Pool complex
The pools here could just be the reason Norcenni Girasole is one of the best Eurocamps in Italy.
There are two large pool complexes at Norcenni Girasole: the upper water park and the lower water park. These aren’t their official names, but one is at the top of a steep hill (reachable by foot or shuttle train) and the other sits lower down, so the names make sense.
Upper Waterpark also called the San Andrea waterpark
The first pools we visited were in the upper village, and this area is fantastic for younger children. There are loads of shallow pools and an incredible rubber ring slide and lazy river that our 5-year-old absolutely loved.
The pool surfaces and the surrounding areas are made of a soft, spongey material, which made running, falling, and sliding far safer and more comfortable than your usual tiled pool setup. It’s a huge upgrade from standard campsite pools.
On our first day, the weather was fairly dismal, and the water definitely felt colder than expected. But during the rest of our stay, with temperatures reaching the high 20s and low 30s, the pools felt perfect.
There are actually six different pool areas here, spread across multiple levels:
Top tier: a small, lane-style pool. We didn’t use this much, but it seemed quiet and relaxed.
Next level down: a shallow paddling area with fountains, just outside the Belvedere restaurant.
Middle tier: a rectangular pool with a deeper area at one end and a toddler-friendly paddling section at the other.
Nearby, there’s another paddling pool with a small inflatable island and a little waterfall.
Bottom tier: this is where we spent most of our time, at the large lagoon pool, the lazy river exit pool, and the children’s splash slide.
The lazy river requires your own inflatables, which can be bought from the on-site shop.
We brought a few from home but ended up grabbing extras while we were there, around €6 for a rubber ring and €14 for an inflatable body board.
Overall, the upper village pools felt very safe, with plenty of lifeguards stationed across each area.
Lower Village pools – Girasole Waterpark
On day two, we explored the lower pool complex. This area is a bit better suited to confident swimmers, but there’s still loads of fun to be had.
Like the upper village, this waterpark is also tiered. The top two levels feature fun inflatable slides, shallow splash pools, and water play areas suited to kids and adults alike.
Everything else is on the bottom tier:
On the far left, there’s a large splash pad with a soft, spongy floor, perfect for running, bouncing, and slipping around. It’s filled with interactive features like waterfalls, tipping buckets, and fountains.
This leads to a small, covered pool, which is a great spot to cool off out of the midday sun.
Just along from that is the pool our girls nicknamed the “sun pool,” a 1.3m-deep rectangular pool they loved jumping into. It wasn’t overly busy and was a nice spot for a bit of calm.
Next to it is the flume waterslide. It’s quite dated in appearance but still works just fine. That said, I found the ladder up to it quite scary, especially with our 2-year-old.
Finally, there’s the lane pool. In the mornings, it’s mostly used for lane swimming. By the afternoon, it’s full of inflatables, fun swimmers, jumpers, and even aqua fitness classes.
The splash zone and the lane pool were both well-monitored by lifeguards. We even saw them telling off kids for rough play, which was reassuring.
Helpful tips:
- Both pool areas had plenty of sun loungers during our stay, though I imagine they fill quickly in peak season. Thankfully, it wasn’t a “6 a.m. towel-on-the-chair” kind of campsite.
- Wear sunglasses. The light reflecting off the white pool floors is intense.
- The ground gets very hot, so flip-flops or pool shoes are a must.
- Pools were definitely busier in the afternoons
Swimwear rule
There were no swimwear rules enforced at this campsite.
Campsite Facilities
There are so many things to talk about here.
Receptions, Customer Services and Check in
We were staying with Eurocamp on a press trip, and their reception is located inside the main reception building. Important tip: you need to check in with the campsite staff first. They’re not too keen if you go to the Eurocamp desk before them.
Once you’ve checked in with the main reception, you’ll receive your wristbands. Then, head over to the Eurocamp team, who will give you your map and keys.
All the reception staff were friendly and polite. The building itself includes toilets, indoor children’s play areas, and an outdoor play park. We had driven to Norcenni during a huge storm and didn’t want to stop at a service station on the way, so having toilets right at reception was a massive help.
