Where to Stay in Tuscany (8 Best Places & Areas, By a Local)

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I’ve lived in Tuscany for almost 30 years and have explored many corners of this beautiful region. When my friends or relatives arrive here, I always help them find great places to stay. And now I’ve created this guide to help you decide exactly where to stay in Tuscany. 

If it is your first time in Tuscany, you should stay in Florence. It is a lively city, rich in museums and nightlife, and a good base to explore other cities. I recommend Hotel Albani Firenze because it is a beautiful hotel, very close to the Santa Maria Novella train station and the main tourist attractions of the city. 

However, you should stay in Chianti if wine is the reason for your visit. The area has many wonderful accommodation options with gorgeous scenery and super tasty wines. I suggest the Ultimo Multino Country Hotel, a stunning hotel immersed in a wonderful landscape in the southern part of Chianti. 

However, Tuscany has much more to offer, and in this article, I’ll tell you the best areas to stay for different activities and seasons. I’ll also suggest excellent hotels, restaurants, and cafés, and end with a few tips.

To begin, let’s look at the summary of the best hotels I’ve chosen. 

Best Places to Stay in Tuscany

If you’re short on time, these are my top hotel picks: 

• 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – Hotel Albani Firenze
• 📍 Best Location – Bob W Florence Santa Croce
• 💎 Best Luxury – Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
• ❤️ Best for Couples – Agriturismo Poggio Il Castellare or Anonima Agricola
• 👪 Best for Families – Hotel Palagi
• 🛎️ Best Boutique – Ultimo Mulino Country Hotel
• 🌊Best Near Seaside – Hotel C’era Una Volta
• ⛷️Best Winter Sports  – Hotel Bellavista
• 🛏️ Best Budget – B&B Mr My Resort
• 🏨Best Hostel – Yellow Square Florence

Ok, now scroll down for a deep dive into the pros (and cons) of each area of Tuscany: 

8 Best Places & Areas to Stay in Tuscany

Tuscany is among the largest Italian regions. Florence is in the northeast area, while Chianti and Siena are central. Forte dei Marmi and Pisa are in the northwest, while Livorno is further south than these two. Also in the south, you’ll find Val d’Orcia and the coastal zone of Argentario.  

The region also has one of the biggest Italian archipelagos, including Elba and Giglio islands, and it has mountains almost 6,500 feet high spread all around. 

Florence

👉 Read our full guide to where to stay in Florence

👉 Best Area For First Timers & Art Lovers | ✨ Best Florence Hotels: Four Seasons Hotel Firenze • Hotel Albani Firenze • Bob W Florence Santa Croce • B&B Mr My Resort • Yellow Square Florence

If it is your first time in Tuscany, you cannot miss visiting its main city: Florence. Florence is the mother of Renaissance art, which means it’s rich in art museums and collections. The top museums and attractions here are the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery, and Boboli Gardens. 

Its historic center is pretty small, but I promise you won’t get bored. Florence has a lively nightlife scene and a lot to offer – from museums and bars to luxury shopping and peaceful walks along the Arno River. 

Florence is a crowded and touristy city, but it’s also well connected by train to other Tuscan cities like Pisa, Livorno, Siena, and Arezzo. Hotel Albani Firenze is a 4-star hotel very close to the main train station, Firenze Santa Maria Novella. It is perfect for those who want to travel by train and are looking for a hotel with quality service. 

B&B Mr My Resort is more economical. It’s in the core of Florence’s historic center, a short distance from the Accademia Gallery and Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral. While Bob W Florence Santa Croce is slightly more expensive, it has a nice view of the Arno River, and is very close to Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery. 

But if you’re willing to splurge on a luxury stay in Florence, book a room at Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, and dine at its Michelin-starred restaurant, Il Palagio.

These are far from your only options in Florence, though. For a more detailed breakdown of the city’s neighborhoods and areas, see our complete guide to where to stay in Florence.

Pros of Staying in Florence:

• It’s a gorgeous city and the mother of Renaissance art
• Many museums and art exhibitions 
• Well-connected by public transports
• Great nightlife

Cons of Staying in Florence:

• Can get very busy
• Overtourism has ruined a bit of its authenticity
• Too many tourist shops and restaurants

Chianti

👉 Best Area For Wine Lovers & Castles | ✨ Best Chianti Hotels: Badia a Coltibuono Wine Resort • Ultimo Mulino Country Hotel • Fattoria Poggerino • La Rimbecca Greve in Chianti

Chianti is one of Tuscany’s most famous areas, known worldwide for its wine production and Sangiovese grapes. This area is located in the central part of the region, among the provinces of Florence and Siena. 

You cannot miss staying in Chianti if you love wine. However, in addition to hundreds of wine producers, Chianti is also home to beautiful medieval castles, like Brolio’s Castle and Meleto’s Castle. There are also plenty of places in Chianti for authentic Tuscan cuisine. 

