Between the Via Francigena and the sea: four trekking routes in Tuscany

The Via Francigena Mare is a roughly 170-kilometre, seven-stage route between the Val d’Elsa and the Tyrrhenian coast. One stage begins at Villetta di Monterufoli and descends toward Bolgheri, making the estate a stopping and accommodation point on the route.

The 5.33-kilometre Sentiero delle Sughere crosses fields, pasture and olive groves, passes a lignite shaft more than 190 metres deep and the Chiesetta del Sacro Cuore, then follows the Terra Rossa vineyard into cork-oak woodland. The 9.95-kilometre Poggio Mattonelle loop passes the Podernovo Vermentino vineyard and climbs to 512 metres for views over Monte di Canneto and the Val di Sterza.

The easy 9.01-kilometre Sentiero dei Ponti Fantasma follows the railway used from 1872 to 1928, passing four abandoned stone bridges, a rock cutting, streams and Sangiovese vineyards. The 17.83-kilometre Mine–Stallacce–Malentrata circuit crosses streams, old mills, vineyards and the Pian di Seta hill before reaching former magnesite galleries and a high point of 495 metres.

Three routes can also be used by bicycles, mountain bikes and horses. The estate provides e-bike rental, while its white roads connect with longer walking and bikepacking itineraries.