Top 20 Natural Monuments in Florence
Best natural monuments in Florence are found within a region characterized by diverse natural landscapes, including mountain ranges and national parks. The Apennine Mountains form a significant natural feature, offering rugged peaks and extensive forests. These areas provide varied terrain, from ancient woodlands to dramatic rock formations and waterfalls, contributing to the region's biodiversity. The natural monuments around Florence offer opportunities to explore Tuscany's natural beauty beyond its urban centers.
Best natural monuments in Florence
- The most popular natural monuments is Mount Cantagrilli, a summit belonging to the Calvana Mountains. This panoramic meadow peak offers views of the Marina valley and Monte Morello, and is known for wild horses and cows.
- Another must-see spot is Croce della Retaia, a summit in the Calvana mountains. From this viewpoint, visitors can see the Florentine plain and the city of Prato, with extensive panoramas on clear days.
- Visitors also love View of Acquacheta Waterfall, a waterfall that makes a drop of over 70 meters. Its evocative beauty comes from the spectacular drop and the way the waters branch out onto a rocky outcrop with stratified steps.
- Florence is known for its mountains, waterfalls, and forests. The region offers a variety of natural monuments to see and explore, from high-altitude summits to ancient woodlands and significant water features.
- The natural monuments in Florence are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 245 upvotes and 196 photos shared across 88 highlights.
Last updated: May 13, 2026
View of Acquacheta Waterfall
Highlight • Waterfall
The evocative beauty of the Acquacheta waterfall is due to the spectacular drop and the particular arrangement of the waters, which descend and branch out onto an imposing rocky outcrop with stratified steps with a succession of small waterfalls and steep slides.
Even the Lavane waterfall which is located immediately after 100 meters from the Acquacheta waterfall is an evocative sight: the water falls, flowing swooping down a smooth rock face, into an almost circular body of water, very deep and colorful bright green, bordered by rocks creating a spectacular natural swimming pool.
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Piazzale Leonardo and the Monument to Leonardo da Vinci’s Flight, Monte Ceceri
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Mount Falco
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Croce della Retaia
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Rose Garden
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Mount Cantagrilli
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Devil’s Rock (Pietramarina)
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There are those who recognize the boulder as an Etruscan altar, but most likely the staircase was dug in the recent past by the inhabitants of Bacchereto with the aim of helping the first tourists to go up and admire the landscape.
There can be no doubt, however, that that wonderfully isolated boulder did not remain indifferent to the Etruscans who inhabited the citadel for six hundred years, whose excavations are visible today just a few meters away.
Indeed, it is probable that the boulder was actually frequented in remote times: on its surface, among the engravings and writings left from the early twentieth century to today, some deeper and more rounded grooves seem to belong to peoples and uses lost in the mists of time.
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Monte Maggiore Summit (917 m)
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Monte Falterona
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It offers a beautiful view of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
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Embrace Waterfall
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Tips from the Community
It is the pinnacle of Prato's hikes, starting from the slopes to get some fresh air, or for those with more time, as a stopping point for beautiful hikes in Calvana.
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A peak a few meters lower than nearby Monte Falco, which is the highest point in the entire Casentino area. It's best known for its source, the Arno River, about 300 square meters below, on its southern slope. It offers a beautiful view of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
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A very beautiful garden to linger in. It's especially worth visiting in the evening and at sunset – it offers an excellent view of the city.
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A beautiful hiking trail from the source of the Arno to the summit: not too steep and through a beautiful, shady beech forest. From the summit, there are great views to the west.
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A particularly beautiful destination in winter 🥰
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Very beautiful rose garden with many different roses. A great place for people who just want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and love flowers. On top of that, there is a beautiful view of Florence.
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Monte Falco at 1658 m above sea level, is the highest peak of the Tuscan-Romagnolo Apennines. Alongside its second (Monte Falterona for only 4 meters less) it marks the border between Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. Near the Capo d'Arno source and various refuges and restaurants, it offers an excellent view of the valleys, lush forests and numerous routes suitable for everyone. Non-exposed paths. Be careful on the steepest and most rugged sections. Definitely recommended.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some prominent natural monuments near Florence?
