Tuscany is a dream destination for so many, with its rolling green hills, dotted with picturesque villages surrounded by romantic vineyards. It’s not easy to know where to go in such an attractive region if you are limited on time.
I guess you want to experience it all, but if that’s not an option, the least you want is to make sure you get to visit the best towns in Tuscany. To make it easy for you, I’ve put together the best Tuscan towns to visit with help from other travel lovers.
This post does not cover large cities like Florence and Pisa. They are absolutely worth visiting though, and especially Florence deserves a few days if you have the time for it.
Alternatively, many of these places can be done as day trips from Florence if you want to make it your base (I have a separate post about why Florence is worth visiting.)
Nevertheless, one of the most wonderful facts about Tuscany, is that the region is made up of two-thirds hills – and many of these hills are covered in vineyards, so get ready for a vacation set in a movie scene!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase through one of those links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Table of Contents
How to get to Tuscany
Tuscany is easily accessible from most of Europe and the rest of Italy. However, many of the best towns in Tuscany are remotely located, and traveling within the region is a different story.
Whether you have spent 2 days in Venice, 4 days in Rome, or a couple of days in the Amalfi Coast and want to continue your Italy itinerary in Tuscany, it is easy to get to Florence.
Here are a few ways to get to Tuscany.
By plane
There are two airports in Tuscany that both receive international flights. One in Florence, Amerigo Vespucci airport, and one in Pisa, Galileo Galilei International Airport. An option is to fly to Rome and travel by land to Tuscany.
By train
The railway connections with the rest of Europe are good, so it’s easy to get to Tuscany by train from several European locations.
From Rome, you can take the train to Florence, and with only 1 hour and 30 minutes of travel time and approximately a train leaving every half an hour, this is a comfortable way to get to the capital city of Tuscany.
You can also easily take the train from Venice to Florence, which only takes 2 hours with the high-speed train.
You can book your train ticket here.
By bus
You can also get to the cities in Tuscany by bus. From Rome to Florence it takes less than 3 hours by bus.
Various bus companies run between Rome and Florence and they vary in price by only a few euros.
TAKE A ROMANTIC WINE TOUR OF THE CHIANTI WINERIES
By car
Whether you are on a road trip in Europe or you are somewhere else in Italy, Tuscany is easily accessed by car. From Rome, it only takes 3 hours by car to Florence, and you get to Siena in only 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Check out these eco-friendly backpacks for your trip!
Best time to visit Tuscany’s towns
Tuscany is wonderful to visit all year round, and even though people mostly travel there in spring and summer, the winter in Tuscany is incredible.
With Christmas Markets, carnivals, and festivities in the different towns, there are plenty of things to do, though temperatures are slightly colder with an average between 4°C and 12°C.
In spring, temperatures range between 8°C and 25°C, warming up the closer you get to summer. Colorful flowers brighten up the region and you can find strawberry stands on the side of the roads.
In the summer, temperatures reach 30°C in the daytime, so it can feel hot to explore the towns of Tuscany, though it’s absolutely worth it and can easily be combined with a couple of days on the coast.
How to travel around to the best towns in Tuscany
Public transport in Tuscany is not the best unless you are moving between larger cities like Florence and Pisa or some of the larger towns.
Even though there are buses that go between some of the Tuscan villages to visit on your trip, many of the towns are remotely situated and buses are infrequent.
There is no denying a Tuscany road trip is the absolute best way to explore the region! I recommend you get a rental car at the airport if you fly into Tuscany.
Otherwise, you can look for one in Florence or any other city in Italy, depending on where you travel from. I recommend booking it well in advance to get the best deal as car rental is popular in the region and can get booked out.
Book your rental car in Tuscany NOW
Another alternative is to book local tours from the major cities and go on day trips from Florence, Siena, or Pisa.
Best Tuscan villages to visit
There are so many incredibly cute towns in the region, and it can be hard to choose which ones to go to during your trip.
According to myself and other travelers, these are some of the absolute best towns in Tuscany that you should make space for on your Tuscany itinerary.
Siena
In the heart of Tuscany, you find the quaint town of Siena which is a great starting point for day trips around to other towns in the region. Siena itself is a historic town with lots to do and see making it one of the most wonderful weekend breaks in Italy.
