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50 Best Things to Do in Tuscany (By a Local)
👉 Jump to: Best Things to Do in Tuscany | Sites & Attractions | Museums & Culture | Food & Drinks | Wineries and Vineyards | Beaches | Seasonal | Hidden Gems | With Kids
I’ve lived in Tuscany since 1999, when my parents decided to move from their beloved Sicily to this region. Almost 30 years later, I feel very grateful to call this beautiful place my home, and I’m happy to share the best things to do in Tuscany with you.
Tuscany is famous worldwide for its arts and wine, but there’s so much more to it than that! In this guide, I will give you an overview of the best museums, vineyards, and wineries, and share the best food and drinks, beaches, and hidden gems in Tuscany. I’ll also cover seasonal things to do and give you ideas for what to do with kids.
With this list and my guide to where to stay in Tuscany, I promise you will have an incredible time in this gorgeous Italian region.
50 Best Things to Do in Tuscany
Explore Florence City Center
Wander the streets of the city considered the Mother of the Renaissance.
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Book a Florence Walking Tour on Viator
Is it your first time visiting Tuscany? Do you love art history? Then you cannot miss wandering the same streets that artists like Giotto, Brunelleschi, and Michelangelo walked centuries ago. Exploring Florence’s city center is a must, whether you do so on a walking tour or on your own.
Prepare to be overwhelmed by the stunning Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower and Baptistery. Explore San Lorenzo quarter, Repubblica, Santa Croce and Signoria Squares, and walk across the historic Ponte Vecchio.
Visit Florence’s top attractions: the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery, Vasari Corridor, Boboli Gardens, Pitti Palace, Medici Chapels, and Bargello Museum. It is possible to visit more than 50 museums in Florence, between public and private structures, all located within a few miles of one another.
Around the city center, there are a lot of gelaterie where you can grab an ice cream and continue your walk. My favourites are Edoardo and Carabè.
📚 Related Reading: Florence is one of the best places to stay in Tuscany. Bookmark our guide to where to stay in Florence for a breakdown of the best areas and hotels.
Pisa Piazza Dei Miracoli
Explore one of the first Italian UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Varies by season | Entrance: Tickets range from 8€ to 27€ | 👉 Purchase Square of Miracles Monuments Ticket with Leaning Tower
Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) in Pisa is one of the most wonderful squares you can visit in your lifetime. Located inside the medieval walls of this small city, it’s a must-visit for first timers. Prepare to be dazzled by its beauty.
In this wonderful corner of Pisa, you will admire four main attractions: the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Monumental Graveyard, and the iconic bell tower – the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
This area of the city can be quite busy, especially during spring and summer, but it’s worth it to see one of the most popular places in Italy. Nowadays, it has become a ritual to take some funny pictures pretending to stop the tower from falling.
Siena Piazza Del Campo
Take a break in the arena of one of the most prestigious horse races: Palio di Siena.
I truly believe that Siena is the city in Tuscany that has maintained its roots the most. Surrounded by its historical walls, Siena and its shell-shaped square, Piazza del Campo, are perfect for those who want to slow down and immerse themselves in medieval times.
Situated in the heart of the city, Piazza Del Campo is the theater of Italy’s most famous and awaited horse races, Palio di Siena. The event is celebrated twice a year on July 2nd and August 16th. During it, 10 of the 17 contrade (districts) contend for Siena’s glory.
At the edge of the square, you will find nice cafès, restaurants, and gelaterie where you can buy what you prefer. To experience the square like a local, grab something to eat or to drink and enjoy it while sitting on the red brick floors.
A few minutes walk from Piazza del Campo, you can visit the marvellous Siena Duomo, one of the most beautiful Romanesque-Gothic cathedrals in Italy. Admiring this building always leaves me breathless!
Chianti
Discover the heart of Tuscany and drink a glass of one of the world’s best wines.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Chianti Wine Tours on Viator
Chianti is one the most iconic areas of Tuscany, nestled between the provinces of Siena and Florence. This part of the region is famous worldwide thanks to its vineyards and wineries. Come here if you are a wine lover and you want to discover more about the production of Chianti Classico wine.
I believe the best Chianti Classico towns are Radda in Chianti, Volpaia, Castellina in Chianti, Panzano in Chianti, Greve in Chianti, and Montefioralle. This highly-rated wine tasting tour will bring you to one of the best wineries in the Radda in Chianti area.
Chianti is where the Sangiovese grape shows its best potential, but it is also the land of medieval castles and old disputes. Top castles I suggest visiting are Castello di Meleto and Castello di Brolio.
Whether you visit Chianti for the wine, the castles, or both, you will want to rent a car to get around. Visiting this area by car will give you access to more gorgeous scenery and vineyards to admire.
Relax in Public Hot Springs
Discover Tuscany’s best free open-air spots.
Tuscany is a land full of extinct volcanos, which make this area rich in natural hot springs. If you and your partner or friends are looking for a relaxing moment during your stay in Tuscany, you must visit at least one of the public hot springs.
The best public hot springs are mainly located in the southern part of the region. Try Le Cascate del Mulino in Saturnia, Balena Bianca (The White Whale) in Bagni San Filippo, and Bagni di Petriolo.
Other areas known for hot springs and curative waters are Montecatini Terme in Pistoia, along with Chianciano and Rapolano Terme in Siena. However, these are not free and you need a ticket to enter.
Although going to the hot springs in spring and fall are very popular, hot springs can be ideal destinations both in winter and summer. What’s better than a hot bath on a cold winter day? And I can assure you that even on a summer night they can be very romantic and relaxing.
Val d’Orcia
Come here for postcard-worthy scenery and authentic flavours.
