Search results
An introduction to the cities in Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Pisa, Lucca, Arezzo, Pistoia, Livorno, Carrara, Grosseto. Find out the best Tuscan destinations.
- Florence. Anyone who’s read my guide to Florence knows just how much I love this city. Its incomparable architecture, stunning art galleries and food markets that attack the senses in incredible ways are only part of the reason Florence does it for me.
- Lucca. Lucca is less renowned than some of its Tuscan siblings, which makes it a fabulous hidden gem. And others’ loss is your gain. Surrounded by Renaissance-era walls, the city has gorgeous tree-lined streets where you can stroll, cycle, or jog (if you’re so-minded) while enjoying the stunning city views.
- Siena. The highlight of any visit to Tuscany for history fans, Siena is one of the most beautiful Medieval cities in the world. Historically a power that went head to head with Florence, Siena’s pedestrianised city centre instantly transports you back to the Middle Ages.
- Pisa. Think Pisa and you’ll no doubt think about the famous Leaning Tower unless you’ve been visiting other planets until now. And while that is a must-visit, there is a bucket-load of other things to see and do in this beautiful city.
- San Gimignano
- Panzano
- Pienza
- Florence
- Monteriggioni
- Pitigliano
- Cortona
- Montepulciano
- Collodi
- Casale Marritimo
Established in the 12th century, this small walled town is also known as The Town of Fine Towers. From the surrounding landscape of vineyards and olive groves, you walk up through tired streets of red-tiled houses to the Pallazo Comunale. Here you’ll find the fourteen tower houses, the most impressive of which is the 54-metre-high Torre Grossa. Dow...
Located halfway between Florence and Sienna, Panzano lies in the heart of the Chianti wine-growing region. This charming hilltop village has an encircling wall from which you can gaze out across the neat vineyards beneath the blue Tuscan sky. May to September is the best time to visit the Chianti Region with the rainy months being April and October...
Perched atop a hill overlooking the scenic Val d’Orcia, this Tuscan village was rebuilt in the 15th century by Pope Pius II as an “ideal town.” Pienza was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritagesites in 2004 and it’s easy to see why. The Renaissance architecture blends into the landscape and every turn (you can walk right around the village on i...
OK…I know that Florence is really a city, but it does feel more like a collection of Tuscan villages when you’re there! Besides, it’s a great starting point for any visit to the region. The narrow streets around Piazza della Signoria radiate out in all directions and you can see the Palazzo Vecchio, the Piazza del Duomo and the Uffizi Galleryin the...
This is surely one of the most beautiful places in Tuscany… if not all of Italy! The walled village looks more like a movie set than a real place. It reminds me of some of the spectacular hilltop villages in Italy’s Marche region. Monteriggioni’s fourteen square towers, set at intervals around its encircling fortified wall, dominate the enchanting ...
Nicknamed “Little Jerusalem”, this Tuscan town was originally established as a haven for Jews escaping persecution in Rome. Built on a rocky hilltop overlooking the Fiora Valley, Pitigliano offers a wonderful mixture of traditional Tuscan architecture and unusual houses carved into the soft volcanic tufa rock. One of my favourite things about Pitig...
If you’ve ever seen the movie Under the Tuscan Sunyou’ll be familiar with Cortona. Easily reached as a day trip from Florence or Sienna, Cortona is one of the most beautiful places in Tuscany. Despite the tourist crowds, this ancient hilltop town still manages to feel laid back and authentic. The narrow medieval streets around the Palazzo Comunale ...
Time really has stood still in this gorgeous hilltop village, an easy day trip from Siena. The affluent Medici family established Montepulciano in the 16th century and no major building work has been done here since then! At the centre of the village lies the Piazza Grande, lined with restaurants and wine shops where you can sample the famous Vino ...
We all know the story of Pinocchio, the wooden boy who came to life and couldn’t lie. Well, I’m not going to lie… Collodi (which was home to the author who created the timber boy) really is one of the most beautiful villages in Tuscany! You’ll see houses cascading down a tree-clad hill below the ancient church of San Bartolomeo, from where you have...
The brick houses of this lovely village, not far from the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea, climb over a low hill with vineyards running right up to its edges. The arched pathways, cosy cobbled courtyards and medieval walls provide almost unlimited opportunities for photographers to frame shots of the surrounding landscape. This is a village where you c...
Even it is almost impossible to condense the Tuscan places to visit in a short list, here you are a useful overview of the cities and locations you can’t absolutely miss during a holiday in Tuscany. Florence. Surrounded by wonderful hills and built around the Arn River, Florence is a full immersion in a world of art, culture and excellent food.
Apr 28, 2023 · These are the best, must-see towns and cities in Tuscany: 1. Florence. Firenze (Florence) is the cultural capital of Italy with a great collection of some of the most famous art in the world. Without a doubt, Florence is one of the most beautiful places in Italy and the best town in Tuscany region. No matter how much time you have in Tuscany ...
People also ask
What are the best towns and cities in Tuscany?
What are the most beautiful towns in Tuscany near Florence?
What are the best places to visit in Tuscany?
Is Tuscany a dreamy city?
Aug 21, 2024 · Tuscany is quintessential Italy. Rolling green hills dotted with graceful cypress trees, silvery olive groves and terraced vineyards. Ancient Etruscan settlements and medieval hamlets perched high in the Tuscan hills. Enchanting Renaissance cities, laden with artistic treasures.