Mesmerizing Tuscany
If you are looking for your next holiday destination, then you can’t go far wrong with Tuscany. Set in the Italian hills, Tuscany is a playground for seekers of art, culture, and relaxation. Some of Italy’s most beautiful towns and cities can be explored at a leisurely pace, leaving plenty of time to soak in the Italian sun. The best time to travel to Tuscany is in June when the countryside is in full bloom, and you won’t be surrounded by summer tourists, but it can be enjoyed all year round. Continue reading to discover eight of the most beautiful towns in Tuscany to guarantee you a trip of a lifetime.
Towns you cannot miss to visit while in Tuscany:
1. Lucca
If you are visiting Tuscany, the chances are you will be heading to Florence, Pisa, and Siena. But there are plenty of beautiful smaller towns which also deserve some love. Lucca is a charming town that is encircled by well-preserved Renaissance walls, cobbled streets, and an old-world historical center. Don’t forget to visit Lucca Cathedral, which is one of the most stunning examples of religious architecture in the region.
2. Cetona
Cetona is essentially a castle on a hill. The castle rests at the top of the mountain and is surrounded by a group of homes, businesses, and offices set into a cypress and pine hillside. Enjoy the many walking and cycling trails through the nearby forest, and the view from the castle if you still have the energy to climb!
3. Montefollonico
Step back in time when you visit this Medieval town and enjoy some Vin Santo (a Tuscan wine) while you wander the cobblestoned labyrinth of streets. Visit the factory which produces Vin Santo and enjoy a guided tasting session, where you will be able to sample many of the alcoholic delights of the area.
4. Suvereto
If you enjoy exploring Renaissance ruins and imagining the lives of those who walked the same pathways in Medieval times, then a visit to Suvereto will be just what the doctor ordered! The early-Renaissance castle ruins make for atmospheric photos with its creeping vine and broken brickwork. After having your fill of exploration, be sure to check out the gourmet restaurants and wineries in the modern section of the town.
5. Santa Fiora
Italy contains so many well-persevered Renaissance and medieval towns that it can be challenging to know where to visit. However, Santa Fiora will not disappoint and is an excellent choice for first-time Tuscan-adventurers. The charming village is located in the Mount Amiata. Here you will find old stone walls, small churches, and remarkably well-preserved buildings. Remember to visit the medieval clock tower (Torre dell’ Orologio) in the center of Santa Fiora, as it is one of the town’s true cultural gems.
6. San Gimignano
The famous towers of San Gimignano are protected by UNESCO World Heritage status. So you can be sure of being in for a treat if you decide to explore this beautiful Tuscan town. For a small fee, you can even climb the steps to the top of the towers, which will give you stunning views of the rolling Tuscan countryside and the San Gimignano rooftops.
7. Vinci
Vinci in Firenze is an absolute must-see for those fascinated with the life and work of Leonardo da Vinci. You will find everything you could ever want to know about da Vinci’s early life. You need to visit his birthplace, the church, where he was baptized. The museum is also dedicated to him. Gaze out at the picturesque scenery, and you will be looking at the same views da Vinci himself was inspired by in the 15th century.
8. Volterra
Located in Western Tuscany, Volterra was the homeland of the Etruscans and still displays evidence of their presence today. The town has been inhabited since the 5th century BC and exhibits architecture, artwork, and ruins from each of the eras since this date. Wander the ancient town walls and visit the Acropolis to witness settlement ruins from the middle of the Bronze Age. Volterra was also a set location for the film ‘New Moon’ (part of the Twilight franchise) and features as the Italian mountaintop town where the Volturi reside. So, whether you are a film-lover or a history nerd – Volterra is a beautiful place to begin your Tuscan journey.
Have you visited any of these towns while exploring Tuscany? Share with us in the comments section!
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Team FOTW!
[This is a collaboration post!]