📍 Google Maps (Pienza)
When thinking of Tuscany, do you imagine picturesque rolling hills and tall cypresses? Then you are probably thinking of Val d’Orcia.
Val d’Orcia is located in the southern part of Tuscany. It is a land of wines like Brunello, cold cuts of Cinta Senese, cheeses like Pecorino, and unique beauty. Val d’Orcia is perfect for those planning a relaxing time in Tuscany to dine on traditional food and drink many good glasses of wine.
Pienza and Montalcino are Val d’Orcia’s top towns. Depending on where you’re staying, you can opt for a day trip to both cities. This area is highly recommended for photographers and painters. In fact, some scenes of Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet were filmed in Pienza.
Make sure you also visit San Quirico d’Orcia, where you can see one the best of Tuscan landscapes.
Arezzo
Walk through the streets of Arezzo, the city where part of the Oscar-winning movie Life is Beautiful was set.
📍 Google Maps | Website
While it’s not nearly as famous as Florence and Pisa, Arezzo, located in southern Tuscany, is still a great place for first-time visitors. If you are a film lover and you have a passion for medieval history, Arezzo is probably one of the best cities to visit in Tuscany.
Arezzo was the set of the Oscar-winning movie Life is Beautiful by Roberto Benigni. Go to Piazza Grande, the main square, where you can recall some of the most iconic scenes of the movie. In recent years, Arezzo’s municipality has created a tourist itinerary with public signs located in front of the points of interest.
Piazza Grande is also the theater of Giostra del Saracino, a jousting tournament held in June and September. And in recent years, Arezzo has become the “city of Christmas.” It is one of the best towns to visit in Italy for Christmas markets.
Tuscany Sites & Attractions
San Galgano Abbey
Visit this iconic roofless abbey and go in search of the sword in the rock.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+39) 0577049312 | Website | Hours: varies by season | Entrance: 6€ , Free under 6 | 👉 Book A San Gimignano, Volterra, and St Galgano Abbey Small Group Tour
I recommend visiting the majestic San Galgano Abbey if you’re searching for something original in a wilder part of the region. First built around the XII (12th) century, this Romanesque and Gothic church is now a center of archeological research.
It may be strange to say, but a large part of its beauty and uniqueness is due to its absence of a roof. If you have the chance to visit it in summer, I suggest you go around golden hour. The view will be stunning!
A short walk from the abbey, on a hillside, is the Hermitage of Montesiepi. This is where Saint Galgano thrust his sword into the rock almost a millennium ago! In Tuscany, it is also possible to find less famous swords inside rocks like at the top of Pratomagno Mountain and the small medieval village Laterina.
San Galgano is easy to reach by car. However, you can opt for a day trip on a small group tour. It starts at Piazzale Montelungo in Florence, and on it you will discover this abbey, Volterra, and San Gimignano.
Balze of Valdarno
Walk through the Tuscan ‘Grand Canyon’ in Valdarno.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: Free access
Go to Balze of Valdarno if you want to go for a nice walk and see unique scenery. Composed of sand, clay, pebbles and gravel, these natural hills have been created by debris of a lake which once stood in this area. Leonardo Da Vinci was the first one to discover the lacustrine origins of this area and you can spot Balze in two of his most famous paintings: Mona Lisa and The Virgin of the Rocks.
From Castelfranco di Sopra, you can start a 2-hour-walk which will show you this majestic view from different perspectives. After the walk, you can visit the little village (among the most beautiful villages of Italy) and eat something in a restaurant inside the walls.
The best time to visit this area is during spring, and it is accessible by car, train, and bus. If you are in Florence or Arezzo, you can take a train to San Giovanni Valdarno and wait for a bus to go to Castelfranco di Sopra.
Terrazza Mascagni
Go to Livorno’s best spot for a nice walk along the seafront.
Terrazza Mascagni, named after the Livornese composer Pietro Mascagni, is a special architectural structure with a black and white checkered floor that was built in the 1930s. Visiting is highly recommended for photographers and those who want to relax and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
In the middle of this terrace rises an elegant round temple, perfect as a romantic escape. Just next to the terrace, you can visit a wonderful aquarium with many activities for children.
Spending a few hours walking through Livorno seafront? Grab an ice-cream at Gelateria Scream or Gelateria Fiorirosa, which are in front of the terrace, and enjoy your time here. You won’t regret it!
Carrara Marble Quarries
Discover the fine Carrara marbles which inspired Michelangelo’s most famous sculptures.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+39) 3761921076 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Daily | Entrance: Tours from 15€ to 65€, Discounted prices for children | 👉 Book a Carrara Marble Quarries with Lard Tasting Tour
If you have an adventurous spirit and you are looking for a wilder experience, you cannot miss a tour of the Carrara marble quarries, where you will have the chance to learn about the life of quarrymen and see a landscape of unusual beauty.
Well-known in Roman times, this precious stone became even more famous thanks to Michelangelo. He used this “white gold” as a base for many of his sculptures, including the marvellous Pietà in Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. The artist is now honored inside the excavations with contemporary street art works.
There are a number of tours you can take, but I recommend booking this unique tour. On it, you will have the opportunity to taste the typical meal of local miners: the lardo of Colonnata over a piece of toasted bread accompanied by a glass of red wine.
Pratomagno Mountain
Hike the mountain which divides the valleys of Valdarno and Casentino.
📍 Google Maps | Website
I suggest you go to Pratomagno to hike a mountain if you’re staying close to Arezzo or Florence and have an adventurous spirit. This mountain is located in the eastern part of the region and divides the two valleys of Valdarno Superiore and Casentino.