Start your Siena itinerary at Piazza del Campo, the unique shell-shaped square, that is not only beautiful but a perfect spot to chill with a glass of wine and people-watch.
For the best views in Siena, climb the 400 steps and 87 meters to the top of Torre del Mangia, which is part of Palazzo Pubblico on Piazza del Campo.
Make sure you visit Piazza del Duomo where you will be stunned by the cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. The details are magnificent both inside and outside.
At Piazza del Duomo you also find the colorful Piccolomini Library, carefully and detailed painted by Pinturicchio and his students in the early 1500s. Also the Baptistery is worth a visit.
But just walking around in Siena is a truly memorable experience, with narrow streets winding their way through curious tunnels and bridges created simply by connecting two houses three floors above the street.
Tiny shops selling pizza on the go and gelato and cozy bars inviting for a drink. There is no doubt Siena is one of the best towns in Tuscany to stay at least a couple of days and should be on any Tuscany itinerary.
There are also idyllic Tuscany bike tours leaving from Siena that give you the opportunity to explore the countryside in a sustainable way with wine tasting.
You can easily get to Siena by bus or train from any larger city. It is popular to go on a Florence to Siena day trip.
I recommend staying in the historic center to get easily around. Hotel Athena is a great choice.
Sorano
Sorano is one of the most outstanding Tuscan hill towns with its tall brick houses climbing the steep hillside. Overlooking it all is the majestic Orsini Fortress, Soran’s main attraction and one of Tuscany’s best examples of Renaissance military architecture.
As in other towns carved out in the tufa rock, like Orvieto, there is an underground tour to explore under the town.
Thus, it might not come as a surprise that Sorano Fortress’ underground military tunnels make for the best tour in this underrated Tuscany town.
The enchanting Etruscan town takes you back in time through cobblestoned streets passing enchanting Medieval squares. Make sure you pay a visit to the 13th century San Niccolo church.
Head to Rocca Degli Orsini and the Masso Leopoldino, a large tuff rock carved into a large terrace with astounding views of the town.
Sorano is situated in the southern part of Tuscany and is one of the best day trips from Rome by car with only 2 hour travel time each way. From Florence it takes 2.5 hours. There are no direct or fast ways to get there by public transport.
Stay at the spectacular Hotel Della Fortezza which is inside the 14th-century Fortezza Orsini di Sorano fortress.
Certaldo
Another beguiling town to visit in Tuscany is Certaldo. Narrow, cobblestoned streets take you through Medieval stone houses with walls covered in plants.
One of the most important attractions in Certaldo is the Casa Boccaccio where the famous author Giovanni Boccaccio lived. Now there is a museum dedicated to him and a large library, You can also climb the tower for stunning views.
Other museums worth visiting are the Museo del Chiodo and the Museo d’Arte Sacra. Step into the 12th-century Palazzo Pretorio for a tour of the palace including the beautiful garden housing a Japanese teahouse.
Visit the Chiesa dei Santi Jacopo e Filippo and the Museo d’Arte Sacra as well as the Chiesa dei Santi Tommaso e Prospero which has well-preserved frescoes inside.
Certaldo is also grand when it comes to festivals and other than the literary awards and medieval festivals you should try to align your trip with the street theater festival where dancers and actors fill the streets with live performances.
It takes less than an hour to reach Certaldo from Florence either by train or by car.
Stay at the rustic Osteria Del Vicario for a marvelous stay.
Greve di Chianti
Situated between Florence and Siena you’ll stumble onto the little town with the triangular-shaped square, Greve in Chianti. Mostly famed by the Chianti wine from the surrounding vineyards, this is no doubt one of the towns Tuscany can be proud of.
One of the best things to do is to go on a wine-tasting tour. If you happen to be there in September, don’t miss out on the Chianti Classico Exposition when the Piazza Matteotti fills up with stalls full of the best wines of the region.
The rest of the year, the square is still one of the most important places in the town, and it has for centuries. The Santa Croce stands in the corner and artwork, wine shops, and artisan shops fill the square.
This is no doubt one of the most enchanting small towns in Tuscany to visit for wine lovers.
