Things To Do
in Scandicci
Scandicci is a tranquil Tuscan town just southwest of Florence, set amid olive groves and gentle hills. It blends a residential atmosphere with easy access to the Arno Valley and the Renaissance treasures of nearby Florence. The town is known for its markets, trattorias, and scenic viewpoints that reveal everyday Tuscan life away from the crowds.
With quick rail and tram links to Florence, Scandicci serves as a convenient base for exploring the region while maintaining a slower pace.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at your accommodation in Scandicci and settle in, dropping your bags and freshening up. Stroll through Piazza della Resistenza to soak up the local atmosphere and stop at a café for a creamy cappuccino. Chat with friendly locals at the bakery and admire the Art Deco façade of the town hall.
Visit the Church of San Martino for a self-guided tour of its centuries-old frescoes and sacred art. Browse the vibrant stalls of the weekly market on Via Pisana, sampling fresh produce, cheese, and cured meats. Gather picnic ingredients and unwind in Parco dell’Acciaiolo beneath ancient oak trees.
Dine at a cozy trattoria specializing in homemade pappardelle and Tuscan sausages paired with local Chianti. Take an after-dinner walk along Viale Nenni to enjoy the neon-lit storefronts and quiet streets. Finish the night with a scoop of artisanal gelato at a nearby gelateria before heading back to your lodging.
Begin at the Centro Arte Contemporanea Luigi Pecci to experience cutting-edge exhibitions and interactive installations. Listen to an audio guide highlighting local avant-garde artists and architectural features of the museum building. Sip an espresso in the museum café overlooking sculpture gardens.
Head to Villa Pacchiani for a guided tour through Renaissance halls and frescoed ceilings. Explore its manicured gardens and secret courtyards while learning about the noble families who once resided here. Stop at a nearby osteria for panzanella salad and a glass of Vin Santo.
Attend a classical music performance or film screening at Teatro Studio, an intimate venue with excellent acoustics. Indulge in cicchetti (Tuscan appetizers) and a chilled white wine in the theater’s lounge. Stroll back under softly lit streets, enjoying the tranquil evening air.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍝Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🥗Lunch at mid-range restaurant | $20-35 |
| 🚌Public transport (1-day pass) | $6-8 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $90-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Proximity to Florence while staying in a quieter town
- Rich Tuscan cuisine and markets with easy day trips to vineyards
- Good value for lodging and meals compared to the city center
- Scenic hills and viewpoints provide excellent photography opportunities
- Nightlife is more limited than in Florence proper
- Parking and traffic can be challenging in peak times and near the city center
- Some services and entertainment may require travel to Florence for variety
- "Buongiorno" - Good morning / Hello
- "Per favore" - Please
- "Grazie" - Thank you
- "Dove si trova...?" - Where is...?
- "Quanto costa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Parla inglese?" - Do you speak English?
- "Mi scusi" - Excuse me
- "Posso avere il menù?" - Can I have the menu?
- "Vorrei un caffè, per favore" - I would like a coffee, please
- "Accettate carte di credito?" - Do you accept credit cards?
Places to Visit in Scandicci
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic medieval bridge over the Arno with reflections in the water and silhouettes of Florentine architecture.
Panoramic overlook of Florence's skyline, ideal for wide-angle cityscapes at sunset.
Ridge above Florence offering sweeping views of the city and valley, especially dramatic with morning mist or dusk light.
Long tree-lined avenues and mown meadows along the river, great for candid street scenes and tranquil portraits.
Food in Scandicci
Scandicci Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty vegetable and bread soup, kale or cavolo nero-based, often served with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.
Must-Try!
Tomato and bread soup finished with fresh basil and olive oil; comforting and bright.
A thick, blood-orange center Florentine steak, typically shared and grilled over wood fire.
Toasted bread topped with a smooth chicken liver pâté or other rustic spreads.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market offering fresh produce, cheeses, meat, bread, and local specialties; a great place to sample everyday Tuscan flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with 'Buongiorno' or 'Buonasera'; politeness is valued in conversation and service interactions.
Dress modestly in religious sites; speak softly on public transport; avoid loud behavior in public spaces.
Meals are leisurely; maintain eye contact, share dishes when appropriate, and say grazie to servers and cooks.
Safety
Tipping in Scandicci
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charges are often included; tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Round up a taxi fare or leave a small amount for good service in cafes and restaurants.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; cash is always welcome. Contactless payments are common across shops and eateries.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, dry days with strong sun; stay hydrated, seek shade in the afternoons, and enjoy long evenings with outdoor dining.
Pleasant temperatures and harvest-season ingredients; ideal for outdoor walks and vineyard visits.
Cool but generally mild; rain is common, with shorter daylight hours—perfect for museum days and cozy meals by the fire.
Mild, blooming countryside; great for hiking, outdoor markets, and alfresco dining.
Scandicci at Night
Hiking in Scandicci
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A modest hillside route near Scandicci with olive groves and valley views; suitable for a half-day hike.
Scenic ridge trails above the city offering panoramic views of Florence; moderate difficulty.
Network of forest and rural paths in the Florentine hinterland, ideal for longer hikes and nature immersion.
Airports
How to reach Scandicci by plane.
Closest international airport to Scandicci with regular connections to major European cities; quick onward transport by tram or taxi into Florence and surrounding towns.
A larger hub about an hour to 1.5 hours away by rail or road, offering additional domestic and international flights and easy train connections to Florence.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Core community with strong ties to the town markets, schools, and local services.
Residents who travel to Florence for work, taking advantage of good rail and tram links.
People attracted by proximity to Florence and the region’s cultural offerings.
Visitors using Scandicci as a quieter base for Florence and the Tuscan countryside.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region with local clubs and community matches.
Flat Arno routes and rolling hillside roads make cycling a common pastime and a great way to see the countryside.
Community courts and clubs provide opportunities for casual and competitive play.
Scenic routes along the Arno and hills near Florence attract runners of all levels.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Scandicci.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Rely on seasonal vegetables, beans, and breads; ask for ribollita or pappa al pomodoro without meat or fish; in most places you can request 'vegetariano' or 'senza carne'.