Camping in Florence

Camping in Florence: Italy at its best

Founded by Julius Caesar, the capital of Tuscany is one of the most important art centres in Italy, along with Rome and Venice. Travellers from all over the world come to Florence, which is considered the cradle of the Renaissance. A city full of art and cultural treasures stretches out on both sides of the River Arno. There are world-famous collections here and more Michelangelos than anywhere else. Florence is also a city of science, fashion, sport and culinary delights. The ice cream in particular is said to be creamier and fruitier here than anywhere else. By the way: Most of the campsites in Florence described in the ADAC camping guide have a direct bus connection to the city centre.

Florence: a camping destination full of cultural treasures

At the centre of the city of the Medici is the mighty cathedral. 153 metres long and 38 metres wide, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is one of the largest churches in the world. Built as a status symbol opposite Siena and Pisa, it was designed to accommodate all of the city's citizens. Its 15th-century dome was a technical masterpiece by Filippo Brunelleschi and still impresses visitors today with its magnificent paintings. From the roof of the 107 metre high dome, you can enjoy a breathtaking view to compensate for the exertions of the climb. It is advisable to book tickets online in advance to avoid the sometimes hours-long queues when buying tickets. This also applies to the Uffizi Gallery. Once the administrative centre of the Medici family, it now houses one of the most important collections of paintings in the world in 45 rooms. Tuscan greats such as Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo as well as Titian, Tintoretto, Caravaggio, Dürer, Rembrandt and Rubens can be admired there.

From the campsite to art: the best location for a city tour

The ADAC Camping Guide describes six campsites in Florence or close to the outskirts of the city. Camping Villa di Camerata' is simple but functional, grouped around a youth hostel. All the other campsites have upmarket facilities and up to four and a half stars, and 'Norcenni Girasole Club' even has five stars. While some campsites are situated on hills with great views, you can cycle from 'Camping Firenze' directly into the city on the cycle path along the River Arno. Alternatively, there is a shuttle bus service. All the other campsites are also characterised by good connections to the city. On top of this, there are tips on site about what is worth seeing in addition to classics such as Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Pitti, the Giardino di Boboli with its baroque gardens or the lively San Lorenzo.

Camping in Florence goes through the stomach

Florentine cuisine is simple and rustic, but impresses with the high quality of its ingredients and flavours. From hearty crostini as a starter to various bread soups and pasta, you can then move on to the main course. Typical flavours here are spicy, coarse sausages, white beans cooked in clay pots and fritti, fried meat and vegetables in all varieties. The Bistecca alla Fiorentina is famous, but it is usually impossible to conquer on your own with a normal appetite. Traditionally, the huge piece of sirloin from the typical white Chianina beef is grilled over wood embers and seasoned with just a few drops of olive oil, salt and pepper. Campers at the 'Norcenni Girasole Club' can take a cookery course during their stay or taste the wines of the region in the enoteca on site. The most famous is Chianti, which grows in the surrounding area. However, it is also worth trying the Tuscan white wines Bianco di Pitigliano and Vernaccia di San Gimignano or the sweet Vin Santo, in which you can dip crispy Cantucci di Prato for dessert. The Mercato Centrale is worth a visit both for the goods on offer and the special atmosphere, as well as for the interesting 19th century iron construction. Camping in Florence is Italy at its most delicious.