Seeking to get off the crushed observe and discover hidden gems in Tuscany? We’ve bought some secret spots to share!
When you’ve already explored the finest locations to go to in North Italy and it’s time to go south, Tuscany is your subsequent port of name. Seeped in historical past, Tuscany affords Italian tradition, artwork, wine, and meals at its best.
Tuscany is the birthplace of the Renaissance and the Italian language. It’s additionally the birthplace of iconic Italian figures like Dante Alighieri, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michaelangelo.
These days, Tuscan cities like Florence, Lucca, and Siena are in style with vacationers. However there are many locations to see if you wish to keep away from the crowds!
Dwelling to rolling countryside, charming medieval hamlets, the world’s best artwork, beautiful wine, and meals that’ll have your mouth watering continuous—Tuscany has one thing for everybody. It’s a area rife with secluded nooks, historical pathways, and scrumptious secrets and techniques.
So, are you prepared to listen to about a few of Tuscany’s best-kept secrets and techniques?
Hidden Gems in Tuscany
When planning a visit to Italy, bear in mind there may be a lot extra to find past the standard vacationer trails that wind by means of its main cities. Listed here are a number of the finest off-the-beaten-track locations and cities to go to in Tuscany.
Montepulciano
Surrounded by vineyards, Multipulciano is likely one of the finest hidden gems in Tuscany. This small settlement has an enchanting historical past that dates again to medieval occasions. Discover its many landmarks, just like the Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral, the baroque Church of Santa Lucia, and the Museo Civico di Montepulciano.
When you’re on the lookout for an escape within the Tuscan countryside, Montepulciano ticks all of the bins. Feast on luxurious meals, sip scrumptious wines from the area and admire the rolling countryside environment from its hilltop location. Don’t neglect your digicam!
Pitigliano
The little city of Pitigliano is carved from volcanic stone and steeped in historical past. In-built 1598 into the aspect of a hill, Pitigliano is actually a sight to behold. It’s generally often called ‘Little Jerusalem’ because of a major Jewish presence from the 1600s.
Head to Pitigliano and spend the day wandering the medieval cobbled streets. Cease to admire the view, browse the quaint artisan outlets, and seize a snack or two (or three or 4). You should definitely pattern Straffi, a conventional biscuit consisting of honey, walnuts, nutmeg, and orange peel encased in dough.
When you’re a historical past buff, pay a go to to a number of the city’s museums to find artifacts from the Bronze, Neolithic, and Copper ages. You should definitely try the Jewish Ghetto and the Duomo di Pitigliano earlier than settling down at a restaurant terrace for dinner and a well-deserved glass of wine.
Volterra
When you’re staying within the Tuscan capital and on the lookout for the finest day journeys from Florence, Volterra needs to be in your listing.
When you’ve ever learn Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight sequence then you definately’re in all probability acquainted with this walled medieval metropolis south of Florence. Within the sequence, Volterra is dwelling to the Volturi (wealthy, historical vampires who rule over the vampire inhabitants).
In actuality, Volterra is a middle of Etruscan and medieval historical past with nice delicacies and many to see.
Val d’Orcia
Val D’Orcia is likely one of the finest spots in Tuscany for anybody on the lookout for unforgettable landscapes and loads of picture alternatives.
Its sweeping panorama dotted with olive groves is the very definition of perfection. A lesser-explored space, its light inexperienced valleys have typically been the topic of Renaissance work.
Inside these flowing hills are Pienza, identified for its cathedral and scrumptious pecorino cheese, and the historic and cultural hub Monticchiello, each hidden gems nicely price visiting. When you can, we suggest renting a automotive so that you make stops alongside the way in which.
Monteriggioni
Monteriggioni is a picturesque walled city within the coronary heart of Tuscany. Regardless of its small measurement, it’s nicely definitely worth the go to. We suggest combining your go to with a day journey to close by locations like San Gimignano or Greve in Chianti.
Discover the superbly preserved medieval city, take a stroll round its partitions, and cease off on the Fattoria Castello di Monteriggioni vineyard to pattern some scrumptious wines from the area.
Lari
Lari is a picturesque terracotta village with a captivating fortress. The view is unbelievable, and on an particularly clear day, you’ll be able to even see the leaning tower of Pisa within the distance!
When you’re a foodie, that is the place for you. Lari is dwelling to a number of family-run butchers specializing in hams, sausages, and incomparable prosciutto. You may as well go to a small pasta manufacturing unit, Pastifico Famiglia Martelli, that crafts award-winning pasta from classic equipment.
