Day Trip from Florence to Abetone with Family
Day trip to Abetone with the family
Abetone is a mountain resort town in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, located at an elevation of approximately 1,380 metres above sea level. It is the main ski resort for central Tuscany in winter and a hiking and outdoor activity destination in summer.
For families based in Florence who want a day away from the urban heat and the historic centre, Abetone offers a practical and rewarding escape. The temperature at altitude is typically 8 to 10 degrees Celsius cooler than in Florence, which in July and August translates to a genuinely pleasant 22 to 26 degrees rather than the 34 to 36 that Florence can produce at the same time.
This guide covers the distance from Florence, how to travel, what to do at Abetone with children in both summer and winter, and where to eat.
How far Abetone is from Florence
Abetone is approximately 83 km from the centre of Florence. The most direct road route follows the A11 motorway from Florence to the Pistoia exit (about 30 km), then continues on the SS66 mountain road from Pistoia to Abetone (approximately 50 km).
The total journey time by car is approximately 90 to 100 minutes from Florence under normal traffic conditions. The mountain section from Pistoia to Abetone on the SS66 is a winding road with consistent gradients. The road is in good condition and does not require any special driving skills in summer. In winter, chains or snow tyres are required from approximately November through March.
There is no direct public transport connection from Florence to Abetone. The most practical public option is a bus: the Autolinee Toscane service runs from Pistoia to Abetone (via the SS66) several times daily. From Florence, take the regional train to Pistoia (approximately 35 to 40 minutes from Santa Maria Novella), then transfer to the Abetone bus at Pistoia station. Total journey time by train and bus is approximately 2 hours. Bus tickets from Pistoia to Abetone cost around 4 to 5 euros per adult.
By car, a family can depart Florence at 08:30 and arrive at Abetone for 10:00, which gives a full day before returning.
What to do at Abetone with children
In summer (June through September), Abetone offers a range of outdoor activities well-suited to families with children.
Hiking is the primary activity. The Abetone area has a network of marked trails maintained by the Club Alpino Italiano (CAI). Trail difficulty ranges from easy valley walks to more demanding ridge routes. For families with children between 5 and 10, the easiest routes include the trail from Abetone village to the Lago Scaffaiolo (approximately 45 minutes each way, moderate terrain) and the shorter woodland loop near Le Regine (approximately 30 to 40 minutes, flat).
Trail maps are available from the Abetone tourist office, located in the main village square. The office also provides current information on trail conditions and any closures.
Mountain biking is popular at Abetone in summer. Bike rentals for adults and children are available from sports shops in the main village. A child’s mountain bike rents for approximately 10 to 15 euros per half-day. Some trails are shared between walkers and cyclists; always give way to walkers.
The Abetone area has a summer chairlift that operates on weekends and public holidays from approximately late June through August. A return ticket costs approximately 8 euros per adult and 5 euros per child. The chairlift ascends from the village to a panoramic ridge at around 1,800 metres, from which you can continue on foot or simply enjoy the view of the surrounding valleys. Children under 5 ride free.
In winter (December through March), Abetone is a ski resort. The resort has 50 km of ski runs across multiple sectors. Ski hire is available in the village from approximately 20 euros per day for a children’s ski set (skis, boots, poles). Adult ski hire is approximately 25 to 30 euros per day. Lessons for children from age 4 are offered by the Scuola di Sci Abetone. A group lesson of 2 hours costs approximately 25 to 35 euros per child.
Summer and winter differences
The character of Abetone is significantly different across the seasons.
In summer, the village is quieter than in winter. Hotels and restaurants are open but not at full capacity. The mountain environment is green and cool. The main street is calm and easy to navigate with children. The pace is slow.
In winter, Abetone operates as a fully active ski resort. The village fills with Italian families, ski schools operate daily, and the restaurants and bars run at capacity on weekends. The snow season typically runs from late December through early March, depending on snowfall.
Both seasons suit families with children well, but the logistics differ. In summer, you arrive, park, and begin a walk or bike ride relatively quickly. In winter, you need to factor in ski hire, getting children into equipment, ski school registration, and the general complexity of managing young children in snow conditions.
Day trips to Abetone in winter require an earlier departure than in summer. Leaving Florence by 07:30 on a ski day gives you arrival by 09:15, equipment fitted by 10:00, and four to five hours on the slopes before afternoon crowds build.
Where to eat at Abetone
Abetone has a good range of restaurants and mountain huts (rifugi) at different points around the resort.
Rifugio Abetone, at the top of the main chairlift at approximately 1,800 metres elevation, serves traditional mountain food: soups, polenta, grilled meats, and Tuscan cold cuts. Prices are moderate (around 10 to 15 euros per main course). The terrace has excellent views.
In the village itself, several trattorie serve traditional Tuscan mountain cuisine. Look for dishes including ribollita (a thick bread and vegetable soup), tagliatelle with wild boar (cinghiale), and grilled porcini mushrooms in season (August through October). A family lunch for 2 adults and 2 children at a mid-range trattoria costs approximately 40 to 60 euros.
Pizzerias in the main village are the easiest option for families with younger children. Prices are standard for a mountain resort: a margherita pizza costs approximately 8 to 10 euros.
In summer, gelaterie and snack bars operate along the main street. An ice cream cone at mountain altitude on a warm July afternoon is a straightforward and effective way to mark the end of a walk.
Where to stay
Charlotte guesthouse in Florence is a practical base for a day trip to Abetone. You can drive directly from central Florence to the mountain in approximately 90 minutes, spend a full day at altitude, and return to Florence in time for dinner.
For families who want to combine urban Florence days with a mountain escape, the Charlotte location makes this itinerary work well.
Find more details about the guesthouse and availability at Charlotte.