At its highest point, you will find Croce del Pratomagno, a steel cross which was inaugurated almost a century ago, in 1928. Around the cross, wild horses and cows live freely. But pay attention because they may not be so friendly!
Pratomagno is a fascinating location rich in ancient villages from which many CAI (Italian Club Alpine) trails start. Among the most famous is the village of Chiassaia where you can find one of the best Tuscan schiacciata (flatbread). Rocca Ricciarda is known for its special frittelle (fried dough fritters) with chestnut flour.
Gorgiti has old mills which are still active and refreshing waterfalls. Quota and Saltino are also worth visiting. This area is beautiful in every season of the year, and reachable mainly by car. You can look for a private hiker guide. I recommend Vagamondo Trekking and SelvansTrek.
Vallombrosa Abbey
Visit this oasis of peace inside the homonym forest.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+39) 055 862251| Website | Hours: varies by season | Entrance: Free (donations are welcome)
Immersed in the lush forest of Vallombrosa on the slopes of Pratomagno, you’ll find the fascinating Vallombrosa Abbey whose first constructions go back to the XI (11th) century. Before the boom of Alpine tourism, Vallombrosa was a coveted destination for Italian mountain lovers.
This abbey is the seat of the Vallombrosian monastic order. It is perfect for those who are looking for a peaceful moment to connect with nature and admire the slow life of the monks. Their preparations of the famous Vallombrosa Gin are highly appreciated.
If you decide to visit the abbey, I also recommend a pit stop at the monks pharmacy and the Museum of Sacred Art. From the abbey, you can also follow different CAI (Italian Club Alpine) paths and explore the highest Italian trees. I once went on a forest bathing experience in Vallombrosa, and I can assure you that the atmosphere here is pure magic and incredibly relaxing.
Museums & Culture in Tuscany
Uffizi Gallery
Discover one of the most ancient and precious museums in the world.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+39) 055294883 | Website | Hours: 8:15 am – 6:30 pm daily, Closed Mondays | Entrance: From 25€ to 29€, adults, Free under 18 | 👉 Browse Uffizi Gallery Experiences on Viator
You must visit the Uffizi Gallery if you are an art lover and the Renaissance is your favourite time period. Located in the Florence city center, Uffizi is a timeless immersion in centuries of art.
Here, you can see one of the world’s best collections of Renaissance art. Be prepared to be overwhelmed by the beauty of Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Primavera, Michelangelo’s Tondo Doni, Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation, and many more. You’ll leave understanding why this is one of Florence’s best museums.
After years of restorations, the Vasarian Corridor has re-opened. This tunnel connects Uffizi Gallery to Palazzo Pitti and takes visitors across Ponte Vecchio. It was built in the XVI century, and used by the Medici Family to reach Palazzo Vecchio from their Pitti Palace residence without being disturbed.
Visitors can buy tickets for both activities for 43€ to 47€ per person. It’s a truly unique experience!
👉 Pro Tip: You can also opt to buy a Florence PassePartout 5 Days (from 40€ to 58€), which will give you access to Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Pitti, and Boboli Garden. This combined pass on Get Your Guide offers a similar deal.
Accademia Gallery
Prepare to be overwhelmed by the majestic Michelangelo’s David.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+39) 055 294883 | Website | Hours: 8:15 am – 6:50 pm | Entrance: 20€ (booking price + 4€), Free under 18 | 👉 Book an Accademia Gallery Tour + Entrance Ticket
Art lover or not, if you decide to visit Florence you cannot miss visiting the Accademia Gallery, where one of Michelangelo’s best masterpieces resides. It definitely deserves a spot on your Florence itinerary.
Entering the room where David is exposed will leave you breathless. Its beauty and grandeur is something not easy to find in other pieces of art. At the Accademia you will also admire other paintings and sculpture collections, along with musical instruments which once belonged to the dukes of Tuscany.
A reservation is highly recommended because the wait to access can be quite long. To get the most out of the experience, consider booking a ticket and tour combo. And if you are planning to visit other museums, such as Bargello (where you can admire Donatello’s David), you can buy a 48-hour combined ticket for 26 euros.
Boboli Gardens
Visit the iconic gardens in the heart of Florence.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+39) 055294883 | Website | Hours: 8:15 am – closing time varies by season | Entrance: from 10€ to 13€, adults, Free under 18 | 👉 Browse Boboli Gardens Experiences
Looking for a green corner among the streets of Florence? Go to the Boboli Gardens and prepare to be amazed by the beauty and care of these majestic gardens.
Originally designed for Medici’s family, this park features one of the most famous Italian gardens. Statues of various times and styles, fountains and artificial caves enrich this truly open-air museum.
Probably the best time to visit it is during spring for flowers, but fall can also be very nice. During the high season, it is highly recommended to book a reservation ticket.
Palazzo Strozzi
Visit this renaissance palace residence of contemporary art collections.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+39) 0552645155 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm (on Wednesdays from 10 am to 11 pm) | Entrance: From 15€ to 20€ adults, 5€ between 6-18 year-old
You’ll find Palazzo Strozzi behind Piazza della Repubblica, next to Giunti Odeon bookstore in Florence. This stunning renaissance palace is now home to contemporary art shows.
Palazzo Strozzi never gets boring, and every season visitors will see art exhibitions of famous contemporary artists. In recent years, modern art geniuses like Marina Abramović, Anish Kapoor, Ai Weiwei have had their works displayed here.
If you have an open-minded spirit I recommend looking at the current exhibition and booking a ticket. It’s really worth it! For a unique experience, choose to visit the museum on Thursdays during night openings.
Pisa Street Art
Explore the biggest Italian display of street art.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Go to Pisa city center if you are an urban art lover and you want to go in search of colorful pieces of art. Here, you’ll discover the largest open-air museum in Italy dedicated to this style of contemporary art.
