ValentinaThe 10 best destinations in Tuscany
With 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites, Tuscany is such a beautiful region, offering so many things to see, that it can be difficult to plan your itinerary. I listed below those which, in my opinion, are the 10 best destinations and areas that you should visit if you are planning a trip to Tuscany.
1. Val d’Orcia
The Val d’Orcia is absolutely the one thing you really must see. Val d’Orcia offers the most iconic and enchanting panoramas. Here you will find exactly what you’d expect to see in Tuscany. The typical Tuscan countryside of gentle rolling hills, with swinging wheat spikes, luxuriant vineyards, top hill cypress boulevards, and sloping fields of wavy grass. Nestled in this idyllic landscape, there are some of the most beautiful and charming villages, such as Pienza, Bagno Vignoni, and San Quirico d’Orcia. You must put them on your Tuscany bucket list and if you are eager to explore more check my post “6 top things to see in Val D’Orcia“.
2. Siena
Siena is famous all over the world for its square, Piazza del campo, where takes place the popular “Palio di Siena”. A horse race between the different suburbs of the city, whose origins date back to the XVII century. Siena is a must-see location, with its glorious Duomo and baptistery and its immaculate medieval town centre.
3. San Gimignano
One of the most beautiful villages in Tuscany (probably my favourite). You can see it standing out from the greenery of the surrounding hills, with all those towers reaching out for the sky. San Gimignano it’s a jewel, soaked in the Tuscan countryside, perfectly preserved and included in the UNESCO sites as well.
4. Volterra
I hope you don’t mind me saying that again, but Volterra it’s just another treasure! A medieval town with the ruins of the ancient Etruscan walls, watching over the Valdicecina. You will be captured by the view of the cathedral’s dome dominating the town and its belvedere. Neither you will resist buying a beautifully crafted souvenir in alabaster from one of the numerous shops in town.
5. Pitigliano
Don’t miss the breathtaking view of Pitigliano, a gem perched atop a natural cliff made of tuff rocks. Tenaciously rooted on the rocks, this village is listed among the most beautiful in Italy. In the same area of Pitigliano, can be found the Vie Cave, the ancient Etruscan roads, dug into the tuff. You can visit them for free.
6. Maremma
The Maremma is a large area in the South of Tuscany and is divided into a northern part and southern one. It takes a big part of the Tuscan coastline and it probably offers the best sea in Tuscany. Turquoise waters and sandy beaches, some of which are natural reserves and protected areas. Several natural parks and top hill villages with lovely sea views. Should you decide to visit this part of the region, I would suggest you stay by the sea. Maybe at Castiglione Della Pescaia or Talamone, the nicest towns on this part of the coast.
7. Giglio Island
If you love scuba diving and snorkeling, you must pay a visit to Giglio Island. Crystalline waters and a rugged coast make this island the perfect spot for snorkeling. Giglio Island is actually part of the Maremma and is located in front of the Monte Argentario. You can also spend the day here, by taking the ferry from Porto Santo Stefano or with an organized tour. Have a drink in the harbour of Giglio Porto and get a walk around Giglio Castello, trying not to get lost in the multitude of its cobbled and narrow alleys.
8. Lucca
Amongst the 10 best destinations in Tuscany, I believe Lucca deserves a place as well. The city of 100 churches. An elegant and quiet medieval town with a nice square. The most remarkable feature is its walls. In fact, Lucca is surrounded by incredible intact walls, built between the XVI and XVII centuries. The amazing thing about these walls is that they are pedestrian-friendly! You can walk along the walls around the city for 4 km.
9. Pisa
I am pretty sure you all have heard of Pisa and its leaning tower! Of course, this is something you want to see. Piazza Dei Miracoli, where the leaning tower is located, along with the stunning cathedral and the baptistery, it’s so perfect that seems to be a scale model. Find also the time to walk along the River Arno and go shopping in the main street, Corso Italia.
10. Montepulciano
Very close to the Val d’Orcia there is the charming little, village Of Montepulciano. Small but not lesser-known. Montepulciano is famous all over the world for the production of The Nobile of Montepulciano wine. Walk along the Corso, the main street, up to the Piazza Grande where you will find the incompleted facade of the Duomo, the Nobili-Tarugi palace and the Palazzo Comunale.