All the staff we spoke to had excellent level English and were honestly some of the friendliest campsite staff we’ve ever met.
Info Point
Away from the main reception is a separate Information Point, located in the main square. This is where you can book excursions and pick up local information.
During our stay in June, quite a few excursions were available. Trips to Florence ran every few days, and there was also a weekly coach tour to Rome. However, do note that the Rome trip involves a four-hour journey each way, which might not suit everyone.
Shuttle Train
Because the site is so large, a land train runs between the two main pool areas. It comes roughly every 20 minutes and takes about 10 minutes to travel from one end to the other.
It’s a great option for those who need it, especially families with young children, or anyone with mobility concerns. We used it a couple of times, but mostly chose to walk. The walk between the lower and upper village pools is steep, but we found it manageable and usually quicker than waiting for the shuttle.
The train often got quite busy, especially with people carrying rubber rings and pool gear, and you’re not always guaranteed a space. So if you’re able to, walking is often the more efficient option.
Play Areas at Norcenni Girasole
There are loads of places to play at Norcenni, especially for younger children. Rather than one large central playground, the site has several smaller play areas scattered around.
Play park In The Square
Besides the small play areas at the check-in reception, the first on-site play area we found was at the main square. This was a small play area with swings, a slide and a small climbing frame.
Play Park 2
The second play area we found was at Norcenni’s central bar area. This one had a few solo see-saws (I never know what to call these properly) and a climbing structure with a fireman’s pole and slide. It was in a sanded and gated area and we spent most of our time in this park. It could get busy in the evening around mini-disco time, but children mostly played nicely.
Play Park 3
The third park was near the upper pool complex, in another sandy area with a climbing frame and slide.
Play Park 4
On a walk around the site, we stumbled upon another small playground with slides, swings, and a netted swing. It was also sandy and located near the outdoor gym. This one felt more out of the way and seemed to be used less often.
The map says there are six playgrounds on site, but these are the only four we came across. Given the size of Norcenni, there are likely a few more tucked away in other accommodation areas.
Functional Training Area
Over in the ANTS section of the site is what I can only describe as a playground for adults. This functional training zone is filled with rope swings, climbing frames, and innovative exercise setups. It’s free to use, and you can also find paid activities here, such as yoga and fitness classes.
Outdoor Gym
Separate from the ANTS area, Norcenni also has an outdoor gym with weights, benches, kettlebells, medicine balls, suspension straps, and more. You do have to pay to use it, but personal training sessions are also available.
Football field
Halfway between the upper and lower villages is a 5-a-side football pitch. It’s made of astro turf and gets quite a bit of sun during the day. The animation team regularly hosts tournaments and activities for kids and families here.
Tennis Courts
Beside the football pitches area are a set of tennis courts. You can book these through reception and even organise lessons with an on-site instructor by enquiring at the information point.
Beach volley & Tennis
In the ANTS zone, you’ll find several sand courts for beach volleyball and tennis. These are open all day, and during the evenings, they can be floodlit for night play for a small additional fee per person.
Adventure Area
The adventure area is open in the mornings and from 5 pm to 11 pm in the evenings. It includes several paid-for activities like tree-top climbing, mini golf, zip lines, and more.
Mini golf
A mini-golf course is located near the central square. With fun obstacles and multiple holes, it’s great for classic family entertainment. You can book your session from the same booth as the tree-top climbing.
Tree Top Climbing
This was our 5-year-old’s favourite activity. The on-site tree-top course costs €10 for one round, with discounts available for multiple sessions. I did think the pricing on this was a little steep considering my daughter finished the course in just a few minutes. There are two courses: one designed for little ones and a more advanced course for anyone over 1.2 metres tall.
Zipline
Next to the tree-top climbing is a zip line that flies out over the Chianti hills and back again. It’s a fun option for older children and adults looking for a thrill.
High Nets
Also part of the adventure area is the high nets zone, where children can bounce and play safely in large netted structures with balls and climbing elements.
Arcade
If the weather turns or you need a break from the sun, there’s an indoor arcade filled with coin-operated games, air hockey, racing simulators, and more. There are also pool tables and table football available at the central bar area.
