Discover Florence by Motorhome: Complete Guide
Introduction
Welcome to our ultimate travel guide for an unforgettable road trip to Florence, Italy! Whether you’re a die-hard fan of vanlife or a camper enthusiast, get ready to immerse yourself in the fascinating history of this iconic city.
Discover how to get there and plan the best time of year for your adventure. We’ll also give you the best addresses to eat, savor Florence’s culinary specialties, and manage your travel budget.
Don’t miss out on the must-see activities that will make your stay memorable. Get ready for an authentic and unique experience in Florence, the perfect destination for your next road trip! Let’s go!????
Don’t like reading? A video is available below in the article or by clicking here.
What is Florence – Italy ?
History of Florence
Florence, this charming city in Italy, is steeped in a fascinating history that dates back centuries. Founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC, Florence thrived due to its strategic location along the Arno River. During the Middle Ages, it became an important financial and commercial center because of its silk trade.
But it was the Medici, a family of wealthy bankers, who truly put Florence on the map. They supported the arts and sciences, making the city the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Renowned artists and intellectuals such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Galileo were all inspired by the beauty and unique atmosphere of Florence.
The Florentine Renaissance left its mark in every corner of the city, offering visitors an unforgettable cultural and historical experience. The Duomo, with its iconic dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, is an architectural masterpiece that dominates the urban landscape. The Uffizi Gallery houses an incomparable collection of artwork, including Botticelli’s famous “Birth of Venus.”
And the Ponte Vecchio, with its jewelers’ shops, is one of the city’s most iconic symbols. Florence continues to fascinate travelers from around the world, capturing their hearts and minds with its cultural wealth and illustrious past. So what are you waiting for to immerse yourself in the history of this wonderful Italian city?
Geographical location
Located in the heart of Tuscany, Italy, Florence is a city that enchants you from your first glance. Florence’s authenticity shines through in each of its iconic monuments, such as the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio. This city dazzles with its timeless beauty and offers an unparalleled cultural experience. Whether strolling through the medieval district of San Lorenzo or admiring the masterpieces in the Uffizi Gallery, Florence knows how to captivate and amaze you.
How to Get to Florence?
To get to Florence by plane, you have several options. The nearest national airports are Florence Airport (Peretola), only 7 kilometers from the city center, and Pisa Airport (Galileo Galilei), about 85 kilometers away. If you prefer an international airport, you can choose Rome Fiumicino Airport (Leonardo da Vinci), which is about 300 kilometers from Florence. To reach Florence from these airports, you can use shuttle services, trains, or taxis.
To get to Florence by train, you also have several options. The nearest national lines are those connecting Florence to Rome, Milan, and Venice. You can take a train from these major cities and arrive directly at Florence’s central station (Firenze Santa Maria Novella). If you prefer an international line, you can choose the one connecting Florence to Paris or Geneva, for example.
To get to Florence by car or campervan from the capital of Italy, Rome, you can take the A1 motorway north. After about 275 kilometers, you will arrive in Florence. The main international routes to reach Florence are the A12 motorway, which connects Genoa to Florence, and the A1 motorway, which connects Milan to Florence.
To access Verona, we left from the Southeast of France and traveled northeast through Italy to reach Verona!
Climate: When to Visit Florence for a Camping Trip?
| Month | Average Temp (°C) | Rainfall (mm) | Weather | Opinion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4°/10° | 64mm | 🌧️ | Not favorable |
| February | 5°/11° | 58mm | 🌧️ | Not favorable |
| March | 8°/14° | 67mm | 🌦️ | Not very favorable |
| April | 10°/17° | 55mm | 🌦️ | Favorable |
| May | 14°/22° | 72mm | 🌦️ | Favorable |
| June | 18°/27° | 49mm | ☀️ | Favorable |
| July | 21°/31° | 26mm | ☀️ | Favorable |
| August | 21°/31° | 29mm | ☀️ | Favorable |
| September | 17°/26° | 57mm | 🌦️ | Not very favorable |
| October | 12°/20° | 77mm | 🌦️ | Not favorable |
| November | 7°/14° | 112mm | 🌧️ | Not favorable |
| December | 4°/10° | 75mm | 🌧️ | Not favorable |
So when to visit Florence? The best time seems to be in the spring when the temperatures are mild and pleasant, and the city is less crowded with tourists. Florence’s beautiful gardens, like the Boboli Gardens, are adorned with vibrant colors, and the streets come alive with many cultural events. Don’t miss out on Florence in spring, you won’t be disappointed!
