You know about San Gimignano and Volterra. But what about the smaller towns in Tuscany? Those secret little places and hidden villages lost in the countryside. These are the spots that make a trip to Tuscany that bit more special. Here’s our pick of the top Tuscan villages to visit.
8 Tuscan villages to visit – Our ideas for your trip to Tuscany!
1. MONTERIGGIONI
One of the most renowned amongst the Tuscan walled towns, Monteriggioni is located halfway between Florence and Siena. Its perfectly preserved set of city walls crown the top of a hill and recall a time when it was a mighty castle in a strategic position. It’s an impressive sight from afar, and a very pleasant spot to soak up some genuine Medieval atmosphere. There’s a walkway on the city’s walls and a small armoury museum. In August it becomes the setting for a renowned Medieval festival too – one for the kids, but you’ll love it too.
2. MONTEFIORALLE
Perched on a hill above Greve in Chianti in the scenic Chianti region, there’s not much to do here but enjoy the ultra picturesque corners and the beautiful views over the valley. It becomes lively in the Summer when many residents come back to their holiday homes, and for the rest of the year you’ll have it all to yourself. Prepare the camera and look out for all those hidden corners and ultra-Tuscan details.
3. SUVERETO
Suvereto presents a Medieval cloister, a Romanesque church, and a beautiful 13th century town hall. Plus plenty of narrow streets to get lost in. Here you can experience authentic Tuscany in a destination that’s far enough off the tourist trail to feel special. It is located 60 kms. south of the port of Livorno.
4. CAPALBIO
One of the loveliest villages in the Maremma, Capalbio is right on the southern tip of Tuscany. Once an important castle, the walls are still intact and the narrow alleyways and cobbled streets transport you directly to the Middle Ages. It’s surrounded by the wild and stark nature of the Maremma, and very close to the coast, making it a perfect day trip if you’re based on one of the area’s beach resorts. Well worth a trip.
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5. BAGNO VIGNONI
A pretty spa town in one of the most enchanting locations in Tuscany. Bagno Vignoni is built around a big thermal pool, its stone houses reflecting into the water giving it a mystical air. As a bonus, it is located in one of the most scenic parts of Tuscany, the Val d’Orcia. Definitely one of the best Tuscan villages to visit.
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6. SOVANA
In this village perched on the outcrop of tufa rock you’ll find plenty of atmosphere, a rich Etruscan past and a fascinating Romanesque cathedral. Sovana is the smallest of the renowned “tufa towns”, in the Maremma, southern Tuscany. Nearby you can walk in the footsteps of the Etruscans in the atmospheric sunken roads of Vie Cave. A real experience.
7. BOLGHERI
Home to some of the most prestigious Tuscan wines, Bolgheri is a place where grapes ripen with the help of a gentle sea breeze. These wines, known as Super Tuscans are the reason many people come to Bolgheri, a tiny village dedicated to wine tasting and cool enoteche. But the pretty square and intoxicating atmosphere make it a nice place to come for a stroll or a spot of lunch.
8. LUCIGNANO
For a real off-the-beaten-track experience in Tuscany, choose the village of Lucignano near Arezzo. Its Medieval town plan is still intact, and there’s no shortage of picturesque corners. You can visit the lovely museum with a lucky charm for couples, the “tree of love”, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Then, if you miss the busy tourists action, the popular town of Cortona is less than an hour away.
For more travel ideas to add to your itinerary, check out our article about Tuscany’s most charming towns. And if you’re on a road trip, don’t miss these top scenic drives.
