Why staying in the Mugello is the smartest way to visit Florence and Tuscany
Anyone visiting Florence for the first time imagines a stay right in the historic center, surrounded by museums, piazzas, and narrow cobblestone streets. It takes only a day, however, to realize that Florence is wonderful to explore yet challenging to inhabit. Between ZTL restrictions, scarce and expensive parking, constant noise, and high prices for even modest accommodations, more and more travelers choose to stay outside the city, in quieter landscapes immersed in nature, well connected to Florence and the rest of Tuscany.
The Mugello fits this need perfectly. Just 35 km from Florence, it’s an ideal base not only thanks to its strategic location, but also for the opportunity to alternate art, nature, and pure relaxation.
In this guide, you’ll find a clear explanation of why the Mugello is such a convenient home base, how to reach Florence and the main Tuscan cities with ease, and why Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort can turn your stay in Tuscany into a truly memorable experience.
The Mugello, close to Florence, far from the city noise
The Mugello is the green valley stretching north of Florence, a region of historic villages, forest paths, lakes, and centuries‑old hills. Its position makes it the perfect choice for anyone who wants to visit Florence without staying in the city, sleeping in silence, dining under the stars, waking up among olive trees instead of traffic.
- By car: Florence is about 35-40 minutes away from Barberino or Vicchio, along scenic roads with generally smooth traffic.
- By train: Several regional lines connect Mugello towns (such as Borgo San Lorenzo) to Firenze Santa Maria Novella, allowing you to leave the car behind and reach the city easily by public transport.
Unlike other Tuscan areas, the Mugello is genuinely close to Florence yet still completely authentic. Staying here means easier parking, more space, better prices, and a more relaxed rhythm, without giving up the chance to enjoy Florence whenever you wish.
It’s a formula seasoned travelers love because it reduces stress without sacrificing anything important.
More than Florence: nature, villages, and the real tuscan landscape at your doorstep
The Mugello is one of Tuscany’s most authentic regions, with landscapes many travelers never reach, but that stay with you once discovered.
Here, you can:
- Walk through forests and rolling hills. In our article “Trekking in Tuscany” you’ll find 5 curated routes for different skill levels.
- Visit historic villages like Scarperia e San Piero, with its medieval center and artisan workshops. (You can explore more in our guide “Five authentic Tuscan villages not to miss in the Mugello.”)
- Discover Medici villas, castles, and traces of local history.
- Enjoy genuine Tuscan flavors in village restaurants and seasonal festivals.
This kind of experience completes a visit to Florence. After a day spent among the Duomo, the Uffizi, and Ponte Vecchio, you return to a place where breakfast comes with a view of the hills. The next morning, you can set off for another adventure.
From here you can easily reach:
- Arezzo, Lucca, Siena, Pisa, perfect for day trips
- Chianti and its wine hills, panoramic routes and tastings
- Lake Bilancino, water sports and outdoor relaxation
Thanks to this central position, you won’t need to change hotels every day, as often happens when sleeping only in cities. From the Mugello, you can take one‑day trips to many of Tuscany’s most beloved destinations, returning each evening to the peace of the countryside.
Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort: your Tuscan Agriturismo in the heart of the Mugello
Staying in the Mugello is a wonderful choice, but staying in a place that truly embodies the spirit of Tuscany makes all the difference.
At Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort, landscape, local culture, and tranquility meet. The Mugello reveals its true nature here: an oasis that welcomes you and stays with you.
Imagine waking up among olive trees and breathing the scent of the countryside; relaxing in a panoramic pool; dining on local dishes paired with the extra virgin olive oil produced right here on the estate. Every window opens onto greenery. Every detail tells a story. Every breakfast carries the flavor of authentic tradition.
It’s the perfect place for travelers seeking beauty and quality of life, those who want to truly inhabit a piece of Tuscany rather than simply visit it.
At Villa Campestri, we look forward to welcoming you in the coming season, with the elegance of a historic residence and the genuine warmth of Tuscan land. Close to everything, far from noise and stress.
Choose the Mugello as your base for exploring Florence and Tuscany. You’ll discover that every journey becomes richer when you start from the right place, and, more importantly, when that place helps you rediscover yourself.
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Anyone visiting Florence for the first time imagines a stay right in the historic center, surrounded by museums, piazzas, and narrow cobblestone streets. It takes only a day, however, to realize that Florence is wonderful to explore yet challenging to inhabit. Between ZTL restrictions, scarce and expensive parking, constant noise, and high prices for even […]