Fiesole Travel Guide

Plan your ultimate trip to Fiesole with our comprehensive travel guide, featuring must-see attractions, best things to do, where to stay, and more!


A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Fiesole, Tuscany

Located in the province of Florence, in the Tuscan region of central Italy, Fiesole is a charming hilltop town with a rich history and stunning natural beauty. The town offers an ideal escape from the busy tourist crowds of Florence, while still offering plenty of cultural and outdoor attractions to explore. In this comprehensive travel guide, we outline all the essential information you need to plan a memorable trip to Fiesole.

List of Places to Visit in Fiesole

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Fiesole Cathedral: A Romanesque-style cathedral with a beautiful façade and interiors decorated with frescoes and Gothic elements.
  • Roman Amphitheater: One of the largest Roman amphitheaters in Italy, famous for its acoustic qualities and impressive size.
  • Bandini Museum: A small museum that showcases Etruscan and Roman artifacts, as well as works by famous Italian artists.
  • San Domenico Church: A 14th-century Dominican church with a beautiful cloister and frescoes by Fra Angelico.
  • Villa Medici: A stunning Renaissance villa that houses the Fiesole Archaeological Museum, featuring sculptures and artifacts from the Etruscan, Roman, and medieval periods.

Natural Attractions of Fiesole: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Monte Ceceri: A hill overlooking Fiesole with stunning views of Florence and the surrounding countryside. It’s a popular spot for hiking and paragliding.
  • Vinci: A charming town located 20 kilometers from Fiesole, famous for being the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci. Visitors can explore the Leonardo Museum and the ancient castle of the Guidi family.
  • Ponte Vecchio: One of the most iconic landmarks in Florence, the Ponte Vecchio is a medieval bridge that spans the Arno River. It’s a great place for a scenic stroll and offers stunning views of Florence.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Fiesole

Fiesole is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its numerous hiking and biking trails. Some of the best routes include:

  • Via degli Dei: A 130-kilometer-long hiking trail that connects Bologna to Florence, passing through Fiesole and offering stunning views of the Tuscan countryside.
  • Fiesole-Monte Ceceri Trail: A 5-kilometer trail that takes hikers through the countryside to the top of Monte Ceceri, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Monte Morello Trail: A 15-kilometer-long trail that starts in Fiesole and takes hikers to the top of Monte Morello, the highest peak in the Florentine hills.

Best Things to Do in Fiesole: Activities and Tours

  • E-bike Tours: A fun and environmentally friendly way to explore the countryside around Fiesole, E-bike tours take visitors through scenic routes with stunning views of the surrounding area.
  • Cooking Classes: Learn to cook traditional Tuscan dishes under the guidance of expert chefs, then enjoy the fruits of your labor in a picturesque setting.
  • Wine Tasting Tours: Explore some of the best wineries in the region and sample delicious Tuscan wines.

Week-Long Itinerary for Fiesole

Day 1: Explore the town of Fiesole and its cultural attractions, including the Cathedral and the Roman Amphitheater.

Day 2: Take a hiking or biking tour of the hills surrounding Fiesole, and enjoy a picnic lunch with stunning panoramic views.

Day 3: Spend a day in Florence, exploring its many museums and historical sites.

Day 4: Visit the charming town of Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci, and explore the Leonardo Museum and the ancient castle of the Guidi family.

Day 5: Take an e-bike tour of the Chianti countryside, stopping at local wineries for a delicious wine tasting.

Day 6: Take a cooking class and learn to prepare traditional Tuscan dishes under the guidance of expert chefs.

Day 7: Enjoy a relaxing day in Fiesole, exploring its many parks and natural attractions, such as Monte Ceceri and Villa Medici.

Food and Drink Scene of Fiesole

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bistecca alla Fiorentina: A thick T-bone steak grilled over an open flame and seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  • Ribollita: A hearty Tuscan soup made with vegetables and bread.
  • Panzanella: A Tuscan bread salad made with tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and basil.

