With a rich history, unspoiled scenery and signature cuisine, Italy is one of the most beautiful countries you can visit. And no matter what region or city you’re touring, you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip.
But there’s one region in particular that will interest photographers looking to take incredible shots, and that’s Tuscany. Nestled in the centre of Italy, it’s a region that blends art, architecture, and nature into one amazing experience. If you want to explore Italian life and fill your photo albums with striking images, Tuscany is a must-visit destination.
Below are some of the best photo locations Tuscany has to offer, each spot positively sbrimming with Italian-ness in front of and behind the camera!
Photogenic spots in Tuscany
From green hills to art-filled cities, quaint villages, and beautiful coastlines, Tuscany has it all. It’s no surprise the region has become a hotspot for tourists and one of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2024.
From Florence’s world-famous sights to the scenery of Val d’Orcia, let’s take a look at some of the locations that set photographers’ hearts racing.
1. Enjoy Wondrous Views of Florence at the Piazzale Michelangelo
As the ‘capital’ of Tuscany, Florence is a treasure trove of culture, and one of the most scenic spots you can travel to. From art galleries to museums and architectural masterpieces, there’s no shortage of inspiration in a city that gave birth to the Renaissance.
There’s no easy way to pick out the best photo locations in Florence. Florence is teeming with beautiful vantage points, picturesque streets and amazing architecture like the Cathedral and Piazza Signoria. But if you want a view that ticks all the boxes, head to Piazzale Michelangelo.
Perched on the south bank of the river Arno, the Piazzale is home to one of the best panoramic viewpoints of the city. The square also holds one of three copies of Michelangelo’s David, perched right in the middle, to dominate the city.
2. Snap Beautiful Nature at the Boboli Gardens
Florence has plenty of beautiful natural sites that you can visit, too. Especially if you enjoy macro photography, you’ll enjoy places like Boboli Gardens. You’ll get a front-row seat to enjoy Italy’s signature biodiversity, from man-made flowerbeds, precious roses and camelias, to a variety of wild plants.
These gardens, a real outdoor museum, have close ties to the Medici family who had it designed according to their taste. Besides the plant life, you’ll find plenty of ancient statues, historic buildings and fountains that make these gardens a real paradise for photographers. You’ll be spoiled for choice on which photo to take and share.
=> Discover the Most Beautiful Gardens in Florence
3. Walk Through Unique Architecture at the Ponte Vecchio
Besides panoramic views, there’s plenty more in Florence to snap. As one of the city’s oldest and most famous bridges, the Ponte Vecchio is an architectural dream. Built in the Middle Ages, this bridge predates many of the regal buildings surrounding it. At nighttime, it’s a top romantic spot, as the city can be seen illuminated by street lights.
4. Experience the “Ideal City” of Pienza
Florence is just one place to explore in Tuscany. There are countless cities and towns to experience. One that is particularly popular on social media for its incredibly photogenic spots, and incredible natural beauty, is the town of Pienza. One ne of Tuscany’s hidden gems, it will fulfill all your photography needs.
Nicknamed “the ideal city” and built under the patronage of Pope Pius II, it is a prime example of urban planning. Expect a beautiful Cathedral square, a Renaissance garden, and landscapes to fall in love with. You’ll also find picturesque corners and cobbled streets offering fantastic photo opportunities.
5. Take postcard-worthy photos in the Val d’Orcia
When visiting Pienza, travellers should also explore the surrounding countryside, the area of the Val d’Orcia. Its beauty is hard to put into words, and it’s no surprise that the area has inspired countless Renaissance paintings. Even today, it’s regularly featured on postcards and calendars showing the idyllic beauty of Tuscany.
Throughout the area, you’ll experience the best of Italian scenery. At every glance, there is an abundance of rolling hills, vineyards, ancient farms. Lines of cypress pine trees define routes, offering more opportunities for splendid photography.
6. Take some Unique Snapshots of Pisa
No trip to Tuscany would be complete without a trip to the historic town of Pisa. Famous for its leaning tower, it has become a rite of passage for every photographer. But did you know that Pisa has many other photographable locations to explore?
The city has over twenty historic churches and several famous palaces, each more beautiful than the last. And when you’re done, a stroll alongside the River Arno at sunset is a photographer’s dream.
7. Relax with a photo trip to the Tuscan coastline of Versilia
Fancy a change of scenery on your Italian adventure? Then why not visit Versilia, located on the north coast of Tuscany? With golden sandy beaches, and charming coastal resorts, the area has plenty to offer. It’s a great place to appreciate a slice of Italian life.
A famous Carnival takes places every year in the coastal town of Viareggio, which also has some lovely Liberty buildings that are a feast for the eyes. For nature lovers, there’s plenty of biodiversity to enjoy, too. The nearby Massaciuccoli Lake, for example, is teeming with wildlife. Just make sure to bring an extra memory card!
Tips on capturing unique photos
Picking the location for photography is just the first step; knowing how to capture the best shots is equally important. Here are some tips to ensure you capture the best moments during your Italian adventure:
1. Do your research
Great photographs don’t often happen by chance. They need research and planning. Before starting your Italian adventure, check social media and travel blogs for inspiration. You never know what unique viewpoints are hiding just around the corner.
You should also research the best time to take photos. Take into account the location of your scene and the weather conditions. Photographers should aim to take photographs around ‘the golden hour’—the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset.
2. Remember to sort out your connectivity
One of the best parts of visiting Italy is sharing the experience. And no doubt, you’ll want to share all the amazing photos you take throughout your trip. However, one thing that catches photographers off guard is connectivity.
When abroad, your smartphone may go out of service as soon as you land. It won’t be able to connect to any networks, essentially isolating you from family and friends. But new technology is changing everything.
eSIMs are a photographer’s new best friend. These digital versions of SIM cards allow you to change network operators with ease. You can set up, activate, and change your network settings with an app on your smartphone.
By choosing an eSIM for Italy, you can connect to the best local networks across the entire country. No need to swap physical SIM cards or worry about expensive roaming charges. With an eSIM, you can share photographs without any obstacles.
Capturing the magic of Italy
Visiting Italy is an enchanting experience, especially if you’re heading to Tuscany. Expect stunning scenery and breathtaking architecture in every direction.
If you plan to take photographs, taking your camera is only one part of the solution. Before jetting off to Italy, do your research and get your connectivity in order. By using the right tools, you can rest easy knowing that you can share all your pictures whenever you want.
=> Top 20 Experiences in Tuscany
=> Check out the Most Picturesque Villages in Tuscany
