Tuscany Travel Guide: Discover Attractions and Interesting Places

Tuscany – a magical land in Italy that delights at any time of the year. It is not only the individual points of interest but also the landscapes that inspire.

This region is famous for its picturesque hills, vineyards, olive trees, and fields. Among the hills emerge charming towns, villages, and more famous cities such as Siena and Florence. Walking along the cobbled, narrow streets, you can feel time slowing down!

What is worth seeing in Tuscany? What are the most interesting attractions in this region? If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to visit Tuscany, I encourage you to do so. Tuscany is beautiful, picturesque, and delightful: extraordinary views and a wealth of culture and traditions. It is the perfect place for a vacation. I have visited Tuscany twice and I know that this is the beginning of discovering interesting places. ?

Remember to taste the local specialties of Italian and Tuscan cuisine during your trip, such as delicious oils, cheeses, or traditional dishes (pizza, pasta). And of course, ice cream!

Attractions of Tuscany – sightseeing map

You can add it to the Google Maps application by simply visiting the website on your phone. Click on the map enlargement icon [ ] in the upper right corner, and the app will automatically launch with the map displayed.

San Gimignano

San Gimignano is one of the most interesting towns in Tuscany. Called the Medieval Manhattan or the City of Beautiful Towers, it is unique, because of the remaining buildings. Although today it has 14 tall buildings (which is still impressive), in the past there were more than 70! The towers were used for shelter in case of raiding thieves and were private.

Other than that, the town is charming and picturesque. If you’re in the area stop by for some delicious ice cream at Gelateria Dondoli.

San Gimignano: What to Do in Medieval Manhattan

Siena

I’ve seen many photos of Siena, but none have captivated me as much as seeing the city in person. Siena delights. The narrow streets, the romantic atmosphere.In the center of Siena is the majestic Cathedral di Santa Maria Assunta. Note its facade, decorated with many sculptures and ornaments. It is one of the finest examples of Romanesque-Gothic sacred architecture in Italy.

One of the interesting facts about Siena is the city’s unique urban layout. Siena was founded on three hills, which form a triangle on which the entire city rests. The main axes are the main streets that lead to the central square Il Campo, the heart of Siena.

If you’re in Siena on a Wednesday, head to the local market. It is huge and you will find everything there. You should also try the excellent wines from the local vineyards.

Best Things to Do in Siena: A Must-Read Guide for Your Tuscany Adventure

Abbazia di San Galgano

The Abbey of San Galgano is located in the heart of Tuscany, about 30 km from Siena, among picturesque hills and vast fields. The abbey was founded in the 12th century and was an important spiritual center. And although ruins remain today, weddings are still held there. It is an ideal place for lovers of history, architecture, and nature.

Interesting fact: Near the abbey is the Montesiepi Chapel, where you can see a sword stuck in stone. Legend has it that it was Saint Galgano who hammered the sword that sealed his spiritual transformation (before this event, he was a knight, famous for various crazy activities).

Hot springs: Bagni San Filippo

Tuscany is full of hot springs. Wonderful thermal pools, amazing surroundings, and delicious food – what more could you want? As a result, you’ll find elegant pools, hotels, or spas that will please the most discriminating travelers. But, there are also springs that spring from nature, like San Filippo. The San Filippo Thermae is a true paradise for relaxation lovers, surrounded by natural beauty.

These thermae are free and the most famous part is the “Instagram” one, where you can warm up in the limestone basins. Outside there is a wilder part, where we can have more privacy.

Other free thermal baths in Tuscany are Terme di Saturnia, Bagno Vignoni, Bagni di Petriolo, and San Casciano dei Bagni.

Bagni San Filippo – The Best Hot Springs in Tuscany

Calanchi formations

Besides, some people visit the mountainous villages, and that’s not all this remarkable region has to offer. For lovers of nature and unusual views, I recommend Calanchi – interesting rock formations. Tuscany is famous for two things: cypress roads and picturesque hills. When visiting Calanchi, you can see landscapes that go beyond the stereotypes of vineyards, cypresses, and golden fields.

Calanchi features fascinating geological formations that seem to emerge from the ground like giant sculptures. Calanchi’s unique landscape is the result of soil erosion. The landscape goes from gentle hills to cliffs, caves, and deep ravines.

Pisa

Who doesn’t associate the Leaning Tower of Pisa? I guess it will be hard to find such a person! The Leaning Tower of Pisa, or Campanile, is not only a symbol of the city but also one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. Piazza dei Miracoli, or Miracle Square, where it is located, is the heart of Pisa.