The vivid Tuscan city has welcomed many famous international artists over the years, like Keith Haring, Kobra, Zed1 and Italians Etnik and Ozmo. The most famous work you can spot here is the giant mural “Tuttomondo” by Keith Haring. The graffiti is located a short distance from the train station on the outer wall of the rectory of the Church of Sant’Antonio Abate. It represents peace.
You can explore the art on foot or by bicycle. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bag with your camera and discover these marvelous street artists! It will be an exciting treasure hunt!
Certosa of Calci
Discover the largest freshwater aquarium in Italy.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+39) 0502212970 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 7 pm Daily | Entrance: From 15€, 3€ between 3-6 year-old, 11€ between 6-18 year-old and over 65
Only 6 miles from Pisa city center you can find Certosa of Calci, a splendid monumental complex. Part of it is now home to the Natural History Museum of the University of Pisa. It was originally created to welcome the Carthusian order in the XIV (14th) century. The monks’ old cells are now opened to visitors.
If you love science, history, art and nature, Certosa of Calci should be in your top museums to visit. What makes this museum richer is also the presence of the largest freshwater aquarium in Italy. Children will be amazed by this place.
Leonardo da Vinci’s Museum
Spend a day journeying through the inventions and birth house of the 14th-century genius.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+39) 0571 933251 | Website | Hours: varies by season | Entrance (Combined ticket Leonardo Museum + Leonardo’s birthplace): 14€ adults, 11€ children 6-18, Free under 6
If you are staying close to Florence and want to explore the surroundings, drive to the small town of Vinci and visit the two museums dedicated to the Renaissance genius.
Located in the heart of the small town, the Leonardo da Vinci museum in Vinci displays over 60 models of da Vinci’s machines and sketches and offers dynamic and interactive experiences which make it perfect if you are travelling with children.
I suggest you complete the day with a visit to the birthplace of Leonardo Da Vinci, which is under 2 miles from Vinci. Prepare to be shocked by the number of inventions you didn’t know were attributed to one of the greatest geniuses of all time.
Food & Drinks in Tuscany
Tuscan Aperitivo
Discover the Italian way of having an alternative dinner.
In Italy, we tend to have dinner a bit later than other European countries (no worries, Spain still beats us). Italians like to drink, especially wine. But when we do it, we like to be in good company, sharing it with something to eat.
It is a common custom to go out for an aperitivo and then a dinner at a restaurant, especially during the weekend. Or we go to places where it’s possible to have both with a discounted price, doing what we call “apericena.”
If you are having an apericena (aperitivo + cena = happy hour + dinner) in Tuscany, you will likely enjoy plates with slices of different cold cuts, selections of cheeses, crostini (particularly crostini neri, with chicken livers), schiacciata (flatbread), some pappa al pomodoro or ribollita (Tuscan soups), and, of course, some good olive oil on a toasted slice of bread.
Basically every town you are visiting will have bars, cafeterias, or other kinds of places where you can have it. I highly recommend it for those who want to save some money, eat several dishes without limitations, and are looking for an immersion into the Italian lifestyle.
Discover Tuscan Food “Sagre”
Don’t miss this authentic Italian food experience.
🌐 Website
Some of the best times to visit Italy are during spring, summer, and fall, and these are the seasons where sagre (local festivals) take place.
Going to a sagra will give you an authentic Tuscan experience, not only for food, but also for cultural habits. Plus, you will be in direct contact with locals. Throughout Tuscany (and Italy in general), you will find that every small town or village has its own words and dishes.
Almost every weekend, it is possible to go in search of the next food sagra to eat traditional dishes outside, sitting next to other people, at very convenient prices. Sometimes these food festivities are accompanied by other kinds of celebrations like live music or dances.
The best sagre I can recommend to you are: Sagra del fagiolo zolfino (zolfino bean) in La Penna (Arezzo) in May, Sagra del Tortello di patate (potato tortello) in Mugello (Florence) in August, and Sagra della bistecca (steak) in Fucecchio (Pisa) in August.
You can also go to Sagra del cinghiale (wild boar) in Capalbio (Grosseto) in September and Sagra della castagna (chestnuts) in Arcidosso (Grosseto) in October. But there are many more! Check this website and look at the updated events.
Bistecca alla Florentina
Eat the iconic Florentine steak.
📍Google Maps (Osteria Giglio d’oro) | Website | Hours: 11 am – 10 pm Daily
If you like meat and you want to have a very traditional dish of Florence, you must eat a Bistecca alla Florentina (Florentine steak). A good Florentine steak has to be well seared on the surface and “bloody” inside. So if you like well cooked meat, this probably isn’t the dish for you.
If this doesn’t scare you and you’re still thrilled to taste it, some good restaurants in Florence to eat it are Trattoria i fratellini, Trattoria da Mario, and Osteria Giglio d’oro. Good luck finishing your dish!
Cecina or 5 e 5?
Eat the street food of Pisa & Livorno.
📍Google Maps (Livorno) | Website
Cecina is a traditional chickpea flatbread. What distinguishes it from 5 e 5, is the city where it is cooked and the different ways to serve it.
5 e 5 is the typical Livornese street food and it is generally served with bread and other fillings like roasted eggplants. The historic places to have a 5 e 5 in Livorno are: Torteria da Gagarin and Seghieri Monelli.
In Pisa, it is generally served without bread on the plate. However, there are a few good places like Montino and Pizzeria da Nando which serve it with bread.
Despite the antagonism between natives from Pisa and Livorno, in my modest opinion I believe they are both great at preparing a very delicious dish which is perfect also for vegetarians and vegans (unlike Florentine steak).
