The Best Towns and Villages in Tuscany

The Best Towns and Villages in Northern Tuscany

Lucca is a beautiful town full of history and charm in the heart of Tuscany. The city centre has several famous landmarks, including the oval-shaped Piazza Anfiteatro and the Torre Guinigi (Guinigi Tower), which are celebrated for their unique rooftop gardens. However, Lucca's most prominent feature is the intact Renaissance walls that encircle the town. Visitors should take advantage of the opportunity to cycle or stroll around the historic walls, following a 4.22 km loop that offers a unique city perspective.

Lucca's charming streets also offer tourists numerous shops, bars and restaurants to explore, and beyond its architectural wonders and elegant atmosphere, the city hosts several cultural events. Music enthusiasts, in particular, will enjoy Lucca's classical music festival - held in the spring and spanning a week - or the Lucca Summer Festival - held in July - that, over the years, has welcomed international stars such as The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, and Bob Dylan.

Our Villas Selection near Lucca:

Angeloni

La Sorgente

Volterra is an ancient hamlet nested on a typical Tuscan hill with rich historical traditions rooted in Etruscan and Roman heritage. Situated near other Tuscan gems like Pisa and Siena, Volterra is one of the most beautiful towns in Tuscany, and invites visitors to explore its unique charm and diverse beauty. A must-visit is the Roman Theatre, where enthusiasts can wander among the well-preserved ruins.

Volterra is also renowned for its alabaster production, an Etruscan tradition that has continued for centuries. Strolling through the hamlet's streets, you will see various objects made of alabaster in the shop windows - from bowls to photo frames, boxes to sculptures - all meticulously crafted by local artisans. 

Just a stone's throw from the sandy beaches of Versilia and a short distance from Lucca lies Pietrasanta, a hidden treasure where art, culture, and style blend, creating a truly unique and enchanting atmosphere. The town has a lively artistic scene, attracting talents both local and international. Art isn't confined to galleries alone: it spills into the squares and charming alleys, contributing to Pietrasanta’s dynamic and inspiring atmosphere. Piazza del Duomo, the beautiful rectangular square, is the meeting point for locals and tourists. Pietrasanta is also the perfect starting point for those wishing to visit the marble quarries renowned worldwide for their white marble, famously used by Michelangelo.

A noteworthy highlight is the Botero frescoes housed in Chiesa della Misericordia. This small church in the heart of the historic centre hosts two masterpieces by the Colombian artist: "La Porta del Paradiso" (Heaven's Door) and "La Porta dell’Inferno" (The Gate of Hell). Remarkably, as the church remains a place of worship, admission is free.

Lastly, Pietrasanta is home to exquisite restaurants and very elegant boutiques, offering a shopping experience that complements the charm of this Tuscan destination.

This small town is perched in a beautiful location, offering breathtaking views of the Tuscan countryside. Collodi is cherished as the birthplace of the beloved character Pinocchio, a puppet brought to life through the imaginative storytelling of Carlo Collodi. The significance of Pinocchio is beautifully celebrated in Collodi through Pinocchio Park, where the classic tale comes to life with charming sculptures, play areas, and interactive exhibits.
Moreover, at the end of August, Collodi hosts Senza Fili, a Pinocchio-themed Street festival.

A must-visit in Collodi is the Villa Garzoni Gardens, a splendid example of Renaissance garden artistry featuring perfectly sculpted landscapes and a Butterfly House. The Butterfly House allows visitors to immerse themselves in the world of these delicate creatures.

Lajatico

Lajatico is a village amidst the idyllic Tuscan scenery, offering a perfect postcard view of the Tuscan countryside. Lajatico's winding cobblestone streets lead to a central square where locals gather, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The village is characterised by traditional stone houses, some covered with beautiful flowers, adding a touch of colour to the rustic surroundings.

One of the standout attractions of Lajatico is the Teatro del Silenzio, or Theatre of Silence, a unique amphitheatre envisioned and brought to life by world-renowned Andrea Bocelli. This open-air theatre, set against the backdrop of the rolling hills, hosts an annual concert in July, attracting music enthusiasts from around the world.

The Best Towns and Villages in Southern Tuscany

Siena's medieval charm, bustling streets, and historic contrade make it a must-visit destination in Tuscany. Renowned as one of Italy’s best persevered cities, Siena was honoured with the UNESCO heritage site status in 1995. This famous town was built on three hills surrounding the iconic Piazza del Campo. The square, famed for its unique shell shape, hosts the famous Palio di Siena, a historic horse race.

