Things To Do
in Bibbiena

Bibbiena sits in the Casentino valley of Tuscany, a hillside town that blends history, culture, and nature. The medieval core is punctuated by stone streets, chapels, and panoramic belvederes over green valleys. It's a gateway to the Foreste Casentinesi and the surrounding countryside, offering hikes, artisanal food, and slow, Tuscan rhythms.

Visit in spring or autumn when light and landscapes are especially vivid, and enjoy warm hospitality in family-run eateries.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Bibbiena
morning
:

Arrive in Bibbiena and settle into your charming accommodation, perhaps a traditional Tuscan villa. After unpacking, take a leisurely stroll around the quaint town to soak in the local architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy a cappuccino at a nearby café while admiring the rolling hills surrounding the town.

afternoon
:

Visit the Museo Archeologico, which showcases the rich history of the Casentino Valley through various artifacts. Discover the beautiful Piazza Madre Teresa while exploring local shops for handmade crafts and souvenirs. Take a moment to relax in the square, savoring the essence of Italian life.

evening
:

Indulge in a Tuscan culinary experience at a local trattoria, where you can savor traditional dishes made from fresh ingredients. After dinner, enjoy a sunset walk along the paths of the surrounding countryside, as the golden hour casts a beautiful light over Bibbiena. Conclude your evening with gelato from a popular gelateria.

day 2
Exploring Stia
morning
:

Take a short trip to the nearby village of Stia, nestled along the Arno River. Begin your day with a visit to the historic Castello dei Conti Guidi, an impressive fortress offering stunning views of the valley. Afterward, explore the picturesque streets lined with quaint shops and local artisans.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a riverside café, sampling local delicacies such as handmade pasta or grilled meats. Spend the afternoon hiking the scenic trails of the Casentino Forests, an area known for its diverse flora and fauna. Capture breathtaking views and the tranquility of nature as you immerse yourself in its beauty.

evening
:

Return to Bibbiena for an evening of wine tasting at a local enoteca, where you can relish the various wines of Tuscany. As night falls, enjoy the local nightlife at a nearby bar, chatting with locals and fellow travelers. Sample a piece of the regional dessert, castagnaccio, made from chestnut flour.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🧀Groceries (basic items)$25-40
Coffee in cafe$2-4
🗺️Public transport ticket$2-5
🍷Glass of wine$4-8

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful, unspoiled Tuscan hill town with medieval charm
  • Easy access to forests and outdoor activities
  • Warm, welcoming locals and authentic regional cuisine
  • Compact, walkable historic center
  • Limited nightlife and fewer big-city amenities
  • Hilly terrain may be challenging for some visitors
  • Seasonal crowds and higher weekend prices in peak season
  • Public transport options can be limited on Sundays
  • "Buongiorno" - Good morning
  • "Per favore" - Please
  • "Grazie" - Thank you
  • "Dov'è...?" - Where is...?
  • "Parla inglese?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Quanto costa?" - How much does it cost?

Places to Visit in Bibbiena

Visit one of these nice places.

Historic Center Belvedere

Panoramic overlooks of the valley framed by stone architecture and sunset light.

Piazzetta del Borgo

Picturesque street corners and arches ideal for architectural photography.

Chiesa di San Lorenzo exteriors

Ancient church facade and surrounding courtyards with soft morning light.

Foreste Casentinesi viewpoints

Forest trails and ridge lines offering dramatic landscape shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Bibbiena

Tuscany’s cuisine emphasizes simple, seasonal ingredients—olive oil, beans, chestnuts, mushrooms, and fresh produce—made into rustic, comforting dishes.

Bibbiena Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Pappa al Pomodoro

Tomato and bread soup, a Tuscan staple with garlic and basil.

Must-Try!

Crostini Toscani

Crispy bread slices topped with a savory chicken liver pâté.

Polenta con Funghi

Creamy polenta served with sautéed wild mushrooms.

Bistecca alla Fiorentina

Thick-cut bistecca seasoned and grilled, a Tuscan icon.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercato di Bibbiena

Weekly market offering fresh produce, cheeses, bread, and regional specialties.

Chestnut and mushroom stalls

Seasonal stalls featuring chestnuts, preserves, and foraged mushrooms.

Climate Guide

Weather

Bibbiena experiences warm summers, mild to cool winters, and a fair amount of rainfall spread throughout the year; its elevation around 350-500 meters makes evenings cooler than valley towns.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with Buongiorno or Buonasera; basic pleasantries matter.

Dining etiquette

Meals are leisurely; wait for everyone to be served before starting; keep voices moderate in public.

Church and sacred sites

Dress modestly; speak quietly at religious sites.

Safety Guide

Safety

Generally safe for travelers; watch for common pickpocketing in crowded areas and be cautious on rural roads at night; carry a map and emergency numbers; keep valuables secure.

Tipping in Bibbiena

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

Service charge is often included; rounding up or a small 1-2 euro tip for good service is appreciated in casual settings.

Payment Methods

Credit/debit cards widely accepted; cash is handy in small shops; contactless payments common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures, blooming orchards, and quieter streets before the summer rush.

Summer

Warm days with cooler evenings in the hills; carry water and wear sun protection; occasional rain showers.

Autumn

Harvest time; chestnut festivals and colorful foliage; pleasant hiking weather.

Winter

Cool to cold with chances of frost; some attractions close on Mondays; cozy indoor dining and seasonal specials.

Nightlife Guide

Bibbiena at Night

Bibbiena’s nightlife is relaxed, centered on wine bars, cafes, and light music venues rather than large clubs; evenings are ideal for strolling the historic streets, enjoying gelato, and chatting with locals.

Hiking in Bibbiena

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Foreste Casentinesi trails near Campigna

Gentle to moderate forest trails with viewpoints over the valley.

Monte Falterona ridge route

Mountain ridge trails offering panoramic Tuscan scenery.

Alpe di Catenaia loop

Accessible loop with meadows and forested stretches near Bibbiena.

Airports

How to reach Bibbiena by plane.

Florence Airport (FLR)

Main international gateway for the region; about a 1.5–2 hour drive to Bibbiena depending on traffic.

Pisa International Airport (PSA)

Larger hub, about 2.5–3 hours by car/train to Bibbiena.

Roma Ciampino (CIA) or Fiumicino (FCO)

Options for international connections; longer transfer times to Tuscany.

Getting Around

Walkability

The historic center is compact and walkable, with charming lanes and viewpoints; some hills and stairs require sturdy footwear; parking in/out of the town can be limited.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

Families and older generations living in the Casentino valley.

Seasonal visitors

Hikers, tourists, and day-trippers in spring through autumn.

Retirees and students

Local communities with strong ties to tradition and crafts.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Widely played and watched; local clubs and friendly matches.

Cycling

Popular among locals and visitors for scenic routes through the Casentino.

Hiking

Foreste Casentinesi trails attract hikers of all levels.

Transportation

Traffic

Center experiences limited vehicle access; best to explore on foot; regional roads can be winding but scenic; trains connect to Arezzo and Florence; schedule may vary on holidays.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Bibbiena.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most menus offer vegetarian pasta, risotto, and veggie antipasti; ask for vegetarian substitutes and look for soups, legumes, and seasonal vegetables.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Public and private healthcare facilities are available in the area; for serious emergencies, hospitals in Arezzo or Bibbiena’s local clinics can assist; travelers should have health insurance and carry medication documentation.

Discover Italy

Read more in our Italy 2025 Travel Guide.

Italy Travel Guide