Traveling by bus from Florence to Greve in Chianti takes an hour and by car, it’s only 40 minutes. From Siena, you can get there easily by car in an hour but there are no buses, so you’ll have to go all the way to Florence and change bus there.
Stay centrally at the wonderful B&B Grano e Lavanda for spacious and beautifully decorated rooms and comfortable beds.
Panzano in Chianti
Among the most charming hilltop towns in Tuscany is the nearby Panzano in Chianti. Since this Tuscan town was first destroyed in 1260 by the continuous fights between the powers of Florence in the north and Siena in the south, Panzano has been destroyed several times – in the 1300s, 1400s, and 1500s.
Remains of the original Medieval town have been incorporated in the bell tower of Panzano Alto town’s church. The church of Santa Maria, which was rebuilt in the 19th century, is well worth visiting.
Wander around the quaint old town and soak in the Medieval feel, grab a bite at any of the outside tables on the squares, and taste the best of the local wine.
There’s a 50-minute drive from Florence to Panzano. By bus, it takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. From Siena to Panzano, it takes 45 minutes to drive. There are no direct buses, so you will have to travel to Florence and change buses to get down to Panzano.
There are no places to stay in Panzano, so I recommend checking in at B&B Grano e Lavanda in nearby Greve in Chianti.
Montalcino
Set just about 50 km south of Siena, you find the enchanting Tuscan town of Montalcino and one of the highlights in Val d’Orcia.
Set on a green hilltop surrounded by vineyards, Montalcino is truly among the classical fairy tale Tuscany towns. Famous for its delightful Brunello wine, Moscadello dessert wined, narrow cobblestoned streets and squares surrounded by Medieval houses and towers, it’s the perfect stop for wine and Italian food.
Wine enthusiasts will also love the Museo del Brunello outside town where you can learn more about the wine production and history of the Brunello wine.
Make sure you visit the fortress for sweeping views over the green valleys covered in vineyards beyond the town’s terracotta rooftops.
Further, head to Museo Civico e Dioceziano to maze at splendid masterpieces by different artists, like Bartolo di Fredi, and a number of archaeological finds.
To get to Montalcino from Siena, it’s a 50-minute drive, but no direct public transport. From Florence, it’s a 1hr 45min drive.
Stay at Azienda Agraria La Casella right outside the town center to enjoy a traditional Tuscan farm.
Saturnia
Saturnia is one of those villages in Tuscany that is completely underestimated and not many travelers would even know it existed if it wasn’t for the bewildering Saturnia Thermal Baths.
No wonder why the town itself is overshadowed by the popularity of this incredible natural beauty. Legend says that it was the God Saturn that got angry with the human’s constant battles that he threw a lightning bolt on the ground – the earth cracked, and out came bubbling hot water.
But Saturnia has more to it than the thermal baths. The defensive walls have many layers of history as they have been reinforced multiple times since the Romans built them.
Make sure to walk through the Porta Romana down the ancient Via Clodia and maze at the ancient fortress of Rocca Aldobrandesca. However, as so many fortresses and castles in Italy, this is also privately owned and unfortunately, not open for visiting inside.
The easiest way to get to Saturnia is by car. It takes 2.5 hours from Rome, 2.45 hours from Florence, and just under 2 hours from Siena.
If you’re up for some real luxury, you should stay at the Terme di Saturnia Natural Spa & Golf Resort. However, if you don’t want to pay an arm and a leg for your accommodation, Piane Del Bagno is a great place to stay.
San Quirico d’Orcia
Some people say you haven’t seen the real Tuscany before traveling through Val d’Orcia. And San Quirico d’Orcia is truly the best town to stay in Tuscany for exactly that.
The cypress trees by San Quirico d’Orcia are among the world’s most photographed trees so you kinda understand why you have to go there now.
The walled Tuscan small town of Etruscan origins is perfect for strolling around the cobblestoned streets through historical sites like the 8th century Collegiata di San Quirico church and the quaint church of Santa Maria Assunta.
Meander around the enormous Horti Leonini gardens and imagine how it must have been like walking there in the mid-1500s.
Like with so many of the best towns to stay in Tuscany, the best way to get to San Quirico d’Orcia is by car. You can take a train or a bus to Buonconvento and get a bus from there to San Quirico d’Orcia. From Siena, travel time by public transport takes about an hour or an hour and a half.
