Lucciolata a Travalle

A walk among the fireflies in the Florentine countryside

The Lucciolata a Travalle is one of the most beloved early-summer evening excursions in the municipality of Calenzano, in the province of Florence, Tuscany. It takes place in the Travalle Agricultural Park, a corner of untouched rural beauty at the foot of the Calvana Mountains, where cultivated meadows, historic farmhouses, and woods create a landscape that feels suspended in time. The heart of the experience is the encounter with the fireflies, which populate the fields and the banks of the Marina stream in June, offering a natural spectacle that is as fragile as it is moving.

The route along the Marina stream

The itinerary is a loop of approximately 7 kilometers, with a gentle elevation gain of about 80-150 meters, classified as an easy hike suitable for anyone with a basic level of fitness. The trail runs along the Marina stream and leads toward the famous Fattoria di Travalle, passing farms, stone mills, and ancient residences before continuing through fields and woods. The walk begins just before sunset and winds through the darkness with only the light of the moon and torches, which are extinguished at a particularly scenic point to make way for the luminous flight of the fireflies.

A guided, small-group experience

The Lucciolata is organized by Landscape Walking Tours, led by Dario Favi, an AIGAE-certified environmental hiking guide. It is designed as a small-group accompanied excursion: to ensure the quality of the experience and respect for the natural environment, the number of participants is limited (usually from a minimum of 8 to a maximum of 25 people). Booking is mandatory, and popular dates tend to sell out quickly. The event is repeated over several evenings throughout June, the peak period for firefly activity.

Calenzano and the Calvana Mountains

Situated between Florence and Prato, the territory of Calenzano preserves a precious landscape heritage within the Travalle Park, nestled between the Calvana massif and the local hills, crossed by the Marina stream. The Lucciolata is the ideal opportunity to discover this lesser-known and more authentic side of Tuscany, far from mass tourism circuits, in an atmosphere of silence and wonder that captivates families, nature enthusiasts, and curious visitors of all ages.

What to bring

• Waterproof trekking or trail shoes (mandatory)
• Layered clothing suitable for the evening
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Water (at least 1.5 liters) and a small backpack