A walk from the village square of Calci past the Pieve di Calci and the monumental Certosa (Charterhouse) into the olive terraces of the Monte Pisano. Several tourist-board itineraries start at Calci's main square, making it the easiest gateway to the Monte Pisano.
Calci sits in a valley on the western side of the Monte Pisano, about 10 km east of Pisa, and is the traditional starting point for walks into the range. The town square, Piazza Garibaldi, is the departure point for many marked itineraries, which are part of the roughly 80 km of marked paths on the Monte Pisano.
The village is dominated by the Certosa di Calci, a large Carthusian monastery at Via Roma 79, which houses the University of Pisa Natural History Museum. Visitor information is available on +39 050 2212970 and info@msn.unipi.it. Published museum hours and ticket prices differ between sources (a full ticket of EUR 8, ~$9.20, is quoted in older listings), so a call or a look at msn.unipi.it before the visit is advisable.
A typical half-day walk leaves the square, passes the Pieve di Calci and the Certosa walls, and climbs through olive terraces before returning to the village by a different lane. Stronger walkers can continue uphill to join the axial Monte Pisano trail or the Verruca fortress.
| Distance | Approx. 6-8 km, depending on the variant chosen |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2.5-3.5 hours including stops |
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Trailhead | Autolinee Toscane bus from Pisa to Calci (about 30 minutes); parking in Calci village |
| Best season | Year-round; best October-May |
| Address | Piazza Garibaldi, 56011 Calci PI, Italy (start of most Calci itineraries) |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Calci, 10 km east of Pisa
- Trail type
- Loop, with options to continue uphill on the Monte Pisano network
- Terrain
- Village streets, farm lanes and stony footpaths marked in CAI red and white.
What to bring
Light hiking shoes, water, sun hat; rain shell in autumn.
Location
Piazza Garibaldi, 56011 Calci PI, Italy (start of most Calci itineraries)
43.7217, 10.5189 View on map
Highlights
- Certosa di Calci, a monumental Carthusian monastery that now houses the University of Pisa Natural History Museum
- Romanesque Pieve di Calci in the village centre
- Terraced olive groves on the lower Monte Pisano slopes
- Easy bus access from Pisa, so no car is needed
Tips for visiting
- Begin in Calci's main square, where several itineraries start, and pick up a local trail map from the municipal office.
- Allow time for the Certosa: the courtyard and church have been opened on Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings (admission about EUR 5, ~$5.75), while the Natural History Museum is open separately.
- Confirm current Certosa and museum hours with the museum on +39 050 2212970 or info@msn.unipi.it before planning the day around them.
- Use bus services from Pisa on weekdays; the village streets are narrow and parking fills up on market and event days.
- Carry cash for village bars; there are no services on the footpaths.
When to visit
Spring and autumn offer the best walking weather; winter mornings are clear and quiet.
Accessibility
The village and the museum are largely step-free; the footpaths above Calci are uneven and not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Calci from Pisa without a car?
Autolinee Toscane buses connect Pisa with Calci in roughly 30 minutes. Check the current timetable on at-bus.it, as services vary by season and weekday.
Where is the Certosa di Calci and how do I contact it?
The Certosa and Natural History Museum are at Via Roma 79, 56011 Calci. The museum lists +39 050 2212970 and info@msn.unipi.it for information.
Is the walk suitable for families?
The lower section through the village and olive terraces suits families with school-age children. Younger children can combine the Certosa and museum with a short stroll.
Can the walk be extended to the Verruca?
Yes. Trails lead from Calci through olive groves and woods to the Rocca della Verruca, adding a significant climb.