In the heart of Valdarno, spreading into parts of Pergine Valdarno, Montevarchi and Terranuova Bracciolini, is the Valle dell’Inferno and Bandella Nature Reserve, a natural gem located along the river Arno, between the Romito, the Acqua Borra and Buriano bridges. A protected wildlife area of marshland, waterways and gullies, it is a beautiful place where nature reigns supreme and man gets to just pay fleeting visits. Varied and lovely, it is perfect for wandering, hiking, picnicking, birdwatching and escaping into the peace and quiet of nature. If you have found a vacation rental in Arezzo or a luxury villa in Florence and want to do some of that aforementioned escaping, it is ideally located as a spot for a day trip.
Covering an area of 1300 acres, this marshland was formed in the 1950s around lakes created by the dams that were built to provide electricity to the entire surrounding area. At the centre is the marshy area of Bandella, which is home to numerous species of birds, like herons, kingfishers, mallards and egrets, and is a bird watcher's dream.
There is also a woodland that is ideal for hiking and exploring and is home to a diverse fauna of its own like hares, pheasants, porcupines, deer and wild boars. The Monticello Visitors' Centre and the Ponte a Buriano Visitors' Centre organises hikes and excursions and the Grande Escursione delle Riserve dell'Arno (Great River Arno Nature Reserve Hike), in particular, is a muse; a trail that begins at Acqua Borra, passes through Bandella, Ponte Romito and the ancient fortifications of Rondine and Penna, before finishing at Ponte a Buriano. Beautiful, with footpaths purposefully cut into the trail, it is a charming a peaceful route that passes bubbling streams, little waterfalls and all sorts of charming sights.
Covering an area of 1300 acres, this marshland was formed in the 1950s around lakes created by the dams that were built to provide electricity to the entire surrounding area. At the centre is the marshy area of Bandella, which is home to numerous species of birds, like herons, kingfishers, mallards and egrets, and is a bird watcher's dream.
There is also a woodland that is ideal for hiking and exploring and is home to a diverse fauna of its own like hares, pheasants, porcupines, deer and wild boars. The Monticello Visitors' Centre and the Ponte a Buriano Visitors' Centre organises hikes and excursions and the Grande Escursione delle Riserve dell'Arno (Great River Arno Nature Reserve Hike), in particular, is a muse; a trail that begins at Acqua Borra, passes through Bandella, Ponte Romito and the ancient fortifications of Rondine and Penna, before finishing at Ponte a Buriano. Beautiful, with footpaths purposefully cut into the trail, it is a charming a peaceful route that passes bubbling streams, little waterfalls and all sorts of charming sights.
While exploring, be sure to keep an eye out for manmade interventions from over the centuries like the old bridges, fortifications and watermills. Or, perhaps, take one of the guided boat trips and learn lots about the area from an expert along the way. If you're organised, you might also bring a picnic to enjoy on the pier, which as many social media shots have shown us, seems like the most idyllic way to dine in this part of Tuscany.
