Keep exploring

As you walk through the streets of Pistoia, here are a few ideas for places worth exploring just beyond the city. Only a few kilometers away, the medieval village of Serravalle Pistoiese offers wide views over the plain and a quieter atmosphere, with its towers and old ramparts. Not far from there, Villa La Magia in Quarrata, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is perfect for a relaxed stroll among Italian-style gardens and elegant Renaissance architecture. For something a bit more playful, head to Collodi, the village linked to the story of Pinocchio, where you’ll find a theme park along with the beautiful Villa Garzoni and its terraced gardens. If you’re in the mood to unwind, the Grotta Giusti thermal spa in Monsummano Terme offers a unique experience inside a natural cave filled with warm waters. Close by, Montecatini Terme draws visitors in with its Belle Époque architecture, historic spa buildings, and calm, relaxed atmosphere. Art lovers can make their way to Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci, where museums and landscapes give insight into his early life. For a nature break, the Orsigna Valley, a place deeply loved by writer Tiziano Terzani, offers peaceful trails and unspoiled scenery. A little further on, the Ferriere Suspension Bridge in San Marcello Piteglio stands out for its impressive length and sweeping views over the valley. And finally, the town of Pescia and the Valley of Flowers reveal another side of the region, with their horticultural traditions, quiet villages, and lush landscapes. All of this makes Pistoia a great base for discovering a more low-key, authentic side of Tuscany, between nature, villages, and heritage.