There are three very special small towns in Tuscany just we can’t get enough of in Summer: Massa Marittima, Barga, and Pitigliano. These idyllic hilltop towns offer the visitor Romanesque art, good living, spectacular views and some special events during the Summer.
Let’s be honest, there’s a lot of competition when it comes to picturesque hilltop towns in Tuscany. Usually the crowd-pleasers are places like San Gimignano, Volterra and Cortona, but these three small towns are among our favourites. They are a bit off the main tourist track and allow a special, more authentic experience. Enjoy!
3 Small Hilltop Towns to Visit this Summer
MASSA MARITTIMA, Medieval Vibes and Art
A special Medieval charm infuses the picturesque streets of Massa Marittima. The first time I went there, a few years ago, I wasn’t expecting to find such a magnificent, and perfectly preserved, historic centre. With Medieval tower houses, delightful cobbled streets, inviting eateries – it has it all. The good thing is that Massa Marittima is just enough off the main tourist tracks to retain its authentic, relaxed feel.
As soon as you arrive, you’ll be drawn to the Cathedral Square, where the splendid Duomo of San Cerbone deserves a proper visit. Starting with the glorious exterior – check out the portal with the two lions, an extraordinary example of Romanesque art! – you can then enter and explore the interior. Highlights include the marble Gothic reliquary, ‘Ark of Saint Cerbonius’ (1324), and a “Maestà” 14th century painting attributed to Duccio di Buoninsegna.
Check out our WALKING ITINERARY IN MASSA MARITTIMA
You also have a small, and very nicely laid out, museum of sacred art, and archeology museum (this area has been inhabited since prehistoric times!). As a plus, there’s a range of independent shops, enoteche and restaurants – here you’ll find Tuscany’s smallest osteria, the renowned La Tana dei Brilli.
And in case you needed more reasons to visit, the sea is only 30 minutes away!
Throughout the Summer, the towns comes alive with music gigs and festivals. Here are the TOP SUMMER EVENTS in Massa Marittima:
Every Summer there’s an event called Lirica in Piazza: usually on the first weekend in August. Here you can listen to Opera in the scenic square of Massa Marittima. A real must.
10th August every year Calici di Stelle offers wine tasting and cultural events.
On the 14th August every year there’s the Medieval-style archery tournament ‘Balestro del Girifalco’ (also on the 4th Sunday in May).
HOW TO GET TO MASSA MARITTIMA – there’s no train service, but there are buses that connect it to Follonica, on the coast, where there’s a train station. Driving is the best way to get here – parking is just on the outskirt of town.
BARGA, Mountain Air and Music
Set between the Appennines and Apuan Alps, the hilltop town of Barga dominates the Serchio Valley with its gorgeous cathedral and views to die for. If you’re looking to escape the Summer heat and love the mountains air, this is the place for you. You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere, bars, shops, beautiful churches to visit and unspoilt nature on its doorstep.
* The artistic highlight is the Medieval Cathedral of Saint Cristoforo, a Romanesque gem.
WHAT TO DO NEARBY – After a visit to the town you can organise hiking in the woods of the Garfagnana, see the cave Grotta del Vento (30 minutes by car), Verrucole Fortess (30 minutes by car) or the hidden village of Isola Santa (same distance). Nearby picturesque villages to see: Coreglia Antelminelli and Castiglione Garfagnana.
CHECK OUT SOME POPULAR TOURS AND WINE TASTING NEAR BARGA
The food in another reason to venture here, to try the typical cuisine of the Garfagnana. From biroldo (spiced insaccato, pork salami /cold cut), local pecorino cheese with its rich taste and dishes made with farro (spelt)or chestnut flour.
During the Summer months the town of Barga hosts various events, with music and festivals that markets. Making it a perfect place to visit in summer in Tuscany.
Top Summer Events in Barga: Barga Jazz Festival (usually last two weeks in August), markets and music throughout July, from 17th to 27th July ‘Piazzette di Barga’.
* Exploring the Serchio Valley: Driving Itinerary from Lucca to Barga
HOW TO GET TO BARGA: the nearest train station is 4 kilometres from the town: Barga-Gallicano, connecting Barga with Pisa (1 hour and 15 minutes) and Lucca (40 minutes). There’s a bus service from the train station to Barga, it’s not advisable to walk. If you’re travelling by car, it’s an easy and pleasant 45 minute drive from Lucca to Barga.
PITIGLIANO, Etruscan Past and Awesome Views
Pitigliano has to be the top on my list of Tuscany’s hilltop towns. The setting is other-wordly, partly thanks to the mesmerising formations of tufa stone on which it’s built. Seen from a distance – go to the Santuario della Madonna delle Grazie for the perfect view – it looks like an island made of soft stone emerging from a sea of green woods.
Once inside the town, there’s a labyrinth of narrow streets, ancient stone doorways and picturesque corners to explore. Full of artsy shops and eateries it’s a real delight to visit.
This area was inhabited by the Etruscans, who have left their mark here. To know more about their history, visit the Museo Civico Archeologico and hike the Vie Cave – the ancient road routes excavated by the Etruscans that are a unique feature of the area.
* Discover all the THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN PITIGLIANO. Nearby, visit the other Tufa Towns: Sorano and Sovana.
PITIGLIANO IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE ETRUSCANS: HIKING AND WINE TASTING WITH A LOCAL GUIDE
Insider’s Tip for foodies- Order a glass of local white wine Bianco di Pitigliano and try tortelli maremmani!
Best Summer Events in Pitigliano: ‘Calici di Stelle’ wine tasting on 10th August. On the last week in August there’s a popular wine festival, and Renaissance Festival ‘Festa della Contea’, with parades in historic costumes (third weekend of August).
HOW TO GET TO PITIGLIANO: no train service. There are buses connecting Pitigliano to Grosseto, Siena and Florence. But the best way to travel here is by car.
* Go off beat! 12 Amazing Experiences to Enjoy your Summer in Tuscany
* Florence in Summer: What to Do and What not to do!
* 5 Amazing Destinations in Italy for your Summer
* Top Places to Visit in Southern Tuscany
* Top Summer Events in Tuscany: Food, Music, Medieval Festivals
Author: Sabrina Nesi, born in Florence, founder of Lovefromtuscany.com, passionate about sharing the beauty of Tuscany and Italy with the world.
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