If you are visiting these cities and you don’t have too much time for sitting at a restaurant and you want to spare some money, I highly recommend this tasty dish.
👉 Foodie Tip: Livorno is also well known for “cacciucco” among its dishes: a traditional fish soup, and in the city there are very nice seafood restaurants.
Cooking Experiences
Learn how to make Italian dishes.
👉 Browse Tuscany Cooking Classes on Viator
Is cooking your hobby and you want to learn how to make pasta or other typical Italian dishes? Book a cooking class with your friends or partner and have fun! This is also a great activity to do if you’re a solo traveler in Italy and want to meet some people.
In Florence, there are many cooking classes available, but there are also restaurants and farmstays that have their own classes. Learn how to make fresh pasta, pizza, meat ragu sauce, cantuccini, Tuscan soups, and accompany these dishes with a good glass of red wine.
Wineries and Vineyards in Tuscany
Antinori in Chianti Classico
Discover the cellar whose family has made wine for over six centuries.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+39) 0552359700 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4:30 pm Monday-Friday, 10 am – 5 pm Saturdays & Sundays | Entrance: varies based on different wine experiences you choose
In the Florentine area of Chianti Classico, you will find one of the best Tuscan wine cellars: Antinori Chianti Classico. This stunning architectural and sustainable structure is actually quite new. It was completed in 2012 following the Antinori’s wish for family tradition and innovation to happily live together.
If you decide to visit the cellar, you can choose from several different experiences. The one I did when I visited was the “tinaia tour,” which introduced me to the history of Antinori’s family, showed me how the wine was made, and ended with a tasting of three wines. You can choose from more immersive or expensive tours and decide to have lunch at the rooftop restaurant, Rinuccio 1180.
I recommend this wine cellar for all of those who want to discover one of the biggest Chianti Classico wine makers and are passionate about modern architecture. The management of the spaces is marvelous. And the wine is great!
Castello di Brolio
Admire this unforgettable castle and taste Ricasoli’s wines in the heart of Chianti Classico.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+39) 0577730280 | Website | Hours: Opened only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 5:30 pm | Entrance: varies on different wine experiences you choose
In the very center of the Chianti Classico area, you’ll find a stunning XI (11th) century castle which has been owned for almost a millennium by Ricasoli’s family: Brolio’s Castle.
Brolio’s Castle is well known for its gardens and is often considered the most beautiful castle in Chianti. If you want to be overwhelmed by unique scenery and taste good glasses of wine, you must come here.
There’s no need to make a reservation for a short visit to the gardens of the castle and a taste of their wines at the shop. It only costs 7,50 euros to do this. But if you are looking for a much wider wine and local experience, I suggest you choose one of the offered tours and experiences.
Although I live close to Brolio, this place never bores me and I love returning and grabbing some of their wines every once in a while. My favourite ones are Brolio Riserva for red wines and Duchessa D’albia for white and rosè wines.
Badia a Coltibuono
Experience the authentic beauty of Tuscany.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+39) 05774481 | Website | Hours: varies by season and experiences | Entrance (Wine Tasting): From 27€
In the southern part of the Chianti Classico area, close to the village of Gaiole in Chianti you will find a stunning abbey now owned by the Stucchi-Prinetti family: Badia a Coltibuono.
The structure was founded in the XI (11th) century by the Vallombrosan monks, who immediately started the production of wine and olive oil. After the Napoleonic suppressions, monks were forced to escape and the abbey and its surroundings were purchased by a Florentine family.
The abbey is now a wine resort with many fun experiences. You can book an apartment or a room here, eat at the restaurant, try cooking classes and, of course, have wine tastings. During your wine tour you will discover the old traces of monks’ “hidden” paintings, see Renaissance gardens, visit the old cellar, and taste their wines or vin santo.
Cantine de Ricci
Discover the art of Vino Nobile of Montepulciano.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+39) 0578757166 | Website | Hours: visits by reservation | Wine Experiences: starting from 20€
Located in the heart of Montepulciano’s town center, you will find one of the best winemakers of Vino Nobile: De’ Ricci Cantine Storiche (historic cellars).
When visiting this picturesque Tuscan city you cannot miss booking a reservation for one of their wine tours. De’ Ricci offers several different experiences: from visiting the cathedral winery in the center of Montepulciano to a lunch at their vineyard at Fontecornino Estates.
De’ Ricci is an iconic symbol of Montepulciano. Their old cellar will leave you breathless and their wines will drive you crazy. I bet on it!
Bolgheri Ornellaia
Visit the land of the Supertuscans, a paradise for lovers of fine wines.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+39) 056571811 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 1 pm, 2 pm – 5:30 pm weekdays, closed on Saturdays and Sundays
If you are staying close to Livorno and you want to taste a different kind of wine, I suggest you visit the marvelous Bolgheri, a hamlet of Castagneto Carducci. In this land of cypresses and stunning scenery, you can opt for a wine experience to drink one of the most famous supertuscans: Ornellaia of Tenuta dell’Ornellaia, owned by Marchesi Frescobaldi.
Super Tuscans were born quite recently in the 1960s, and they differ from other popular Tuscan wines due to the usage of the grape. It’s not mainly Sangiovese (like Chianti Classico and Brunello of Montalcino). Instead, they favor international grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.
At Ornellaia it is possible to book different wine tours, but you need to write to them because visits are organised on request and require a minimum number of guests. These tours can be quite expensive. But if you love wine and you’re looking for a different experience, Bolgheri is the answer. As a bonus, you’ll get to admire one of the best Tuscan sunsets from here!
