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Tuscany's Five Most Beautiful Places
Discover the best towns, sights, and landscapes to see on your next trip to Tuscany.
by Sonja | Artist & MA Interior Architecture
5 min. read
| Update:
4 Jun 2026
Created 6 May 2026
© 2026 Sonja Travel Artist
Among Tuscany’s many marvellous sights is Brunelleschi’s dome in Florence
As a Mediterranean-inspired artist, I love Tuscany for its unique blend of medieval villages, Renaissance cities, and vast landscapes. Shaped by a passion for craftsmanship and a deep appreciation for beauty, the region enchants you with an almost magical atmosphere that makes it one of Italy’s most captivating destinations. It’s also far more diverse than many people expect. I’ve put together an overview of the best places to visit in Tuscany to help you decide where to begin your journey.
1. The Picturesque Streets of Florence
Renaissance city
Italian architecture
As the capital of Tuscany, Florence embodies the essence of the region. The city is so beautiful that you might want to bring sunglasses — otherwise, you could be dazzled by its stunning marble façades. I especially loved Florence’s extraordinary Renaissance art and architecture, from Brunelleschi’s iconic dome to the magnificent Uffizi Gallery. The views over the Arno River and the Ponte Vecchio are just as unforgettable, inviting you to linger over a glass of wine, browse artisan workshops, and explore historic perfumeries throughout your Florence itinerary.
2. The Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa
Tuscany landmarks
Leaning Tower
Just a short train ride from Florence, Pisa makes for a truly rewarding day trip in Tuscany. In my view, Pisa's Piazza dei Miracoli — home to the famous Leaning Tower and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — stands out not only within Tuscany but across all of Italy. The gleaming white buildings contrast beautifully with the lush green lawns surrounding them, while the tower’s famous tilt adds a slightly surreal quality to the scene. For me, it's one of the most breathtaking architectural ensembles in Tuscany.
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3. Siena's Medieval Squares and Alleys
Medieval Tuscany
Palio di Siena
Further south in Tuscany lies Siena, a charming medieval city famous for its shell-shaped Piazza del Campo. Here, the Palio — a vibrant horse race steeped in tradition — takes place twice a year. For me, Siena feels like a different side of Tuscany, with a more rural atmosphere, winding alleys, and a slower pace of life. If you're looking for that quintessential historic Tuscan charm, Siena is the place to be. As you wander through the streets, you’ll also encounter coats of arms displayed on the buildings, marking Siena’s historic districts and their role in the Palio.
4. Landscapes in the Val d ’Orcia
Rolling hills
Tuscan vineyards
The Val d’Orcia is one of the most picturesque valleys in Italy, dotted with small towns, villages, and breathtaking viewpoints. It has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as an outstanding example of a Renaissance agricultural landscape, closely connected to nearby Siena, whose merchants invested in the development of its picturesque farmland during the Renaissance period. Visit southern Tuscany and the Val d'Orcia if you're looking for a slower, more relaxed experience than a city trip, wandering through vineyards, abbey ruins, and winding country roads.
5. Elba's Crystal Clear Waters
Italian island
Seaside Tuscany
There are plenty of reasons to visit Tuscany, and while I wouldn’t put its coast first, it’s not because it isn’t beautiful, but because there are far more typical sights inland. The island of Elba, however, is a truly fascinating part of the Tuscan seaside. With its white beaches, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking views over rugged cliffs, it offers a coastal landscape that feels both relaxed and striking. For a real Tuscany trip, in my view, it also feels more authentic than the nearby Ligurian stretch around the Cinque Terre.
Plan Your Tuscan Getaway
From historic towns to rolling landscapes, Tuscany is remarkably diverse. Having already travelled there several times, often in search of inspiration for my Mediterranean-inspired paintings, I’ve also noticed that it does make a difference whether you stay in the north or the south of Tuscany. Fortunately, the region offers plenty of variety, so you're sure to find something that suits your next trip – whether it's a city break, a stay in the countryside, or a combination of both.
Practical Tips for Tuscany — FAQ
1. When is the best time to visit Tuscany?
Tuscany is beautiful all year round, but every season has its own character. In summer, especially in July and August, you can expect temperatures of up to 40°C. This is also when many Italians head to the coast, so cities often feel a bit quieter outside the main holiday period.
Spring is especially scenic, with poppies, roses, and wisteria in bloom, while autumn offers warm light and lingering late-summer temperatures. Winter, on the other hand, is all about quiet streets and atmospheric morning fog.
2. What’s the best base town in Tuscany?
Florence is definitely a great base thanks to its excellent train connections to many other Tuscan cities such as Pisa, Lucca, or Siena. Yet, as the region’s capital, it's also the busiest option. If you’re looking for something smaller that still has good connections, Pisa or Siena might be a better fit.
Villages in southern Tuscany are usually only reachable by car and have less immediate access to supermarkets, but they often offer a more charming and authentic atmosphere. Ultimately, it depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for.
3. Can you visit Tuscany by train?
Yes, that’s absolutely possible, especially in the northern part of Tuscany. From your base city, you can easily branch out to nearby places for day trips, or even change accommodation every few days to explore different areas. That said, trains won’t take you everywhere — smaller towns such as Pienza, Montepulciano, or San Gimignano, as well as more remote abbeys and wineries, are usually only reachable by car.
4. Can you do Tuscany in a day?
That depends on how you define Tuscany. If you truly want to experience the soul of the region, a single day won’t be enough — especially given how diverse its cultural heritage and landscapes are. If you’re just looking for a quick impression, you could choose one area for a day trip and get a small taste of what Tuscany has to offer.
5. Which airport should you choose for Tuscany?
Tuscany has two main airports — Pisa and Florence. Compared to other airports in Italy, they're relatively small, so your departure airport may not always offer direct flights, depending on the season. If both Pisa and Florence are available, the choice often comes down to which is closer to your accommodation. That said, I’ve often flown into Bologna and then taken the train into Tuscany.