Stay in a charming, ancient house at Antica Sosta for a true Tuscan experience.
Pienza
Contributed by Katy from Untold Italy
One of the hilltop towns of the Val D’Orcia in southern Tuscany, Pienza is blessed with views for miles and some of the prettiest streets you will ever see.
Central to the town is a large cathedral or duomo built to celebrate the town’s founder – influential Pope Pius II.
Blessed with a seemingly endless budget, the pope built Pienza to the model of the ideal Renaissance town complete with streets named in the theme of love.
Wander down cobbled Via del Bacio (Kiss Street) and admire plants cascading from pots and shuttered windows that hide magnificent homes within.
Of course, the pope’s palace – Palazzo Piccolomini – is the crowning jewel. Now a museum, it is worth a visit to learn about the town’s history and admire sweeping views of the countryside below.
Pienza is a place to wander, admire the scenery, and visit cheese shops. The local pecorino sheep’s milk cheese is celebrated across Italy. You can try pecorino at various stages of aging – the older the cheese, the more piquant the taste – at many small shops in town.
But, if you visit Pienza in autumn, you might be lucky enough to enjoy the town’s famous cheese rolling event that takes place in late September.
The best way to reach Pienza is by car, traveling south from Florence or Siena or north from Rome.
Stay at Relais Il Chiostro di Pienza, a charming 4-star hotel where you can soak up the atmosphere and famous views.
Monteriggioni
Contributed by Matt from It’s All In Italy
Monteriggioni is a walled hilltop medieval town located just north of Siena in Tuscany, Italy. Built between 1214-1219 as a defense against the Florentines to the north, it’s a popular destination for tourists visiting Italy because of its unique medieval fortifications and watchtowers.
Inside the walls, the top two things to do in Monteriggioni are to visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta (13th Century) and the army museum, Monteriggioni in Arme.
The museum uses models, panels, and life-size soldier armor that you can actually try on and grab a great Insta pic!
Monteriggioni’s impressive towers feature in Dante’s Divine Comedy. And if you’d like to time your visit for the annual Medieval Festival in July and see the city come alive, it’s the perfect time to book and visit this quaint hilltop town that’s slightly off the usual tourist trail.
The town boasts stunning views from the purpose-built walkways along the inside of the walls. And inside, you’ll step back in time as you walk the tiny lanes, pass by flower gardens, ancient houses as well as the town square featuring an ancient well, along with cute cafes, wine shops, and handmade goods that will keep you amused for hours.
There’s no doubt you’re in one of the most beautiful towns in Tuscany.
Accommodation is limited given the size of the town, so check out Hotel Monteriggioni, Camere Dentro Il Castello, and B&B in Piazza.
San Gimignano
Contributed by Lori from Travlinmad
There are so many beautiful small towns to discover in Tuscany and San Gimignano is perhaps one of the most popular.
Considered one of the best day trips you can take from Florence, there’s no shortage of things to do in San Gimignano. Spending several days is a much better idea.
You could spend an entire day just strolling the “City of Beautiful Towers” and stopping in the many little shops, museums, gelaterias, vinotecas, and historic alleys along the way.
The town is laid out north to south with parking lots at either end, so no matter which one you start from, everything is an easy walk.
Climb the Torre Grossa in the Palazzo, a 177-feet tall tower for an amazing view of the city with all those tiled rooftops and a spectacular view of the surrounding Elsa Valley.
Right next to the Palazzo are the steps to the Duomo, formally known as the Basilica Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta, which has stood here since the 11th century.
Wine lovers will appreciate tasting Vernaccia di San Gimignano, a crisp white wine that is unique to this area, and a great place to try it is the organic winery Cappella Sant’Andrea just minutes from town.
But the very best reason to slow travel San Gimignano and stay overnight at least for one night is for the evening views, the silent streets, and arched alleyways glowing with warm streetlights. This medieval town at night is a dream and truly one of the must-visit towns in Tuscany!
While you can take the train or bus to get to San Gimignano, you’ll need to stop in Poggibonsi and transfer by car. Overall, the easiest way to get around in Tuscany is to rent a car and drive.