One other must-see is Antica Grotta di Stagionatura (it’s actually a cheese cave!) Right here, you’ll be able to pattern scrumptious cheeses which have matured underground. You should definitely attempt tre latti, a cheese created from sheep, goat, and cow’s milk!
San Miniato
San Miniato is a medieval city that sits on a hilltop overlooking the Arno River. When you’re on the lookout for unbelievable structure, maze-like cobbled streets, and small-town allure, Monteriggioni is undoubtedly top-of-the-line hidden gems in Tuscany.
You should definitely cease off within the Chiesa della Santissima Annunziata and Chiesa di San Domenico, in addition to the gorgeous Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and Jenesien. Finish the day with some conventional fare at Ristorante Maggese, we suggest the cannellone Sanminiatese!
San Gimignano
San Gimignano isn’t really a “hidden gem” as a result of it’s a preferred spot for vacationers, however it’s typically skipped by those that suppose Florence is the be-all and end-all of Tuscany.
Well-known for the 14 medieval towers that dominate the town’s skyline, San Gimignano is unmissable. As soon as upon a time, there have been 72 towers constructed by patriarch households as an emblem of their wealth.
Spend the day strolling by means of San Gimignano’s cobbled streets, shopping quaint artisan outlets, and surveying the encircling panorama from the highest of Torre Grossa, the tallest tower within the metropolis. It’s straightforward to fall in love with this picturesque hidden gem in Tuscany!
Greve in Chianti
Situated simply 30km south of Florence, Greve in Chianti is the right vacation spot if you wish to lease a automotive and discover the Tuscan countryside. The city itself includes a important sq., Piazza Matteotti, in addition to some charming eating places, bars, and artisan outlets.
However the perfect issues to see and do lie simply outdoors the village itself, within the rolling hills of the Chianti area. Discover countless vineyards the place Chianti wine is produced, magnificent villas, and historic castles as you’re taking within the picturesque great thing about this area.
We suggest a go to to the villa at Vignamaggio, which is now a vineyard and agriturismo. It’s stated to have as soon as been the house of Lisa Gherardini (The topic of Leonardo’s The Mona Lisa.)
Capalbio
Capalbio is a captivating commune situated within the province of Grosseto, 150km south of Florence.
There’s lots to see on this quaint Tuscan city, together with the partitions of Capalbio that encompass it, the Church of San Nicola, and the Rocca Aldobrandesca, what stays of the traditional fortress.
However Capalbio is most well-known for its seashores. The shoreline lies lower than 10km from the town, the place you’ll discover pristine sands, turquoise waters, and quite a lot of sea-front eating places serving recent seafood.
Isola d’Elba (Elba Island)
Tuscany is dwelling to a number of the finest seashores in Italy, and there’s no higher place to find them than Isola d’Elba. The most important island within the Tuscan Archipelago, Elba Island is idyllically located between the Tyrrhenian and the Ligurian Sea.
Among the finest hidden gems in Tuscany, Elba Island is legendary for its pristine shoreline and being Napoleon’s place of exile 1814-15. Head there for a number of days to wash within the crystal clear waters, hike the Capanne Mount for spectacular views, and discover the historic Fortress of Volterraio perched on the high of the island.
You’ll be able to attain the primary port of the island, Portoferraio, from the port of Piombino on the mainland.
Fiesole
Nestled within the Florentine hills, lower than a 30-minute bus trip from the middle of Florence, Fiesole is a must-see. Hop on the bus up the winding hills and admire the gorgeous views of Florence beneath.
There’s lots to do in Fiesole. Go to the free museum run by monks and the Roman ruins that slope down the aspect of the hill, earlier than stopping off for an aperitivo at one of many eating places in the primary sq..
When you’re feeling adventurous, hike to Monte Ceceri Nationwide Park and uncover historic caves, breathtaking views, and hidden pathways. It’s stated to be the place Leonardo da Vinci discovered inspiration for his largest flying machine Grande Nibbio.
Tip: Head up at nightfall to catch the solar setting over Florence from the Monastery of San Francesco or one of many varied viewpoints within the city. It’s a view you’ll always remember!
Manciano
Situated on a hilltop within the rolling hills of the Maremma, Manciano is one other must-see hidden gem in Tuscany. This quaint medieval city is a superb spot to discover from Pitigliano, because it’s situated shut by.
Manciano’s important attraction is the Cassero, a Twelfth-century fortress that includes a museum and a tower with sweeping views of the city.
You should definitely go to the Museum of Pre and Proto-history within the Valle del Fiore and the quite a few Etruscan and Roman ruins dotted round Manciano.