Animation and entertainment for kids and adults
One of Norcenni Girasole’s biggest strengths is its daily entertainment programme, run by the energetic hu-Team (the site’s own animation crew). We regularly saw them around the site, chatting with guests, running kids clubs, football schools, and of course, organising the mini disco, which took place every single night.
But the entertainment wasn’t just for children. The hu-Team also ran a wide variety of adult activities, including aqua bike, aerobics, zumba, dance lessons, cooking classes, and more.
In the evenings, they put on theatrical shows and themed events. We stopped to watch a karaoke night, which was really fun to watch, even if we didn’t join in.
Our daughter loved the mini disco, though I have to admit, the mascot was a little creepy. She didn’t attend the kids club this time, simply because we didn’t have time with everything else going on.
Other activities during our stay included local markets, a full beer festival, live music performances, and wine tasting events. There was always something happening.
Bars, Restaurants and Takeaway
This is going to take a while to cover because there are a ridiculous number of places to eat and drink at Norcenni.
Bar Centrale
In the Piazza Centrale, you’ll find Bar Centrale, which really feels like the social hub of the site. They show sports both inside and out, there are multiple terraces with beautiful views, and it even has its own play area.
We spent most of our evenings here with drinks and ice cream while our children played in the park. It was a great place to relax and chat with other parents.
The bar staff were lovely and the drink prices were reasonable. One thing to note is that drink measures are different from what we’re used to. They serve in large (1 litre), medium (400 ml), and small (200 ml) sizes. So don’t expect a classic pint of beer.
Along with drinks and ice cream, you can also get coffee, croissants, doughnuts, and other light bites here.
Zen Season Pool Bar
This is the bar at the lower village pool. I didn’t personally use it, but Mike did and said the staff were, as everywhere else on-site, fantastic. Service was prompt and prices were the same as at Bar Centrale. Snacks were also available.
Strati Pool Bar
Located next to the upper village pool, this bar sells snacks, pizzas, drinks, ice creams, and more. The music was very loud here but the staff seemed to love their jobs, and the atmosphere was lively and fun.
La Dolce Vigna
This is the wine bar in the Piazza della Fontana in the lower village. With our two wild children in tow, we didn’t get the chance to try it, but it looked ideal for families with older children. They offered daily wine tastings paired with cold meats and cheese. The pricing was €25 for three wines, €30 for four, and €35 for five.
Belvedere Sant’Andrea
This bar and restaurant sits near the Sant’Andrea pool in the upper village. It’s a beautiful building with lovely views over the Tuscan hills and pool area. Here you can get drinks, light lunches, dinner, and street food-style pizza and paninis in a relaxed, scenic setting.
We often came here when Strati Bar was a bit too noisy. Our children loved playing in the paddling pool outside while we enjoyed a more peaceful vibe. If you’re hoping to dine here in high season, it’s best to book in advance.
Il Vecchio
This is considered the “posh” restaurant on-site, serving traditional Tuscan dishes. Its signature item is the Florentine steak, but frustratingly, there was a 1.3 kg minimum order. Since I was the only one who wanted it, we skipped it.
Instead, Mike had a pizza, I had ribs, and the girls had a hot dog and chicken nuggets. Honestly, we weren’t overly impressed with the food. The hot dog came in a burger bun and the pizza was average. That said, the service was unbelievably quick — our food came out in about five minutes.
The terrace has stunning views, but if you want to sit outside, you need to book ahead. Without a reservation, we were seated on the front side of the restaurant, which was still very pretty.
Rione
If you want a proper pizza meal, Rione is probably the better choice. Specialising in pizzas and cocktails, it sits right in the Piazza della Fontana and has a buzzing atmosphere every evening.
Pizzeria I’ Massimi
For a more casual pizza option, this is your go-to. It’s perfect for takeaways or for sitting outside in an informal setting. They also serve croissants and baked goods in the morning.
Off Fame Burger & Grill
We grabbed a burger here one evening to share and it was huge — and delicious. Prices were under €15 for a burger and chips, and for the size, it was well worth it.
Sushi Poke Bowl
We kept saying we’d try this for lunch, but in the end, the less healthy options kept winning us over. Everything looked fresh and tasty though.
Da Alfredo – Pasta & Bruschetta
You can’t go to Italy without a proper pasta option. Da Alfredo serves a menu of 13 classic Italian pasta dishes and bruschetta. Simple and authentic.
Badiana Gelateria
Finally, the ice cream shop, and a firm favourite with our daughters. When we first arrived, I actually thought this was the main bar because it was the first one we saw. The gelato was excellent, although drinks here were a bit pricier than at Bar Centrale.
Our daughters were confused when they ordered apple juice and a bright green drink turned up, they still drank it.. On our first visit, we were also given free crisps in a fancy little glass, which was a nice touch.
Campsite Shops
For all your shopping needs, the campsite provides a few shops and markets on-site. There are actually two supermarkets within Norcenni Girasole Village:
The Girasole Market
This is the main campsite shop and it’s huge. It stocks a large range of products and even has fill-your-own wine bottles. We popped in daily for some “Paw Patrol Wine” (childrens fizzy apple and strawberry drink), adult wine and charcuterie.
Before heading to the main Coop supermarket in Figline, we used this shop for most essentials. At first, we thought the prices were high, but later realised they weren’t much different from the local supermarket. If you’re really looking to save, the local LIDL is the best bet for a cheaper food shop.
Bazaar/Gift Shop
Also located in the lower area of the site, the gift shop is one of the largest we’ve seen at a Eurocamp-style resort. It’s packed with inflatables, designer-style clothes, swimwear, handbags, toys, and holiday gifts.
Sant’Andrea Market
Up in the upper village, there’s another small supermarket-style shop. It’s much more compact than the main market but perfect for picking up drinks, snacks, and quick poolside essentials while enjoying the upper village pools.
Dedo’n del Candy – the Sweet Shop
We couldn’t quite believe it when our five-year-old spotted this. Yep, a full-blown sweet shop on-site. Naturally, to avoid a meltdown (and because it’s a holiday), we let the girls choose some sweets each from the pick and mix. They were over the moon and, surprisingly, didn’t keep asking for more after that.
The sweet shop staff also ran the night-time candy bar in the fountain square, where our five-year-old got a giant candy floss that was bigger than she was. It made her whole evening.
Spa
For those looking for a bit of relaxation and pampering, Norcenni Girasole has an on-site Wellness Centre. We didn’t get a chance to use it during our stay, but I did take a quick peek at the massage menu. Prices looked lower than what we’re used to in France, and there’s a nice hot tub available inside too.
WIFI
Norcenni Girasole offers free Wi-Fi in common areas. Hotspots are located around the restaurants, reception areas, info points, and swimming pools. We actually had very good coverage around our mobile home too, although this isn’t officially guaranteed.
Educational Garden
On a random walk we found this lovely little educational garden on-site. Here they grow vegetables, herbs and other seasonal plants. Families can picnic in here thanks to the cute benches for children and adults and it’s often used for kids clubs activities. It’s part of the site’s eco-conscious focus offers a chance for little ones to learn about local produce, sustainability, and how food is grown.
Bike Hire
Bike hire is available at Norcenni, though I didn’t notice where it was based during our stay. Personally, I wouldn’t have used it anyway because of the hilly terrain. There is a bike track through the on-site forest, and the Info Point also has maps of local bike routes. They sometimes offer guided bike tours depending on demand.
ATM
In the main square, next to the gift shop there is an ATM. It’s handy for withdrawing euros to use at the arcade, laundry machines, markets, or if you prefer cash at the evening food stalls. Most on-site facilities do accept cards, but having a bit of cash is useful for smaller purchases and emrgencies.
Pets
Pet lovers will be happy to know that Norcenni Girasole is very pet-friendly. Dogs and other pets are welcome, though there are a few restrictions. You’ll need to indicate you’re bringing a pet when booking, as only certain accommodation types are pet-friendly.
