\/strong> the interior can be visited on guided tours lasting around an hour, subject to the schedule set by the community responsible for the complex. Before setting off, check the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.certosadifirenze.it\/visiteorari-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">official Certosa di Firenze website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The scenic return: San Miniato al Monte and Piazzale Michelangelo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After our visit, the day was far from over. We still had the ride back towards Florence ahead of us, along a route offering some of the city\u2019s most beautiful views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"490\" src=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/colline-attorno-a-firenze.jpg\" alt=\"Green hills and rural landscapes along a cycling route in the countryside around Florence.\" class=\"wp-image-67799\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/colline-attorno-a-firenze.jpg 870w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/colline-attorno-a-firenze-536x302.jpg 536w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/colline-attorno-a-firenze-768x433.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/colline-attorno-a-firenze-570x320.jpg 570w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/colline-attorno-a-firenze-344x194.jpg 344w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cycling through the hills around Florence, along secondary roads, lush greenery and views of the Tuscan countryside. Photo by S. Ombellini<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>One option for returning from the Galluzzo is to take the <strong>secondary roads<\/strong> towards Cascine del Riccio and the surrounding hills, with uphill stretches through olive groves and past stone walls. This is a more demanding alternative, best suited to cyclists who still have energy to spare and are comfortable riding on hilly terrain. An <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.it\/blog\/2017\/01\/e-bike-mobilita-sostenibile\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"23804\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">e-bike<\/a><\/strong> can make the climbs more manageable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"490\" src=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/san-miniato.jpg\" alt=\"Geometric facade of the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte in Florence, decorated with white and green marble, with a newlywed couple standing in front of the entrance.\" class=\"wp-image-67800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/san-miniato.jpg 870w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/san-miniato-536x302.jpg 536w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/san-miniato-768x433.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/san-miniato-570x320.jpg 570w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/san-miniato-344x194.jpg 344w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Romanesque facade of San Miniato al Monte, with its geometric patterns in white and green marble. Photo by S. Ombellini<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you reach the Viale dei Colli area, it is well worth heading towards <strong>San Miniato al Monte<\/strong>, one of Florence\u2019s most beautiful basilicas. Its <strong>marble facade<\/strong>, peaceful atmosphere and panoramic setting make it a special stop, quite different from the busier places in the city centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From here, your gaze takes in the rooftops, towers and domes of the city. It is a viewpoint that allows you to <strong>take in Florence as a whole<\/strong>, while also appreciating how close the countryside is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"490\" src=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/piazzale-michelangelo-870x490.jpeg\" alt=\"Panoramic view of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo, with the rooftops of the historic centre and Brunelleschi\u2019s dome.\" class=\"wp-image-67802\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/piazzale-michelangelo-870x490.jpeg 870w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/piazzale-michelangelo-570x320.jpeg 570w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The view of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo, one of the most scenic spots to admire the city and its landmarks. Photo by S. Ombellini<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A little further downhill lies <strong>Piazzale Michelangelo<\/strong>, the famous viewpoint overlooking the Arno and the historic city centre. It is a popular stop, but remains one of the most moving places to admire the city before heading back down towards the riverbanks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The descent requires care, especially on steep sections and where pedestrians and traffic are present. Once back in the city centre, however, you will feel as though you have travelled through several different landscapes in a single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Florence by bike: a different way to discover the city<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"490\" src=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/firenze-in-bici-2.jpg\" alt=\"Cycling along a secondary road near Florence, between dry-stone walls and the Tuscan hills.\" class=\"wp-image-67787\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/firenze-in-bici-2.jpg 870w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/firenze-in-bici-2-536x302.jpg 536w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/firenze-in-bici-2-768x433.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/firenze-in-bici-2-570x320.jpg 570w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/firenze-in-bici-2-344x194.jpg 344w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The country lanes around Florence wind through an authentic landscape of dry-stone walls, greenery and rolling hills. Photo by S. Ombellini<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>What struck us most was the <strong>variety of the experience<\/strong>. On a single itinerary, we encountered art, history, architecture, rural landscapes and city views, without having to travel far.