Italy is truly a country to behold, with lots to see and do across its regions. In one of its best, here are the ten best towns in Tuscany to visit.
Italy is regarded as one of the most captivating countries, not only in Europe but around the world. Owing to the artefacts of its history, the feint hand of its famed artists, the rich personality of its language, and the charisma of its vivid people, Italy is a must-visit.
And one of the most fascinating facets of the nation is the region of Tuscany, blending beautifully in central Italy where nearly four million people can bask in its ceaseless countryside, rolling hills, astounding architecture, and an unspoiled coastline.
Housing these people are quintessential Italian villages, picturesque towns, and buzzing metropolises that are globally renowned architectural masterpieces. Read on to discover the top ten best towns in Tuscany, ranked.
The World Bucket List’s top tips for visiting Tuscany:
- The region of Tuscany has two international airports: Florence and Pisa. However, Italy is very well connected by rail, and you can reach the region from the likes of Rome and Milan in a matter of hours.
- Tuscany is a wine lover’s paradise – it is one of the best wine regions in Italy and, as such, is home to some of the best vineyards in the country.
- Visiting Florence’s Uffizi Gallery is a must-do while in Tuscany. The Uffizi is home to some Renaissance masterpieces, including Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, one of the most famous paintings in the world.
- Don’t forget to visit beautiful coastal towns like Viareggio and Castiglione della Pescaia for beautiful beaches.
- We recommend planning your visit to coincide with Tuscany’s exciting festivals, such as the Carnival of Viareggio, which takes place every February.
10. Pienza – a charming Renaissance village
Kicking off our list of the top ten best towns in Tuscany is Pienza, a small renaissance village declared a World Heritage Site.
Pienza rests upon a hilltop overlooking the Orcia Valley and owes its name to Pope Pius II, who was born there.
9. Montepulciano – for wine, medieval sites, and the Renaissance
Much like Pienza, Montepulciano is also home to numerous gorgeous Renaissance buildings bathed in Medieval charm and also boasts panoramic views of the Val d’Orcia.
It is also regarded as one of the world’s finest winemaking regions.
8. Lucca – the city of 100 churches
Next on the list of our best towns in Tuscany is Lucca. A spine of world-renowned old city walls protect the city and they are the only city walls in Italy that can be explored fully by foot, bike, or car.
Beyond the walls is a century of churches and typical Italian architecture.
RELATED READ: Our guide to the most beautiful churches in Italy.
7. Pisa – that leaning tower
Pisa’s most distinctive feature is, of course, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which itself earns the city’s spot on the list.
It is also home to an elite university, Gothic churches, and Romanesque buildings, with the town partitioned by the Arno River.
6. Pitigliano – for history from all ages
Pitigliano is carved from volcanic stone and contains relics from many by-gone eras, such as the Bronze Age and Neolithic times.
Some parts of the town even dates back to the Etruscan community.
5. Collodi – one of the best towns in Tuscany
Medieval architecture abounds in Collodi, which is a small town that cascades along the Tuscan hillsides. The narrow streets provide your pathway through the town, with a well-preserved history to admire and learn from.
4. San Gimignano – for towers of wealth and power
One of the best towns in Tuscany is San Gimignano, which was once an Etruscan settlement before passing on the roving hands of the Roman Empire.
It is home to rolling hills that provide an outlook over the towers that dominate the landscape. It is also recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Elsewhere in Europe, you may also enjoy some of the best countryside towns in France to rent a chateau.
3. Portoferraio – travel like Napoleon
You can find Portoferraio on the northwest coast of Tuscany. A region lined with beautiful beaches, Portoferraio acts as the main seaport of Elba Island.
Travelling here, you will find the Roman Church of Santo Stefano alle Trane and the town of Villa dei Mulini, which once hosted the villas of Napoleon Bonaparte.
2. Siena – Italy’s finest medieval city
Siena is Italy’s principal medieval city, which is no mean feat considering the litany of those found in Italy. The heartbeat of the city is the Il Campo piazza.
Legend states that Senius, a son of Remus, who was one of the founders of Rome, founded Siena. The world-famous Palio horse race is a must-see when in Siena.
1. Florence – the globe’s purest artistic city
Where else but Florence to top the list for the best towns in Tuscany? The city is home to museums and palaces that boast some of the world’s finest art.
Among its many visitor attractions are the Baptistery, the Ufizzi, and the churches of Santa Maria Novella and Santo Croce.
A bird’s eye view of the city celebrates the iconic red stone that fills the city’s rooftops. Lonely Planet dubbed Florence the “cradle of the Renaissance”. And we must say, it is truly an enchanting paradise right in the heart of Italy.
READ MORE: The WBL guide to the best Airbnbs in Florence.
MORE WBL ARTICLES ABOUT ITALY:
Road trip Italy: tips, tricks, and the ultimate itinerary.
Top 10 hidden gems in Italy you need to experience.
CHRISTMAS in ITALY: how the Italians celebrate & big events.
The BOOT of ITALY: history, facts and places to see in Puglia.
Top 10 best places for ski holidays in Italy, RANKED.
Your questions answered about the best towns in Tuscany
In this section, we answer some of our readers’ most frequently asked questions about the best cities in Tuscany, including those that are asked most often in online searches.
What city should I stay in Tuscany?
For our money, Florence’s mix of culture, history, and hospitality establishments make it the best spot in Tuscany.
Where is the best base for seeing Tuscany?
We recommend Florence, Pisa, or Siena as a base due to their excellent public transport options.
Which airport is closer to Tuscany?
Florence and Pisa have the regions two international airports.
