Stuck in Florence’s Peretola Airport During the Holidays? Enjoy It!

Florence’s airport is not likely going to be the place you hang out for 6 hours while you wait for you flight. Here is what I suggest you do…

In the airport: There is a handful of duty-free shops in the airport if you really wanted to spend an arm and leg for a bottle of perfume, go for it. There are definitely no great restaurants in the airport. Perhaps you could have your last Italian espresso or cappuccino paired with a panino or brioche. Florence’s airport has only 6 gates. This explains the fact that you don’t have far to go to shop and then run to your gate. There are no WiFi areas to use, it’s Italy. Nor are there areas for your children to run off some steam. Your kids can just run around the airport a few times and they should be ready to crash after that. :)

Aeroporto Pertola/Vespucci of Firenze photo credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peretola_Airport

Near the airport: There is nothing of excitement near the airport. Florence’s airport is not likely going to be the place you hang out for 6 hours while you wait for you flight. A short bus ride to the center on one of the city buses that says “AEROPORTO” on it, can bring you right to the main train station, SMN Stazione. From there you can walk to San Lorenzo market for a last minute sounvenir shopping spree. For a late lunch or an early dinner, head over to Via Palazzuolo (Santa Maria Novella neighborhood) to Trattoria Da Giorgio. A very popular spot for the locals because of it’s low prices and quality of food that is offered. Being close to the SMN train station, you will be able to make the bus in time for the airport. If not there are always taxis. :)

For the love of Rudolph, will you make it back to the airport in time?
Did you forget to see a famous landmark or did you run out of time? Luckily your plane is delayed and depending on the time of day perhaps you could make it to see the David, since the line was too long when you stopped by earlier. The Galleria dell’Accademia is open until 6:50pm every day and even open Sunday. As the day draws to an end, the lines tamper down and hopefully when you decide to step in line, it won’t take the amount of time you have left until your plane leaves.

David in the Accademia Photo Credit: life2point0.com