Valdinievole, Valley region in Province of Pistoia, Italy
Valdinievole is a valley in the Province of Pistoia, in Tuscany, running along the Nievole River across eleven municipalities. The terrain shifts from gentle hills covered with vineyards and olive groves to flat farmland near the edge of the Padule di Fucecchio wetlands.
The valley grew through farming settlements over centuries, with Pescia becoming the main trading center for the surrounding area. The thermal springs, especially those near Montecatini Terme, drew broader attention from the 18th century onward and gave the territory a new role.
The name Valdinievole means 'valley of the Nievole', referring to the river that runs through it and gives the area a shared identity. Small towns across the valley hold seasonal markets and harvest events where local oil, wine, and food take center stage.
The valley sits between Florence and Lucca and can be reached by train or bus from either city. Most towns have places to stay, and from there it is easy to reach thermal baths, historic centers, and walking paths across the hills.
The Padule di Fucecchio, at the edge of the valley, is one of the largest inland wetlands in central Italy and a key stop for birds during migration. What surprises many visitors is that this marsh sits deep inland, far from any coast, in the middle of the Tuscan countryside.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
