Discover 5 authentic Tuscan Villages in the heart of the Mugello
In the Mugello, wonder lives in the silence between the fields, broken only by the rustle of wind through the olive trees. It lingers in the cool shade of cobbled alleys that still echo with generations past. And it gathers in the squares of small villages, where days unfold in quiet conversation over market stalls brimming with local produce.
Here, time feels like it has chosen to slow down. To explore the villages of the Mugello is to get closer to a truer, quieter Tuscany, one that reveals its beauty only to those willing to welcome it slowly.
In the lines that follow, we’ll take you through five hidden gems in the heart of the Mugello, all just a short distance from Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort. Each with its own soul, voice, and rhythm, but all connected by a thread that ties them deeply to the land.
1. Ronta: the green gateway to the Mugello
Just 10 minutes from Villa Campestri, Ronta is a small village nestled among chestnut woods and the gentle curves of the Apennines. In the early 1900s, it was a popular summer retreat for Florentine families in search of fresh air and peace. Walking through its historic center, you’ll find Art Nouveau facades, stone fountains, a Romanesque church, and forest trails inviting you to venture further.
An ideal starting point for nature hikes (Monte Giovi, Monte Senario) and a haven of tranquillity for those seeking calm.
2. Grezzano: a Village of craft and taste
Just under 20 minutes from Villa Campestri, Grezzano is tiny, but full of charm. It’s home to the Casa d’Erci Museum of Rural Life, an immersive journey through the tools, spaces, and traditions of Tuscan farming culture. Surrounded by rolling fields, the village still moves to the rhythm of the land, with stone houses, old farmyards, and a quiet authenticity that feels almost suspended in time.
It’s the perfect stop for anyone who wants to discover the most genuine side of Tuscany, handmade goods, local producers, and a deep connection to the land. While you’re here, don’t miss the chance to take home some olive oil, honey, or other farm-fresh products from the area.
3. Gattaia: the Village of silence
About 25 minutes from the resort, Gattaia feels like time has paused. Perched between sky and mountain, this tiny cluster of stone houses opens onto wide, breathtaking views. No cafés, no shops: only the wind in the chestnut trees and the stories of elders sitting on stone steps.
For those in search of stillness, solitude, or a picnic in nature with panoramic views all around.
4. Corella: in Dante’s footsteps
Roughly 30 minutes from Villa Campestri, Corella is among the most evocative villages in the Mugello. It was once home to Dino Compagni, the chronicler of Florence, during his exile. The stone buildings whisper of centuries past, and the surrounding landscape feels like it belongs in a line of verse-wild, stirring, almost sacred.
Why visit? To immerse yourself in the medieval soul of Tuscany, among legends and ancient forests. From here, the CAI hiking trail leads to the secluded hermitage of Gamogna.
5. Casaglia: where the road ends and the forest begins
More remote and rugged, Casaglia lies about 40 minutes away. This tiny village marks the edge of the wildest part of the Mugello. From its little square, some of the area’s most beautiful hiking trails begin, toward Monte Lavane, the Colla Pass, and the Valley of Hell (Valle dell’Inferno).
Perfect to walk deep into unspoiled nature and return, content and tired, to the welcoming embrace of Villa Campestri.
3 simple tips for exploring Tuscan Villages in total relaxation
- Wear comfortable shoes – these villages are made for walking.
- Check local events ahead of time – on weekends, you might find festivals, concerts, or local markets.
- Pack a picnic – some villages, like Gattaia or Casaglia, have no cafés or restaurants. Ask the staff at Villa Campestri to prepare a lunch with local specialties.
Your starting point, your return: Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort
Whether you visit one village or wander through them all, Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort is the perfect base. After a day of stone alleys and rolling hills, our estate welcomes you back with the timeless beauty of Tuscany: Renaissance furnishings that whisper of history, elegant rooms steeped in the charm of a bygone era, and views that look like they’ve been painted by hand.
Each morning begins with an invitation to explore. Each evening feels like coming home, surrounded by beauty, peace, and the living memory of this land.
Quick Booking snippet
Thanks to its varied elevations and woodland, the Mugello enjoys a particularly long and gradual foliage season. Chestnut, beech and oak trees change colour at different times, transforming the landscape week after week just a short drive from Florence. In this guide, you’ll find the best routes to choose depending on how much time you […]
Extra virgin olive oil is a natural product that continues to evolve after pressing. Heat, light and oxygen accelerate this process and gradually affect both flavour and quality. At Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort, this is something we know well. Our family has been producing extra virgin olive oil for generations, using olives grown in […]
Mugello is best known for its charming villages, ancient woodlands, historic villas and quintessential Tuscan landscapes. What many people don’t realise is that, after sunset, its clear skies and low levels of light pollution create ideal conditions for observing constellations, planets and, at the right time of year, even the Milky Way stretching across the […]
Villa Campestri, the world’s first Olive Oil Resort, transforms extra virgin olive oil into an experience that brings together nature, gastronomy, wellbeing and a deep connection to the land.
Have you ever woken up in the morning feeling as tired as when you went to bed? Or found yourself exhausted at night, only to lie awake for hours? Perhaps you’ve experienced that familiar afternoon slump, when your energy suddenly disappears for no obvious reason. Most of us blame stress, a busy schedule or lack […]
One of the most meaningful experiences during a trip to Tuscany, beyond visiting art cities or iconic landscapes, is connecting with everyday local life. That connection often happens in village markets, artisan workshops, and small food shops where products are made for the people who live there year-round, not just for visitors. In this guide, […]
How to get to Mugello from Florence and how to travel around Tuscany with or without a car. Distances, trains, buses and transfers.
Romantic weekend in Tuscany between Mugello and Florence: scenic rooms, candlelight dinners, and olive oil tastings. Discover Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort.