Florence and Tuscany will take center stage with a rich calendar of sporting events in 2026.
From iconic road-running classics to historic reenactments, from international cycling races to outdoor sports, the 2026 calendar features unmissable events for athletes, enthusiasts, and travelers seeking authentic thrills.
Taking part in—or simply watching—a sporting event in Tuscany means experiencing far more than a competition. It is an opportunity to immerse yourself in unique historical settings, discover world-renowned food and wine excellence, and enjoy a warm, widespread hospitality across art cities and charming villages.
In 2026, Florence and Tuscany once again confirm themselves as an ideal destination for those seeking sport, culture, and beauty in a single experience.
Here is an overview of the main sporting events of 2026.
Half Marathon Florence 2026
The Florence Half Marathon will return on Sunday, March 29, 2026, confirming itself as one of the most anticipated running events of the Florentine spring.
A race that combines sport and beauty, it runs through the city at one of the most enjoyable times of the year, when Florence regains light, color, and vitality.
The predominantly flat course winds through the historic center and along the riverbanks, touching some of the most iconic areas of the city. The 21.097 kilometers become a unique way to traverse Florence, step by step, among squares, bridges, and monumental views — ideal both for competitive runners and for those who want to enjoy the run as an experience.
Alongside the competitive race, the event also offers non-competitive routes, making the event inclusive and engaging runners of all levels.
Giro d’Italia and Major Cycling in Tuscany
The Giro d’Italia returns in 2026 with stages that highlight the Tuscan territory, from historic cities to coastal and hilly landscapes.
Tuscany Stages – Giro d’Italia 2026:
- Tuesday, 19 May 2026 — Viareggio → Massa (individual time trial – Tudor ITT), 40.2 km
- Wednesday, 20 May 2026 — Porcari (Paper District) → Chiavari, 178 km
Alongside the Giro, over the year Tuscany also hosts:
- amateur gran fondos
- races on gravel roads
- cycle touring events through vineyards, hills, and historic villages
Here, cycling becomes a story of territory, combining effort, beauty, and sporting tradition.
Historic Florentine Football (Calcio Storico Fiorentino)
Historic Florentine Football is not just a sporting competition but a collective ritual with roots in the Renaissance. The matches are played in Piazza Santa Croce, transformed for the occasion into a unique sandy arena.
- Period: June 2026
- Competing neighborhoods: Santa Croce, Santo Spirito, Santa Maria Novella, San Giovanni
- Final: Traditionally held on 24 June, on the feast day of San Giovanni
Calcio Storico Fiorentino blends sport, civic identity, and spectacle, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world every year.
Florence Marathon 2026
The Florence Marathon remains one of Italy’s most iconic sporting events.
With the start and finish in the heart of the city, the course passes through symbolic places like the Duomo, the Arno, and nineteenth-century boulevards, offering athletes a unique experience in intensity and urban context.
- Period: Autumn 2026
- Route: flat, ideal also for personal best performances
- Audience: international runners, families, and spectators all along the course
In addition to the marathon, there are related events such as the relay and non-competitive runs, turning the entire weekend into a true city celebration of sport.
Where to Stay in Florence’s Historic Center
Staying in the heart of the city means experiencing Florence on foot — among art, shopping, and urban life. FH55 Hotel Calzaiuoli is an ideal choice for those who want to combine comfort and a strategic location.
Facing Via Calzaiuoli — the axis that connects the Duomo to Piazza della Signoria — the hotel offers easy access to the main locations of the sporting events and immerses guests in the city’s boutique shopping, artisanal workshops, bookstores, and historic cafés.
After a race or a day watching events, returning to an elegant and central hotel allows you to experience Florence at a relaxed pace, with an evening stroll and dinner in the city’s vibrant heart.