In the southern part of Chianti, you’ll find Badia a Coltibuono Wine Resort, a medieval abbey with an ancient wine cellar and beautiful gardens. Stay here if you are a nature lover, as it’s in a great location for outdoor excursions. The idyllic Ultimo Mulino Country Hotel is also in this area and is a great choice for couples. 

Fattoria Poggerino is located in the central area of Radda in Chianti, close to one of the most panoramic landscapes in Chianti. The hotel has a swimming pool, private parking, and guests can do private wine tours with the owner of the facility. 

La Rimbecca Greve in Chianti is in the northern area of Chianti, a short distance from Greve in Chianti and the picturesque village of Montefioralle.

Pros of Staying in Chianti:

• You can taste really good wine basically everywhere
• Surrounded by breathtaking vineyards and hills
• Authentic Tuscan food and culture
• Picturesque villages

Cons of Staying in Chianti:

• Can be too quiet at night
• You’ll need a car to travel around 
• Not the best area to travel with children

Siena & Val d’Orcia

👉 Best Area For Picturesque Landscapes & History | ✨ Best Siena & Val d’Orcia Hotels: B&B Le Logge Luxury Rooms • Agriturismo La Collina • Agriturismo Poggio Il Castellare 

Looking for authentic Tuscany? Then you must visit Siena and its surroundings. Siena is located in the very center of the region. From here, you can easily reach Chianti, Val d’Orcia, Arezzo, and Maremma. That said, you’ll want to consider renting a car if you stay here. 

Siena is rich in museums, restaurants, and bars. Staying here will give you the chance to enjoy some nightlife, which is barely present in other nearby towns. Just a short walk from Siena’s Piazza del Campo is B&B Le Logge Luxury Rooms. I highly recommend staying here if you want to use Siena as a base for exploring the area. 

South of Siena is Val d’Orcia. It’s another area of Tuscany well-known for wines and Tuscan food specialities like Cinta Senese cold cuts and Pecorino Cheese. The best seasons to visit Val d’Orcia are spring or early fall. If you choose to stay here, I recommend staying in one of its top towns: Montalcino or Pienza.

Stay in Agriturismo Poggio Il Castellare if you choose Montalcino, or at Agriturismo La Collina in Pienza. I highly recommend either hotel for those who are travelling with their partners. Both are romantic escapes nestled among breathtaking and marvellous scenery. 

Pros of Staying in Siena & Val d’Orcia:

• Here you’ll find the real Tuscany
• Medieval towns and stunning nature
• Rich in hot springs for relaxing
• Many accommodation options
• Great area for couples

Cons of Staying in Siena & Val d’Orcia:

• You’ll need a car to travel around
• Apart from the Siena city center, there’s no nightlife
• Not the best for families with children

Pisa

👉 Best Area For Day Trips | ✨ Best Pisa Hotels: Relais Pacinotti Rooms • Hotel Pisa Tower • Hotel Bologna 

Want to stay in a nice city that’s less crowded than Florence, but just as well-connected by train? Pisa is the answer. 

Pisa is one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations, located in the northwest side of the region, close to the Tirrenian Sea. Pisa and its surroundings are wonderful in every season, but it’s during spring that the area really shows its splendour, even though it may be quite crowded.

The city is well connected thanks to its international airport, which is the largest in Tuscany. From Pisa, you can easily reach two major cities in less than half an hour by train: Livorno and Lucca. 

I recommend staying in this city if you want to take daily trips without needing to rent a car. The city is pretty small, and the historic center is concentrated inside medieval walls. For your days in Pisa, you can book a room at Relais Pacinotti Rooms, an old house with a delightful garden. It’s just a short walk away from the Leaning Tower. 

If you prefer to be closer to transport platforms, I suggest Hotel Pisa Tower and Hotel Bologna. The first one is highly rated by guests and is next to the bus station to go to Pisa Centrale Station and the Airport. It’s also a very short distance from Piazza dei Miracoli.

The second option is a four-star hotel in the historic center. It’s a bit more expensive, but it’s only a 10-minute walk from the main train station. The hotel also provides a generous breakfast buffet and has spacious rooms.

Pros of Staying in Pisa:

• You don’t need a car to travel around
• Biggest Tuscan airport
• Small and welcoming city
• Multiple accommodation options

Cons of Staying in Pisa:

• There’s not as much to discover as Florence; 2 days are enough for most visitors 
• It can be too crowded during peak season

Forte dei Marmi

👉 Best Area For Luxury Tourism | ✨ Best Forte dei Marmi Hotels: Grand Hotel Imperiale • UNA Hotel Forte Dei Marmi • Versilia Golf Resort • Hotel Palagi

Forte dei Marmi is probably the most expensive area of Tuscany. If you are visiting the region during the summer and are searching for luxury, this is a great option. 

