Tuscany is one the most beautiful and charming regions of Italy. You can choose to explore the countryside, wine, nature, and culture of Tuscany. Tuscany has it all. Explore the 10 most beautiful Tuscan towns, including Florence and Cortona. You’ll find the top 10 most beautiful Tuscany towns on our list.
Top 10 Tuscany towns
Which are the most beautiful Tuscany towns? We have a separate post for those who are visiting Florence and want to know the best places in Tuscany. If you have some time, here are some suggestions for the most beautiful towns in Tuscany. You can also travel to these areas by bus or train, but it’s best to drive if you have a car.
1. Florence
The first of the 10 Tuscany towns on this list is actually one the best cities that you could visit in Italy. Florence is the birthplace and center of Italian culture, arts and culture. It is easy to travel to Florence or other towns in Tuscany close by Florence. Florence is served by the international airport, Amerigo Vespucci Airport. However, you can also travel to it by train, bus, or car from Rome, Bologna or Milan.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is a highlight of Florence and one reason why it is considered to be one of the most beautiful towns in Tuscany. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is also accessible from the top of the duomo. You can also visit PiazzaleMichelangelo to get a better view of Florence and the cathedral.
Florence is well-known for its many museums and art galleries. You can also find luxury products as well as local artisans in Florence. Apart from its beauty, the Ponte Vecchio bridge is also known for being the artisan bridge. Here you will find many jewelries, leather shops and products made in the region.
2. Siena
Siena is one of the most beautiful Tuscan towns! It is located about 1.5 hours from Florence and is our second choice for the most charming Tuscan towns. You can reach the town from Florence by bus, train, or car. You can also make it a day trip to Rome from here!
Siena is also a great place to shop in Tuscany. It has many local products such as wine, cheeses, meats and ceramics. One of the most beautiful gothic and Renaissance pieces of architecture can be found in this Tuscan town. Piazza del Campo is the most important square in Siena. It’s also one of Europe’s most significant medieval squares.
You can also visit the Palazzo Pubblico or the Tower of Mangia, which are both in a shell-shaped square. You can also visit the Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta Renaissance Cathedral in Siena. After that, you can enjoy some delicious local food like truffles and wine.
3. San Gimignano
San Gimignano should be on your list of 10 must-see towns in Tuscany. It is one of the most beautiful towns in Tuscany. The towers perched on the hills of Tuscany make it stand still. We found San Gimignano, one of the most beautiful small towns in Tuscany Italy, to be a charming hill town.
San Gimignano is the best choice if you are looking for day trips to Florence. You can also find great wines and delicious mushrooms. You can also find many local shops where you can buy the famous Tuscan oil, more wines, and ceramics. These ceramics are amazing!
San Gimignano is a must-see:
You can’t miss the Armando and Marcella pastry and chocolate shop while you’re in San Gimignano. The bar is family-owned. Armando e Marcella opened it. Marcella, who I would guess is 80 years old, still makes amazing cappuccinos. They also serve their customers so fast that a bartender in her 20s wouldn’t be able to do it as well.
This place was recommended to us by a local man. I can honestly say that they make the best brioche, cream, and chocolate brioche. You can also buy sandwiches and other sweets. But their homemade chocolate balls are amazing! They also sell homemade chocolate cream and hazelnut cream (better that Nutella!) Homemade pistachio cream and homemade chocolate cream. This was the only place I spent more money than on my entire Tuscany trip. San Gimignano is a charming town with towers and delicious food.
4. Volterra
Volterra is one the most beautiful Tuscan towns. This is a hilltop town you will fall in love with! Volterra is one of the best towns in Tuscany, near Florence. Volterra is both close to San Gimignano and Florence. A car is a great way to make your trip comfortable.
Volterra may not be as well-known as San Gimignano or Siena, but it’s still a beautiful destination with a breathtaking view over the Tuscan hills. It has these wonderful medieval vibes, with the dragon symbols all around. These medieval vibes and Volterra’s historic centre are fascinating. You might even find yourself wondering if there is a knight in full armor around the corner.
It is rich in mystic folklore. Those who love Twilight will recall that Volturi vampires lived in Volterra. The New Moon movie also shows the town. The many Volterra vampire stories may have led to the selection of the town for the Twilight story.
You should also make sure you stop by the Alabaster Museum while exploring the beautiful town. The Risotto Con Funghi Porcini, a dish made with porcini mushrooms is a must-try in Volterra.