Spots to Sleep and Camper Van Service Areas in Florence
- 📍🥇 Piazzale Michelangelo: Breathtaking panoramic views of the city of Florence and its magnificent historical monuments. It is the perfect place to admire the sunset and enjoy a peaceful night in your camper van.
- 📍🥈 Camping Firenze: Located just a 15-minute drive from the city center, this campsite offers a peaceful and green setting. You can enjoy various facilities, such as a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a children’s playground.
- 📍🥉 Camping Internazionale Firenze: This family-friendly campsite offers spacious and shaded pitches, as well as quality services such as a swimming pool, a bar-restaurant, and children’s entertainment. It is located near public transportation, allowing you to quickly access Florence’s historic center.
- 📍 Area Sosta Camper Villa Costanza: Located on the outskirts of Florence, this camper van parking area offers a peaceful and green setting. You can reach the city center by taking the tram, which is a few minutes’ walk away.
- 📍 Camping Michelangelo: This family-friendly and welcoming campsite is located in a picturesque setting, surrounded by Tuscan hills and olive groves. You can enjoy absolute tranquility while being just a 10-minute drive from Florence’s city center.
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Among these spots, we chose Piazzale Michelangelo. We had the chance to test this place and were amazed by the panoramic view of the city of Florence and its magnificent historical monuments. It is the perfect place to admire the sunset and enjoy a peaceful night in your camper van. We felt privileged to be able to contemplate the beauty of this city from this unique viewpoint.
Where and What to Eat in Florence?
Restaurants in Florence
- 🍽️ Trattoria Mario: This is a rustic restaurant offering authentic and tasty Italian dishes. Their specialties include tomato soup, salt-crusted sea bream, and homemade pasta. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is warm.
- 🍽️ Osteria delle Belle Donne: This charming restaurant offers traditional and quality Tuscan cuisine. Their dishes are prepared with fresh and local ingredients, giving them an incomparable taste. Don’t miss their delicious tiramisu for dessert!
- 🍽️ La Buchetta Food & Wine: Located in a historic cellar, this restaurant offers a unique culinary experience. Their menu showcases local products and offers an impressive selection of Italian wines. Don’t forget to try their bistecca alla Fiorentina, a Florentine specialty.
- 🍽️ Il Santo Bevitore: This modern and elegant restaurant offers creative and refined Italian cuisine. Their menu changes regularly based on the seasons and available products, ensuring a consistently surprising culinary experience. Indulge in their truffle risotto, it’s a true delight.
- 🍽️ Le Fonticine: This family-run restaurant is known for its traditional cuisine and friendly atmosphere. Their dishes are prepared with love and highlight the flavors of Tuscany. Don’t miss their pappardelle with truffle, it’s a real treat.
Florence’s Specialties
Ah, Florence, this incredible city in Italy that never ceases to surprise us with its tempting culinary specialties. Among them, we have the famous “Bistecca alla Fiorentina”, a giant and juicy beef steak, grilled to perfection and accompanied by a drizzle of olive oil.
Next, don’t miss the “Antipasto Toscano”, a selection of delicious regional appetizers, including porchetta, a tasty roast pork with garlic and herbs. And of course, how could we forget the “Pappardelle al Cinghiale”, wide and fresh pasta served with a wild boar sauce that will delight your taste buds. So, indulge in these Florentine specialties and discover the true taste of Italy!
We ate at Osteria delle Belle Donne and had a great time! The traditional Tuscan cuisine was delicious and prepared with fresh and local ingredients, giving each dish an incomparable flavor. We especially loved their tiramisu for dessert, a true delight!
The atmosphere of the restaurant was warm and convivial, and the staff was friendly and attentive. If you’re in Florence, we highly recommend stopping by this charming restaurant for a typical Tuscan culinary experience.
Travel Budget for a Road Trip to Florence
The currency used in Italy is the Euro (EUR). The cost of living in Italy is about 5% higher than in France, and the local purchasing power is about 3% lower. When traveling, plan a budget of at least 100 € per day per person for onsite expenses.
