Tuscany is full of charm, from the architecture to the landscape, it is captivating and attractive in equal measure. Choosing which typical Tuscan towns to visit on your vacation can be difficult, especially if you want to stay away from the areas most exploited by tourism in Italy. Driving through this beautiful region is a great way to see all the most idyllic enclaves , which is why we have investigated some of the most beautiful villages in Tuscany for you to get a taste of Italian life, full of medieval stories, walled cities and Renaissance buildings. .
Most beautiful villages in Tuscany that you should visit on your next vacation
Cortona
In the south of the Tuscan province of Arezzo, you will find Cortona, a traditional Etruscan walled city. Located about 600 meters above sea level, this Tuscan town has spectacular views over the surrounding valley and Lake Trasimeno. Although the city is small, it is full of interesting places to visit: like the Diocesan Museum , where you will find a beautiful painting by Beato Angelico; and the MAEC, which contains fascinating artifacts found at surrounding archaeological sites.
This is one of the most beautiful villages in Tuscany that has beautiful churches scattered throughout its territory, such as the Sanctuary of Santa Margarita . You can recognize it in the book and the movie, “Under the Tuscan Sun”. In this region, famous for its red wine, you won’t be short of places to relax and enjoy a snack after a day of sightseeing.
Montepulciano
Located a few kilometers from Siena, Montepulciano is a feast for the senses . Renaissance architecture completes this medieval city, created by the wealthy Medici family in the 16th century. Its architecture is so genuine that no major construction work has been done since 1580 . The heart of this Tuscan town is in Piazza Grande, where you can enjoy a glass of local Nobile wine and admire the brick exterior of the Duomo, and the grandeur of the palaces that surround it. If you liked that first glass, there are countless wineries and tastings to try around the square.
Lucca
Lucca is located on the Serchio River , making it one of the few cities and towns in Tuscany that is not located on the top of a hill. It has the traditional Renaissance walls of any city that is characterized by this type of architecture, but through these walls, you can ride a bike or walk, taking in the beautiful views of one of the most beautiful villages in Tuscany. All the streets merge in the center of the town, constituting the perfectly circular Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, full of pretty shops, bars and restaurants. Lucca is famous for being the birthplace of Puccini, and visitors can enjoy concert recitals almost every night in the beautiful Church of San Giovanni.
Pitigliano
Known as “Little Jerusalem”, this small Tuscan town is located in the beautiful Maremma region, close to the coast. The tiered, tile-roofed buildings sit on layers of red volcanic “tuff” stone, giving this beautiful hilltop city a distinct look. Unusually, for historically Christian Italy, Jews lived in Pitigliano peacefully until 1622. You can learn more about the city’s Jewish history at the Jewish Museum of Culture and try some local delicacies such as “Sfratti”, they are biscuits in the shape of cane stuffed with ground walnuts, honey, nutmeg, orange peel and wrapped in dough. They were apparently invented by the Jewish community as a result of the police hitting them with sticks to force them into the ghetto.
Barga
Barga is located in the Garfagnana region , near the small town of Lucca. This ancient hidden town in Tuscany is a maze of very narrow cobbled streets, small squares and steep stairs . The Duomo in the center is old and beautiful, offering panoramic views. Virtually unexploited by tourism, Barga is one of the prettiest towns in Tuscany to soak up true history undisturbed by tourists.
Fosdinovo
Atop the steepest terrain in northern Tuscany is the enigmatic commune of Fosdinovo. It is one of the most beautiful villages in Tuscany and is dominated by a castle dating back to the 12th century, where there is a museum and cultural center that you can visit, as well as walk around the well-preserved structure. The full-circle view offered from the top of any hill in Fosdinovo is breathtaking: On clear days you can see the entire coastal path and the spectacular view of the mountains, which are home to the legend about Dante’s Inferno. .
Collodi
The ancient town of Collodi is also worth a visit as one of the most beautiful villages in Tuscany and the birthplace of the beloved children’s character, Pinocchio. Located on a hill in central Tuscany, between Florence and Pisa, it is the perfect destination for fans of storybooks . One of its most emblematic sites is the Pinocchio Park that houses bronze sculptures among beautiful gardens, labyrinths and fountains.
San Gimignano
The best-known village on our list of the most beautiful villages in Tuscany is San Gimignano, which began its history in the 1150s as an Etruscan village. Today, the 14 towers of this walled medieval community provide an ideal setting for tourists seeking history, ambience, and a taste of ancient rural Italy. Several museums and galleries make this a perfect town to visit for its cultural variety.
Monteriggioni
The small village of Monteriggioni, near Siena, is a hamlet that is hidden within a fortified citadel, whose walls and 14 towers completely hide its existence. Today only some of the buildings remain in operation, with the rest of the town an interesting museum has been created that houses armor and Renaissance artifacts, along with some shops and restaurants.
Montefioralle
Located on a hill above Greve in Chianti, in the picturesque region of Chianti, is Montefioralle , one of the most beautiful corners of Tuscany where you can admire spectacular views of valleys and mountains. This town becomes lively in the summer, when many residents return to their vacation homes, during the rest of the year you will have it all to yourself. Get your camera ready and look for all those hidden corners and Tuscan details.
Suvereto
Suvereto has a medieval cloister, a Romanesque church and a beautiful town hall dating from the 13th century. Also, in this Tuscan town there are many narrow streets where you can lose yourself and experience the real Tuscany in a destination that is far enough off the beaten track. It is located 60 km south of the port of Livorno.
Capalbio
It is one of the most charming villages in Maremma . Capalbio is located right at the southern tip of the region and is one of the most beautiful villages in Tuscany and where you can stroll through narrow alleys and cobbled streets that will transport you directly to the Middle Ages. It is surrounded by the wild and raw nature of Maremma, and very close to the coast, making it a perfect destination to enjoy a weekend.
Bagno Vignoni
Bagno Vignoni is a pretty spa town located in Tuscany. It is built around a large thermal pool and its stone houses are reflected in the water and give it a mystical air . It is one of the most beautiful villages in Tuscany because it is located in one of the most picturesque places in the region, the Val d’Orcia.