Pets are allowed in tents, campers, or designated mobile homes, and there is an additional fee. We noticed thoughtful touches like “dog bars” with water bowls outside the toilet blocks. I even saw a dog relaxing by the Sant’Andrea pool area.
Dog Park
Mike even found a dedicated dog park to keep animals active.
Shower blocks & Laundry
Norcenni Girasole has multiple toilet and shower blocks across the site, mainly for guests staying on pitches or in tents. Since we were in a mobile home, we only used them for the occasional toilet trip while out and about. They were clean, well-maintained, and easy to access.
My two-year-old was very excited to find a block with children’s toilets, showers, sinks, and a baby change area, making things so much easier.
We also needed to do a couple of loads of washing. The laundry facilities are located in the toilet blocks and are operated by coin payment. I didn’t have any change on me, so I used the on-site ATM, grabbed a coffee at the bar to break a note, and then used the coins in the machine.
There were a good number of machines, but I can imagine it getting busy during high season.
Accessibility
Norcenni Girasole is fairly well set up for accessibility. There are accessible parking spaces, accommodation options, and designated areas throughout the site. However, because the site is built into a hillside and spread across terraces, there are steep inclines and quite a bit of walking between the different zones. It’s worth considering if you have mobility needs or a pushchair.
Nature walks
Set in the beautiful Tuscan countryside, Norcenni Girasole Village is a great base for nature walks and gentle hikes. Inside the campsite itself, there are a few woodland trails and paths to explore. We tried a scenic route to the ANTS area, which ended up taking longer than expected (especially in the midday heat) but the surroundings were absolutely stunning.
There’s far more natural beauty here than you’d expect from a campsite of this size and scale. If you’re planning to walk off-site, the Chianti Hills region offers rolling landscapes, charming views, and plenty of walking trails. Some are hilly, but definitely worth the effort.
For those interested in hiking, the Info Point provides trail maps and can help arrange guided nature walks if there’s enough demand.
Day Trips
Florence
Just 25 minutes by train from Figline Valdarno station, Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. We were blown away by the scenery and architecture. For lunch, we ate at the Mercato Centrale food hall, which was perfect for picky eaters as you can choose from a wide variety of different food stands.
Norcenni offers a shuttle bus to Figline station, making it an easy, car-free day out. However, we drove to the station instead, which took about five minutes, and parking at the station was free.
Pisa
We had planned to visit Pisa and our children were so excited to see the famous leaning tower. Unfortunately, we chose a train strike day to travel. Just one station away from Pisa, the train was cancelled while we were on it. We took that as our sign and returned to Florence for the rest of the day.
On a normal day, Pisa is about 1 hour 30 minutes from Norcenni by train or car. It’s a quick stop for families with younger kids, unless you’re combining it with a beach trip or another nearby destination.
Stings Pizzeria
We were recommended a visit to Sting’s pizzeria and had no idea it was actually on the world-famous musician’s own estate. The grounds were stunning, and the pizza was absolutely incredible — easily one of the best we’ve had.
The prices were reasonable, and there was even a children’s play area. The atmosphere was relaxed and family-friendly, with beautiful views, friendly staff, and their own estate wine for sale. We couldn’t help picking up a few bottles to take home.
Siena
Siena is one of the most picturesque towns in Tuscany, with its medieval streets, the famous Piazza del Campo, and the impressive Siena Cathedral. It’s quieter than Florence and less overwhelming, making it a great option for families who want a cultural trip without the chaos.
It’s located about 1 hour 20 minutes from Norcenni by car.
Vineyards
Norcenni is in the heart of Chianti wine country, so you’re surrounded by vineyards and wine estates. Some of them offer tastings for adults and open grassy spaces for kids to explore. The campsite’s Info Point can help arrange vineyard tours, or you can explore on your own schedule by car.
Palagina
Just ten minutes away by car, Palagina is a villa and farm estate offering a more local and peaceful experience. They have farm tours, wine tastings, and meals with a view. It’s a lovely spot for a calm afternoon outing, especially with kids.
You can often book tours or dinners through Norcenni’s Info Point. I believe it may be owned by the same company that runs the campsite, although I’m not 100% sure.
