Springtime in Tuscany is heavenly. Ideal temperatures. Longer days. The fields and trees showing off their new colours. The squares filling with al fresco diners. It’s the place to be at this time of year. But which are the top destinations?
Here are our suggestions. A few insider tips on top places to go in Tuscany in spring. Don’t worry if you can’t visit all of them, at least you’ll have a good excuse to come back.
Of course Florence is a great place to go at this time of year, so we’ve put together a dedicated post to help you make the best of the city in Spring. And everything that’s special about a visit to Florence in May.
Best destinations to visit in Tuscany in Spring
Chianti wine region
Chianti is synonymous with wine. Its undulating hills are lined with vineyards, some of which have been producing wine for centuries. Its towns like Greve, Gaiole, Radda and Castellina in Chianti are the focal point of wine tourism here, with many vineyards to visit and a never ending list of wines to try including those from the famed Chianti Classico denomination.
Anyone wanting to do some wine tasting in the Chianti area for the first time would do well to join an organised tour. This SAFARI Wine Tasting Experience in the Tuscan Countryside leaves from Florence and gives guests a guided tour through wine country, visits to wine cellars and some wine and cheese tastings.
Lucca – a stroll on the city walls and an aperitivo in Piazza Anfiteatro
Lucca is at its best in spring, and the walls that encircle the city centre make a great place for a stroll. 4 kilometres long and lined with trees, they are the perfect spot to spend some time outdoors. On a pleasant spring day what could be more pleasant than a stroll or a bike ride along the walls?
Afterwards, head to Villa Pfanner with its Baroque garden dotted with camellias, or relax at one of the outdoor cafes in the ever-pleasant Piazza Anfiteatro. At the end of April, in occasion of the Saint Zita festivals, the city centre is inundated with flowers. => See the Top Flower Festivals in Tuscany in Spring.
Find out about the top things to do in the delightful town of Lucca.
Orecchiella Nature Reserve Park – a park on the foot of the Appenines
Spend a day hiking in the Orecchiella Park near Lucca. It’s a 50 sq. kilometre stretch of nature reserve at the foot of the Apennines, with a mountain flower garden, a little zoo with bears and local fauna, and many routes for walking. There are beeches, oak and chestnut trees and beautiful meadows.
Enjoy the countryside around Siena
San Galgano Abbey – Ancient ruins in the Sienese countryside
San Galgano Abbey could easily be described as one of the most atmospheric sights in Tuscany. It’s a never a bad time to visit, but in Spring when the surrounding fields are a vibrant green this ruined Gothic abbey is just sublime. After exhausting your camera, poke your head inside the nearby Montesiepi chapel to glimpse Italy’s own Sword in the Stone, left here in the 12th century by the ex-knight turned hermit Saint Galgano.
Like the idea of adding some magic to your journey? Discover some more fairy tale places in Tuscany!
Val d’Orcia – Montalcino, Pienza and the best views ever
The landscapes of the Val d’Orcia have helped shape the image of Tuscany. You know that classic view of distant cypress trees on rolling verdant hills? Well that’s Val d’Orcia and it’s extra special in spring.
The countryside is alive with colours and smells, and driving around some of the most scenic roads in Tuscany is a pure delight. You can also join a Val d’Orcia Bike Tour to discover the hidden corners of this valley, now that the temperatures are not too hot and the days are long and clear. This is a highlight of Tuscany in Spring.
=> Discover 5 Picturesque small towns to visit in the Val d’Orcia!
Explore the many delights of the Maremma
Bolgheri – A wine lover’s paradise near the coast
A delightful little place for wine lovers. The vineyards here, kissed by sea breezes, have given birth to some of the most famous wines in all Italy. And even if the prices of Super Tuscans leave you speechless, a walk around this borgo is still worth the trip. Its picturesque square gives you plenty of opportunities to taste the splendid Tuscan wines and have a spot of lunch. A visit to the wine shops is a must.
Discover more charming small towns to visit in Tuscany.
Massa Marittima
A beautiful undiscovered destination in the Maremma in southern Tuscany, Massa Marittima has a spectacular cathedral that in itself deserves a trip. It’s a lovely town with a splendid Medieval square and beautiful views over the valley, close enough to the coast that you can combine a visit here with a trip to one of the nearby beaches that are amongst the finest beaches in Tuscany.
Uccellina Nature Reserve
Walking the Uccellina Nature Reserve is one of the top things to do in Tuscany in Spring. The trails here wind their way through scented pine groves with gorgeous views of the sea. The Marina di Allberese beach is a 4 km. long wild beach, with a backdrop of lush Mediterranean flora. The small town of Alberese is where you find the Park Office where you can enquire about guided walks or horseback tours of the nature reserve.
Discover 8 Reasons why you’ll fall in love with the Maremma!
The Tufa towns
Discover Tuscany’s Etruscan heritage walking the Vie cave, a system of sunken roads that date back to the Etruscans. Visit Pitigliano and little sisters Sovana and Sorano, small towns that grow on the top of tufa hills. A unique and mesmerising sight. Read on to find out more about the tufa towns.
Mugello – where the Medici used to come to relax
If you’re based in Florence and you want to drive around for the day, head north to the Mugello area. A region of dense woods, plains and mountains. Near Florence it’s an area that makes for a great day out. Stop at Scarperia to see the Medieval Palazzo dei Vicari and the Trebbio Castle.
=> Florence in April: Best Events and Things to do!
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