Pedestrian and cyclable footpaths
The following two paths, if joined together, allow you to make a circular route.
Strada Verde
Length: 1.8 km Type of route: pedestrian, cycling Degree of difficulty: easy with slight slopes
The Strada Verde is the most famous path in Vinci, the one that connects the center of the village to Leonardo's birthplace in Anchiano. The route begins on the north side of Vinci, on the paved road that runs alongside the Mulino del Doccia, mentioned by Leonardo in the Codex Atlanticus. The road winds through olive trees and vineyards offering splendid views. Along the way it is possible to visit the Acquaria park, the Pescaia del Mulino del Doccia, the village of Leano and also the section of the Leonardian Museum "Leonardo and painting" set up in Villa del Ferrale.
Sentiero di Balenaia
Length: 3.2 km Type of route: pedestrian, cycling Degree of difficulty: easy with slight slopes
It starts from the intersection of via Lamporecchiana with the provincial road 123, in Vallicella. It is also possible to reach the path from the Via di Caterina. The path winds along the Rio Balenaia, the first stretch of the Vincio river.
Along the way you will find ancient water mills, some converted into houses, others reduced to ruins: some of these structures, dating back to the period between 1500 and 1700, they remained in operation until the middle of the last century.
La Via del Vincio
Length: 16.7 km Type of route: pedestrian, mountain bike Degree of difficulty: easy
The path connects the Via Francigena to the paths of Montalbano, crossing 3 municipalities: Vinci, Cerreto Guidi and Fucecchio. The first part is the Via di Caterina, the path named after Leonardo's mother: the path then continues towards the Padule di Fucecchio, to reach the Ponte di Cappiano.
These two paths join together to form a longer 8-shaped path.
Poggio dello Zollaio
Length: 1700 m Path type: pedestrian , cycling Degree of difficulty: easy with slight slopes
The path of Poggio dello Zollaio is a quick walk through olive trees and vineyards. It starts from Piazza Leonardo da Vinci and allows you to enjoy a beautiful view of the village of Vinci and its main buildings: the church of S. Croce and the tower of the Conti Guidi castle.
Via di Caterina
Length: 4200 m Type of route: pedestrian, cycling Degree of difficulty: easy with slight slopes
Via di Caterina also starts from Piazza Leonardo da Vinci. It is a more demanding route that reaches San Pantaleo, the place where Leonardo's mother lived.
The road bears the woman's name because it is thought that she traveled it to go to her son Leonardo who lived in the village of Vinci, with paternal grandparents. The path along the Vincio river is suggestive. The path ends at the church of San Pantaleo: however, it is possible to return to the starting point passing through the localities of Mazzantino and Piatino and Poggio di Marradino path n. 12A
Poggio Marradino
Length: 3200 m Type of route: pedestrian, cycling Degree of difficulty: easy with slight slopes
It is a circular route which runs around the knoll called “Marradino”, an easy path for a non-binding walk. The departure is from the Mulino del Doccia, just outside Vinci, and allows you to admire the castle of the Counts Guidi. Precisely in this area, Leonardo had planned the creation of an artificial lake, as evidenced by some papers of the Atlantic Code. The project involved the construction of a small dam to convey the water and use it as a reserve of hydraulic energy, as well as for irrigation of the fields.
The following are a path and a series of routes that branch off from it allowing you to explore the valley around Vinci well.
Path of the Mills
Length: 650 m Type of route: pedestrian, cycling Degree of difficulty: easy with slight slopes
The Via dei Mulini is a path that runs along the Vincio stream: along the route there are 5 hydraulic mills, dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. The path begins near the ancient Baldassini Mill, on the road to Sant’Amato: it can be reached on foot from Leonardo's birthplace along a piece of dirt road. The Baldassino mill is one of the best preserved and still bears the date of construction, 1518. The last part of the path ends in the Barco Reale Mediceo, the ancient hunting reserve of the Medici family: part of the wall that surrounded the entire reserve.
Anchiano, S.Lucia and Leccio di Faltognano, n.14
Type of route: pedestrian, cycling Degree of difficulty: medium with slight slopes
It is a series of woodland and country roads that connect the towns of Anchiano, S. Lucia and Faltognano. The reference point is the birthplace of Leonardo. Each path allows you to admire the entire valley below. The presence of the secular Leccio di Faltognano, registered in the register of monumental trees of the Tuscany Region, should be noted. Another peculiarity are the numerous dry stone walls that form the typical terraces for the cultivation of vines and olive trees: some date back to the 15th century.