Beaches in Tuscany
Golfo di Baratti
Visit a historic and natural treasure between the Tyrrhenian and Ligurian seas.
Golfo di Baratti is south of Livorno, a few miles from Piombino. It’s a stunning gulf between the Tyrrhenian and Ligurian seas. You can reach this area by car or by train, and then by bus.
Golfo di Baratti is perfect for you if you want to see an almost uncontaminated corner of nature and archeological sites. This was the home of one the most important Etruscan settlements. In Populonia, the ancient town which dominates the gulf, you can visit an Etruscan necropolis.
Next to the wonderful beach, there’s a thick pine forest, a destination for picnics starting in spring. If you are passionate about snorkeling, Baratti will be a real treasure to discover.
And if you like adventure and walking a little bit doesn’t scare you, go to Il Reciso. It’s under a mile from Populonia Alta, a CAI trail (number 301) and a 20-minute-walk. It ends at Buca delle Fate (Gulf of Sirens). This hidden paradise offers one of the best sea views in Tuscany.
Cala Violina
Hear the melody of a violin in this stunning cove in Maremma.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Open from June 1st to September 15th | Entrance: 1€ fee for adults, Free under 12
Cala Violina is situated between Follonica and Punta Ala, in the southern part of the region. It’s a wonderful beach whose sand plays a unique melody, similar to the one of a violin.
This wonderful cove can be reached on foot or by bicycle from the Puntone of Scarlino. Or you can arrive by car at the Val Martina parking area.
To preserve its ecosystem and uniqueness, this beach has a limited access of 700 people per day. Reservation tickets are obligatory for both adults and children, even if children under 12 enter freely. This pearl of Tuscany is a must for summer visitors and snorkeling lovers.
Forte dei Marmi
Discover the coastal jewel of Versilia.
Forte dei Marmi is ideal for those looking for a luxury seaside area in Tuscany. Located in the northern part of the region along the Versilia coast, Forte dei Marmi is a very coveted destination for luxury tourism thanks to its villas, high-end boutiques, and nightlife.
Spending a day in Forte dei Marmi’s beaches is more than just sunbathing. It’s a first-class experience of services. Beyond the beauty of its golden beaches (from which you can admire the marvelous scenery of the Apuane Alps) you will have access to elite beach clubs with colorful wooden cabanas and delightful restaurants.
If you are not looking for a bathing establishment, you can go to Le Dune del Forte, a free access beach, immersed in a natural oasis.
Marina di Alberese Beach
Go for a wilder beach experience next to a natural protected area.
📍 Google Maps | Website
The beautiful Marina di Alberese Beach is inside a protected area called Parco della Maremma (Maremma Park). Inside the park rich in biodiversity, you can sunbathe at this free beach.
You won’t have to pay for an umbrella while staying here, but there’s a refreshment point close to the beach with public toilets, park information, and some local shops. Marina di Alberese Beach is perfect for all of those who want a quiet place to sunbathe, without being disturbed by other people.
The beach is so long that you can choose your own secret spot and even build constructions like tents with wood scattered on the sand. An area for nudists is also here, but you cannot come inside the park with dogs or other domestic animals.
There are several ways to reach the beach: by bus from the Alberese town center, by car or motorcycle (during high season arrive early because there’s a parking limit), or by bicycle through a cyclable area.
Argentario Wild Beaches and Coves
Explore the wilder southern beaches of Tuscany.
Within the Lazio region, you will find one of the wildest areas of Tuscany: Argentario. Named after the mountain headland, this wonderful jewel is surrounded by crystal-clear waters and connected by two artificial strips of land. Its main towns are the picturesque Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole, and the WWF protected area of Orbetello.
The area is rich in breathtaking beaches (Feniglia and Giannella beach) and coves (Cala del Gesso, Cala Piccola). Argentario is a great destination if you love snorkeling or both sandy and pebbly beaches.
This area is also perfect for camping. If you are travelling with a camper or with children there are many campsites and accommodation facilities with entertainment services for the little ones included.
Seasonal Things to Do in Tuscany
Go Skiing
Tuscany isn’t just for art and wine lovers – it’s also a destination for mountain tourism.
📍 Google Maps (Abetone), Google Maps (Monte Amiata)
If you’re visiting Tuscany during winter and staying more than two weeks, I highly recommend you to go see the snow-capped peaks of Abetone and Monte Amiata. Why not take a few days to go skiing or walk on the snow?
If it’s your first-time skiing, and it has been a cold winter, I recommend going to Campo Scuola delle Macinaie at Monte Amiata in the southern part of Tuscany. Due to climate change, this ski area is less popular, but prices for lessons and skipasses are very cheap, and there are very small slopes where you can learn to ski.
But if the mountain doesn’t scare you and you’re an expert skier, go to Abetone instead, which is located in the north in the province of Pistoia. Abetone has one of the most important ski areas of central Italy, and it’s a paradise for nature and winter sports lovers. It is also a great place to visit outside of winter for hiking and excursions.
Blooming Iris
Prepared to be dazzled by the sight of nature awakening.
One unique and colourful experience you can do if you’re visiting Tuscany during spring is to admire the blooming irises. This is the ideal excursion for botanists and all of those who love to watch nature awakening.
There are two nice areas where you can see this wonderful flower blooming. The first one is in Florence, close to the panoramic Piazzale Michelangelo. Florence Iris Garden is only open for one month between April and May, and displays over 1500 varieties of iris from all over the world.
Another nice spot is located in Valdarno, close to Castelfranco di Sopra, near Balze. During May, the landscape is tinged purple, thanks to the wonderful blooming of the irises, or giaggiolo, as they are called in Valdarno. I suggest you stop at the hamlets of Caspri and Pulicciano to enjoy nice walks and take wonderful pictures of these extraordinary flowers if you are visiting by car.