Pisa, but, is not only the Leaning Tower. Walking around the city, you can discover charming streets, atmospheric cafes, or amazing stores. Those who have not been to H&M in Pisa must go there. It’s a real art gallery, and I’ve ever been in a more beautiful store ?

Leaning Tower of Pisa: What is Worth Knowing and Seeing? 

Tuscan landscapes

What does one go to Tuscany for? Definitely for the views! Tuscan landscapes are a fairy tale not only in photos. Ba, it is only more beautiful in person. Depending on the season, the colors of the fields change. And although spring is overrated, I dream of going during the sunflower season ?.

Where are the best views? That’s hard to answer because, , they are everywhere. For sunsets and walks we went near Castelnuovo Berardenga, where we stayed for a week.

Cypress Roads

Cypress roads in Tuscany, are at every turn. Some cypress trees lead to beautiful villas, while others make fine shapes in the fields. They can be found all over Tuscany, and if you are looking for special viewpoints, one famous one is near Pienza (Str. della Foce e Fornace, 7, 53026 Chianciano Terme SI, ItalyMonteriggioni). Another cool point you will find in this localization: Loc. Poderino, 53027, San Quirico D’orcia SI, Italy.

Cypress trees are plentiful, so type “cypress” or “cipresso” in maps to see the nearest point with these trees. ?

Park Fluviale Alta Val D’Elsa

This is a picturesque and somewhat lesser-known place in the heart of Tuscany that delights with its wild and unspoiled by the hand of man. The park stretches along the Elsa River, creating a landscape that is famous for its waterfalls (to be honest, I associate the park with Roztocze in Poland?). It is very charming!

There are numerous hiking and biking trails in the park, you can spend a lot of time there. And while it’s not a place worth going to specifically, it’s worth a visit if you’re in the area (or on your way there).

Florence

The most popular city in all Florence. Florence, also known as the Pearl of the Renaissance, is a city that attracts tourists, and art and history lovers from all over the world. Florence’s magnificent monuments make this city one of the most famous destinations in Italy.

Piazza del Duomo (or Cathedral Square) attracts the largest number of tourists. It is also a city of galleries and museums, and walking through the streets of this city, you can feel the atmosphere of the old times, when great artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo created their works.

Florence is a place that enchants its history, culture, and atmosphere.  I have visited it twice, and unfortunately, I have to admit that the crowds of tourists affect the quality of the tour. The more people, the harder it was for me to experience its charms. I won’t discourage you, but I prefer to warn you. ?

Florence: A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Attractions

A picturesque chapel in Tuscany: Vitaleta

The most charming chapel in Tuscany? The Vitaleta chapel, located in the heart of Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia, is one of the most picturesque corners of the region. The chapel was built in the 17th century and today is one of the icons of the local landscape. This place attracts both tourists and photographers. Surrounded by idyllic hills and fields, Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta is stunning. I won’t write more, see below:

Volterra

We arrived in Volterra without great expectations. I thought it was a very famous town, where it would be crowded. Oh, how wrong I was! It was not only free of tourists but also beautiful. The views with which Voltera impresses are unmatchable! The city was founded in Etruscan times, and among the main attractions of Volterra is the impressive Roman theater, which was only discovered in the 20th century! Besides, the city is famous for its long tradition of alabaster craftsmanship. You can visit multiplestudios and handicraft stores in the city, and you can watch artists create more works from this white raw material. Impressive.

Although this town made an appearance in the book Twilight, it’s not so popular because another town was used for the film adaptation, Montepulciano to be more precise.

Tip: if you are interested in salt mining, there are very large deposits of salt here. Visit the Museo Saline di Volterra, a museum that is very different from Wieliczka, but can make you curious.

Val d’Orcia

I’ve encountered the term many times and at first, I didn’t know exactly what it meant. Val d’Orcia is an picturesque region in Tuscany, which impresses with idyllic landscapes, picturesque towns, and villages. It’s a great place for walking and contemplating nature. It is so beautiful that the landscapes of the region were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. Here you can find the chapel mentioned in the entry or towns such as Pienza and Montalcino.

Monteriggoni

There are quite a few towns in Tuscany starting with “Monte.” There’s no denying it, it’s hard to decide which to choose. Monteriggioni is special: it’s almost a miniature town, surrounded by a wall. From a bird’s eye view it looks amazing, and inside it is charming.

