A steeper approach to the Monte Pisano ridge from the village of Buti, the access point for Monte Serra (917 m) and the Sant'Antone cliff, a via ferrata route that is currently closed to climbers.
Buti is a village on the northern side of the Monte Pisano, roughly 20 km east of Pisa, and the starting point of the Monte Serra road. Monte Serra at 917 m is the range's highest summit and carries communications masts, so the access road is the most direct way to the ridge. Terre di Pisa describes the Sant'Antone via ferrata as starting at 410 m and arriving at 536 m, a medium-high route with technical passages, reached by driving about 4 km up the Monte Serra road and parking on the right-hand side.
The CAI section of Pontedera manages the via ferrata. A CAI notice dated April 2026 states that the concession has expired and the route is closed to all activities until a new concession is issued. Walkers can still use the surrounding marked paths, but should respect closure signs. Contact CAI Pontedera on +39 347 1840341, info@caipontedera.it or www.caipontedera.it for the latest status.
On the ridge the Monte Pisano's axial path (CAI number 00) offers long traverses with views toward the coast, the Apuan Alps and the Arno valley. The slopes are partly open scrub and burned woodland, so weather protection and water are essential.
| Distance | Variable; the Sant'Antone approach is about 4 km along the Monte Serra road from Buti |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3-5 hours for a hike toward the Monte Serra ridge |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Challenging |
| Trailhead | Car or Autolinee Toscane bus to Buti; parking on the right side of the Monte Serra road about 4 km from the village for the Sant'Antone area |
| Best season | April-June and September-November |
| Address | Buti, 56032 Buti PI, Italy (Monte Serra road leaves from the village) |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Buti, 20 km east of Pisa, at the foot of Monte Serra
- Trail type
- Out and back or ridge traverse
- Terrain
- Paved road to the parking area, then stony paths and steeper sections on the Monte Serra slopes.
What to bring
Hiking boots, 2 litres of water, windproof jacket, map or offline GPS track.
Location
Buti, 56032 Buti PI, Italy (Monte Serra road leaves from the village)
43.7177, 10.5890 View on map
Highlights
- Monte Serra, the highest peak in the range at 917 m
- Wide views over the Arno valley, Lake Massaciuccoli and the coast on clear days
- Trailheads for the 80 km Monte Pisano network via the axial path
- Rock walls of Sant'Antone above the Monte Serra road
Tips for visiting
- Check access conditions with the CAI section of Pontedera on +39 347 1840341 or info@caipontedera.it before heading to Sant'Antone.
- The Sant'Antone via ferrata (410 m to 536 m, roughly 2 hours for experienced climbers) was reported closed in April 2026 after its concession expired; do not climb it unless the CAI confirms it has reopened.
- Avoid walking beneath the rock walls after heavy rain because of rockfall risk reported by users.
- The Monte Pisano had a large wildfire in September 2018; some slopes are open scrub with little shade, so start early in summer.
- Download offline maps: mobile signal is intermittent on the upper ridge.
When to visit
Late April to early June and mid-September to early November for stable weather; avoid hot afternoons in July and August.
Accessibility
Not wheelchair-accessible. The Monte Serra road can be driven to the parking area, but paths beyond are rough.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sant'Antone via ferrata open?
A CAI Pontedera notice from April 2026 says the concession has expired and the via ferrata is closed to all activities. Call +39 347 1840341 or check caipontedera.it to see whether it has reopened.
How do I reach the parking area for Sant'Antone?
Drive about 4 km along the Monte Serra road from Buti and park on the right-hand side, as described by Terre di Pisa.
How high is Monte Serra?
Monte Serra reaches 917 m, making it the highest peak of the Monte Pisano.
Can this area be reached by bus?
Autolinee Toscane serves Buti, but the Monte Serra road section is easiest with a car; check at-bus.it for timetables.