Forte dei Marmi is known for its golden beaches and colorful wooden cabanas. It’s rich in luxury shops and villas. This jewel of Versilia Riviera is located on the west coast, not far from Viareggio and Lucca. 

Grand Hotel Imperiale offers luxury treatment, stylish rooms, and a private beach at a staggering cost. This 5-star hotel is definitely not suitable for everyone, but if you can afford it, you’ll get your money’s worth. 

UNA Hotel Forte Dei Marmi and Versilia Golf Resort offer similarly excellent service with more affordable prices. Both are perfect for a relaxing stay in the coastal town. 

However, if you’re on a budget but still want to be nearby, I suggest staying in Pietrasanta, which is just a few miles from Forte dei Marmi. Here, Hotel Palagi offers comfortable rooms and is also ideal for families. Staying here is a good option if you want to visit Lucca, the Carrara marble quarries, and other coastal villages like Viareggio, which is famous for its carnival.

Pros of Staying in Forte dei Marmi:

• A treasure for those who love first-class services
• Cool bars, cafeterias, and clubs
• Many activities during the summer time

Cons of Staying in Forte dei Marmi:

• It can get quite busy
• It is very expensive to stay here

Abetone

👉 Best Area For Winter Sports & Excursions | ✨ Best Abetone Hotels: Hotel I Pionieri • Hotel Gabriella • Hotel Bellavista

You may not know that Tuscany is a popular destination for winter sports lovers, but it is! Abetone is the principal ski area of central Italy. This area is gorgeous during winter, but offers stunning paths and nature views even during other seasons. 

Hotel Bellavista is the closest one to the ski slopes and has a panoramic view. A few miles from here, Hotel I Pionieri and Hotel Gabriella are highly recommended for those who want to enjoy what the mountain can offer, but at more reasonable prices.

However, keep in mind that you must rent a car if you are staying in Abetone. The closest big city in the province is Pistoia, and other towns of interest are Fiumalbio and Cutigliano.

Pros of Staying in Abetone:

• Gorgeous mountain views
• Nice excursions & routes
• Well-organized ski slopes 

Cons of Staying in Abetone:

• You’ll need a car to travel around
• Fewer attractions for non-sports lovers
• Not so many restaurants and bars

Grosseto & Argentario

👉 Best Area For Untouched Nature & Seaside | ✨ Best Grosseto & Argentario Hotels: Albergo Filippo II • Casa Fioravanti • Anonima Agricola • Hotel C’era Una Volta 

The coastal villages near the city of Grosseto and the province’s southern Argentario area offer tourists an alternative travel experience. Grosseto and Argentario are located in the heart of Maremma, the wildest corner of Tuscany.

The hinterland of this southern area is best for summer tourism and is rich in natural hot springs like Bagni di Saturnia. Other top attractions are the Natural Park of Maremma and the Tarot Garden, all easily reachable by car from my recommended hotels. Grosseto’s surroundings can be very quiet, which is why I’d recommend it for those who are travelling with children.

Hotel C’era Una Volta is situated in Castiglione della Pescaia, a small village of Grosseto, where you can find some nightlife with restaurants and bars, along with several camping areas. 

The further south you go, the wilder it is. Many restaurants and bars around here will close around 11 pm. The other three hotels I’ve chosen are all located in Argentario, the most beautiful coastal zone of Tuscany. 

Anonima Agricola, in Orbetello, is a peaceful farmstay in a very unusual building. It is highly valued by couples. Albergo Filippo II and Casa Fioravanti are nice accommodations close to wonderful coves and beaches. 

While summer is the best time to visit this area, just know that this destination can be quite expensive during the season. 

Pros of Staying in Grosseto:

• Beaches and coastal destinations
• Many food sagras (festivals) and authentic restaurants
• Near lots of wild nature

Cons of Staying in Grosseto:

• Accommodations can be very expensive during the summer
• Some areas can get busy during peak season
• You’ll need a car to travel around

Casentino

👉 Best Area For Mountains Getaways & Spiritual Life | ✨ Best Casentino Hotels: Hotel Da Giovanna • Borgo I Tre Baroni • Albergo San Lorenzo

Not many tour guides will suggest you visit Casentino during your stay in Tuscany. But if you’re looking for a quieter, spiritual vacation, this area in the northeast part of the region will fit you. Casentino is a coveted destination for nature lovers (plus, it’s also full of authentic food). 

Casentinese Forest is well known for being one of the most ancient and unspoiled forests of Europe. Bibbiena and Poppi are the biggest towns here. The attractions to visit are La Verna Sanctuary and the Hermitage of Camaldoli. There is also a nice zoo in Poppi if you are travelling with children.

Borgo I Tre Baroni is located in a gorgeous location near Poppi. Albergo San Lorenzo is a few miles from the town and offers comfortable suites at affordable prices. 