Elsa Trail
The Elsa Trail came highly recommended, although we didn’t get the chance to visit. It’s a scenic walking route near Colle di Val d’Elsa, about an hour from the campsite. The trail runs along crystal-clear water with wooden bridges, waterfalls, and beautiful natural surroundings.
It’s suitable for kids who enjoy nature walks, but some areas can be slippery. Bring good shoes, plenty of water, and swimwear if the weather’s warm as there are places where you can paddle.
Our Video Tour Of Norcenni Girasole
Available Accommodation With Eurocamp
We stayed in a Premium Azure 3-bedroom holiday home with Eurocamp, which is classed as a mid to high-range option. But it’s not the only style of accommodation available. At Norcenni, Eurocamp offers everything from top-tier Ultimate holiday homes to Safari tents and classic-style units.
We really appreciated the air conditioning in our Premium Azure. As much as I love the idea of staying in a safari tent, I think I would definitely miss having air-con in the height of summer here.
If you’re unsure what accommodation to book, we have a handy Eurocamp accomodation comparison.
Do You Need A Car To Get Round?
Not necessarily. The campsite provides a free shuttle train that runs between the upper and lower village, helping guests get around without much effort. There’s also a shuttle bus between Norcenni and Figline Valdarno train station, so it’s totally possible to enjoy your holiday here without a car.
That said, if you want to explore the Tuscan countryside, remote villages, or vineyards at your own pace, a car would be helpful. If you’re mostly sticking to bigger cities or staying onsite, the campsite’s shuttles and guided excursions are more than enough.
How To Get To The Campsite
The closest train station is Figline Valdarno, located about 4 km from the campsite. Trains run regularly from Florence and Arezzo, and you can take a taxi or the campsite shuttle bus from the station to Norcenni.
If you’re driving, the campsite is easy to reach via the A1 Autostrada del Sole, exiting at Incisa-Reggello. Follow the signs to Figline Valdarno, then to Norcenni Girasole Village.
Address: Via Norcenni 7, 50063 Figline e Incisa Valdarno (FI), Tuscany, Italy.
Should I Hire A Car?
That depends on your plans.
If you’re just visiting cities like Florence, Siena, or Pisa, public transport and shuttles are perfectly adequate.
If you’re planning to visit vineyards, explore small towns, or take more scenic routes, then having a car is worth it.
Parking is available on site, but it’s not always guaranteed directly outside your accommodation.
Ferry Port
If you’re driving from the UK, the closest ferry ports are Calais, Dieppe, and Caen. It’s a long journey, but breaking it up with a stopover in Annecy or the French Alps makes it much easier and turns it into a two-part adventure.
Driving Directions
From Florence, take the A1 motorway towards Rome and exit at Incisa-Reggello. Follow signs to Figline Valdarno, then to Norcenni Girasole Village.
Address:
via Di Norcenni, 7, 50063 Figline e Incisa Valdarno FI, Italy
GPS coordinates:
43.612220, 11.448783
Cleanliness and Maintenance
Norcenni Girasole is incredibly well maintained. We frequently saw staff cleaning, trimming hedges, and keeping everything in order. Nothing felt unclean or neglected. The toilet blocks and communal areas were cleaned multiple times per day, and our Eurocamp unit was one of the cleanest we’ve stayed in.
Family Friendliness
This site caters brilliantly to families of all ages, from toddlers to teens to grandparents.
- There are baby-friendly splash zones and parks
- Active kids and teens have access to sports courts, climbing areas, and water slides
- There’s even a teen disco for ages 16 and up
- Toilet block had separate children’s area
Norcenni manages to target every generation with something perfect.
Pricing and Value for Money
Our 7-night stay in June would have cost around £750 for the Premium Azure unit. As this was a press trip with Eurocamp, the accommodation was gifted. Even if we had paid full price, I’d have been more than happy with the value we received.
Yes, food and drink on-site can be a bit pricey, but if you cook some meals in your accommodation and keep extras to a minimum, this is an excellent budget-friendly family holiday.
Review Conclusion & Our Experience
An amazing Tuscan holiday!
FAMILY CAMPING EUROPE SCORE