– Meal in an average restaurant: 30 € (+10% compared to 🇫🇷)
– Fast food menu: 8 € (+5% compared to 🇫🇷)
– Local beer (50 cl draft): 5 € (+10% compared to 🇫🇷)
– Single public transport ticket: 1.5 € (+50% compared to 🇫🇷)
– Monthly public transport pass: 35 € (-10% compared to 🇫🇷)
– Unleaded petrol (1 liter): 1.6 € (+5% compared to 🇫🇷)
– Budget hotel (double room): 60 € (+5% compared to 🇫🇷)
– Mid-range hotel (double room): 90 € (+10% compared to 🇫🇷)
– High-end hotel (double room): 150 € (-20% compared to 🇫🇷)
– Pair of jeans (Levis 501 or equivalent): 70 € (+5% compared to 🇫🇷)
– Summer dress in a chain store (Zara, H&M, etc.): 30 € (-10% compared to 🇫🇷)
– Pair of sports shoes: 80 € (+10% compared to 🇫🇷)
Here’s our budget advice for traveling in Italy, unlike France. Prices may be higher in certain categories, such as meals in average restaurants and public transportation. However, it is possible to save money by opting for fast food menus and taking advantage of the advantageous prices of high-end hotels.
If you’re planning a trip to Italy, it’s recommended to have a budget set aside for daily expenses so you can fully enjoy your trip without worrying about your savings.
Video of our City Trip in Florence
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What Activities to Do in Florence?
Here is a list of activities that we invite you to do in Florence based on your tastes and preferences:
– Take a hand-in-hand stroll on the famous Ponte Vecchio, with its jewelry shops and romantic view of the Arno River.
– Enjoy a delicious candlelit dinner at one of the city’s many picturesque restaurants.
– Take a sunset boat ride on the Arno River.
– Explore the beautiful Boboli Gardens, a romantic spot for a hand-in-hand stroll.
– Have a drink on Piazzale Michelangelo and admire the panoramic view of the city at sunset.
– Visit the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most important art museums in the world.
– Explore the Florence Cathedral, the Duomo, with its iconic dome and beautiful interior.
– Discover Michelangelo’s famous statue of David at the Galleria dell’Accademia.
– Wander through the streets of Florence’s historic district, with its many palaces, churches, and picturesque squares.
– Attend an opera or ballet performance at the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, one of Italy’s most important musical institutions.
– Go hiking in the surrounding hills of Florence, such as the Monte Ceceri Nature Park.
– Rent a bike and cycle along the Arno River or through the city streets.
– Join an outdoor yoga session in one of Florence’s parks.
– Try canoeing or paddleboarding on the Arno River.
– Go rock climbing on the walls of the Belvedere Fortress.
– Attend the famous Calcio Storico Fiorentino festival, a traditional sport of Florence that combines rugby, football, and combat.
– Take part in the Carnival of Florence, with its colorful parades and extravagant costumes.
– Enjoy the Lantern Festival of Florence, where thousands of lanterns are lit in the city to celebrate St. John the Baptist.
– Attend the International Street Arts Festival, with dance, theater, and music performances in the streets of Florence.
– Join the celebration of St. John, with fireworks and festivities along the Arno River.
Conclusion: Why Visit or Return to Florence?
In conclusion, Florence is a city that will enchant you. Its rich history and Renaissance brilliance shine through its iconic monuments such as the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio.
Florence’s culinary specialties will delight your taste buds, while romantic, cultural, and sports activities offer an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re passionate about history, art, or simply seeking romantic moments, Florence will fulfill all your desires.
So let yourself be enchanted by this Italian city and discover all the magic it has to offer.
FAQ
To get to Florence by car or campervan from the capital of Italy, Rome, you can take the A1 motorway north. After about 275 kilometers, you will arrive in Florence. The main international routes to reach Florence are the A12 motorway, which connects Genoa to Florence, and the A1 motorway, which connects Milan to Florence.
The best time to visit Florence seems to be in the spring when the temperatures are mild and pleasant, and the city is less crowded with tourists. Florence’s beautiful gardens, like the Boboli Gardens, are adorned with vibrant colors, and the streets come alive with many cultural events. Don’t miss out on Florence in spring, you won’t be disappointed!
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