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cycling allows you to experience the transitions between these different worlds: the noise of the central streets gives way to the flowing river, then to the hill roads and finally to the views from above. Every stop has its own character and its own pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is also a way to experience the city more mindfully, stopping wherever something catches your interest and leaving room for unexpected discoveries. A museum, a panoramic caf\u00e9, an ancient monastery: you do not need to cover great distances to enjoy a trip full of experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For anyone choosing a <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/2019\/11\/carbon-footprint-vacation\/\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/2019\/11\/carbon-footprint-vacation\/\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">more sustainable holiday<\/a><\/strong>, the <strong>bicycle<\/strong> is a great ally, especially when combined with train travel to Florence and an <a href=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/florence\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.it\/firenze\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">eco-conscious place to stay where you can set off directly on two wheels<\/a>. Of course, the route requires some planning: not all roads have cycle lanes, and some climbs can be demanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But if you enjoy combining culture and nature, discovering lesser-known corners and seeing a city from different perspectives, Florence by bike might surprise you just as much as it surprised us!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For a longer ride: the cycling loop around Florence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you would like to turn your outing into a full <strong>day of cycle touring<\/strong>, you can choose a much longer route: the <strong>cycling loop around Florence<\/strong>, part of the <em>Strade Zitte<\/em> project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"490\" src=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/Screenshot-from-2026-10-16-19-03-30-870x490.png\" alt=\"Map of an 83 km cycling route through the hills around Florence, passing Medici villas, Fiesole and the Certosa del Galluzzo.\" class=\"wp-image-67788\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/Screenshot-from-2026-10-16-19-03-30-870x490.png 870w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/10\/Screenshot-from-2026-10-16-19-03-30-570x320.png 570w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An approximately 83 km loop around Florence, following secondary roads through the Tuscan hills, historic villas and villages to discover the area by bike. Map via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visittuscany.com\/it\/itinerari-bike\/intorno-a-firenze-in-bicicletta\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Visit Tuscany<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The route described by <em>Visit Tuscany<\/em> covers around 83 kilometres and is demanding both physically and technically. Starting from <strong>Parco delle Cascine<\/strong>, it passes through landscapes and places of great interest, including the <strong>Medici villas<\/strong> of La Petraia and Castello, <strong>Monte Morello<\/strong>, the <strong>Villa Demidoff Park<\/strong> in Pratolino, <strong>Fiesole<\/strong> and the <strong>Certosa del Galluzzo<\/strong>, before returning to Florence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The route combines challenging climbs, descents, secondary roads and cycle paths. A <strong>road bike<\/strong> is suitable for much of the itinerary, while a <strong>gravel bike<\/strong> can be useful on more difficult sections. If you prefer to tackle the climbs with less effort, consider an <strong>e-bike<\/strong>, checking its range and the total elevation gain beforehand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Our advice?<\/strong> If you have a weekend to spare, choose a shorter route and leave yourself time for a visit, a sunny break and a few unplanned detours. In Florence, even a few hours of cycling can become a little journey through different worlds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Cover photo: Silvia Ombellini<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A sunny autumn weekend, a bicycle, and the desire to discover a different side of Florence. From the city\u2019s squares to the Certosa del Galluzzo, via museums, country lanes and panoramic terraces, this itinerary surprised us with its variety of landscapes and experiences. Florence is a city that never seems to stop surprising you. Even [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":67778,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[214],"tags":[1633,3111,413,3473,1335,71,83],"class_list":["post-67776","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-curiosity","tag-bicycle-routes","tag-e-bike-routes","tag-florence","tag-hills","tag-itineraries","tag-slow-travel","tag-tuscany"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Florence by Bike: From the City Centre to the Hills - Ecobnb<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover Florence by bike on an itinerary through the historic city centre, along the Arno riverbanks, to the Certosa del Galluzzo and the panoramic views of the Tuscan hills.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/2026\/10\/florence-bike-hills-panoramic\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Florence by Bike: From the City Centre to the Hills - 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I think it is urgent to be able to live in harmony with the ecosystem we are part of. After the birth of my second baby, Leo, I began to work at Ecobnb, an adventure undertaken to change the way we travel, to make it more sustainable, respectful of the environment, places and people.","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/silvia.ombellini"],"url":"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/author\/silvia\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67776","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=67776"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67776\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":67803,"href":"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67776\/revisions\/67803"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/67778"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=67776"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=67776"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=67776"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}