Fritelle Food Tour
An unusual food tour of the delicious carnival sweets of Tuscany.
During winter in Tuscany, bars and cafeterias serve carnival sweets, and the best among these are cenci (fried pastry) and the unbeatable fritelle di riso (rice fritters).
You can find them basically everywhere, but me and my boyfriend have recently started a tour to discover the best Tuscan Frittelle. These super tasty and soft sweets are perfect accompanied with a good glass of vin santo. These are three of our favorites places to go for them:
1) San Donato in Collina (Florence): This is considered the “the town of frittelle.” Gluten free frittelle are baked from Circolo SMS and served with a glass of vin santo. Open every Saturday and Sunday from January to March.
2) Montefioralle: In this picturesque village, locals bake frittelle only during the weekend of Saint Joseph, often coinciding with the beginning of spring.
3) Savelli in Siena: At Piazza del Campo, from January to March, the Savelli family bakes alternative frittelle every day from early morning till 7:30 pm, all united as a hive and with a very soft dough.
Viareggio Carnival
Have fun at one of the most iconic Italian carnivals.
📍 Google Maps | Website
In winter, Viareggio, a coastal town of Versilia hosts one of the funniest and most famous Italian carnivals. During the celebration, satirical paper-mache floats parade along the seafront of the town, enchanting all the spectators with their dimensions.
If crowded places don’t bother you and you like a good party, a one day trip here is definitely worth it for a fun time. Whether you are going to the parade or not, you can learn more about the history of Viareggio’s Carnival by visiting the Carnival Museum, which is open all year round.
Lucca Comics & Games
Attend Italy’s biggest event dedicated to comics and games.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+39) 0583401711 | Website
Every year between the end of October and the beginning of November, the medieval walls of Lucca host the biggest event dedicated to comics, board games and roleplaying: Lucca Comics & Games.
Unique exhibitions are organized. Comics writers and actors from fantasy TV-series come here to meet their fans. In 2025, the Stranger Things cast was the special guest of the event!
During the festival, the city becomes a parade of cosplayers and games lovers. If you are a big fan of the fantasy world and you like these kinds of events, Lucca comics is a truly unique experience. The event is huge, and you will certainly have a lot of fun.
Lucca will be incredibly crowded during the event, so don’t try to book an apartment or hotel last minute. I suggest you make a reservation for a hotel in Lucca far in advance. And know that during this time, trains can be very crowded and late.
Tuscany’s Hidden Gems
Pitigliano
Discover the gorgeous Tuscan tufa rock city.
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Book a Private Walking Tour of Pitigliano
The splendid village of Pitigliano is located in the southern part of Tuscany, close to Terme di Saturnia, in Maremma. It is also nicknamed “Little Jerusalem,” for the large Jewish community hosted here in the XVI (16th) century.
Pitigliano is among the most beautiful villages of Italy, and is perfect for all of those who are looking for an alternative experience of Tuscany. It’s not as touristic as other areas. The nature you will find here is different from that of Val d’Orcia or Chianti. You will experience a wilder and unspoiled part of the region.
Prepare to get lost inside the Vie Cave, ancient roads excavated by hand into the tufaceous rock by Etruscans. You can also visit the Etruscan necropolis and the synagogue. This private walking tour is a good way to learn about the history of the village while seeing many of its best sites.
Tarot Garden
Explore this marvellous garden inspired by Gaudi’s Parc Güell.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+39) 0564895122 | Website | Hours: 2:30 pm to 7:30 pm Daily from April 1st until October 15th | Entrance: 15€ adults, 10€ youth (ages 7-22), Free children (ages 0-6)
Tarot Garden is a colorful open-air museum created by the French sculptor Niki de Saint Phalle, who built the statues inside the garden inspired by the major arcana of the tarot deck. It is located close to Argentario, in the heart of Maremma, in the town of Capalbio.
If you are staying close to Argentario, you should discover this hidden treasure. This place will leave you speechless if you’re an art or fantasy lover. Inside the garden, time will stop and you’ll enter a surreal and wonderful world.
Peccioli Giants
Discover these majestic statues coming up from the ground.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+39) 0587672073 | Website | Hours: varies by season | Entrance: Free on reservation (only for the giants of the Green Triangle)
You can find four giants spread around the hamlets of the small village of Peccioli, in the province of Pisa. Their construction was part of the renovation of the rubbish dump located in this area. I really recommend visiting this area if you want to discover a hidden gem of Tuscany and see how art can change less idyllic landscapes.
Built in 2011 by Naturaliter, these giant statues make up an open air museum of contemporary art, and stand as proof that a rubbish dump can become a tourist destination thanks to the power of art.
The human figures are located in three different areas: two are in the disposal plant in Legoli’s Green Triangle, and another is in the Fonte Mazzola amphitheater. The last one is on the rooftop of a business in “La Fila”. You can visit the last ones without a reservation, but a reservation is needed for the two giants located in the Green Triangle. Here, on the third Sunday of the month, a treasure hunt for children is generally organized.
La Verna Sanctuary
Discover the place where Saint Francis received the stigmata.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+39) 05755341 | Website | Hours: 6:30 am – 9:30 pm from May to September, 6:30 am – 7:00 pm from October to April | Entrance: Free
La Verna Franciscan Sanctuary is a destination for pilgrims from all over the world, but also for all of those who want to visit a place of peace and uncontaminated nature. Immersed in the Casentinese forests, this place also offers wonderful daily excursions to Penna Mountain and through the Bosco delle Fate (Fairy Wood).
