Walking, hiking and cycling trails

Outdoor experiences in the Cecina Valley

The entire area surrounding the hu Montescudaio village is dominated by an all embracing nature, where the human presence must respect the ancient wisdoms. It is a land that glistens under the sun: in the countryside, where the waves crash on its coast; along the crystal-clear rivers that furrow the Val di Cecina nature reserves; and, of course, where the fires glow under the Earth’s crust at the Valle del Diavolo.

Fun in the woods and villages

Between the coast and the hinterland, the River Cecina had furrowed a valley that  divides the provinces of Livorno and Pisa. The area offers endless options for outdoor experiences, with forests, medieval villages and sites of historical and natural interest. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk, even on horseback, or a more challenging hike, dip in the river or a long cycle ride, fun is guaranteed. To understand the immensity of the nature that surrounds you, take a look at the Rocca Sillana, an imposing and evocative hill-top medieval castle that rises up out of the middle of the forest near Pomarance and has a fabulous, panoramic view over most of Tuscany.

Hiking in the nature reserves

The easiest and safest way to discover the area is on your own legs on a route that takes you along well-trodden paths where you’ll come across abandoned quarries, old bridges and a wealth of biodiversity protected by three nature reserves. There are two options to explore, the Monterufoli-Caselli Nature Reserve, which overlaps the Pomarance, Monteverdi Marittimo and Montecatini Val di Cecina districts, which protects vast swathes of Mediterranean forest dotted with typical ophiolite outcrops (green rocks of oceanic origin), and, beyond Volterra, the Montenero Nature Reserve has circuit trail to explore it all. Otherwise, if you are a seasoned walker, tackle the hike that connects Volterra to San Gimignano following in the footsteps of ancient wayfarers. Finally, the Berignone Nature Reserve, located between Volterra and Pomarance, includes one of Italy’s most important forests and a precious population of oaks trees in the forest of Tatti.

Cycling on quiet country roads

The Berignone and Tatti Nature reserve cycle tour, for experienced off-road cyclists, is a 25-km loop from the hamlet of Mazzolla through some of the reserve’s most iconic landscapes. For cyclists of varying levels of experience keen to explore the area in safety, there are routes running along quiet roads: the Cecina cycle route, for example, is flat and well signposted and is ideal for the whole family. The Gran tour of Geothermal area is, on the other hand, an adventurous circuit of around 50 km through the heart of the geothermal territory, starting at and returning to Pomarance. It includes steep climbs and dirt roads, some of which are in the Biancane Nature Park, which in turn is crossed by the Monterotondo Marittimo Trail Area.

A dip in the river

The Castello dei Vescovi Nature Trail takes you through the most beautiful forest area in the valley and to a fairytale place where you can take a cool, refreshing swim, the Masso delle Fanciulle. This hidden corner, subject of stories and legends, consists of a natural pool framed by large boulders that punctuate this stretch of the Cecina river, forming small waterfalls and pools of crystal-clear water. The Masso delle Fanciulle can also be reached from the car park on the Strada Comunale di Lanciaia between the municipalities of Pomarance and Volterra, following a 20-minuite walk along an easy path of 2 km with one small river crossing.

Practical information

The website valdicecinaoutdoor.it (and its Valdicecina Outdoor app) has a large selection of excursions, activities, contacts and GPS trails to help you explore the nature of the Val di Cecina whichever way you prefer, including horseback. The only drawback: to get to the area, you really need to have car. Alternatively, you can rent an e-bike at the Pomarance Tourist Office.