Tuscany: 12 most Beautiful Towns and Villages Worth Seeing
Florence and Pisa certainly deserve all the fame they receive. And why shouldn’t they, they are among the most beautiful cities in Italy. But Tuscany doesn’t end with these two historical beauties. The region between the hills, vineyards and olive groves hides many other, albeit smaller, towns and picturesque villages, where we often feel that life has slowed down pleasantly and where you can experience the true atmosphere, so unique to Tuscany.
Tuscany
Today I have prepared a list for you, perhaps less known to some, of 12 towns and villages in Tuscany:
Accommodation in Florence
Whether you fly to Tuscany or come by car, Florence is a great place from which to take trips to the surrounding towns and villages. If you would like to be close to the center and at the same time far enough away from the tourist crowds, I have a tip for you on a nice Tuscan accommodation in the outer part of Florence:
Villa Neroli 4*
Villa Neroli – Florence
Tuscany
1. Lucca
Lucca is a city where there is no rush. If you have been following me from the very beginning, you will surely remember that this city was the first where we stayed with Kája in 2010 and I must admit in retrospect that it completely won us over back then. Now, with the passage of time, we still like to come back here. Its Renaissance walls are still in perfect condition despite several centuries and serve as a promenade. Locals run, cycle or walk here with a coffee in hand.
>> TOP 10 ACCOMMODATIONS IN LUCCA <<
Inside the walls you will find churches, cafes, shops and a peaceful atmosphere. I recommend going up to the tower, from which there is a breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding Tuscan countryside. Lucca is also known for its music festivals, if you come in the summer, you might catch one of the open-air concerts.
Lucca – Tuscany
My tip: There is a supermarket outside the city where we usually get everything we go to Tuscany for and it is not as picked over as the one in Pisa. Popular olive oils and specific gluten-free goodies that they only have in Tuscany.
Tales from our first visit to the Tuscan city of Lucca:
2. Pisa
Pisa is located just a short distance from the coast and is often the first stop on a trip through Tuscany. Most visitors head to Piazza dei Miracoli, where the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral and the Baptistery stand – three buildings that are among the most famous examples of Italian Romanesque architecture. You can also climb the tower, the view of the whole city is definitely worth it.
>> TOP 10 ACCOMMODATIONS IN PISA <<
But beyond the square, the city changes. The university district with its many cafes, bookstores and small restaurants stretches around the Arno River. This is where Pisa is at its most pleasant – lively but not overcrowded. The center can be easily explored on foot and in one afternoon you can combine history, good food and the local atmosphere.
Pisa – Tuscany
Pisa – Tuscany
Like Florence, you can fly to Pisa. That is why these cities are a popular destination for many vacationers. We personally prefer to drive here. We often have Tuscany as a pleasant stop before or after returning from Sardinia.
3. Florence – Tuscany
Florence is the heart of Tuscany and one of those cities that never gets boring. Just a few steps across the Ponte Vecchio or a view of the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral and one understands why so many people from all over the world head here. Yet the city manages to maintain its traditional style. In the morning, the streets belong to the locals who are rushing to work, in the afternoon to the cafes and in the evening to long dinners with a glass of Italian wine in hand.
>> TOP 10 ACCOMMODATIONS IN FLORENCE <<
Florence – Tuscany
The main atmosphere of Florence is most felt around Piazalle Michelangelo, from where you have the city and all its attractions at your fingertips. Whether you are interested in art, history, or just good food, Florence can be enjoyed according to you and your pace. Some spend entire days of vacation in galleries and museums, others just watch the city from the terrace of a restaurant or cafe, and I believe that many of them feel that they should have planned much more time here.
Florence – Tuscany
Florence, like Pisa, will be the first city you see in Tuscany for many of you who fly here. I recommend planning at least one or two nights here before you set off to explore other magical places in Tuscany.
Not far from Florence you can stay in our favorite Villa Barberino:
4. San Gimignano
San Gimignano is often referred to as the “city of towers”. There used to be over seventy of them, today fourteen remain. These form the characteristic silhouette of the city, which can be seen from a distance. San Gimignano is an ideal destination for a day trip from Florence.
The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, in addition to history, attracts vacationers – gourmets. The vines are grown here for the famous white wine Vernaccia di San Gimignano, one of the best in all of Italy. The city’s streets are lined with small shops, cafes and restaurants, where you can easily spend the whole day.
San Gimignano – Tuscany
5. San Quirico d’Orcia
In the heart of the Val d’Orcia valley, one of the most photographed parts of Tuscany, lies the quiet town of San Quirico d’Orcia. It may not be as well known as its neighbors, but it has everything we associate with Tuscany. Stone houses, cypress avenues and views of a landscape that looks like it came from a painting or film.
