Located along the Arno River between Ponte Romito and Ponte dell'Acqua Borra, the Valle dell'Inferno and Bandella Nature Reserve covers over 500 hectares in the heart of Valdarno, between the municipalities of Terranuova Bracciolini, Laterina Pergine Valdarno, and Montevarchi. This protected area was formed around the Levane dam basin, built in 1956 for hydroelectric purposes.
Over time, it has become an environment rich in biodiversity, where wooded areas, wetlands, and slow-flowing river stretches meet. A wide variety of flora and fauna coexist here. According to tradition, the rugged and wild landscape of the Valle dell'Inferno even inspired Dante Alighieri for some passages of the Divine Comedy. Today, however, it is the perfect place for a day in nature: well-marked trails, guided boat tours, and a visitor center in Monticello, just a few kilometers from our hotel.
An ideal oasis for birdwatchers, walkers, or simply those seeking tranquility surrounded by greenery.
Trail A
Trail A is 2.3 km long and takes about 45 minutes. Starting from the Monticello visitor center, it takes you to Ansa di Bandella and continues through woods and farmland to Pian di Chena.
Trail B
Trail B is 4 km long and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete. It crosses the Ascione valley and, along panoramic hillsides, runs alongside the Bandella bend, reaching the observation huts set up here.
Gerda Trail
In the locality of “Acqua Borra,” at the western end of the Reserve, the Grande Escursione dell'Arno (GERDA) trail begins and ends, depending on the direction of travel. Passing through Bandella and Ponte Romito, it continues to the Ponte a Buriano e Penna Nature Reserve.
Link for all: https://www.parks.it/riserva.valle.inferno.bandella/iti.php
