Have you been looking to plan your dream vacation in Tuscany? In many cases, planning the perfect holiday or vacation can seem a little tricky, and there’s a lot you’ll need to consider here. Perhaps unsurprisingly, then, it can feel a little overwhelming to know where to start when you don’t know the local area. Luckily, there are many excellent options you could consider, and we have outlined some of the best places to stay in Tuscany as follows to help you pick out the ideal destinations in Tuscany for your big trip.
What are the Best Places to Stay in Tuscany?
Tuscany offers countless breathtaking and awe-inspiring destinations for those looking to stay in this incredible region. Among these, the following six regions are undoubtedly among the most iconic, impressive, and memorable for travellers looking to indulge in an unforgettable holiday experience.
Montepulciano
Of the many different locations you might want to visit in Tuscany, Montepulciano has to be, in our humble opinion, one of the most breathtaking and stunning. Indeed, this quaint and charming Tuscan town was built in medieval times and sits 605m above sea level atop an expansive hilltop; thus, if you’re looking for some of the most exceptional views in Tuscany, why look any further?
During your stay in Montepulciano, be sure to stop by the Piazza Grande, the Poliziano Theatre, and the Madonna di San Biagio Sanctuary, among other beautiful sights, to really indulge yourself in the local culture.
Lucca Area
When planning a visit to Italy, why not consider stopping at the Lucca area, one of the region’s classic Renaissance-era Cities of Art. The region is highly regarded for its breathtaking architecture and exceptional history, with the region having been settled for millennia. Indeed, with countless breathtaking cultural and historical destinations, including an original Roman amphitheatre, original Mediaeval walls, and more, there truly is something to see for everyone.
Florence
Florence is one of the most iconic and internationally known towns in the region; as such, for those wanting to immerse themselves in Italian culture and history, it’s undoubtedly one of the best places to stay in Tuscany. Indeed, Florence boasts an impressive range of breathtaking sights, constructions, museums, and the like, making it a vibrant and unique destination that offers a powerful insight into Italian life – both in modern times and the distant past.
Val d’Orcia
Val d’Orcia, or the Valley of the Orcia (named for the breathtaking river that runs through the region), stretches from Siena’s hills to Monta Amiata, and for travellers looking to take in the delights of Italy, this has to be one of the best destinations in Tuscany to stay. Indeed, this stunning region was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004. As such, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the best places to stay in Tuscany for a truly special holiday.
Siena
Perhaps one of the most interesting places to visit in the Tuscany area is Siena, which is renowned around the world for its distinctive architecture and medieval buildings. As the 12th most populous city in Tuscany, Siena offers rich cuisine, art, museums, and a uniquely diverse cityscape. Siena also boasts strong ties to Renaissance art, and some of the region’s most iconic original galleries are still open to explore to this day.
For those wanting a historic visit to Tuscany, stopping at the Palazzo Pubblico, the region’s gothic town hall dating back to the 14th century, as well as the famous Torre del Mangia is well worth the time. What’s more, Siena hosts the Palio de Siena twice a year, a massive horse race that runs around the Piazza del Campo (main square); this huge event is even televised on international TV, making it a great place to visit and experience something new in-person.
Volterra
As a hilltop city with millennia of history, Volterra offers a unique look into the lives of ancient Italian civilisations, with the city’s roots leading back to the Etruscan times (and even further still). This moving and powerful region offers an authentic and raw experience that helps visitors take in the refined charm and beauty of the area, making it one of the best Tuscany destinations for your holiday.
San Gimignano
It might not offer quite the same authenticity as Volterra, but if you’re looking for one of the best places to stay in Tuscany that blends history with modern comforts, San Gimignano could be the perfect place to book. This astounding region offers original architecture dating back to the 14th century, with 14 towers to explore in total; these have contributed to making it a UNESCO World Heritage site, further adding credibility to the region’s charm. However, with San Gimignano’s strong focus on tourism and welcoming visitors, it’s a great place to stay if you want to enjoy some modern comforts while taking in the beauty of this historic region.
Make the Perfect Choice for Your Tuscany Holiday
Visiting Tuscany can be a truly unforgettable experience, and this is well worth keeping in mind as part of your holiday planning. However, it’s crucial to keep in mind here that there are countless places to stay in Tuscany; naturally, though, not every destination is created equal.