The town is built on top of a hill and surrounded by a UNESCO-protected landscape. If you are looking for peace and authenticity, this is exactly the place you want to at least visit on a trip.
San Quirico d’Orcia
6. Siena – Tuscany
Siena is one of the most famous cities in Tuscany and also one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Italy. Its main square Piazza del Campo is the place where the famous Palio di Siena race is held twice a year. It’s passion, pride and honor, the locals say when you start talking to them about these races.
Siena – Tuscany
The city is dominated by a cathedral with black and white marble and a magnificent interior. Siena is also a great trip from Florence, but if you stay overnight, you will see the city in its typical atmosphere, after dark, when it is quiet.
7. Montepulciano
If there is one city that perfectly captures Tuscany, it is Montepulciano. It stands high on a hilltop ridge and is surrounded by picturesque vineyards. The views are breathtaking and so is the wine. You should definitely take away the famous Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, one of the most respected red wines in Italy.
Montepulciano – Tuscany
About 30 kilometers from here, don’t forget to visit the popular Baccoleno viewpoint. Few people know that you can also stay at the local farm. Let yourself be inspired:
Montepulciano has elegant Renaissance palaces, churches and pleasant squares where you can sit with a glass of wine and watch the local atmosphere. I recommend visiting the excellent restaurant / wine bar:
La Vineria Di Montepulciano
- La Vineria di Montepulciano is a renowned wine bar and restaurant in the historic heart of Montepulciano. It combines the atmosphere of a traditional osteria with a modern concept, focusing on authentic Tuscan flavors and quality wines from the surrounding vineyards.
- Address: Via di Gracciano nel Corso 101, 53045 Montepulciano SI, Italy.
- Good price/quality ratio.
8. Volterra – Tuscany
Volterra is an ancient city with Etruscan roots and a distinctive medieval character. It lies high above the landscape and the views from the ramparts are among the best in the region.
The city is famous for alabaster, a soft stone from which local artists make jewelry and sculptures. There is also a Roman theater and a number of historic streets that seem to have stood still in time.
Volterra – Tuscany
9. Pienza
Pienza is a city that was created as a showcase of “perfect Renaissance urbanism”. It is small, well-kept and surrounded by the landscape of the Val d’Orcia valley. These breathtaking views make Pienza one of the most picturesque places not only in Tuscany, but also in all of Italy.
My tip: The local sheep cheese pecorino di Pienza is literally addictive, for us cheese lovers. Tasting it right here is a must. Do you already understand why we travel to Tuscany and Italy in general, mainly by car? And how many times do we still have a hard time fitting in with those goodies.
Pienza – Tuscany
10. Sorano – Tuscany
Sorano is one of those cities that you could easily overlook, and that would be a great shame for me. It lies on a steep cliff and looks like it grows directly out of the rock.
And what awaits you here? A medieval fortress, narrow streets and the surrounding landscape full of greenery. All this makes it an ideal place for those vacationers who like both history and nature. It is a quiet corner where you can truly relax.
Sorano – Tuscany
11. Montalcino
Montalcino is known all over the world mainly for its Brunello di Montalcino wine. The town lies in the hills of the Val d’Orcia region and is surrounded by vineyards as far as the eye can see.
You will find a medieval fortress, old stone houses and many wine shops where you can taste local wines. The combination of history, beautiful landscape and wine makes Montalcino one of the most pleasant places to visit. If you want to go on a wine trip, this place and the local wineries will certainly not disappoint you.
Visit Sant’Antimo Abbey as well. This historic Romanesque abbey will enchant you with its picturesque surroundings. Regular services are also held here.
Sant’Antimo Abbey – Tuscany
12. Pitigliano – Tuscany
Pitigliano is one of the most impressive towns in Tuscany. It stands on a rocky cliff and looks as if it were carved out of stone from a distance. It is nicknamed Little Jerusalem because a large Jewish community once lived here.
At sunset, the city turns golden and has an almost fairytale atmosphere. If you are looking for a place off the main Tuscan route, Pitigliano will delight you.
Pitigliano – Tuscany
Tuscany is a region where it is worth slowing down and enjoying all its beauties and flavors in the present. Outside of Florence, there are many smaller places where you can easily get lost among the vineyards, taste great wine and experience Italy in its everyday form.
Tuscany
My tip at the end: Book one of the popular cooking courses in Tuscany. And if you don’t feel up to the culinary arts on your own, book a trip to the picturesque wineries and famous Tuscan farms.
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