Local Beverages

  • Chianti Wine: One of the most famous Italian wines, Chianti is a red wine made from Sangiovese grapes.
  • Spritz: A refreshing cocktail made with Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water.
  • Limoncello: A sweet lemon liqueur that’s often served as a digestif.

Where to Stay in Fiesole: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Belmond Villa San Michele: A luxury hotel housed in a 15th-century monastery with stunning views of the Tuscan countryside.
  • Hotel Villa Fiesole: A charming hotel with beautifully decorated rooms and a stunning outdoor pool.
  • Affittacamere Il Frantoio: A cozy guesthouse located in an old olive oil mill, offering beautiful views of the surrounding hills.

What to Buy in Fiesole: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Artisan Olive Oil: Made from locally grown olives, Tuscan olive oil is some of the finest in the world.
  • Leather Goods: Florence is famous for its high-quality leather goods, and Fiesole offers a number of shops selling leather bags, jackets, and accessories.
  • Ceramics: Tuscany is known for its beautiful ceramics, and Fiesole is home to a number of artisanal workshops where visitors can purchase unique pieces.

Local Culture and Customs of Fiesole

Fiesole is a small town that takes great pride in its cultural heritage. Visitors should be respectful of local customs, such as dressing appropriately when visiting churches, and showing courtesy to fellow tourists and locals alike.

Best Time to Visit Fiesole

The best time to visit Fiesole is in the spring (March-May) or fall (September-October), when the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner. The summer months can be quite hot and crowded, while the winter months are often rainy and chilly.

Do’s and Don’ts of Fiesole

Do:

  • Dress appropriately when visiting churches and other cultural attractions.
  • Try local dishes and beverages, such as bistecca alla Fiorentina and Chianti wine.
  • Explore the beautiful countryside surrounding Fiesole.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothing or swimwear in public areas.
  • Leave valuables unattended in tourist areas.
  • Speak loudly or disrespectfully in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Fiesole

Fiesole is a safe destination for travelers, with low levels of violent crime and theft. Visitors should still take common-sense precautions, such as not leaving valuables unattended and staying aware of their surroundings.

Health in Fiesole

Fiesole has modern medical facilities and pharmacies, and visitors can easily find English-speaking doctors and other medical professionals if needed. It’s always a good idea to have travel insurance in case of unexpected illness or injury.

Getting to Fiesole: Transportation Options and Logistics

  • By air: The closest airport to Fiesole is Florence Airport, which is served by a number of domestic and international airlines.
  • By bus: Visitors can take the ATAF bus from Florence to Fiesole, which takes about 30 minutes.
  • Other options: Visitors can also take a taxi or rent a car in Florence and drive to Fiesole, which takes about 20 minutes.

How to Get Around in Fiesole

Fiesole is a small town that can easily be explored on foot. Visitors who wish to explore the surrounding countryside can rent bikes or take a guided tour.

Where to Go Next from Fiesole: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Florence: Just a short bus ride away, Florence is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy, and offers a wealth of art, history, and culture to explore.
  • Chianti Region: The picturesque countryside surrounding Fiesole is home to numerous vineyards and wineries, where visitors can sample some of the region’s famous wines.
  • Pisa: Known for its iconic Leaning Tower, Pisa is a charming city located about an hour’s drive from Fiesole.

Conclusion

Fiesole is a hidden gem of Tuscany, offering a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty that’s sure to delight visitors. From its charming hilltop town center to its beautiful countryside and outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone to love in Fiesole. We hope this comprehensive travel guide has provided all the information you need to plan an unforgettable trip to this beautiful destination.

Roman theatre of Fiesole Roman theatre of Fiesole Duomo (Cathedral) of Fiesole Duomo (Cathedral) of Fiesole Interior of the Duomo Interior of the Duomo Medici Villa in Fiesole Medici Villa in Fiesole