5. Greve in Chianti
Greve in Chianti is one of the most popular Tuscan towns. The land of perfect grapes, vineyards and the home of the most well-known Italian wine, Chianti wines. Greve in Chianti, one of the most beautiful towns in Tuscany, is a must-see! The entire wine region can be explored on a road trip to see multiple towns, such as Greve. Radda and Castellina can be added to your bucket list.
A squat wine is bottled in straw baskets and is called a fiasco. You can easily recognize a Chianti wine, and no sommelier would pass up the chance to visit the wine region. The best way to visit this region is by car. There are many vineyards in the area. A motorbike or bicycle is also an option.
Greve is also a top shopping destination in Tuscany for local wine, truffles, cheese and other meat products. You can also expect to find top-quality restaurants from Italy in Greve, which will often serve traditional Tuscan dishes with a modern twist. You will leave Greve satisfied!
6. Montepulciano
Montepulciano, another beautiful town in Tuscany you should see! This is a prime example of Tuscan beauty. This medieval hill town is home of Renaissance buildings, a labyrinthine network cobbled streets, beautiful church, great food, history and wine. It is one of the most beautiful small towns in Tuscany.
Montepulciano is a great option for day trips from Florence. If you are looking for beautiful, but rustic, locations in Tuscany, Montepulciano is the best choice. Although it is better to rent a car and visit 5-10 Tuscany towns during a single trip, Montepulciano is worth considering in each instance.
A day trip to Montepulciano can be an option for wine lovers. You can visit vineyards and taste some of the best Italian wines. Montepulciano is not large so you can also visit Cortona if you are in the area.
7. Cortona
Cortona is one of the most charming Tuscan towns you should see. It is located close to Siena, on the hillsides of pre-Apennines. It is a stone-clad city with a stunning medieval tower. Cortona is a charming town with winding streets and a main piazza.
Cortona has beautiful views of the hills and lakes of Chiana Vale and Lake Trasimeno. Don’t forget to visit the Cortona Cathedral and Piazza Garibaldi for red wine and lampredotto sandwiches.
Cortona, one of the most beautiful towns in Tuscany, is worth a visit. It was made famous by a book or movie. Perhaps you have read or seen the book Under Tuscan Sun. Frances Mayes wrote the story about her love affair with Cortona’s villa and eventually purchases it. The movie will show you Cortona if you can’t imagine it in the book.
8. Lucca
Lucca is another beautiful town in Tuscany. Lucca is the perfect place to go on day trips around Tuscany. It is a medieval center with a unique shape thanks to its buildings.
You must visit Lucca to see some of the most beautiful architecture such as Guinigi Tower. It is amazing to see the tower’s holm oak trees. Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, a square containing the above mentioned holm oak trees, is home to many lovely cafes, restaurants, and shops that offer local cuisine and wine.
9. Pisa
Pisa would be expected to be higher up on the list of 10 Tuscany towns. Despite being one of the most popular places in Italy, Pisa was not worthy to be ranked above the charming towns I have listed.
The Leaning Tower in Pisa is a landmark that is a must-see, not only in Italy but throughout Europe. Pisa is a great choice for day trips from Florence, as it has a direct train line.
Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli is the first place to see. Here you will find the Cattedrale Metropolitana Primaziale di Santa Maria Assunta (Cathedral of Pisa), or in Italian Duomo di Pisa. It has the incredible baptistery and Leaning Tower of Pisa. It’s best to consider two destinations when you visit Pisa. For day trips to Florence, a day trip to Pisa or Lucca could be a good choice.
10. Arezzo
Arezzo is the last town on our list of top Tuscany towns. It is easy to reach from Florence this hilltop city. This is a must-see spot because, aside from the stunning medieval architecture and breathtaking panorama, you can also visit the Roman amphitheater. Arezzo also has many churches and fortresses to explore!
Piazza Grande is a stunning historical center. The spectacular view from the top of the hill makes the Medici Fortress a must-see. Arezzo is home to a wide variety of delicious food and wine.
The top 10 Tuscany towns.
We have listed the top 10 beautiful Tuscany towns that you should visit. Everything has been included, from Florence, the largest city in Tuscany to the most charming and small towns in Tuscany. These are some of the most beautiful towns in Tuscany. If I had to choose, my three favorites would be San Gimignano and Volterra. Florence is beautiful on its own but if you want to relax and take in the stunning views of Tuscan vineyards, you should go places other than Florence.
