If you're looking for something more active to do between the spa trips, Montecatini offers quite a bit in the way of sports and outdoor activities ranging from low-impact, such as golfing or the race tracks, to mountain biking and tennis. You're sure to find a bit of everything you like to do in the great outdoors.

Hiking

There are scores of hiking trails throughout the hills surrounding Montecatini Terme. One popular trek is the trip from lower Montecatini Terme to upper Montecatini Alto. If you're feeling frisky you can skip the cable car and hot foot it up the roads. Going up takes a bit of work and a bit of time, but the path is mostly shaded by surrounding trees and the cut of the hill. Ask at your hotel for other hiking options.

Biking

You can rent a bicycle from most any hotel and head out to the same paths in the hills that are good for hiking. If you want something more challenging you can rent a proper mountain bike and head to the trickier paths. If you ask at the Astoria hotel, you'll find information on the local mountain biking club.

Jogging

The Parco delle Terme and the Parco delle Panteraie are both excellent for jogging, with the Parco delle Terme offering views of the spas in the area. You can also picnic in either of the parks, and in the Panteraie you can stop at the deer reserve for some up close and personal time with nature.

Golfing

There is one golf course in the area, the Montecatini Golf Club, located just outside of town on Via dei Brogi. The course is challenging and a tad on the pricey side, but offers 18 excellent holes. You can phone ahead for a tee time at +39 0572 62218.

Spelunking

Grotta Maona is one of Italy's famous caves and the only one with two pools that feed in from the hot springs. There are fantastic stalagmites and stalactites, and numerous rock formations. The path is well lit, but be sure to wear rubber soled shoes and perhaps bring some waterproof clothing. The cave is open from April through October. You can reach them for more information at +39 0572 74581.

Race Tracks

The Sesana Race Track of Montecatini Terme is excellent for a bit of fun and some gambling if it floats your boat. Also open from April through October, the track was built to be perfect and offers some of the fastest racing in Europe.

Clubs

You'll find several municipal clubs in the area that offer indoor and outdoor swimming, tennis courts and trapshooting. These are open to the public for a fee. Stop in at the Hotel Mediterraneo for more information or call them at +39 0572 71321.

For Kids

If you're traveling with children, there are several activities that cater to the young. There's a miniature golf course that's always popular with both the young and the young at heart. In nearby Collodi, just northwest of Montecatini Terme, is the Parco di Pinnochio, which offers playgrounds and a fairytale theme park. Finally, in Montecatini itself is Termeland, a pay as you play park located on Via Bicchierai.