The best walks and hikes around Fiesole

Panoramic hill overlooking Lago Nascosto and the Peretola area, with beautiful views of the Florence plain to the south, the Pistoia mountains, Abetone, and Monte Senario to the northwest.

An ancient 17th-century butter factory, located about ten meters from the path leading up to the Giogo. Still well preserved, thanks to restoration of the vault, it features three basins and a dairy shelf with a central gutter.

Marian shrine dating back to the 15th century, built on the site of a pre-existing medieval monastic oratory from the 10th/11th centuries. It was later expanded in subsequent centuries, reaching its current 19th-century structure. Beautiful view of the valley below.

Burraia di Fonterinalda

With a steep climb you quickly reach this beautiful sanctuary located in a panoramic position over the Sieve valley. The Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie al Sasso is part of the Parish of Lubaco - Diocese of Fiesole - and is located above the town of S. Brigida, Municipality of Pontassieve. On 2 July 1484 the Madonna appeared with Baby Jesus in the arms of two little sisters named Ricovera, on the rock adjacent to a tabernacle near a hermit settlement (later incorporated into the Sanctuary), which was the refuge and oratory of Saint Andrew of Scotland (actually of Ireland, also called Andrea Scoto), brother of Saint Brigid of Ireland, the Saint who chose as a place of hermitage a cave not far away, about 2 km, where the town that will take the name of Santa Brigida will later arise. Between 1484 and 1485, the Madonna appeared several times to the Ricovera shepherdesses, asking that a church be built in that same place because, she told the two Ricovera shepherdesses: "Here I like to be venerated and from here to pour out graces on those who ask me for them". But it was the great apparition of the Madonna with the Baby Jesus in her arms in front of all the people, several hundred people who were gathered there to pray on 22 August 1485, that definitively resolved the doubts about the previous apparitions and gave the final push to the construction of the Sanctuary, which was completed in 1504. Between 1615 and 1675, the large portico facing the facades was also built, so that the numerous pilgrims could find refuge there in case of bad weather.

Not a difficult route, alternating dirt road sections (uphill and downhill) with asphalt sections. Truly suggestive landscape. Route to do when the time available is NOT more than about 1 hour and 30 minutes

Climbing park in the forest. Access is via an unpaved road.

This monument is situated within the scenic natural reserve of Monte Ceceri in Fiesole, an area closely associated with Leonardo's early experiments and studies. Leonardo da Vinci is celebrated here with a stone engraving in Piazzale Leonardo, which references his famous work on the flight of birds. This location is historically significant as it is believed to be the testing ground for his flying machine, the "Grande Nibbio." The panoramic views from this spot not only offer a glimpse into Leonardo's life but also provide breathtaking vistas over Florence and the surrounding countryside. Visitors can follow the CAI path 7, starting from the Cave di Maiano, leading to this historically rich piazza. The walk through the nature reserve, past historical quarries, and up to Piazzale Leonardo is a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it a must-visit for those exploring the Via degli Dei.