Staying overnight in the historic town is so special, and the Hotel L’Antico Pozzo has spacious, affordable, and quiet rooms in a lovely part of town.
Montefioralle
Contributed by Toccara from Forget Someday
Nestled between vineyards and olive groves set upon rolling hills in Tuscany is the absolutely charming medieval village of Montefioralle. Blink and you just might miss this ancient Chianti area town, which less than 100 residents call home.
There isn’t a whole lot to do in this tiny village, other than admiring its beauty and the surrounding area. However, if you want to take an Italian cooking class during your trip to Tuscany, you’re in luck! Stefania hosts cooking classes in her Montefioralle home through her personal business Pasta el Pesto.
A stay in this medieval village, virtually free of cars, is the perfect way to escape the larger nearby cities of Tuscany. If you’re looking for peace, beauty, and delicious Chianti wine, put Montefioralle on your Tuscany itinerary.
To get to Montefioralle, start in the nearby town of Greve. Enjoy a nice glass of Chianti wine in Greve and then set out on a 20-minute walk to Montefioralle.
The village is not only one of the most beautiful villages in Tuscany, but also conveniently located along the Chianti Wine Trail! You can also drive from Greve, but parking can be limited, as it’s mostly a car-free village.
Stay at the enchanting Il Papavero – Montefioralle Apartment
Lucca
Contributed by Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan
Lucca is a gorgeous town full of history. Just walking around the town, you are sure to stumble upon relics from its Renaissance, Gothic, and even ancient Roman and Etruscan past.
The first thing you will notice as you enter the town is its fortified city walls. These were built in the 16th century and are still standing today.
In fact, the top of the walls has been turned into a public park where you can circumnavigate the old town on foot or by bicycle.
The whole circuit is about four kilometers and is a great way to get your bearings before continuing your explorations of Lucca.
Most places of interest lie within the city walls, a compact area that’s very walkable. There are a lot of things to do in Lucca and the town is known as the “city of 100 churches”, and there are many beautiful churches and bell towers from the Gothic era.
One not to miss is the church of San Michele, which Lord of the Rings fans might find to be reminiscent of Minas Tirith. The Piazza dell Anfiteatro is instantly recognizable by its distinct oval shape, as the buildings were constructed on the foundations of an ancient Roman amphitheater.
There are plenty of restaurants in town serving local Lucchese dishes and Tuscan wine so even the food and wine lovers will find Lucca to be one of the best Tuscany towns.
Trains shuttle frequently between Florence and Lucca, taking about 1 hour and 20 minutes. This makes Lucca accessible even as a day trip, although it’s worth spending at least one night here.
Hotel Ilaria is in a great location for exploring the old town and offers plenty of amenities. For smaller budgets, B&B Antica Corte dei Principi is another great choice right in the historic center.
Cortona
Contributed by Gina from One Day In A City
Cortona rose to global fame thanks to the book Under the Tuscan Sun and its movie remake. Despite this, Cortona still feels refreshingly less touristy than other hilltop towns in Tuscany, with the opportunity to find some peace and solitude away from the main street and square.
This is likely due to its location in the southeastern part of Tuscany, a ways away from the more prominent destinations of Florence and Pisa while being charmingly close to Umbria and some of Tuscany’s best wine tasting locations.
However, Cortona still knows how to cater to tourists, with an escalator leading up from the parking area to the town center and plenty of restaurants and shops.
Head to the wall along the western edge of the town center at sunset for incredibly serene views as that Tuscan sun goes down behind the hills. Then go back into the hustle and bustle of the town center to get some delicious Italian cuisine or a tasty scoop of gelato.
In addition to yummy eats and picturesque views, Cortona has a number of interesting sights to see, including the Santa Margherita church.
This church is a bit of a trek to get to if you walk there from the main part of town, but it’s well worth the journey in order to see its Neo-gothic architecture and the tomb of Saint Margaret inside.
Whether you do more sightseeing or people-watching while in Cortona, you’ll no doubt have a lovely, unforgettable time in what is one of the most enthralling towns in Tuscany, Italy.
Stay at La Casa dei Nonni in Cortona old Town.
