Italy in April

[Michael Minta]

Hello. Looking for some advice/recommendations for good campsites (with facilities) on the west coast of Italy, for about a week, so we can visit Pisa, Florence probably by train and any interesting routes to get down there? Thanks in anticipation.

 

[RedWhiteMonkey]

We've stayed here close to Pisa a couple of times - https://www.lagoletamerici.it/en/ - and liked it. Like a lot of Italian campsites there can be a lot of mossies, so don't pitch too close to their lake.

April shouldn't be too busy so I'd personally look to camp closer to Florence rather than get a train there.

 

[Michael Minta]

We've stayed here close to Pisa a couple of times - https://www.lagoletamerici.it/en/ - and liked it. Like a lot of Italian campsites there can be a lot of mossies, so don't pitch too close to their lake.

April shouldn't be too busy so I'd personally look to camp closer to Florence rather than get a train there.

Thanks, looks good

 

[colintfcolintf]

mountain passes can still be snowbound in April / May. I remember being there once in May and Stelvio was still closed. that might rule out some of the Alp mountain passes getting there / back

 

[RedWhiteMonkey]

mountain passes can still be snowbound in April / May. I remember being there once in May and Stelvio was still closed. that might rule out some of the Alp mountain passes getting there / back

Through the St. Gotthard Tunnel is the obvious route, that doesn't shut for snow.

 

[RedWhiteMonkey]

Stelvio would be quite a detour.

 

[colintfcolintf]

Stelvio would be quite a detour.

I just used that as an example. We were down around the lakes for a few days

 

[colintfcolintf]

Think I would want to be wearing Cross Climates or similar still in April

 

[RedWhiteMonkey]

Think I would want to be wearing Cross Climates or similar still in April

Probably wise, but if they are only transiting through the Alps the main roads are well gritted and cleared. Pisa and Florence should be pleasantly around 20c in April.

 

[colintfcolintf]

Probably wise, but if they are only transiting through the Alps the main roads are well gritted and cleared. Pisa and Florence should be pleasantly around 20c in April.

I used to work in Italy on a regular basis and have seen all sorts that time of year

 

[Betsycalifornia]

Campsite technically in Florence, 45 minute easy flat walk to the centre. Bus also available.
Hu Firenze. Stayed there for 4 days April 24. Good facilities. Nice restaurant. Was busy though.

View attachment 1768995090936.jpeg

 

[RedWhiteMonkey]

Campsite technically in Florence, 45 minute easy flat walk to the centre. Bus also available.
Hu Firenze. Stayed there for 4 days April 24. Good facilities. Nice restaurant. Was busy though.

View attachment 143517

That's where we've stayed for Florence before, but I couldn't remember the name of it.

Bus into Florence wasn't complicated, although I did have an altercation with a stupid American girl who refused to take her huge rucksack off and nearly wiped out my baby son (and various other passengers) by constantly moving around and seemingly not understanding she had a massive extension on her back.

 

[Michael Minta]

mountain passes can still be snowbound in April / May. I remember being there once in May and Stelvio was still closed. that might rule out some of the Alp mountain passes getting there / back

Thanks...good to know.

 

[Michael Minta]

Through the St. Gotthard Tunnel is the obvious route, that doesn't shut for snow.

Thanks, sounds good

 

[Michael Minta]

Think I would want to be wearing Cross Climates or similar still in April

Hadn't thought of that....

 

[Michael Minta]

Campsite technically in Florence, 45 minute easy flat walk to the centre. Bus also available.
Hu Firenze. Stayed there for 4 days April 24. Good facilities. Nice restaurant. Was busy though.

View attachment 143517

Great, thanks. Sounds a good location.

 

[Michael Minta]

We've stayed here close to Pisa a couple of times - https://www.lagoletamerici.it/en/ - and liked it. Like a lot of Italian campsites there can be a lot of mossies, so don't pitch too close to their lake.

April shouldn't be too busy so I'd personally look to camp closer to Florence rather than get a train there.

Thanks