Top 10 Places to Visit in Tuscany
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Latest page update: 19 April 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The top ten of Tuscany list includes the towns, cities and landscapes that have made the region famous around the world. From the Renaissance treasures of Florence and Siena to the countryside views of the Val d'Orcia and hill towns like Pienza and Volterra, there’s something distinct at every stop. Pisa and Lucca offer their own architectural and artistic legacies.
Further variety comes from coastal destinations like Elba and Giglio, and the medieval towers of San Gimignano. Tuscany combines world-class sights with timeless rural views and historic charm. |
San Gimignano, Tuscany
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Florence
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Florence is the capital of Tuscany and the birthplace of the Renaissance. The city’s skyline is dominated by Brunelleschi’s dome and the towers of medieval churches and palaces.
Highlights include the Uffizi Gallery, Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia, and the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno. Piazzale Michelangelo offers the best panoramic view of the city. Florence is compact and walkable, with markets, trattorias and artisan shops around every corner. It’s well connected by rail to Rome, Milan and Venice. |
Florence, Tuscany
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Siena
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Siena is a medieval hill town known for its fan-shaped Piazza del Campo and the twice-yearly Palio horse race. Its Gothic cathedral and brick towers dominate the old town skyline.
The city is built on three hills, with winding alleys leading to small squares, churches and museums. The preserved architecture gives a strong sense of Siena’s history and rivalries. Siena is best explored on foot. Buses connect it to Florence and other Tuscan towns, as there is no train station in the centre. |
Siena, Tuscany
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Val d'Orcia
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The Val d’Orcia is a region of rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and postcard-perfect farmhouses. It’s one of the most photographed areas of Tuscany and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Towns like Pienza, Montalcino, and San Quirico d’Orcia sit among vineyards, wheat fields and hot springs. Local highlights include Pecorino cheese, Brunello wine and Romanesque churches. The area is best explored by car. Country roads link small towns and scenic viewpoints in every direction, ideal for slow travel. |
Val d'Orcia, Tuscany
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Pisa
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Pisa is world famous for its Leaning Tower, but there’s much more to discover beyond the Field of Miracles. The tower is part of a complex that includes a cathedral, baptistery and cemetery.
The old town has lively student streets, museums, and the Arno riverfront with grand buildings and bridges. The Piazza dei Cavalieri is another highlight of the historic centre. Pisa has its own airport and train station, making it a convenient entry point. The city is compact and easily walkable. |
Pisa, Tuscany
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Lucca
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Lucca is a walled city with Renaissance-era ramparts that can be walked or cycled along a tree-lined path. Inside the walls, the centre is filled with elegant streets and historic buildings.
Piazza dell’Anfiteatro preserves the shape of a Roman amphitheatre, while towers like Guinigi and Torre delle Ore offer views across the rooftops. Churches and palaces reflect centuries of wealth. Lucca is quieter than Florence or Pisa and ideal for a relaxing stay. It’s on the train line between Pisa and Florence. |
Lucca, Tuscany
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San Gimignano
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San Gimignano is known for its medieval towers that rise above the Tuscan hills. At its height, the town had over 70 towers — today, 13 remain, creating a distinctive skyline.
The town’s stone streets, frescoed churches and museums offer a look at life in medieval Tuscany. Vernaccia wine and local saffron are specialities of the area. San Gimignano is a popular day trip from Florence or Siena. Parking is outside the walls, with shuttle buses to the centre. |
San Gimignano, Tuscany
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Giglio
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Giglio is a small island off the southern Tuscan coast, part of the Arcipelago Toscano. It has crystal-clear waters, quiet coves and a laid-back atmosphere far from the mainland bustle.
The island’s main village, Giglio Porto, has colourful houses and seafood restaurants. From there, buses run to the hilltop village of Giglio Castello and the beaches of Campese and Arenella. Ferries run from Porto Santo Stefano. The island is popular in summer, especially for snorkelling, walking, and swimming. |
Giglio, Tuscany
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Volterra
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Volterra is a walled hill town with Etruscan, Roman, and medieval roots. Its alabaster workshops, archaeological remains and panoramic views make it a rewarding place to explore.
The Roman theatre, Porta all’Arco and the Etruscan museum reflect its ancient past, while the town centre has atmospheric lanes and artisan shops. The cathedral and palazzo are architectural highlights. Volterra is reached by car or bus. It’s less crowded than other Tuscan towns and ideal for a relaxed visit with plenty of history. |
Volterra, Tuscany
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Pienza
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Pienza is a Renaissance town redesigned by Pope Pius II as the “ideal city.” It sits on a ridge in the Val d’Orcia, with views across the surrounding hills and farmland.
The main square is lined with harmonious buildings, including the cathedral and papal palace. Pienza is also known for Pecorino cheese, which fills the town with a rich aroma. It’s a small place that rewards slow exploration. Nearby towns include Montepulciano and San Quirico, all linked by scenic drives. |
Pienza, Tuscany
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Elba
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Elba is the largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago, famous for its beaches, Napoleon’s exile, and dramatic mountain scenery. Portoferraio is the main port and has fortresses, museums and old-town charm.
The island has dozens of beaches, hiking trails and mountain roads, with small towns and hidden coves spread across the coast. Capoliveri and Marciana are especially popular. Ferries run from Piombino, with connections to several ports on the island. Elba is ideal for longer stays, with something for beach lovers and hikers alike. |
Elba, Tuscany
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