The Best Markets in Tuscany: Where to Find Local Food, Crafts & Antiques

Tuscany has long been a region that looks lovingly to the past, not out of nostalgia, but out of reverence. Objects here are not easily discarded; they are repaired, handed down, restored. This cultural instinct is deeply embedded in the fabric of its markets. From ancient kitchen tools and faded books to handwoven baskets and ceramics fired in old kilns, what you’ll find is not just for sale—it’s waiting for someone to appreciate its story.

In recent years, the region has seen a quiet revival of flea markets and artisan fairs, even in smaller towns. It reflects not just a growing global interest in vintage and handmade, but Tuscany’s own enduring love for beauty with souls that speak. Visiting a market here is less about buying and more about wandering, wondering, and finding something unexpected.

Here’s our handpicked guide to some of the most authentic and evocative markets to explore during your time in Tuscany—just a few among the many vibrant markets scattered across the region.

Once a month, the medieval town of Arezzo transforms into Tuscany’s most iconic antiques fair. The entire historic centre becomes a living archive: stalls overflow with vintage furniture, silverware, military memorabilia, rare books, and sacred art. Collectors, restorers, and treasure hunters fill the piazzas, searching for objects that hold not just value, but meaning.

The city itself is known for metalwork, goldsmithing, and artisan restoration, and many of the vendors are also skilled craftspeople. You might speak with a restorer of antique picture frames, or a silversmith who can date a spoon by engraving. More than a market, Arezzo offers a conversation with history.

Where: Piazza Grande and the historic centre, Arezzo
When: First Sunday of the month and the Saturday before

In Florence, just a short walk from the tourist crowds, the Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio offers a breath of authenticity. It’s the kind of place where butchers know your name, florists suggest what’s freshest, and you can see chefs picking out ingredients for their restaurants. This market is all about the essentials—but they’re delivered with care and taste.

Among all the shops and the food stalls, you’ll also find artisans selling handmade kitchen tools, embroidered linens, and hand-painted ceramics. Many have been part of the market for decades. It’s a space where food, craft, and daily rhythm blend seamlessly—a reminder that Florence’s beauty isn’t just in its architecture, but in its everyday rituals. Read more about shopping in Florence in our dedicated article.

Where: Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti, Florence
When: Monday to Saturday, mornings until early afternoon

In contrast to some of Tuscany’s more curated antique fairs, Siena’s Wednesday market is refreshingly real. It spreads across the grounds outside the Fortezza Medicea, with locals arriving early to pick up produce, fresh bread, or household essentials. But keep your eyes open and you’ll discover details that reveal Siena’s artisanal spirit: embroidered pillowcases, handwoven rugs, linen shirts, and traditional Tuscan pottery.

This is not a market made for display—it’s made for living. That’s what makes it so special. Among the everyday stalls, treasures hide in plain sight, waiting for those who appreciate craftsmanship in even the most ordinary object.

If you’re looking for more activities, read our guide to the best events and activities in Siena, as recommended by Salogi.

Where: La Lizza, near Fortezza Medicea, Siena
When: Every Wednesday, early morning to 1:30 PM

Lucca’s monthly antiques market is a poetic experience. It winds through the cobbled streets and shaded piazzas, inviting visitors to lose themselves in forgotten treasures and time-softened stories, whilst visiting the memorable spots that Lucca offers. You might find crystal decanters, framed 19th-century sketches, or silk scarves folded into vintage suitcases. Each object seems to come with its own quiet past.

This is also a town with a deep tradition in paper and fabric. Interspersed with the antiques, you’ll often find artisan paper products, handmade journals, handwoven fabrics, and fine lace. Lucca’s market is not overwhelming—it’s intimate, refined, and ideal for those who appreciate detail over display.

Where: Piazza San Giusto and surrounding streets, Lucca
When: Third weekend of every month

Nestled in the heart of Chianti wine country, the town of Greve captures everything that makes this area special. Among all the other activities in Chianti, the Saturday market stands out. The stone square fills with colourful stalls offering fresh vegetables, homemade cheeses, salumi, and local honey. But there’s more to it than food. This market has deep roots in the land and the people who tend it.

You'll often find woodworkers selling olive wood boards, weavers with hand-dyed wool scarves, or ceramicists from nearby villages who still fire their pieces in traditional kilns. Everything here feels grounded in daily life—and designed to last. It’s a market that invites you not only to browse, but to connect.

Where: Piazza Matteotti, Greve in Chianti
When: Every Saturday morning

Elegant and full of character, Forte dei Marmi’s market is where Tuscany meets fashion. While many come for the stylish beachwear, cashmere sweaters, and leather sandals, the market is also deeply rooted in tradition. Behind many stalls are family-run textile and fashion workshops from nearby towns, offering goods with a clear signature of quality.

Beyond clothing, you’ll find beautifully made linens for the home, hand-stitched bags, and artisan-made jewellery. Even everyday items here have a certain flair—proof that beauty is never far away in Italian life. It’s perfect for travellers looking to blend luxury with authenticity.

Where: Piazza Marconi, Forte dei Marmi
When: Wednesdays all year, Sundays from April to September

Markets in Tuscany are more than places to buy food or antiques; they are windows into the soul of the region. What makes them truly unique is their authenticity: many Tuscan markets are deeply rooted in local life. The vendors are often the same people who have been coming to the same spot for years—farmers, butchers, seamstresses, and potters, each bringing not only their products but also their stories and a deep connection to the place.

Food, too, tells a story. The produce follows the seasons, with baskets of wild asparagus in spring, sun-warmed tomatoes in summer, and truffles or chestnuts in autumn. There’s something intimate about buying directly from the person who grew or made what you’re about to eat. It’s a way of connecting with Tuscany’s rich culinary heritage in the most direct, tangible way.

Tuscany is always worth visiting, no matter the season. Read more about the best time to visit Tuscany in our guide to each season and its highlights.

Beyond the products, what really sets Tuscan markets apart is the atmosphere. They are places of human connection, where locals greet each other, exchange recipes or advice, and take time to talk. For visitors, this creates a rare opportunity to step out of the role of tourist and into the quiet rhythm of daily life.

And then there’s the element of surprise. Whether you’re browsing a flea market, a weekly food market, or a grand antiques fair, there’s always something unexpected to discover. No two visits are the same, and that sense of discovery makes each market day feel like a small adventure.

Staying in a private villa in Tuscany makes it easy to enjoy these moments like a local—relaxed, unhurried, and fully immersed. Discover our collection of handpicked villas at Salogi Villas and contact us to allow us to help make your Tuscan stay truly unforgettable.