Montepulciano
Contributed by Kate from Our Escape Clause
Nestled deep in the countryside, the hilltop village of Montepulciano is absolutely one of the best towns in Tuscany to visit.
Boasting absolutely sublime views from its many terraces and lookout points, a world-famous wine (Vino Nobile di Montepulciano), and classic Tuscan charm, Montepulciano invites you to relax while wandering through its many shops and boutiques, checking out its major sights, and, of course, sipping its delicious wine.
While you’re there, be sure to pay a visit to the beautiful Piazza Grande (Twilight fans may recognize Palazzo Comunale, which commands one side of the piazza, from the New Moon movie).
Step inside the local Duomo, admire views of nearby San Biagio, and visit one of the several cantinas (basements) that store wine as it ages, right in the center of town – and of course, tastings are available.
The drive to Montepulciano is considered one of the most beautiful in the region, making it an excellent stop on any Tuscany road trip, though you could also visit by bus or tour. As the Montepulciano train station is not within walking distance of the historic center, you won’t want to count on visiting by rail.
Whether you have an afternoon to spend there or a couple of days, there’s no doubt that Montepulciano is a Tuscan gem worth slowing down long enough to see.
Stay at Meublè Evoè, the hotel offers free parking and both bike and car rental.
Volterra
Contributed by Chrisoula from Travel Passionate
Situated a short distance from Florence, Volterra is a medieval hilltop town surrounded by walls, making it one of Tuscany’s best towns.
Its enclosed structure is reminiscent of its Etruscan past where the little town served as a power center from the 4th through the 6th centuries BC. Historians and travelers alike can bask in the beauty of this Tuscan village in a single day.
Visit the Piazza dei Priori, the oldest town hall in all of Tuscany dating back to the 14th Century. Just behind it is the Palazzo Pretorio, affectionately known as the Tower of the Piglet because of the stone form of wild boar at the peak of the building.
The Duomo and Baptistery at the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta integrate architectural features of the Renaissance era where the ceilings are lined with frescoes.
The Guarnacci Etruscan Museum is one of the oldest public museums throughout Europe. The Museum is like no other in that it displays a historical library, artifacts, and funeral urns all under one roof.
The nearby Pinacoteca is an art gallery preserving various masterpieces where you can view Rosso Fiorentino’s Deposition.
Visit the Etruscan Acropolis on the hilltop which has several buildings dating throughout the ages. The buildings in the vicinity were historically used for religious purposes and the surviving architecture includes an Augustan pool and temples.
Enjoy a view of the countryside from the Medici Fortress. Built in the 15th Century, the fortress sought to protect the city during the era when Florence conquered Volterra.
The fortress is now separated into two parts where the one is used as a high-security prison that can only be admired from the outside. The historical Roman amphitheater and baths are a stone’s throw away.
Be sure to visit during Volterragusto where locals turn back the clocks to medieval times.
Stay at Albergo Etruria in the historic center of Volterra.
Pitigliano
Contributed by Annalisa from Travel Connect Experience
The village of Pitigliano lies halfway from Rome and Florence, towering on a tuff cliff in southern Tuscany that has a privileged view of the green valleys of the Tuscia region.
The landscape surrounding Pitigliano looks now shaped by deep gorges and streams, but it once was part of one of the most extended volcanic areas of the world.
Wherever you decide to stop and look at the view from the terraces hidden in the alleys of this 2000-years-old village, you’ll see a thick, varied, and intricate vegetation.
The woods hold treasures like the Tomb of the Mermaid and the mysterious Etruscan “carved trails”, a paradise for hikers and history enthusiasts.
Pitigliano has been on the list of the most beautiful villages in Italy for years. The dwellers have contributed to its fame with charming handicraft galleries, vintage shops, and wineries, which will make your stroll through the dozens of alleys of this ancient town even more memorable.
When you arrive in Pitigliano, first admire the architecture from the outside of the city gates: it is incredible how the buildings’ walls arise from the rocks on the cliff, conveying a sense of strength and charisma.
Once you’re inside the city walls, look for the arches of the Medicean aqueduct, which is a masterpiece of the 17th Century engineering, the Fountain of Sette Cannelle, the Cathedral of Pitigliano, and the hundreds of years old Jewish quarter.