At the time of our visit, the walls were undergoing renovation, so you will be available to visit in the summer. Another interesting Tuscan attraction on your list!

Montepulciano

Montepulciano is another picturesque hilltop town that impresses with its architecture, history, and traditions. I know that many confuse Montepulciano with Montalcino. Both are located on a hill and both are famous for their delicious wines, so you should see for yourself which place you like better.

Among the attractions to discover in Montepulciano are the palaces (such as the Palazzo Comunale), and the churches. It was in this town that a of one part of Twilight was filmed. As I mentioned, the town is famous for producing excellent wine. The red Vino Nobile di Montepulciano enjoys worldwide recognition. It is said to be the best wine in Tuscany!

Interesting fact: under Montepulciano, there is an underground city, consisting of former cellars and crypts, where wine and other products were stored. Some of the underground rooms are open to the public and are intended, for example, for tasting local wines.

Montalcino

Montalcino is a town surrounded by beautiful vineyards and olive groves. Wandering through the cobblestone streets of this town, you can discover many monuments and historical buildings, such as the fortress that rises above the town, and churches or the cathedral.

As I wrote, I know that many confuse Montalcino with Montepulciano. Both towns are located on a hill and are famous for their excellent wines. In my opinion, it is worth seeing for yourself which place you like better. My choice is Montalcino ?.

Here I recommend trying the pizza at Pizzeria al Taglio ” La Torre”. The taste of Italian, homemade pizza is impossible to imitate. And the zucchini pizza – heaven!

Pienza

Pienza is one of the places you recommended to me in the news. I went and… I can say that it was worth it. Pienza is a town that I would love to visit again – it is wonderful. It’s a Tuscan town with stunning architecture and amazing views of the surrounding Val d’Orcia hills. Pienza was transformed from a village (or, more accurately, the home village of Pope Pius II) into a “perfect city” in the 15th century. The Pope commissioned a renowned architect, Bernardo Rossellino, to transform the village into a place in line with Renaissance ideals.

It’s worth coming for one thing. Walk down the Street of Love – Via dell’Amore. Street is a lot of words, for it is a walk along the picturesque city walls.

Attractions in Tuscany

If I had to choose the best attractions in Tuscany, it would be hard. From my “TOP 10” list, I made a lot more points, and still, there are many more attractions in Tuscany. I know that in the news and comments, you will ask about the three most interesting cities. The most memorable for me were Siena, Pienza, San Gimignano, and Volterra. The towns with the prefix Monte were also beautiful.

And what will I see next time? As you might have noticed, I completely skipped the coast during my tour of Tuscany. That is, I was there in passing, but, not long enough to be able to recommend anything. ? Next time in Tuscany I will go to:

– Livorno

– Lucca

– Cortona

– Grosetto

– to the island of Elba

– I will visit the remaining hot springs

– visit two castles or more

– Naturale di Orbetello reserve (wetlands)

Where to sleep in Tuscany?

This is a river topic. It’s hard to say which region of Tuscany is the best, as the final choice depends on individual preferences and what you are looking for during your trip.

In Tuscany, there are hotels of varying standards, from luxurious five-star establishments to cozy, family-run hotels. Particularly popular are agritourism (where they serve regional dishes) and the rental of entire vacation villas.

Renting an apartment or villa is an excellent option for larger groups or families looking for privacy and freedom. These places often have their pool and garden, providing a comfortable getaway.

We rented part of a house with a garden in the Chanti region. Picturesque hills, vineyards, charming towns, and excellent wines are some of the attractions of this area. We wanted to do a lot of sightseeing, especially in southern and central Tuscany, so it was a hit. Although now I would book something closer to the hot springs… ?

You can find our apartment here – I recommend it, it’s clean there, there is a well-equipped kitchen, friendly owners, well, and they accept pets.

When to go to Tuscany?

What is the best time to visit Tuscany? It’s hard to say because it depends on many factors. The most important one is what we would like to do in Tuscany. If you do a lot of sightseeing then summer may be too hot. Spring or even autumn would be better.

If I had to choose which date would be best, I would choose the period from the end of March to June, but Tuscany is beautiful at any time of the year.

I visited Tuscany in the summer (in July) and most recently at the end of March. Although it rained (and rained) during my summer trip to Florence, summer is still a time of more tourists. For sightseeing, it can be too hot for some.

PS. More tastes, places, and posts from Tuscany coming soon!