What are the beautiful places to visit in Tuscany in 2024? We can try to give you an answer to this question in this guide, where we tell you about and recommend the most fascinating places to see in Tuscany between sea, mountains and cities of art.

Tuscany is a land rich in traditions, both cultural and culinary. For instance, not everyone knows that in Siena, every year, millions of people gather in Piazza del Campo to watch the famous Palio di Siena. For Sienese families, and not only, the Palio represents much more than a simple jockey race on horseback. The city is divided into contrade, each with its own identity and community spirit, and belonging to a contrada is synonymous with family and belonging.

Although animal rights activists condemn this ritual, which has been celebrated for centuries, the passion of the Sienese for the Palio is so strong that, if a husband and wife belong to opposing contrade, they may not speak to each other for a week or two. Walking through the streets of Siena in August, one can clearly perceive the love of the Sienese for this centuries-old tradition.

Similarly, Florence and the other towns in Tuscany are particularly proud of their open-air works of art and their museums, rich in masterpieces. Each city and village, with its own peculiarities, contributes to making Tuscany a unique region in the world, where culture, art and tradition intertwine in a fascinating mosaic.

We will now delve into what to see in Tuscany next, including Tuscan art, sea and mountain destinations.

What are the main places to visit in Florence?

Our guide today starts with small towns, and then focuses on the most beautiful seaside and mountain destinations.

Cities to visit art in Tuscany 

Among the most beautiful art destinations we recommend you visit are the following:

• Florence: the cradle of the Renaissance, with its museums and famous monuments such as the Duomo and the Uffizi Gallery. Strolling around Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Signoria is like losing yourself in centuries of history;
• Pisa: Famous for the Leaning Tower and the splendid Piazza dei Miracoli;
• Arezzo: known for its thousand-year-old churches and the famous fresco by Piero della Francesca, located in the beautiful Basilica of San Francesco;
• Lucca: enchant with its intact mediaeval walls and charming squares. Don't miss a visit to the Villa Guinigi National Museum in Palazzo Mansi;
• San Gimignano: with its mediaeval towers, offers a plunge into the past. Don't miss the Cathedral of San Gimignano, the Chapel of Santa Fina, Piazza Duomo, Piazza della Cisterna and the Torture Museum;
• Viareggio: famous for its carnival and as a renowned seaside resort;
• Montecatini Terme: famous for its historical thermal baths.
• Montepulciano: known for its fine wines and splendid architecture.
• Carrara: known for its white marble and fascinating historic centre.
• Pienza: famous for its perfect Renaissance centre.
• Grosseto: surrounded by mediaeval walls, which frame Tuscan evenings with a good glass of wine and traditional Maremma dishes.
• Prato: rich in open-air art treasures, also known for its extensive leather goods production;.
• Pistoia: with its rich cultural heritage, its zoo, the Cathedral of San Zeno, the beautiful Piazza del Duomo and its Campanile;
• Empoli: best known for the production of its green glass. The Empoli Glass Museum is not to be missed;
• Val d'Orcia: famous for its breathtaking landscapes and picturesque villages.

Each town and village contributes to making Tuscany a unique region in the world, where culture, art and tradition intertwine in a fascinating mosaic.

Mountain destinations to see in Tuscany

Tuscany is not only art and history, but also offers spectacular mountain destinations ideal for lovers of nature and outdoor activities. Among the main mountain destinations to visit in Tuscany are:

• Abetone: one of the most famous ski resorts in the Apennines, ideal for winter sports and summer excursions. In addition to the ski slopes, it offers trekking and mountain bike trails.
•  Monte Amiata: an ancient, extinct volcano that offers breathtaking scenery and numerous opportunities for hiking, skiing and relaxation in the surrounding thermal baths. The summit offers a panoramic view sweeping from the Tuscan hills to the sea.
• Monte Sagro: located in the Apuan Alps, it is known for its spectacular rock formations and breathtaking views. It is an excellent destination for hikers and climbing enthusiasts.
• Monte Serra: located between Pisa and Lucca, it is an ideal destination for excursions and walks in the countryside. The summit offers a panoramic view of the Pisan plain and the Tuscan coast.
• Monte Matto: part of the Apuan Alps, is lesser known but just as fascinating, with hiking trails through forests and alpine meadows, offering spectacular views and an immersive experience in nature.

These mountains offer a refreshing and rejuvenating alternative to the art cities of Tuscany, allowing you to discover a wilder more unspoilt side of the region.

There are plenty of mountain destinations in Tuscany, so we suggest you get well informed about the trekking routes this beautiful region has to offer. Komoot for example is a platform where you can choose your adventure and trekking route according to your fitness level.

Longing for the sea? 6 Beautiful seaside places in Tuscany

Among the main seaside destinations not to be missed in Tuscany are:

• Elba Island: the largest of the Tuscan islands, it offers enchanting beaches, crystal-clear waters and a rich history. Don't miss the beaches of Fetovaia, Cavoli and Biodola, as well as the characteristic village of Portoferraio and the remains of Napoleon's villa.
• Monte Argentario: a spectacular promontory connected to the mainland by two thin strips of land, it offers breathtaking beaches such as Cala del Gesso and Cala Piccola, as well as picturesque fishing villages such as Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole.
•  Isola del Giglio: known for its transparent waters and seabed rich in marine life, it is a paradise for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. The beaches of Campese and Cannelle are among the most popular.
• Giannutri: a wild and unspoilt island, ideal for those seeking tranquillity and nature. It offers beautiful sea beds, ideal for diving, and evocative hiking trails.
• Capraia: a volcanic island with breathtaking landscapes, famous for its hidden coves and crystal-clear waters. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers, with numerous hiking trails and opportunities to explore the seabed.

These seaside destinations offer a perfect combination of natural beauty, relaxation and adventure, making the Tuscan coast an unmissable place for sea lovers.

Tuscany is truly a wonderful region to discover, offering so much in terms of landscape, culture, cuisine and entertainment. It is a living, passionate land where attention to detail is almost maniacal in the tourism sector. There is no place in Tuscany, town, small village or seaside town where you cannot enjoy excellent lunches and dinners, in the company of spectacular sunsets that take your breath away.

We are talking about one of the most popular destinations in Italy because there is nothing missing: sea, mountains, good food, wine and art.

Want to visit Tuscany but don't know where to find accommodation?

Bluepillow - Tuscany, offers you a very wide choice of B&Bs, hotels, but also residence formulas, adapted to your needs.

Frequently asked questions about beautiful places to visit in Tuscany

What makes San Gimignano a special place?

What makes it unique are its well-preserved mediaeval towers and unique historical atmosphere.

What are the most beautiful beaches on the island of Elba?

The most beautiful beaches are Fetovaia, Cavoli, and Biodola.

Where is the Val d'Orcia located and what makes it fascinating?

The Val d'Orcia is fascinating for its breathtaking hilly landscapes and picturesque mediaeval villages.

What is the most beautiful place in Tuscany?

This question requires a somewhat subjective answer, as Tuscany is a region that offers both seaside and mountain destinations, as well as beautiful cities of art to visit, the beauty or otherwise of a place depends very much on one's preferences. The Maremma, perhaps, for its sea and landscapes could be listed among the most beautiful places in Tuscany.

What is unusual to visit in Tuscany?

Unusual places include the Ponte del Diavolo (Devil's Bridge), the spoils of Siena, the fumaroles of the Valle del Diavolo (Devil's Valley), the Etruscan Vie Cave and the Tarot Garden.

16.05.2024