During the hot spells of a Florence summer we love to visit Lago di Bilancino which is 35 kms away from Florence.
This is a beautiful man-made lake where you can enjoy water sports including windsurfing and canoeing or just have a relaxing swim in the fresh, clean water.
Our favourite spot is situated on the far side of the lake at the Bahia Cafe/Restaurant, which is a hot spot for the young Florentines as a venue for late night parties at weekends.
We tend to visit the lake on a Wednesday early afternoon (avoiding the nightlife) for a lovely lunch at the exceptional restaurant overlooking the lake. After lunch you can then enjoy the water sports or just lie and read a book under the umbrellas on the pebble beach next to the lake.
There is also the option of designer shopping at one of Tuscany's more interesting outdoor malls on the way back to the motorway for the trip back to Florence.
There are over 100 outlet stores where you can find all the Italian designer bargains. Or you can stay at the beach and have another ice cream - tough choices I know.
We still have a few spaces left on our Florence Special Hosted Weeks if interested......please click here.