The city is home to famous architectural buildings like the Palazzo Pubblico and Torre Mangia, where visitors can explore the Civic Museum and enjoy beautiful views from the tower. Siena Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian Romanesque-Gothic architecture, features treasures by artists such as Nicola and Giovanni Pisano, Donatello, and Michelangelo. The cathedral's marble mosaic floor features scenes from Scripture, a work of art crafted by more than forty artists over several centuries.

                      | Read our Siena Travel Guide to find out what this Tuscan city has to offer

Our Villas Selection near Siena:

La Corte di Campalli

La Maccinaia

Montalcino is a medieval city perched on a hill overlooking the Val d'Orcia in the province of Siena. It boasts a historic centre characterised by narrow, steep streets and breathtaking views; however, this picturesque town is primarily famous for its red wine production, the Brunello di Montalcino. With numerous wineries dotting the area, wine lovers have ample opportunities to explore and indulge in the region's rich wine culture.

In addition to exploring the vineyards, Montalcino offers visitors a wealth of cultural and historical attractions. One notable attraction is the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art, renowned for its extensive collection of paintings and wooden sculptures by the Sienese school. Additionally, the town features several churches, each offering a unique display of architectural and artistic heritage.

Just a short journey from Montalcino is the Abbey of Sant'Antimo, a monumental structure built in the 12th century in the Romanesque style. This active monastic church is also renowned for its rich musical tradition: visitors are treated to the timeless beauty of Gregorian chants sung by the monks throughout the day, adding to the spiritual atmosphere of the site.

Not far from Montalcino lies Bagno Vignoni, a picturesque village surrounded by the stunning landscape of the Val d'Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Bagno Vignoni is unique for its historic thermal baths, which date back to Etruscan times. Remarkably, the main square of the village is occupied by an ancient thermal water pool. While it is no longer open for public use, its presence adds to the village's charm and serves as a testament to its rich history. The significance of Bagno Vignoni grew during the Middle Ages when the village flourished as a stop along the Via Francigena pilgrimage route.

Today, Bagno Vignoni retains its tranquil and historic atmosphere, inviting visitors to unwind in its serene surroundings. The many modern thermal baths offer a range of therapeutic treatments, including mud baths known for their healing properties.

Monteriggioni is located in the stunning Tuscan countryside, close to famous cities such as Siena and Florence. Famed for its well-preserved medieval walls and towers, this hamlet stands as a fortress town frozen in time. To honour its rich history, the municipality organises the "Monteriggioni di torri si corona" or "Monteriggioni Crowned by Towers" medieval festival each July.

During the festival, visitors can experience historical re-enactments, browse markets offering handmade crafts, enjoy live music and entertainment, and indulge in a variety of exquisite food. Food takes centre stage at the festival, with vendors tempting visitors with a selection of medieval-inspired dishes and traditional Tuscan cuisine. Overall, the Monteriggioni festival allows visitors to experience the atmosphere of the Middle Ages within one of Tuscany's most charming villages.

San Gimignano

San Gimignano, often referred to as the "Town of Fine Towers," stands out as one of the most beautiful small towns in Tuscany. Famous for its medieval architecture and iconic skyline, this UNESCO World Heritage site captivates visitors with its timeless charm. The town is renowned for its mediaeval towers, a collection that once comprised seventy-two but has been preserved to fourteen. These towers rise above the town and compose a breathtaking view that has garnered global recognition for San Gimignano.

Beyond its iconic towers, San Gimignano boasts several other attractions, including historic squares such as Piazza del Duomo, Piazza della Cisterna, and Piazza delle Erbe. In addition, the town is home to artisanal boutiques showcasing local crafts. At its heart stands the Cathedral, the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta, also known as the Collegiata di San Gimignano. With origins tracing back to the 12th century, the church's walls are decorated with beautiful mural paintings.

Our Villas Selection near Siena:

Le Porciglia

In conclusion, Tuscany stands as a region of unparalleled beauty and is full of history. From the picturesque landscapes to the charming villages, every corner of this iconic destination offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat amidst the rolling hills or an adventure-filled exploration of historic towns, Tuscany has something for everyone. If you are looking for your perfect villa to Rent in Tuscany, browse our website or contact us for more information.