Beyond the immediate vicinity of Florence, the region offers diverse natural monuments. The Apennine Mountains form a significant natural feature, providing rugged peaks and extensive forests. You can also explore the vast Foreste Casentinesi National Park, known for its ancient woodlands and rich biodiversity, or the coastal Riserva Naturale Tomboli di Cecina with its beautiful forests and sandy beaches. Further afield, the Parco Alpi Apuane offers dramatic mountain landscapes and unique cave systems.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
The natural monuments around Florence offer a wide range of outdoor activities. The Apennine Mountains and Foreste Casentinesi National Park are excellent for hiking and mountain biking. For specific hiking trails, you can find options like the Waterfall hikes in Florence, including routes like the "Dante's Acquacheta Waterfall Trail from San Benedetto in Alpe." Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore trails listed in MTB Trails in Florence, such as the "Monte Morello tra Prato e Firenze — giro ad anello." In winter, some areas of the Apennines also offer skiing.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments or activities near Florence?
Yes, several natural areas are suitable for families. The Riserva Naturale Tomboli di Cecina offers easy hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and lovely beaches, making it ideal for a relaxing day trip. While not strictly a natural monument, Monte Ceceri Park near Fiesole provides walking trails and panoramic views of Florence in a natural setting. The Fonte dei Seppi is also noted as family-friendly and serves as a starting point for various hikes.
What are some notable waterfalls to visit near Florence?
One of the most impressive waterfalls is the View of Acquacheta Waterfall. It features a drop of over 70 meters, with waters branching out onto a rocky outcrop, creating a spectacular series of smaller falls and slides. The nearby Lavane waterfall also offers an evocative sight, falling into a deep, bright green natural swimming pool. These are particularly beautiful in every season as the water flow varies.
Can I find historical or cultural sites within or near these natural monuments?
Yes, many natural monuments in the Florence region are intertwined with history and culture. The Foreste Casentinesi National Park includes sacred sites like the Monastery of Camaldoli and La Verna, which are significant to St. Francis. Near Fiesole, Monte Ceceri Park is historically notable as the site where Leonardo da Vinci is said to have tested his flight experiments, marked by the Piazzale Leonardo and the Monument to Leonardo da Vinci’s Flight.
What are some of the highest peaks or summits I can explore?
The region offers several prominent summits. Mount Falco, at 1,658 meters, is the highest peak in the Tuscan-Romagnolo Apennines and is known as the "Roof of the Casentinesi Forests." Nearby, Monte Falterona is another significant peak within the Foreste Casentinesi National Park. Closer to Florence, Mount Cantagrilli offers panoramic views and the chance to see wild horses and cows, while Croce della Retaia provides extensive panoramas over the Florentine plain.
Are there any unique geological features or rock formations?
Yes, the region boasts unique geological features. The Parco Alpi Apuane is particularly known for its dramatic grey ridge cliffs and extensive underground caves, including the Grotta del Vento, which offers a unique experience with stalagmites and karst formations. Additionally, the Devil’s Rock (Pietramarina) is a notable natural monument with historical significance.
What is the best time of year to visit Florence's natural monuments?
Many natural monuments, especially those in the Apennines and national parks, are beautiful in every season. Spring brings vibrant blooms and pleasant hiking weather. Summer is ideal for coastal reserves like Tomboli di Cecina and for higher mountain trails. Autumn offers stunning foliage in the forests of Foreste Casentinesi. Even winter provides opportunities for skiing in some Apennine areas, and waterfalls like Acquacheta maintain their evocative beauty with varying water flows.
Are there any natural viewpoints offering scenic panoramas?
Absolutely. Mount Cantagrilli provides stunning views of the Marina valley and Monte Morello. From Croce della Retaia, you can enjoy extensive panoramas of the Florentine plain and the city of Prato, with views extending to the port of Livorno on clear days. Monte Maggiore Summit also offers excellent viewpoints.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
The diverse ecosystems around Florence support various wildlife. In the Riserva Naturale Tomboli di Cecina, you might spot badgers, rabbits, and foxes. The extensive forests of the Apennines and Foreste Casentinesi National Park are home to a rich biodiversity, including various bird species and larger mammals. On Mount Cantagrilli, it's common to encounter wild horses and cows grazing freely.
Are there opportunities for gravel biking near Florence's natural monuments?
Yes, the region around Florence offers excellent opportunities for gravel biking. You can find various routes that traverse the natural landscapes. For example, the Gravel biking in Florence guide includes routes like the "Firenzuola to Cave di Brento Loop" and the "Greve in Chianti – Lamole Castle loop," allowing you to explore the scenic countryside and natural areas on two wheels.
Most popular routes in Florence
Most popular attractions in Florence
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