Blog · · by Giovanni Francesco Colonna
Staying in the Valdarno: a base between Florence, Chianti and Arezzo
The Valdarno is the upper Arno valley south-east of Florence, on the way to Arezzo. It gives you Tuscan countryside, homes with gardens and pools, and Florence about half an hour away: a practical base for families and groups who want both the city and slower days.
Where it is and how to get around
Figline e Incisa Valdarno, where most of our homes in the area are, lies on the Florence–Rome railway, with regional trains to Florence. A car makes the most of the area: the Chianti hills rise just to the west, and the motorway takes you towards Arezzo and Siena.
What to see nearby
Figline’s heart is Piazza Marsilio Ficino, named after the Renaissance philosopher born here. Incisa is where Petrarch spent part of his childhood, and San Giovanni Valdarno, a little further on, is Masaccio’s birthplace. From here, day trips to Florence, the Chianti villages, Arezzo and Siena are all easy, and Cortona is within reach for a longer outing.
Why stay in the countryside
Space and quiet: a whole house rather than an apartment, a garden for long dinners, often a pool for summer afternoons. It suits families, groups of friends and remote workers who want a few days in Florence without sleeping in the busiest streets.
Our homes in the Valdarno
We look after very different homes here: Madu’s Countryhouse, a nineteenth-century Tuscan house with a private pool; Beatrice’s Dream, a design penthouse on Piazza Marsilio Ficino; Harmony Home in Figline’s historic centre; Tuscany Home with a garden between Chianti and Arezzo; and the Fattoria degli Innocenti. For a city break first, see our Florence neighbourhood guide.
Frequently asked questions
How far is the Valdarno from Florence?
Figline e Incisa Valdarno is about half an hour from Florence by car or regional train, depending on traffic and connections.
Do I need a car in the Valdarno?
Not for Figline’s centre, which is near the station, but a car is the best way to reach countryside homes, the Chianti hills and nearby towns.
Information current at the date of publication. It does not replace professional advice.