For a more spiritual experience, book a room at Hotel Da Giovanna. It’s in Chiusi della Verna, the village known worldwide for the Saint Francis cult. 

Pros of Staying in Casentino:

• Peaceful and quiet area
• Nice walks through the forest
• Good Tuscan food

Cons of Staying in Casentino:

• Nonexistent nightlife
• The area is not connected to public transports

Tips for Staying in Tuscany

Consider Renting a Car to Explore Rural and Authentic Areas

If you are staying in a city like Florence or Pisa, you can rely on public transport because the cities are well-connected. 

However, if you are looking for a more authentic experience of Tuscany and want to be immersed in the Tuscan lifestyle, I highly recommend renting a car. This will give the chance to discover hidden gems like Casentino, visit Chianti’s vineyards, or explore many other wonderful places to visit in Italy. 

Renting a car is a must if you want to have a less touristic experience. I suggest renting with Discover Cars, especially if you want an automatic car, because it’s easy to filter for this and any of your other preferences. 

Be Patient With Non-English Speakers

Unfortunately, not all Italians speak fluent English. But even if someone doesn’t know the language, I am sure that they will help you if you need it. And you will probably understand them thanks to their capability of using physical gestures and their willing attitude to help. 

Learn 4 Essential Words of Tuscan Dialect & Gestures

The top 4 words you need to learn in the Tuscan dialect are: gnamo (let’s go), ganzo (cool), mi garba (I like it), and boh (I don’t know). I also suggest you learn some physical gestures because we tend to communicate with our bodies a lot! I’m sure TikTok and YouTube have plenty of tutorial videos! 

Personally Contact Local Wine Producers

Basically every corner of Tuscany has vineyards and wineries. If you are travelling by car, I really recommend that you directly contact some smaller wine producers. 

This will give you a less touristic experience, the chance to be more in contact with locals, and also save some money. Small local producers tend to spend more time with you and give you more information about their personal wine production for more authenticity. 

Temperatures during summer can be challenging

During summer, temperatures can rise a lot, and visiting the cities will be very challenging. During very hot days, I suggest staying inside in places with air conditioning or travelling to seaside areas like Forte dei Marmi or to the mountains to stay cool.

If you’d like to avoid these extremely hot temperatures altogether, I recommend visiting in another season. Check out our guide to the best time to visit Italy to get more insight into when to come.

FAQs about Tuscany

How many days is enough for Tuscany?

If you are planning to visit only the biggest cities, one week can probably be enough time in Tuscany. But if you want a more immersive experience of the region, I recommend staying at least three weeks. 

In Tuscany, you can really do it all, from visiting art museums and spending time in nature, to skiing mountains and lounging seaside. Plus, every town has its own specialties to taste and wines to drink. 

If you are staying for a long time, just make sure your packing list has everything you need for all the activities you want to do. 

What areas of Tuscany should I avoid staying in? 

I don’t think there are areas to avoid staying in Tuscany. It all depends on what you are looking for, and the region is quite safe, especially in rural areas. Pay a bit more attention in the most crowded cities like Firenze (Florence), Pisa, and Livorno.

What are the best parts of Tuscany to stay on a budget?

Unfortunately, in recent years, staying in Tuscany has become pretty expensive, and it is hard to find a hotel for less than 100 euros per night. Probably the best places to stay on a budget are a bit outside the major tourist points. 

Seaside resorts, Chianti, and Val d’Orcia may not be very affordable. However, in bigger towns, with more hotels and facilities, it is possible to find something cheaper, like the Yellow Square Florence hostel in Florence. 

Among the areas of Tuscany I suggested, Abetone and Casentino are the cheapest, but they will give an alternative vision of Tuscany, not the one you probably have in mind.

What are the best parts of Tuscany to stay with kids?

I think the best areas to visit in Tuscany with children are coastal areas like Forte dei Marmi or Grosseto & Argentario, and the mountains. Along the coast, there are many campsites with child-friendly amenities included. 

In Livorno, there’s a wonderful aquarium. In Calci, a few miles from Pisa city center, there’s a natural historical museum with a big freshwater aquarium that will leave your children speechless. Pistoia is home to the biggest Tuscan zoo and, close to the city in Collodi, there’s a park dedicated to Pinocchio’s fairytale.

What are the best parts of Tuscany to stay for a weekend?

The best parts of Tuscany to stay just for a weekend are Florence, Chianti, and Siena & Val d’Orcia. Even if these are the most touristy areas of Tuscany, they completely represent the two things Tuscany is famous for worldwide: art and wine.

***

I realise that deciding where to stay in Tuscany can be a difficult choice, but I hope I’ve helped you find the place that’s right for you. And I am here to answer your questions. Just leave me a comment, and I would love to help you.

To finish planning your itinerary, check out my guide to the best things to do in Tuscany next!