Pistoia
Though there are many issues to do in Florence, typically you simply wish to see what else is on the market! Located a 35-minute practice trip outdoors of Florence, Pistoia is a hidden gem typically missed by guests to Tuscany.
Pistoia has a wealthy historical past and loads of issues to do. Go to the Medicean Fortress of Santa Barbara, the majestic church of San Giovanni di Fuoricivitas, in addition to the underground tunnels of Pistoia Sotterranea.
Bagni San Filippo
When you’re on the lookout for peace, quiet, and rest, Bagni San Filippo is the perfect spot to recharge your batteries. These distant sizzling springs are located within the province of Siena and make for an amazing day journey from one of many bigger cities within the area.
That includes gorgeous pure thermal swimming pools, there are many hidden spots to find. Don’t accept the primary areas, hold strolling till you discover the extra secluded, deep turquoise swimming pools. Bear in mind to convey a picnic lunch and loads of water!
Lajatico
Lajatico is thought for being the birthplace of Andrea Bocelli, so naturally, a go to to the home the place he was born needs to be in your listing! An art-filled city, you’ll typically discover pop-up galleries right here and road artwork covers lots of the city’s partitions.
Its landmark attraction is the Teatro del Silenzio, an open-air theatre funded by Bocelli himself. Try the timetable for efficiency occasions to catch a present you’ll always remember.
Porto Santo Stefano
Porto Santo Stefano is a surprising bay city located on Monte Argentario. Shaded by the encircling mountains, it affords pristine seashores, turquoise seas, and a bustling port.
There are many issues to do right here, together with mountain biking on the mountain and boat journeys to the close by islands of Giglio and Giannutri.
Deal with your self to a recent seafood dinner at one of many seaside taverns as you watch the fishermen docking their boats for the day.
Sorano
One other hilltop city in Tuscany, Sorano is sort of a smaller model of Pitigliano because it’s additionally perched on a cliff. It’s situated shut by, which makes it an amazing spot to go to should you’re already heading to Pitigliano.
Discover the city’s cobbled streets and remember to go to the close by Città del Tufo Archeological Park, which is dwelling to an array of distinctive cultural treasures.
Saturnia Sizzling Springs
One other good spot for warm springs in Tuscany, Saturnia is the right rest retreat. You’ll be able to select to go to the new springs your self or calm down for a number of days in one of many surrounding spas.
Based on legend, the waters are a present from the Gods that possess particular therapeutic powers. Whether or not that’s true or not, the waters are wealthy in mineral deposits making it the right spot to loosen up and unwind. And, in fact, snap some footage for Instagram!
Lucignano
Located within the province of Arezzo, Lucignano is a captivating hidden gem in Tuscany nicely price visiting.
This medieval city is dwelling to the Tree of Love, a masterpiece of Gothic jewellery housed within the Palazzo Comunale Museum.
You should definitely go to the Church of San Francesco, with its gorgeous frescoes, and the Collegiata Church, whose staircase mimics the form of Lucignano.
Hidden Gems of Climbing in Tuscany
Antro del Corchia
For people who just like the extra rural surroundings, there are some great mountaineering alternatives. Within the northern a part of Tuscany lies the Apuan Alps and inside it Antro del Corchia, one of many largest cave techniques in Italy.
The stroll itself is 2 hours and takes you thru openings full of stalagmites and stalactites and an underground fossil lake. Fairly a sight to behold!
Foreste Casentinesi Nationwide Park
To the east, you can find the Foreste Casentinesi Nationwide Park. An expanse of greenery and forest with a large number of crisscrossing pathways to discover. Given the variety of tracks, some are lesser-known than others.
The Acquacheta Waterfalls Loop is a beautiful path and is taken into account reasonable because of the regular incline. You’ll be rewarded with luscious greenery and a surprising waterfall. Preferrred for strolling, it’s additionally an amazing spot for biking.
For one thing a bit hardier you need to go to a waterfall! Colle Tramazzo is a strenuous 22km hike by means of a forest path, that includes a waterfall. One for the extra skilled and will definitely work off these pasta and pastries you’ve been munching on.
Hidden Gems in Tuscany Wrap Up
There you’ve got it! 20 of the perfect hidden gems in Tuscany. Though we’ve talked about fairly a number of locations on this article, most of them are comparatively small. They will simply be mixed with different locations on the listing for an unforgettable day trip.
So head out and uncover the distinctive surroundings. The tantalizing meals. And, in fact, the world-class wine that this unbelievable area of Italy has to supply!
When you’re heading south from Tuscany, try a number of the finest locations to go to in central and south Italy!
As all the time, completely satisfied travels! Have a gelato (or two) for us! We’ll see you all on the highway.