To get the most out of your experience in Pitigliano, try to spend at least a couple of days inside the citadel. If you don’t have much time on your hands, consider that you can visit Pitigliano on a day trip from Rome.
To get there by public transport, take a train to Viterbo and then a Cotral Bus to Pitigliano.
Stay at the hotel La Casa degli Archi inside the citadel for a unique experience.
Pontedera
Contributed by Laura from Travelers Universe
Pontedera is a lovely little town in the province of Pisa, best known for the Piaggio factory. In fact, in Pontedera, everything revolves around the Vespa, for it is here where the famous scooter was designed and built for the first time.
So a visit to the Piaggio Museum is almost mandatory. During your visit, you can not only learn a lot about the fascinating history of the Vespa and Ape but also admire all the old modules that have been produced.
And of course, you can buy a lot of fun Vespa souvenirs. No wonder this is said to be the best town in Tuscany among Vespa lovers!
Pontedera is one of Tuscany’s hidden gems, a quintessentially Italian town where you will feel the Italian vibe wherever you go. Stroll along narrow streets, browse local brands, discover the historical center, admire Palazzo Pretorio or Ponte Napoleonico. And of course, have an espresso in one of the cafés.
Pontedera is served by the Galileo Galilei Airport in Pisa. From the airport, you can rent a car, or get a taxi to the train station.
Taking a train is the cheapest and quickest way to get from Pisa to Pontedera, as the train costs between 1€ – 5€ and the journey only take 14 minutes.
It is best to find a hotel or a B&B in the town center. This way you can walk everywhere. A good option is Hotel Il Falchetto.
Pontassieve
Contributed by Jennifer from Outdoor Families Magazine
Located an hour outside of Florence, the misty hills of Pontassieve are best known for Chianti Rufina. Mother nature will welcome you with layers of rosy pinks and indigos over the Chianti hills.
The town’s archaeological remains show evidence from Etruscan and Roman heritage, but the Medieval Pontassieve is what put the tiny Tuscan town on the map with the building of Castel Sant’ Angelo and the Ponte sulla Sieve bridge crossing the Sieve river. The town was an important connection between Florence and Rome.
Unfortunately, like so many other Tuscan towns, Pontassieve was destroyed by bombings in World War II, and most of what you see today is reconstructed.
This region’s citizens have recently banded together to develop environmental, economic, and social sustainability programs in the territory, and there is hope in knowing that the farmers here are prioritizing the creation of cultural and educational programs that teach tourists and locals the value of stewardship and the importance of preservation.
Trenitalia, the national Italian railway company of Italy, runs approximately 53 trains per day between Florence and Pontassieve.
The average travel time is 17 minutes and ticket prices can start from as little as €3.60 when you book in advance, in addition to discounted tickets for young people under 30 and people over 60.
If you prefer to have the freedom of a rental car, simply take the Strada Statale 67 (SS67) from Florence to Pontassieve, about a 30-minute drive.
If you want to stay central, a good option is to stay at the eco-friendly property Albergo I Villini.
Where are you heading next?
Be a responsible tourist while visiting the charming towns in Tuscany
As with any other destination, it is important to be a responsible tourist while visiting the towns in Tuscany. Here are 3 simple steps to being a more responsible traveler.
Shop locally
There are so many cute little boutiques and local produce shops in Tuscany. By buying in them you ensure that your tourist money stays locally. This is a great way to support the locals in the area. Also, there are incredible wineries in the region that only waits for you to explore.
Don’t leave any trash behind
Whether you visit the towns in Tuscany or the beautiful landscapes between them, make sure you don’t leave any waste behind. There are large numbers of tourists visiting Tuscany every year and it is so important to leave as little trace as possible. By doing so, you reduce pressure on the locals and the environment as well as you ensure a more pleasant experience for future travelers.
Bring a reusable water bottle
By bringing a reusable water bottle you reduce single-use plastic by not buying water bottles on your trip. The water in Italy is mostly drinkable so you don’t need a filter.
I love the Eco-Friendly Greens Steel Water bottle. However, if you prefer to drink filtered water you can get a LifestrawGo for your trip.
I hope you enjoy your trip to Tuscany!
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