← Maratona dell'Isola d'Elba·2 nights

Florence: Two Nights, Flat Streets and Museums

Two nights in Florence give a flat central walk and museum visits that suit stiff legs, reached from Elba by ferry and train.

Duration2 nights
TransitBus 116 to Portoferraio, ferry about 70 minutes to Piombino, then train, check timetables
DepartsMarina di Campo

After the Maratona dell'Isola d'Elba: Florence

The Route: Marina di Campo → Portoferraio → Piombino → Florence → Florence Peretola Airport (FLR) or Pisa (PSA) Logistics: Bus, ferry of about 70 minutes, then a train. Check each timetable, and allow a margin on the Sunday or Monday. Marathon Month: May Duration: 2 nights

Marina di Campo ──(bus 116)──> Portoferraio ──(ferry, about 70 mins)──> Piombino ──(train, check timetable)──> Florence

The Maratona dell'Isola d'Elba finishes in Marina di Campo on a Sunday, and the trip to Florence is a long day of connections. Plan to arrive in the evening. The ferry from Portoferraio to Piombino takes about 70 minutes, and the onward rail journey on the mainland needs its own check. Booking a ferry in advance for a May weekend is wise.

May in Florence is busy with visitors, and queues at the main museums can be long, so book timed tickets. Mid-May heat is possible, and the city is flat, which helps.

Nights one and two: Florence

The historic centre is small and level. The Duomo, the Baptistery and the Ponte Vecchio are within a short walk of each other, and the Arno embankments give a flat route with benches. The Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia are the two big museums, and both need timed tickets booked ahead. Check opening days, since some museums close on Mondays.

Skip the climbs. The Duomo's dome and the hill to Piazzale Michelangelo are hard on marathon legs. Take a taxi or bus if you want the view, and save the dome for another visit.

Where to stay

Choose a hotel near Santa Maria Novella station or in the flat area around the Duomo. Both keep walking short and make the airport or train simple.

Food

Florence's classic dishes are easy to find, and restaurants fill early on weekend evenings. Book a table and ask the hotel for current recommendations.

Getting Home

Florence Peretola Airport (FLR) is reached from the city by tram or taxi. Pisa (PSA) is the alternative, with more international flights, reached by train. Check flight schedules and connections before choosing.