Tuscan Must See Towns

There aren’t too many places in the world that are as beautiful as the region of Tuscany, Italy. Serene rolling hills and gorgeous scenery, vineyards as far as the eye can see, medieval towns, elegant artwork, dreamy weather, and European architecture, Tuscany is an oasis unlike any other. While Florence is the perfect destination to begin your adventure around Tuscany, there are dozens of charming towns and picturesque villages all over the region.

Florence is a great location to begin any adventure around Tuscany. Not only is this thriving city one of the most visited cities in the country, but it also provides easy access to the surrounding Tuscan countryside and is conveniently located near airports and train stations. Whether renting a car, going by train, or with a private tour guide, getting around Tuscany has never been easier, even to the small and forgotten charming towns and villages.

Unless you have a lot of time, it will be impossible to see everything Tuscany has to offer in just one trip. There are so many destinations worth a stop, and with dozens to choose from, picking which ones are going to make the itinerary can be demanding. However, whatever part of Tuscany you decide to visit, there’s no doubt it’s going to be magical.

Luckily for you, we’ve made a list of some of the best and most incredible must-see towns in Tuscany to make your trip planning easier. Whether you are looking for delicious wine and cuisine, relaxation with a beautiful backdrop, or classic Italian architecture, you’ll find it here in these top 4 must-see Tuscan towns.

Located just a little over an hour away from Florence lies the quaint and cozy town of Lucca. Lucca is by far one of the best towns in Tuscany and a must-stop spot on any adventure around the region. It’s full of history and has done very well at preserving its heritage, with iconic towers and historical architecture that will take you on a journey back through time. Lucca is super pedestrian friendly and is very easily explored on foot. Spend your days wandering around the cobblestoned streets, soak in the beautiful Renaissance artwork and architecture, and bounce around museums and galleries.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Gimignano is one of the best must-see towns in Tuscany, Italy. Sitting on the side of a hilltop with panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside, it’s hard to find a place more peaceful and mesmerizing than San Gimignano. It’s an ideal destination for honeymooners and wine lovers. Not only was the town built around wealth and romance, but San Gimignano produced more than 16 million bottles of wine yearly. While you’re there, be sure to hike the 218 steps of Palazzo Comunale, the tallest tower in San Gimignano, to witness a jaw-dropping view of the entire charming Tuscan village.

If you are looking for a small town that’s not overrun with tourists, make sure you stop by this must-see town of Orvieto, Italy. This Tuscan town, best known for its white wines, sits about 2 hours south of Florence on top of a hill on a bed of volcanic stone. The streets are lined with ancient landmarks, homemade ceramics, beautiful flowers, and plenty of cafes boasting porchetta, truffles, and local wines. Be sure to visit Saint Patricks Well (book tickets in advance), the bottomless escape well and water supply house that was never used and is now a national monument with 497 steps.

The cultural town of Perugia is definitely a must-see destination on any adventure around Tuscany, Italy. Besides being one of the best stops in the whole region of Tuscany, Perugia is best known for its array of events and festivals, such as the Umbria Jazz Festival, and the biggest chocolate festival in the world, Eurochocolate. It definitely holds its own when it comes to Italian culture and traditions, and thanks to a large population of university goers, culture and festivals are full of life and celebrated appropriately. During your stay, be sure to visit Piazza IV Novembre and climb the infamous Sciri Tower for a gorgeous panoramic view of the charming town of Perugia.

You can’t go wrong wherever you decide to plan your adventure around Tuscany. With so many different villages and towns around the region, no matter where you go is sure to impress and leave you falling in love with Italy over and over again. We hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to the best Tuscan must-see towns and that you are sure to add some of these destinations to your future Tuscany itinerary!