Lake Bilancino: Nature, Outdoor Activities and Music in the heart of Mugello

In the heart of Mugello, framed by gentle hills and just a few kilometers from Florence, lies Lake Bilancino — an artificial basin that surprises visitors with its beauty and the wide range of experiences it offers.

This place, perfect for relaxing, outdoor sports, and reconnecting with nature, is at its best in the summer, when it becomes an ideal destination. From water sports and open-air yoga to trails to explore on foot or by bike, and immersive experiences in nature, Lake Bilancino offers memorable moments at any time of day. In July, visitors can also take part in the Flood / Bilancino Festival, an unmissable event that combines a passion for music with a love of nature, making a visit to this enchanting corner of Tuscany even more special.

Lake Bilancino, originally created as an artificial basin for water regulation and to ensure the region’s water security, is today a precious natural oasis. Built in the 1980s and completed at the end of the last century, this body of water has gradually transformed: from a major feat of engineering aimed at securing water supply, it has evolved into a living, harmonious landscape, blending utility with beauty. Its calm waters and varied shores provide refuge for many animal species, including herons, grebes, cormorants, and many others that have found an ideal habitat here. This rich biodiversity makes Lake Bilancino a favourite destination for nature lovers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts. It is also a prime spot for birdwatching: observing the birds that inhabit the lake, immersed in the silence and tranquility of the landscape, offers truly moving experiences and moments of deep connection with the surrounding environment.

For more information on Lake Bilancino, you can consult “Natural landscapes”, our article guiding you to discover this enchanting place surrounded by nature.

For lovers of sport and outdoor life, Lake Bilancino offers a wide variety of activities that allow visitors to experience the area in an authentic and relaxing way. Walking or cycling along the paths that follow the lake’s shores means immersing yourself in enchanting views of reed beds, secluded beaches, and woods that provide shade and fresh air. Trails such as the one leading to the ancient Church of San Giovanni in Petroio offer breathtaking panoramic views over the entire basin, inviting you to stop and admire the landscape and listen to the sounds of nature.

For cycling enthusiasts, the bike loop encircling the lake offers a unique opportunity to explore the area, passing through cultivated fields, small villages, and hidden corners where silence and peace reign. But Lake Bilancino is also perfect for those who want to try water sports: on warmer days, you can go canoeing or kayaking, or rent a pedal boat to enjoy the calm waters. Sailing and windsurfing enthusiasts will find here the perfect place to be carried by the wind and admire the landscape from a different perspective. The early morning hours, when the air is crisp and the lake reflects the colors of dawn, or summer evenings, cooled by the hill breeze, are the ideal times to enjoy these experiences and rediscover a true connection with nature.

Yet in July, Lake Bilancino is not just about nature and tranquility. Its shores come alive with music and colour thanks to the Flood / Bilancino Festival, an event that perfectly blends the lake’s wild spirit with artistic creativity. From 17 to 20 July 2025, Lake Bilancino will become the stage for concerts, art installations, performances, and activities for visitors of all ages. During the day, the lake will be animated by workshops, water sports, outdoor yoga sessions, and opportunities to try stand-up paddleboarding and canoeing.

At sunset, the shores will transform into a great natural amphitheater: music will become the star of the scene, light installations will illuminate the night, and the scents of food stands — from Tuscan street food to international specialties — will accompany this magical experience. The Flood / Bilancino Festival is not just a music festival: it is an immersive experience that fuses art, nature, and conviviality, attracting music lovers and travelers in search of authentic emotions to the lake every year. 

July at Lake Bilancino is the ideal time for those who wish to alternate between relaxing on the beach, hiking along trails and through ancient villages, and unforgettable evenings of music and art. For a truly unique experience in the heart of Mugello, choose a Collichiari accommodation and let yourself be charmed by the authentic beauty of this extraordinary region.

In partnership with Trading Estate Service Srl