Beyond Florence, Tuscany offers a wealth of charming towns that provide rich history, stunning art, and authentic local experiences without the crowds typical of the region’s capital. While Florence faces challenges from overtourism, with millions visiting annually and concerns about “hit and run” tourism, other Tuscan towns remain peaceful and full of cultural treasures. Here are six top Tuscan towns to visit beyond Florence, each with unique attractions and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Beyond Florence: Discovering Six Top Tuscan Towns Away from Crowds
Monteriggioni
Monteriggioni is a small medieval town famous for its remarkably intact architecture and historic walls. Built around 1213 by the Republic of Siena as a defense against Florence, the town features 570 metres of walls, two gates, and 14 watchtowers. Visitors can walk along the walls and explore the church, museum, and gardens inside, which were once used to grow food during sieges.
Every July, Monteriggioni hosts a medieval festival where locals reenact 13th-century life with artisans, entertainers, soldiers, and musicians. The town’s cobbled streets and panoramic views create an intimate setting rarely crowded with tourists. For a local dining experience, Il Tagliere Medievale on the main square offers cured meats, cheese, and Chianti wine.
Il Piccolo Castello offers double rooms from €115 B&B.
Pienza
Pienza, formerly known as Corsignano, was rebuilt in 1459 by Pope Pius II according to Renaissance ideals of urban harmony. The town is small, with about 2,000 inhabitants, and is best explored on foot. Its main square, Piazza Pio II, is surrounded by the cathedral and the Piccolomini Palace, the summer residence of Pope Pius II.
The town’s design emphasizes proportion and balance, with colonnaded walkways and gardens. Pienza is also famous for its pecorino cheese, which can be sampled at La Terrazza del Chiostro, a restaurant run by chef Massimiliano Ingino. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views over the Val d’Orcia from walkways named Via dell’Amore and Via del Bacio.
Accommodation: Agriturismo Casalpiano offers double rooms from €135 B&B.
Arezzo
Arezzo is a historic city located where eastern Tuscany meets the Apennines. It attracts fewer tourists than Florence but is rich in art and history. The city’s main square, Piazza Grande, hosts a monthly antiques fair. Arezzo’s artistic highlight is the 15th-century fresco cycle “Legend of the True Cross” by Piero della Francesca in the San Francesco basilica.
Other notable artworks include Piero’s Mary Magdalene in the cathedral. Nearby is a Medici fortress built in 1540, offering panoramic views of the city’s red rooftops and surrounding countryside. The pedestrian street Via Cavour features a deli selling local focaccia, wine, chocolates, and olive oil.
Accommodation: La Corte del Re offers double rooms from €79 room-only.
Volterra
Volterra is an ancient town founded about 3,000 years ago as part of the Etruscan league. Its Guarnacci museum houses hundreds of decorated funerary urns and the notable bronze sculpture “Shadow of the Evening,” believed to date from the third century BC. The town also features an Etruscan gate, Porta all’Arco, still standing after 2,300 years.
Volterra’s Roman amphitheatre and Medici fortress, now a prison, add to its historical appeal. The town is known for alabaster carving, which visitors can explore at the Ecomuseum or purchase from the local cooperative Artieri Alabastro. For local cuisine, La Sosta del Priore offers sandwiches with fillings such as wild boar, pecorino cheese, and lampredotto (tripe).
Accommodation: Villa Nencini offers double rooms from €65 B&B.
Livorno
Livorno, Tuscany’s ancient port city, is often overlooked but offers a unique multicultural atmosphere shaped by its history under the Medici family. The city encouraged settlers of various nationalities and faiths, including Greeks, Armenians, and Jews fleeing the Inquisition.
Today, Livorno is home to diverse communities and features attractions such as the seaside promenade Terrazza Mascagni, the Quartiere Venezia (Little Venice) with its bridges and colored houses, and two Medici fortresses, Nuova and Vecchia. The city also boasts San Francesco Cathedral and the large covered market Vettovaglie.
Livorno is famous for chickpea pancakes (torte di ceci), which can be enjoyed hot at Torteria Gagarin near the market.
Accommodation: Dogana d’Acqua Rooms & Art offers double rooms from €75 room-only.
Porto Ercole
Porto Ercole is a coastal village with a history of military conflict, notably a 1555 battle between Spain and France. The Spanish victory led to the construction of forts that still guard the area, including Forte Stella, which offers views over the harbor and surrounding landscape.
The town is also known as the resting place of the painter Caravaggio, whose tomb lies in a simple cemetery. Nearby, the sandy Spiaggia Lunga beach offers a mostly undeveloped natural setting with a seasonal bar and sunbed rentals.
For dining, Grano serves high-quality sourdough pizzas by the slice in the harbor area.
Accommodation: Alba sul Mare offers double rooms from €91 room-only.
Source: Original report