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Bilancino Lake
Photo © PROPOLI87
Photo © PROPOLI87

By camper between Mugello and Fiesole

Ideas for a trip by camper or caravan among mountains, hills and Bilancino Lake

PleinAir
by  PleinAir

Ideas for getting around in the Mugello valley, north of Florence, among mountains, hills and Bilancino Lake. A perfect place for lovers of nature and outdoor activities, on foot, by bike or on horseback.

Contents
  • 1.
    Firenzuola
  • 2.
    Bilancino Lake
  • 3.
    Borgo San Lorenzo
  • 4.
    Pratolino Medici Park
  • 5.
    Fiesole

Firenzuola

San Zanobi Stone
San Zanobi Stone - Credit: PRB86

Its arcades offer an opportunity for a pleasant stroll. Little Firenzuola, the capital of ‘pietra serena’ as it is called, houses the museum of the same name in the basement of the beautiful fortress.

Today it is considered an ideal place to explore the heights of Mugello and naturalistic beauties, such as the San Zanobi Stone or some of the endless panoramic views scattered on the 126 kilometers of trails perfect for trekking.

A camper rest area is located at Viale Sandro Pertini, 24.

Bilancino Lake

Bilancino Lake
Bilancino Lake - Credit: Plein Air Service s.r.l.

The lake was built to increase the water supply of the Florence, Prato and Pistoia areas and opened in the late 1990s. It represents a bathing alternative to coastal beaches, where one can relax and play outdoor sports surrounded by greenery. Its swimmable shores offer refreshment facilities and equipped establishments, as well as free beaches, and it is possible to practice sport fishing, rent pedal boats, sailboats, windsurfs, canoes, kayaks, and sup for exciting excursions on the surface of the water. Bicycles can also be rented for a lake-view two-wheeled ride.

A rest area is located at Viale Antonio Gramsci in Barberino di Mugello.

Borgo San Lorenzo

Borgo San Lorenzo, Villa Pecori Giraldi
Borgo San Lorenzo, Villa Pecori Giraldi - Credit: Sailko

Borgo San Lorenzo is the largest town in Mugello. Among the ancient streets of the historic center, the San Lorenzo Parish Church, dating back to the 10th century, stands out. Also not to be missed is the 14th-century Podestà Palace, which displays all the noble crests of the Florentine families that have ruled the town over time. Worth visiting, among the various villas, is that of the Pecori Giraldi, which houses inside the Chini Manufacturing Museum where it is possible to admire vases, jugs and pitchers in ceramics and stoneware.

A rest area is located at Via Caduti di Montelungo.
The countryside surrounding the village is dotted with ancient parish churches. The charming area lends itself well to walking, hiking and biking routes.

Pratolino Medici Park

The Giant by Giambologna in Pratolino
The Giant by Giambologna in Pratolino - Credit: paolo giusti

The Pratolino Medici Park, a site recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, is part of Villa Demidoff, a beautiful estate located in Vaglia, a short distance from Florence.

In the historic garden of the Medici villa are ancient trees, meadows and historic buildings including the Buontalenti chapel. The highlight is certainly The Giant of the Apennines, a statue-fountain by Giambologna that observes us from its 10-meter height, rising among magnificent oaks over a pond dotted with lotus flowers.

Ample parking is located near the entrance to the park.
Please note: the villa park is open to the public free of charge from April to October.

Fiesole

Cathedral of Fiesole
Cathedral of Fiesole - Credit: Enrico Caracciolo

Fiesole sits atop a hill surrounded by countryside dotted with beautiful historic villas.

Among the town's treasures are the Cathedral of San Romolo, the Bishop's Palace and the ancient Church of Santa Maria Primerana. Continuing on to the ancient acropolis you can admire the Basilica of Sant’Alessandro, the church with the convent, and the Missionary Museum of St. Francis. Also not to be missed is the Civic Archaeological Museum.

For the visit, we can use the parking lot not dedicated to RVs at Via degli Artigiani, 1, or we can use the equipped accommodation facilities to welcome campers.

On the outskirts of Florence, Fiesole is an ideal spot for nature walks and bike rides, for example to Monte Ceceri or the Caldine.

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