Inside the sanctuary, you can visit the small church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, built by Saint Francis. You’ll also find the Chapel of the Holy Stigmata and the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta.
A museum, showing the life of the ancient monastery, with many art and liturgy works is also possible to visit. Visits to the sanctuary are free, and you can also include a 1-hour tour guide by reservation. Even if you are not Catholic, going through this spiritual experience will truly restore your soul.
Sammezzano Castle
Visit a Moresque castle a few miles from Florence city center.
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Temporarily closed for rennovations
Sammezzano Castle is a hidden gem located in Reggello, a short distance from Florence. It is very close to the luxury outlet, The Mall Firenze. While it is not currently possible to visit the castle, in 2025 the Florentine Moretti family bought it with the intention of restoring the castle and the park outside of it.
One day, this wonderful castle (which was once a luxury hotel and has been on the set of many movies) will return to its original splendor and visitors will be able to see the stunning Moresque architecture which distinguishes this place.
In the meantime, if you’re visiting The Mall and see a stunning castle on a hill, and are wondering what it is – well, that’s Sammezzano Castle.
Things to Do in Tuscany With Kids
Livorno Aquarium
See unique exhibitions of reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+39) 0586269111 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily from April to September, only on Saturdays and Sundays from October to March | Entrance: 14€ to 17€ adults, 10€ to 11€ from 3,2 feet to 4,5 feet and over 65, Free below 3,2 feet
If you are visiting the port city of Livorno and traveling with children, then you must take them to the aquarium. Livorno’s aquarium is the third biggest aquarium in Italy after the ones of Genova and Cattolica.
Located on the seafront within Terrazza Mascagni, Livorno Aquarium displays 33 exhibition tanks, an observation tunnel, and a tactile pool. Children will see how reptiles, insects and amphibians live and will get the chance to do other fun and educational experiences. Take some of your time in Tuscany for this alternative museum, and let your children play a little bit.
Collodi, Pinocchio’s Park
Explore the place where Pinocchio was invented.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+39) 3312098223 | Website | Hours: 10 am to 6 pm daily from March to November 1st | Entrance: From 19€ to 26€ adults, reduced tickets for children and families with child, Free under 3
Families will love Pinocchio’s Park, located in Collodi, in the province of Pistoia. This is the village where Carlo Lorenzini (also known as Carlo Collodi) invented the timeless fairytale of Pinocchio.
Pinocchio’s Park, opened in 1956, is the ideal destination for families with children. During the visit, children will be immersed in this famous Italian fairytale with many services such as storytelling paths, play and learn workshops, face paintings, and many more.
Adventure courses (such as flying over the river and the pirate ship) are also included in the ticket price for all visitors who are at least 5-years old and 3’3” to 4’9” tall. The park also has a themed restaurant called Osteria del Gambero Rosso, a bar kiosk and a well-equipped picnic area.
Pistoia Zoo
Meet over 500 animals on the endangered species list.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+39) 0573911219 | Website | Hours: varies by season | Entrance: 21€ adults, 20€ over 65, 16€ between 3 to 10 aged
Take your animal-loving children to Pistoia Zoological Garden. A few miles from Pistoia city center there’s this beautiful zoo open every day to display and protect our biodiversity. Here, you can spend the day meeting endangered species and having a lot of fun.
On Saturdays and Sundays, the zoo team organizes many activities for children, but also interesting workshops for adults. At the entrance, you will be provided with a passport, where your children can collect stamps and transform their visit into an adventurous treasure hunt.
Farm Visits
Walk with an alpaca and experience farm life.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+39) 3792294889 | Website | Hours: on reservation | Entrance: alpaca trekking 3-hours 40€ adults and children over 6, Pacababywalk children 2-5 aged 20€
Looking for a direct experience with animals for your children? Consider visiting a farm where the little ones can touch and play with different animals and learn how to love them.
There are a few farms throughout Tuscany which include this kind of experience, like the one I did at Fattoria Casabianca in Bucine, located between the provinces of Arezzo and Siena.
However, one of the most popular places where you can walk with an alpaca is Fattoria Pernici, in Fogliano, a small village a few miles away from Siena. Here, even children below 6 years of age, can pet and go for a very short walk with an alpaca while accompanied by their parents.
At Fattoria Pernici, children will also have the chance to do other fun experiences such as guided tours of the farm, submerged trekkings, and the “donkey academy”. Even if the place is mainly for children, adults can have a lot of fun as well.
Cavallino Matto
Roam around this amusement park next to the seaside.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+39) 0565745720 | Website | Hours: 10:30 am – 6:30 pm from April to September with special openings daily | Entrance: 30€ adults and over 4’2”, 23€ between 3’3” to 4’2” tall, over 65 & pregnant women, Free children up to 3’2”; additional reduction for afternoon ticket
Cavallino Matto is the biggest amusement park of Tuscany. Open from April to October, the park has entertainment activities for children over 3 years old. It is located in Marina di Castagneto Carducci in the province of Livorno, a few miles from Bolgheri and very close to the seaside.
Inside the park there are a few rollercoasters designed for the little ones, water attractions, magic and dances shows, a 3D cinema, and a Funicular. Cavallino Matto also has several restaurants, bars and picnic areas.
If you are looking for very fun moments and staying close to the seaside, this is definitely one of the most amusing experiences kids can have in Tuscany. Adults will become children for one day and the little ones will have a great time!
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Tuscany has a lot to offer, and I am convinced that there is always something to do for every age and in every season. I hope I’ve helped you figure out what to do in Tuscany! Let me know if I can be of any help and what your favourite activities are in the comments below.
And for more help planning your trip, check out our Italy packing list next!